help Memory Psal 9.17 3. Do we not find the irreligious described as Forgetters of God 4. Is it not from not remembring God that Iniquity aboundeth 1. Totus Oculus Job 24.15 Doth the Adulterer that waits for the twilight bear in Memory that God is all Eye and that Darkness hides not from him 2. Psal 139. Doth he that sinfully puts the Bottle to his Neighbour's or to his own Mouth remember that God enjoins Sobriety under the Penalty of a Wo 3. Malachi 1. ult Doth he that doth God's Work negligently remember unto and under what a Curse he lays himself I add Are not God's Words let slip Are his Works of Judgment remembred so as to work due Fear of Sin Are not his Mercies which should move and lead to Repentance too much buried in the Grave of Oblivion The first Inference is Questionless Man's Fall was a fearful one Were not all the Vessels or Powers of Man's Soul particularly that of the Memory broken in pieces O that this had the Consideration due to it Can many say with Truth that they have set the Lord always before ' em Yea Psal 16.8 that they have done it any one day Have their Memories been affectionate and practical as to Good Have they not been too too receptive and retentive of Evil The 2d Inference is It is the concern of Christians in order to their managing and driving the Heavenly Trade to wait on God for a special and differencing Work of Grace on their Memories Is not that Promise full of Grace wherein the Lord Jesus engageth to send his Holy Spirit to perform the Office of a Remembrancer to and for ' em Jo. 14.26 The 3d. Inference That the Memories of Christians may be more refreshed and rendred more serviceable to God and so their Communion with him may be furthered they should look and long for a fuller Work of God and Grace on their Affections Eph. 4.15 Do we not hold fastest the things that take hold of our Hearts or that our Hearts take hold of Where Truth is received in the Love of it it's best retained Is it not true that Coldness is in more Senses than one the Mother of Forgetfulness The 4th Inference God is highly to be praised that for the penitent on the score of his Sons Merit and Mediation he hath provided a State wherein the Memories of his People are perfectly healed and so they are Vessels of Mercy and Honour I oppose not those who say there will even in Heaven be a Remembrance of Sin Nor will they gainsay my Saying that it will be no disturbance of the Saints Rest and Joy I doubt not pardoning and purifying Mercy and the State of Holiness and Happiness endeared to ' em The 12th Position The Converse and Communion which at first God had with Man is broken through the Pollution that is in Man's Conscience Concerning the Name Nature and Offices of Conscience there passed some Lines under the 5th Position which must not be repeated That the Conscience of Man Tit. 1.15 whilst in his mere Naturals is defiled is a plain and positive Assertion of the holy Spirit speaking in Holy Scripture and have we not all Reason to count it a note worthy of our best notice Mr. Burgess And Dickson Ad Locum which we have under the hand of a late Worthy Those Popish Interpreters go too narrow a way in the Interpretation of that Text who restrain it to the Jews and their Mistakes about Ceremonies For tho some occasion seem administred for such Words yet he that runs may read that the Proposition is general and refers to all that are in a state of Unbelief Tho natural Conscience is counted one of the best things that is in the unregenerate are there not divers Evidences that it 's from being perfect yea or pure At present I 'll only consider Conscience as a Preacher 1. Where lives that meer Naturalist whose Conscience is not chargable with sinful Silence Ah! Ah! how foul and yet how common a Fault is this in Preachers An acute Divine well worded this Mr. Porter It 's one thing for Conscience to hold its Peace and another thing for it aright to speak Peace 1. Is it its manner to chide Persons for secret and inward Sins 2. Doth it call on them to improve as well as to esteem Gospel-Grace Alas Eo minus tuti quo magis securi Prov. 23.24 Deut. 28.19 Not a few sleep as on the top of a Mast in the Mouth and midst of many Dangers Are not some secure who add Drunkenness to Thirst and wallow in the mire of Uncleanness and over-reach those they deal with And as to sinful Omissions especially as to the exercise of Spiritual Duties and Graces how few receive a Check Again 1 Thes 5.2 3. if the Consciences of Unbelievers speak they speak not home 1. Is not their Cry often Peace Peace when it 's a base false Cry 2. Do they not speak of great Truths and Duties in a formal way 3. Is it not truly said they are not diligent constant Preachers That a corrupt Conscience is a Bar to Communion with God is apparent 1. Job 27.9 Will such a Conscience put and press on to a due dependence on and delight in God 2. Rom. 14.17 Will God to and in such a Conscience make a continual or refreshing Feast And so I First Infer They are under ill Characters and Marks even those of unregeneracy who are not inwardly concern'd about the purging of their Consciences from Guilt and Filth O how greatly is this Purge needed Mark 9.46.43 See Mr. Strong on this who is Vir sui nominis Doth not this lay a great load on their Consciences in Hell who have disregarded the purifying of 'em whilst they were on Earth Will not the undying Worm be a gnawing one The 2d Inference It 's a great Matter of as great Importance as the Welfare of Persons immortal Souls to make Enquiry into the state of their Consciences 2 Cor. 13.5 1. 1 Tim. 4.2 Are not the Consciences of many * cautorized seared Doth not that appear 1. Are they not past or not common to Feeling as some seared Parts have been Have they any quick Sense of the Want of Love to the Fear of God 2. Do not many Consciences resemble dumb Dogs that give no notice of Thievish Lusts Again Are not the Consciences of very many drouzy Rom. 8.11 Hath not a deep Sleep seized on ' em Tho wise Virgins may slumber yet Sleepiness is not their ordinary Frame Cant. 5.2 and on second Thoughts they are thankful to such as are for awakening them O that Thousands could truly say they do herein exercise themselves to have Consciences void of Offence Acts 24.16 then might they Trade with Heaven The last Inference The wonderful Provision which the Lord hath made for the making and keeping
Ministration of the Spirit as well as the Mediation of the Son of God is requisite Are not Christians washed 1 Cor. 6.11 justified and sanctified as in the Name of Jesus Christ so by the Spirit of our God 2. 2 Cor. 13. ult When the Apostle prayeth that Persons may have the Communion of the Holy Ghost doth not that hint that as they have Communion with him so also that by his Influence and Efficacy they are prepared for Heaven and for having their Conversation in Heaven whilst they are on Earth For the further proving of the Position I offer If we look upwards and unto God 1. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit to reveal as his Nature and Excellencies so withal the great Mistery of Godliness and the way of exercising the Trade and Transaction that is held with him Eph. 1.17 as also the Laws Priviledges and Advantages that any way concern it Is he not stiled the Spirit of Revelation 2. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit as proceeding from God the Father and the Son to instruct and elevate the Hearts of Persons that they may not be intangled in such Employes and Affections as would hinder their Trafficking with Heaven 1 Cor. 7. And also that they may attend on the Lord and the main Business without allowed distraction And now we will a little cast our Eyes down on Man with regard to the Point in hand and under consideration propounding the following Quaere's 1. As to that part of Trade that goes under the Name of Exporting or carrying and sending to Heaven Can any Person do any Duty aright so as to exert Graces therein without the special Aids and Operations of the Holy Spirit Jude 20. Gal. 5.22 Are we not to pray in the Holy-Ghost And are not the Fruits of Faith from him 2. As to what is Imported and fetch'd from Heaven into which count falls increase of Grace and Communication of Comfort Is not his working necessary Eph. 3.16 Are any strenghened with might in the Inner Man save by the Spirit And doth not a late great Divine hold forth that Communion with him is much in Consolation Dr. Owen of Communion From what hath been said and proved I will first lay down some Inferences of Truth The 1st is All the Persons in the All-blessed and undivided Trinity are ingaged having an Hand and Heart in Mans best Good even his spiritual and eternal Welfare Joh. 14. Doth not the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father and the Son as to his Personality so as to the great Office I am pointing at Idem Who that reads this should do it without Admiration The second Inference All that call and would prove themselves Men and Women of God should be exceeding loth to do what is called grieving and demean themselves with all tenderness Eph. 4.30 and due respect to the Holy Spirit of God Should they be chargeable with what would grieve him So Dr. Spurstow and Mr. Hickman if he was as we are capable of grief Or causing him to carry strangely as we do towards those that grieve us Can we have Fellowship or as England's later great Divine would have it read Mr. Baxter Communion with the Father 1 John 3.3 and with his Son Jesus Christ except we be inspired and acted by the Holy Spirit The third Inference They shew that they are not for driving a Trade into and with Heaven whose course carrieth in it a wilful quenching of the Motions and resisting of the Ministry of God's Spirit 1 Thess 5. See on this Reverend Polwheel Boyse Alas is not the World I add Is not the Church considered at large and as to those that cry aloud The Temple of the Lord The Temple of the Lord full of such Persons Whilest some vainly pretend to the Spirit and others vilely scoff at him How many are there that sit at his Summons strive against his Strivings and will by no means be wrought or brought over to a Closure with the Person Acts 7.51 relying on the Mediation and Submission to the Government of Christ The fourth Inference The spiritual Trade shall not quite fall or fail How great soever their Numbers are who do neglect or decline it Will the Eternal Spirit whilest Time lasteth leave off to spiritualize Thousands yea Millions and so hold this Trade up Shall not the Pleasure of God the Father prosper in this Hand The fifth Inference According to the drawing near or withdrawing off the Holy Spirit the Trade into Heaven and the Management thereof doth fude and flourish Doth not the more full and plenteous pouring out of the Holy Spirit since the Ascension of Christ as to his Humane Nature Vicariam navare operam vid. Buxhorn Hist p. Cant 4. ult supply the want of his Bodily Presence Is he not said to be in his stead As this Wind wakeneth the Spices of Grace flow forth Rules of Duty are to come next The first is general All that will vouchsase this poor Paper a reading should take themselves to task and enjoyn their Consciences to give right Answers Have they ever yet experienced what it is to have Communion with the Holy Spirit and with the other Persons in the Godhead by and through him Hath he in a convincing humbling quickening and mortifying Presence and Influence come in to them Are not sundry rigid Separatists said not to have the Spirit Jude 19. The second Rule is They who have not found should humbly and earnestly seek the Effusion of the Holy Spirit should they not cry to the Holy Spirit and to the Father through the Son for the Spirit Zech. 12.10 Should they not wait at the foot of the Promise made of him If once God gives them hearts to ask will he not answer them Should not Spiritual Traffick be esteemed Luke 11.13 The third Rule is They who have the Holy Spirit should evidence it by their being spiritual and heavenly Traders and by their studying to excel therein Should they not be alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord 1 Cor. 15. ult Adding unto Faith Vertue and to Vertue Knowledge c. For being filled with the Fruits of Righteousness Phil. 1.11 and fitted for the Crown of Righteousness should their souls cry The fourth Rule They whose hearts are by the holy Spirit set on driving the spiritual Trade should take the Cordials which God offereth them Was it not the sweet Psalmist's Infirmity Did he not see Psal 77.2 that it was so to refuse to be comforted Alas many of the Excellent of the Earth labour under that weakness they put the Word of Consolation away from them Shall not all that hold converse with God by his Spirit find their Trading in Grace issuing in the gain of Glory 1 Pet. 4. Is he not the Spirit of Glory The 31st Position Spiritual Commerce and Communion between Heaven and
And now I proceed to Rules of duty One is They who want the Regenerating work of the holy Spirit should by no means or with no willingness want breathings after it O that many did pray and cry Psal 51.10 Create in us O Lord new hearts O that so many were not insensible of their sad case O that they posed themselves after this manner Have we the characters and signs of Regeneration by and from the Spirit Who 1. Never yet bitterly bewailed our first being in the flesh which hath some being in the spiritual Rom. 7.24 Nor 2. do yet go much with praises to the Author of Regeneration nor study to give the praises of the life together with those of the lip to him or to answer an High Birth in an holy Walk 1 Pet. 2.9 Can they walk with God that walk not in the Spirit or they walk in him that do not live in him Gal. 5.16 25 May they who cannot regenerate themselves and are not worthy that God should regenerate them wait on and love the Ministry of the Word 1 Pet. 1.23 where it is plainly and practically preached that being the blessed seed which the regenerating Spirit doth usually use Employ they the Son of God to pray down the Spirit on them Plead they 1. That they are true and great needers of him Luke 11.13 2. That the glory of supplying them will redound to him Another Rule respecteth those whose hearts the Spirit as a Regenerator hath wrought on Psal 149.6 The high praises of God should flow from their hearts and be in their mouths Have persons these evidences of life 1. Rom. 7.14 Sensibleness of sin tho' counted small as contrary to it 2. Acts 9.11 Breathing in prayers and desires that are spiritual 3. 1 Pet. 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catching at the breasts and desiring food and strength spiritual Are not they the blessed of the Lord Is not their dwelling on high Is not God in Christ their dwelling-place Psal 90.1 Is not that communion with him begun which shall by graces hand be perfected The 33d Position Through the Holy Spirit as uniting Persons to Christ the Spiritual Trade or Communion between God and Man is promoted That it is one of the Offices of the holy Spirit to cause an union betwixt Christ and those who are made sincere Christians is a great Truth on which many years ago I more than touched 1. 1 Cor. 6 1◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is not he that is joyned truly and closely glued to the Lord in this sense One Spirit Davenantius Polus ad locum or one spiritually one with him through and by the Operation of the holy Spirit 2. Do not Divines who write of the union of persons to Christ Col. 2.19 and of the two bands thereof write of the Spirit as being the principal band 2 Cor. 4.13 See Nortons Orthod Evang Heb. 12.2 the band on his part And 3. Is not the holy Spirit the Spirit of Faith the Author as well as the Finisher of that Faith that is the other band That the Spirit considered under this notion surthereth Trading with and into Heaven is evidently evident 1. Is not Union to Christ the foundation of Communion with Christ 1 Joh. 5.12 Have any Life spiritual that have not the Son Have not all that have the Son such Life Doth not receiving further grace from Christ flow from receiving Christ And ◠John 1.3 2. Is it not through Christ the Son that persons have communion with the Father Is it not on their being and abiding on him that the way between Heaven and Earth is kept open 1. Have any save those that are in Christ by way of union the dews of Heaven lying on their fleece When the Lord blesseth persons with spiritual blessings in heavenly places or things Eph 1.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is it not in Christ 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Can any save those that have union to Christ perform duties in a due that is spiritual and so acceptable manner Doth not Christ say to his peculiar disciples Without or separate from me ye can do nothing that is nothing aright Augustine Doth not one called a Father thus gloss thereon He saith not no great thing but nothing The 1st Inference is They are surely less worthy of the Christian Name how elegant soever their Tongues or Pens were who have spoken or written in a drolling way Dr. Parker Dr. Sh. as of persons having the Spirit so of their being any way save politically united to Christ Are they not well sent to School to an eminent Doctour Dr. Patrick Can they be counted Friends of or well-wishers to Spiritual Trading May he that survives well weigh as well as view what England's late great Divine wrote to him Mr. R. B. The 2d Inf. That persons may hold Communion with the Lord and Trade with and into Heaven they should long to know if they have not known and that experimentally what it is for the Holy Spirit to perform this Office for and in them Should they not be loth not to be as Members united to the All-blessed Head 1. Be they willing he should take his own way and method to work and cause this Union Joh. 16.8 9. Will he not prepare the House he possesseth and furnisheth Jude ult Is not he as are the Father and the Son one in Essence with him All-wise yea the only wise God If he make use of his Word that is a sharp sword yea of that part of it the Law in order to the convincing persons of sin and self-emptiness and so of cutting them off from the old ill Stock Adam as corrupted should not they be complyant 2. Be they afraid lest they should mistake in taking up with a shew and pretence how specious soever of this Union without the reality of it Gal. 6.6 God will not be mocked Should not Men be unwilling to be deceived in a matter of so great moment What are notions of Christ What are common though to others useful gifts from Christ if compared with union to him I add What is that union that is by way of adhaerence or appendance to him such as is that of a branch tyed to a Vine unto that of inhaerence and implantation Joh. 15.2 5. as is that of a branch this is and abides in the Vine 3. May they pray to the Spirit and to the Father for the Spirit and in their praying employ the Son as Mediatour Joh. 14.16 that this Work may be wrought in and for them joyning unto Prayer Pleas of this sort 1. Blessed Lord Those have been joyned unto Christ by grace that were by nature as distant and disunited from him as we can possibly be Isa 59.1 2. Is not thy power for uniting us to him as great as ever Is not thy willingness in
the case sufficiently declared Art thou not in and by the Ministry of the Word moving on and striving with us Art thou not in some measure inclining us to beg this great boon and to be earnest that thou wouldest grant it 3. Blessed Lord If thou wilt vouchsafe in this particular to hear and answer us will not much glory redound to thee as well as much benefit accrue to us For thy Names sake By thy Spirit cause this Union Sinful and therefore sad is their state who willingly resting on this side Union to Christ cannot Trade into Heaven nor lay a rightful claim to the Joys thereof but lye in the mouth of eternal Condemnation Mark 16.15 16. The last Inference They who have real special spiritual Union to Christ as they are to ascribe it to all the Persons in the Godhead and particularly and more immediately to the Holy Spirit the third in order of the Persons they are to be much in the high and noble Work of Praise Eph. 1.3 1. Do not their hearts lye open to Heaven and doth not Heaven stand open to them O the sweetness and preciousness of this Entercourse 〈◊〉 which alas Millions are utter strangers 2. Ps 138. ult Will not the Lord perfect that which concerneth them Doth not hiâ— mercy endure for ever Did not purely free mercy move him to lay the first stone and shall not the last be broughâ— forth with shouting crying Mercy Mercy 3. Are not they by being in and united to Christ out of the reach and gun-shot of divine wrath How many corrections soever they may meet with Is there any so much as one Condemnation upon or before them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 8.1 4. Col. 1.27 Is not Christ in them the hope of glory Is he not the ground oâ— which they may groundedly expect the possession of it Shall not that Communion that is spiritual issue and end end in that which is and will be eternal The 34th Position Trading with or into Heaven or Communion between God and fallen Man is much furthered by the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit as dwelling in persons The Doctrine of the Inhabitation of the Holy Spirit being high and being misunderstood some hints shall here be given concerning it And 1st See worthy Mr. Barret on the Covenants They as I and my betters judge fall too low whose opinion is that the Spirit 's indwelling in the faithful implyeth no more than his being essentially with them Who is there with whom he is not In this sense Psal 139.7 c. Whither can men go or flee from this presence 2. Undoubtedly they rise too high who assert such an indwelling of the Holy Spirit in persons that they become one person or one personally with him 1. One that excell'd has observed See the excellent Tuckney on 2 Pet. 1.4 that this Tenent draws after it the affirming that there is an Incarnation of the Third Person in the Trinity as well as of the Second and a dwelling of the Fulness of the Godhead in the Members of Christ as well as in him their Head 2. Acute Hollinworth Another Worthy expressed his dissatisfaction with that assertion in this manner Whereas the Holy Spirit is both indivisible and omnipresent this representeth him as divided and limited as if he was personally here and there in Peter and Paul and other Saints and not in intermediate places 3. Poor I am well satisfied and judgâ— it safe to keep the Excellent of thâ— Earth company who hold and holâ— forth that the Communion of thâ— Holy Ghost as well as the Grace 〈◊〉 Christ 2 Cor. 13. ult and Love of God the Father is with gracious persons and that in sound sense the Spirit is together witâ— his gifts given to them See Dr. Jacomb on Rom. 8. And Baxteri Methodum And Pool against Biddle Rom. 8.9 10 5.5 6. 8.16 26. Do not dâ—vers Texts attest that he is peculiarâ— related to and doth peculiarly operaâ—â— in them Is it not he himself that worâ— eth and preserveth grace in them thaâ— witnesseth to and with their Spirits 〈◊〉 that helpeth their infirmities thaâ— strengtheneth quickeneth and sealeth them And now at length I offer at proving the Position 1. Doth not the Holy Spirit as dwelling with and in the sanctified excitâ—â— to direct in and enable for the duties in which the Spiritual Trade is drivenâ— 2. Doth not the holy Spirit furnish and supply the sanctified with those soul-solacing or at least soul-supporting comforts wherewith the performance of those duties is rewarded and so encouraged Gal. 5.22 Is not Joy reckoned among the Fruits of the Spirit and iâ— not this Joy of the Lord the souls strength Neh. 8.10 Is it not as oyl on the wheel that furthereth its motion And now I 1st infer That the condescension of the holy Spirit and consequently of the Father and Son from whom he proceedeth is well worth wondering at Will God indeed dwell on Earth 2 Chron. 6. will he that thinks it no robbery to be equal with the other Persons in the Godhead dwell in the hearts of those who dwell on earth Can we refrain crying O admirable Doth not this his dwelling imply 1. A Presence that hath much of inwardness May not that Phrase of one be here applied Intimior intimo nostro 1 Cor. 6.17 He is nearer to the faithful than they are to themselves Is he not more to their souls than their souls are to their bodies 2. A Presence in which there is permanence and continuance Pulsat aliorum corda Dr. Sibbs John 14.16 21. Doth not this blessed Lord who knocks at the doors of others hearts come into and inhabit theirs Are they not as his Temples Doth not he who only moveth others as he did Sampson at times abide with them for ever 3. A Presence that hath much of familiarity Are not persons familiar and open-hearted in their dwellings Do they not count their houses their castles where they may safely communicate their secrets Doth not the holy Spirit open much of his mind and love to those that are an habitation to God John 14 21. through him Doth he not manifest himself to them as he doth not manifest himself to the World 2. A 2d Inference is They who believe the Position I am on and Head the hints given concerning it cannot call in question this great fundamental Truth 1 Cor. 3.16 that the Spirit of God is very God Doth not his being as essentially so graciously present with all the sanctified yea as to peculiar operations in them all in all parts and places of the world sufficiently prove that he is immense infinite and unbounded Is any Being so save he that is the Being A 3d. Inference They cannot in their present state hold Communion with God or have their converse and conversation in Heaven who willingly want the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit
was open'd and consecrated by the Blood of Jesus who was made a Sacrifice he that runs may read I am aware that a late learned Writer made account that Christ Dr. Nicholson on the Catech. p. 42. as exercising his Priestly Office put forth four Acts to wit Offering Praying Atoning and Blessing Poor I who am much in the Road reduce his Acts as a Priest to two Heads See the excellent Reynolds on Psal 110. p. 424 c. Intercession whereof if God will e're long And Oblation concerning which I shall offer some Hints here In the Creed called the Apostles we all profess that Christ died and it is a great Point and part of our Belief that he died as a Sacrifice Was there not in Christ's Death all that was essential to a Sacrifice Eph. 5.2 1. Was he not as were the Sacrifices set forth by Divine Order 2. Vid. Owenum Outramum de Sacrificiis And Rev. Hurst Was he not as they were offered to his Father 3. Was not his Soul together with his Body made an Offering 4. Was not he as they were slain and so far destroyed 5. As in the offering of Sacrifices there was something peculiar to a Priest Rom. 3.25 Heb. 10.14 Was there not this Specialty in this great Sacrifice Isa 53.10 See the Funeral of the Mass This great High-Priest did offer himself as Man and through his being God the Sacrifice of his Manhood was rendred of infinite Value In infer 1. That all that are for trading into Heaven and with the God of Heaven should muse on that they may make use of Christ as a Sacrifice Sacrifices as mentioned in the Old Testament are distinguished as followeth 1. There were those stiled Patriarchal So worthy Mr. Waterhouse such as were used from the time of Adam to that of Moses 2. Judaical ones such as God Gen. 4.4 Levit. 1. by Moses did appoint and the People of Israel observed 3. Evangelical ones 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 13.16 into which Count fall Exercises of Piety and Charity The Sacrifices of the two former sorts were Types of Christ and those of the third sort are tendred through Christ the great Expiatory Propitiatory and Atoning Sacrifice That Christ's Sacrifice was such is argued 1. Rom. 3.25 See acute Trueman on this Doth not his being called a Propitiation which implieth Satisfaction and includeth Atonement denote this 2. Is it not expresly said that he putteth and purgeth away Sins by the Sacrifice of himself Heb. 1.3 3. Was he not made Sin that is 2 Cor. 5.20 21. a Sin-Offering for the removal of the Guilt of Sin from those that are his 4. See the eminent Dr. Stillingfl against Crellius Did not the great Sacrifices that were Types of him particularly the slain Goat signify this 1. Were they not used with respect to Sin 2. Levit. 1.4 Were they not substituted on behalf of Sinners When they who brought them laid their Hands on their Heads So Rev. Maynard did they not thereby confess their Desert of Death and declare the Translation of the Punishment Inf. 2. It is our great Concern as great as that of our precious Souls to make good use of his Sacrifice And so 1. To grieve for and under the Burden and Body of Sin Heb. 10.4 5 6 7 8. which cannot be taken away save by it 2. To own that they might most justly have been made Sacrifices to Divine Wrath and Justice Psal 130.3 3. To apply this great Sacrifice to and for the great Ends for which it was offered 4. Gal. 2.20 To give up their Lusts to be sacrificed through Virtue thence derived God forbid that any should use and so abuse this Sacrifice as a Shelter for their other Sins or for their Slothfulness in the Business of Religion Exod. 21.14 Would any Sacrifice of old exempt some Offenders from Death Were the Cities of Refuge provided for wilful Murderers Last Inference They who are hearty and diligent in driving the spiritual Trade notwithstanding their short Fallings should be of good chear When the Formality and Self-Righteousness of others will not Rom. 8.33 34. this great Sacrifice will set them to rights in the Eye of God's Law and Justice The 23d Position The Commerce and Communion between God and Man is no little furthered by the Intercession of Christ who is God-man One of our late great Men hath well said Renowned Baxter That the Intercession of Christ is a great Article of the Christian Faith whose Words do also imply that Christian Practice or the spiritual Trade is thereby promoted 1. Do we not owe thereunto the Application that is made of Pardon Joh. 14.16 Power and Peace to us yea and the Effusion of the Spirit on us 2. Rev. 8.3 4. Would any of our Prayers or other Services ascend before the Throne of God were not Incense or Intercession joined to them Concerning the Intercession of Christ be it remarked 1. 1 Joh. 2.1 Joh. 14.16 The Act of Intercession and accordingly the Greek word translated Advocate or Paraclete is applied both to the second and third Person in the Godhead whereon the Glosses of the Godly-learned deserve weighing 1. Intercession is ascribed to the Spirit Dr. Arrowsmith in a Sermon as an Adviser to Christ as Mediator 2. The Spirit makes Intercession in us Christ intercedeth for us 3. Rom. 8.26 The holy Spirit helpeth our Infirmities Heb. 7.24 and directs us in drawing up our Requests on Earth See acute Hollingworth the Lord Jesus preferreth them and pleads our Cause in Heaven So that as a learned Man notes being an Advocate is attributed to the holy Spirit in a figurative Sense but to be our proper Advocate interceding with the Father on our behalf Dr. Outramus is peculiar to Christ Again The Advocateship and Intercession of Christ is founded on his having been a Propitiation 1 Joh. 2.1 2. or Satisfactory Sufferer One to whom I even now referred writes of and for Christ's offering himself as a Sacrifice for our Sins in the Celestial Sanctuary into which he is entred but he withal owneth that what he calleth an Oblation doth not really differ from what we with Scripture call Intercession or his presenting himself as one that was slain and his Blood and Offering as meritorious before his Father I rejoice that the worthy Person expresseth his dislike of the Followers of Socinus who yet express their Minds in some of his words He holdeth what they deny that the Lord Jesus suffer'd in our stead Nostro loco and doth commend and render acceptable as our Persons so our Performances There is a Scripture which the Socinians pervert to wit that that saith Heb. 8.4 If Christ was on Earth he should not be a Priest arguing from hence against the Current of other Scriptures that in his Death he offer'd not a Satisfactory Sacrifice
Earth God and fallen Man is much furthered by the Holy Spirit as a revealing Spirit A Touch hath been on this a little I will enlarge on it 1. Is it not by the holy Spirit Eph. 1.17 Vide Bodium ad lo um that the All-blessed Three in one with whom Communion is held is manifested and made known so as he is not to the world or to any save those that are called out of it Doth he not reveal outwardly 2 Cor. 3. ult and inwardly unto and in them especially in the Gospel-grace the Divine Glory 2. Is it not by the holy Spirit that the Lord Jesus in his Person Offices and Estates through whose Mediation God comes to Man and Man goes to God is declared Joh. 16.13 14. See Dr. Owen on this Doth not the Spirit glorifie Christ in taking what is his and shewing it unto those that are his Is not the Gospel hid as is He that is held forth in it to those lost ones into whose Hearts the Spirit shines not 2 Cor. 4 3 4. Is it not the holy Spirit that so makes known the Duties in which and Graces by which spiritual Communion is maintained that Persons are duly exercised in the one 1 Cor. 12.2 3. Gal. 5.16 25. and do truly exercise the other Can spiritual Duties be done or spiritual Dispositions be shewed by any save those whose Eyes the Holy Spirit has anointed The first Vse of this Position is for Conviction of sin 1. Doth it not fall on those who though they give the Word of God an hearing which alas some will not do Isa 59. ult are slighters of and not waiters for the holy Spirit which is put into the same Promise with it whose Office it is to lead Persons into the knowledge of it and of managing the spiritual Trade by it Do they duly value the Spirit of Revelation 1. Who are not for being clothed with Humility Psal 25.9 Job 42.5 6. Do not such as lye low lye fair for enlightings And doth not the Light of Life shew Persons matter for Humiliation 2. Do they value the revealing Spirit whose Carriage towards him is very untoward and cross doing what in them lyes to quench the Sparks that are of his kindling 1. See Mr. Pol-wheel on 1 Thes 5. By pouring on the foul Water of sensuality and Flesh pleasing Or 2. By heaping up the dust of Worldliness and Earthliness Or however 3. By withholding Fewel and slighting Ordinances O that these persons were in Mourning for their sin and did set themselves under a clear and searching Ministry and cryed that the Spirit would open their Understandings Can any expect he should be a glorifying who have not found him an enlightning Spirit 2 Thes 1.8 9. Shall not they who willingly want inner light be cast into and kept for ever in outer darkness The second Vse serves to quicken all enlightned persons to duty yea to divers duties proper for and incumbent on them Particularly 1. To Thankfulness that when the things that concern the spiritual and eternal Peace are hid from the eyes of many Mat. 11.25 they are revealed to and in them 1 Cor. 4.7 Who made them to differ Or what save Grace mov'd him to it 1. Hath not their Knowledge clearness in it Are not they of those who seeing so see as to perceive John 16.13 and discover the inside beauty and glory of Truths See Arrowsmith 's Armilla And so 2. Hath not their sight sureness and satisfy ingness in it Do they not in some measure arrive at assurance of Understanding having settlement in the Truth Col. 2.3 3. Scientia gustus 1 Pet. 2.3 Is not their Knowledge that of Tast and Experience Have they not Palats that are spiritualized Do they not know the sweetness of Grace A 2d Duty to which they are quickned is waiting for further and fuller Revelations 1. Have they any more than dawnings 1 Cor. 13.9 10. if their light be compared with the day of Glory 2. Will not the beauty of their spiritual Trading increase together with their brightness A 3d. Duty to which they are excited is walking as they should do who would shew they have the Spirit of Revelation being acquainted with those secrets that are peculiar to such 1. See Dr. Cheynell on Gen. 18.19 Humbling secrets May they know to the best purpose what it is to put their Mouths in the dust to cherish sorrow Lam. 3.29 that is after or according to God! May this stream rise so high 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 7.10 Phil. 3.8 9. as to carry them out of an unwarrantable confidence in self-righteousness in order thereunto may they know 2. Convincing Secrets May they see sin as by sun-light which shews how moates abound in the air Joh. 16.9 c. Neh. 3.12 May they see that it is an evil thing May they see what too few see the evil that is in an heart of unbelief 3. Isa 40. ult May strengthening secrets be revealed to and in them May they know from experience what it is to be strengthened with strength in their souls or inner man Eph. 3.16 May they run the way of God's Commandments and not be weary May they walk and not faint And so 4. May also comforting secrets be communicated to them May the holy Spirit take them down into Christ's banquetting-house Cant. 2.4 May his banner over them be love May they have so as to feel those strong Consolations that are able to hold up their heads and hearts in a dying hour Heb. 6.18 May they in seeing see the great Things of the Gospel To wit 1. That the Lord Jesus is Immanuel God with us Isa 7.14 Joh. 1.14 God manifested in the flesh or humane Nature Do not heaven and earth Infinite and Finite meet in him 2. That sincere Christians 1 Cor. 6.17 though distinct persons from Christ are in near union and relation to him Are they not ingrafted into this Vine and espoused to this Husband 3. That in the Justification of a believing sinner there is a royal exchange Are not his sins inputed to Christ 2 Cor. 5.21 Is not Christ's Righteousness in order to their acquittance and acceptance imputed to him May they withal as to great Gospel-Duties well know 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luke 9.24 What it is utterly to deny themselves as self stands opposed to the Honour of God the first Cause the chief Good the Highest Soveraign and the last End And as it lyes cross to the advantage of men should any Christian say after Cain Am I my brothers keeper 2. Gal. 2.20 What it is to be crucified with Christ and to have Communion with him in his death deriving from him as slain sin-slaying Vertue so that the death of sins that were as Dalilah's may be real and gradual through the actings of Faith 3. Job 23.4
See Reverend Harrison on this What it is to pray and use Pleas in prayer to beg in Christs name leaning on his Merit to fill the mouth with Arguments drawn from Power Goodness Promise and Providence of God 4. Heb. 11.1 See renowned Baxter on this What it is by Faith to render as present things that are future and evident things that are not seen So that Eternals are most look'd at and look'd at as great reality 5. Phil. 4.11 12 See blessed Burroughes What it is to know both how to suffer want and how to abound how to be abased and how to be exalted how to bear an heavy load quietly and how to carry a full Cup even O that more Persons had knowledge of this Stamp The last Use shall be for their cheering under Trouble who are Spiritual Traders Shall not their Gains and Incomings answer yea exceed all their pains and out-layings 1. Did not the sweet Psalmist experience what he expressed That in the performance of Gods Commands there is great reward Did not a late great Divine well say Dr. Tillotson That God's Work carried Meat in its Mouth 2. Hath eye seen or ear heard or can it enter into Mans heart to conceive 1 Cor. 2.9 what vast sums of glory they shall have given into their hands hereafter O the blessedness of the Saints in Heaven The 32d Position Spiritual Trading or Communion between God and Man dependeth no little on the Spirit as Regenerating or the Spirit of Regeneration I am willing to premise the following Particulars 1. Dr. Wallis Though one that is among the first Three conceiveth that the Word signifying Regeneration doth as well denote a Christians relation and state in Justification as his principle in initial Sanctification I shall as usually I do keep the Road and have an eye and respect to the latter And so 2. It is not doubted but is by the best I am acquainted with concluded Vid. Voetium Disp p. 2 that the Phrase of Regeneration is figurative and hath an allusion to Mans natural Birth and generation As in this there is natural Life given so in it there is an infusion of Spiritual Life 2 Pet. 1.4 2 Cor. 5.17 With this new Nativity there is a new Nature stiled Divine conferred the regenerate are new Creatures 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Being born again or from above is rightly father'd on the Holy Spirit as proceeding from the Father and the Son to produce it The subject of it is an elect sinner a sinner else he needed it not an elect one else he obtains it not Idem â—om 8.33 They who are brought forth by the hand of God were first conceived in his Heart Is not Vocation called Election 4. Far be it from me to limit Divine Prerogative God can and doth communicate the first grace to unregenerate ones Jam. 4.8 See Divine Vines on this otherwise none would be regenerated But as the regenerate are in a capacity to hold converse with God God who is most free hath by promise bound himself to converse with them And now I fall on proving the present Position 1. Doth not the change made by Regeneration fit for Spiritual Trading 1. Is there not a renewing in and of the Spirit of the Mind Doth not the Understanding behold the glory of God Rom. 12.2 and see the way to and from Heaven particularly that they who come to God do it by and through Him that is God Ad Deum Per Deum 2. Doth not the renewing Work reach the memory Doth not that retain the truth delivered by the Lord the Star that guides to him Joh. 14.26 Cant. 1.4 and withal the sweetness that in duty hath been received from the Lord a proof that the soul hath been with him 3. Hath not the Conscience the influence of this Work of the Holy Spirit See acute Sheffield on this Doth it not thereby act as a Minister preaching up Christ and duties to be done to and through him and preaching down sin yea running upon the occasions and appearances of it Doth it not as a Witness yea as many witnesses testifie against whatever would hinder Spiritual Converse Mille testes Acts 24.16 and as a Judge give its Verdict for and withal quicken to those services wherein it is held 4. Hath not the Will of regenerate persons a new byass put on and a new bent put into it Is it not as a Worthy's phrase was rightly poysed Mr. Strong Libera liberata Doth it when set free freely choose God in Christ for its Treasure counting it good to be and draw near to him And doth it not refuse what might breed estrangement from him 5 Are not all the Affections both closing or liking and guarding and disliking renewed by the Spirit 's hand Are they not in truth and in some degree as wings Col. 3.3 See roâ—zing Fenner on this whereby the regenerate fly away from the tents of wickedness and above the allurements of the world soaring and mounting up towards Heaven and heavenly Enjoyments Again Will not the Lord readily manifest and communicate himself and his choice favours to those that are born of the Spirit and so brought into the state and relation of his dear children Shall not his upright servants find him the best of Masters Joh. 14.21 Shall not his sons and daughters be admitted into his special Presence Shall not his Spouse be taken into his arm yea heart and bosome From this Position I shall draw Two Inferences of Truth The former is Persons in their meer impure Naturals or state of unregeneracy are objects of compassion Phil. 3.15 O that the bowels of the regenerate did more yearn over them Is there not a cause yea very great cause Are they not in the world Eph. 2.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without God in the world without communion with him in communion with whom happiness doth lye Doth not the Scripture which miscals no one call 'em Athiests Are they not in a present incapacity to enter the Kingdom of Heaven Joh. 3.2 5. If we take the word in the highest sense could they desire to stay in it Can the unholy be happy And so the latter Inference is There are not a few that bear themselves high on their birth I mean their natural birth that have very small reason for it Are they that are meerly born of blood or as it is read of bloods Joh 1.12 13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the best blood fit in their present state to hold converse with God Is it not the new second or supernatural birth that prepares for such a practice and priviledge How many in vain wish they had never been born who dye and have not been born again Have they any right to eat of the Tree of Life Psal 9.17 Have not they their portion in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone
as standing in a peculiar relation to them Jude 19. and having a special interest and propriety in them as persons have in their dwellings and possessions Are not these persons Multitudes Multitudes 1. Doth the Pure Spirit dwell in those impure ones who walk after the flesh Rom. 8.1 Gal. 5.16 17 not abstaining from but delighting in those fleshly lusts of drunkenness filthiness and idleness will he endure to be so opposed and affronted where his abode is 2. 1 Cor. 2.12 Doth the Spirit of God dwell where the Spirit of the World doth animate act and rule Are they his habitations that are its drudges and slaves rooting in the earth Ezek. 33.31 even on the day and in the duties and ordinances that are sacred 3. Doth the Spirit of God dwell where Satan the worst of Spirits keeps the house And doth he not so Joh. 8.44 Arrowsmith Tact. Sac. p. in those who look as like him as men and women can do being 1. Filled with wrath envy and malice 2. Addicted to lying and false accusing 3. Employed or at least rejoycing in persecuting O that persons saw and felt that whilst they are in their natural state they are void of the Spirit Rom. 8.9 and so without Christ O that they sorrowed for their own danger and God's dishonour and were afraid of dying yea of living in this condition and cryed and got others to cry that the holy Spirit may be given to and dwell in them The last Inference God's peculiar ones are priviledged ones O happy happy they if they know their Priviledge They are Heavenly Traders and shall not let the Trade fall 1. Gal. 5.22 Will not the Indwelling be an In-working Spirit 2. Shall they not by him be brought from Trading into to live in Heaven May not they say aa the sweet Dropper wrote Dr. Sibbs Motum sentimus medum nesci mus Eph. 4.30 We feel his Motion though we know not the manner of his Presence May they daily demean themselves tenderly towards him and highly bless God the Father and the Son for him The 35th Position The Holy Spirit as a guiding and leading Spirit doth much promote the Heavenly Trade or Communion between God and Man 2. Doth he not guide unto Truth the Truth he hath given out Doth he not also lead into Truth and shew persons the inside and excellency of Truth John 16.13 See Reverend Case on this even as persons that are within a room that 's adorned see the Ornaments of it Doth not the Lord herein at once communicate his will and love to persons And are they not hereby brought to exert and exercise Grace on and towards God 2. Doth not the holy Spirit lead unto duty and to God in it And is it not in the due exercise of duty that persons draw near to God Jun. 4.8 and haâ—e God drawing near to them Can either be expected where duties are wilfully omitted and neglected From this Position I shall first lay down Inferences of Truth The former of them is Persons naturally or in their meer naturals are benighted or in the dark as to holding converse and communion with God Are they not said to be darkness Eph. 5.8 darkness it self or in the abstract A Domino Vide Poium ad loâ—â—m till they become light in the Lord or by and from the Spirit of the Lord Are they not alienated from and strangers to the Life of God that Life which the upright have from and lead with God Eph. 4.18 through the ignorance that is in them O that they saw their want of sight and their loss thereby The latter is The sons and daughters of God are primely priviledged Rom. 8.14 See Dr. Jacomb on this Are not they led and conducted by the Spirit of God As he is the Spirit of Glory filling those with glory that have full Communion with him in Heaven so he is the Spirit of Grace fitting those that are hiâ—â—or such Communion with him on Eaâ—â—â— as they are capable of How happy * O fortunati c. are they if they understand their state and know the things given them of God And now I am to present Rules of Duty The 1st whereof is It is the near concern of all who will give this poor Paper a reading to put it on a fair issue or tryal whether they have known by experience what the guidance and conduct of the holy Spirit is O that many did not vainly trust without serious trying I take the boldness to ask them at least to put them on posing themselves with these Questions 1. Eph. 4.18 Joh. 3.19 Have they seen to their sorrow that once they were not in this good Circumstance Are not Adam's Children born blind as to Spirituals And are they not averse to divine guidance 2. Do they highly value the Mercy of God the Father and the Merit of the Son Eph. 5.8 to both which they are indebted that are led by the Spirit 3. Are they under a daily fear lest they should provoke Eph. 4.30 vex displease and distast this blessed Guide and cause him to be strange to them 4. 1 Joh. 5.1 See Dr. Roberts Believ Evid Do they truly love those who evidence that they are under the Spirits guidance though as to some opinions they are dissenters from them 5. Joh. 16.13 Are they for keeping close to the Scripture of Truth in and according to which the Spirit of Truth doth lead and guide persons 6. Is it their resolution through Heavens help that they will be much on their knees and when on them Luke 11.13 beg the Spirits guidance O that I was assured that all that read this would lay these Marks and their Hearts together 2 Cor. 13.5 The 2d Rule is None should bless themselves in their Hearts and state till they can witness and prove that the holy Spirit is their guide and leader Motives are 1. Is not the path of Life and way of Trading spiritually hidden from all save such as he is the Guide of Isa 35.8 For 2. Is it not a low and yet high way lying as in humility so in heavenly-mindedness 2. Is it not the way of such as are wise for themselves and yet are much for self-denial Is it not by a late worthy well said Dr. Collings in his Lessons That it lyes cross the Fields of Nature down the Narrow Lane of Mortification and up the Mount of Holiness The 2d Motive is Shall any be received into Heaven who slight the Spirits Conduct Psal 73.24 Shall they be happy above who Trade not thither whilest they are here below 3dly Rom. 8.1 1 Cor. 2.13 Eph. 2.2 If persons be not guided by this good Spirit will they not be led by at ill one if not many ill ones or by the Flesh or the World The last Rule is They who drive the Heavenly Trade and have the Spirits guidance should humbly glory in this high Favour shewed them 1. Is not this guide the most able and knowing yea All-knowing 2. Nec fallcre nec falli potest Is he not of all Guides the most true and faithful Will he either mislead or mistake 3. Is he not the most tender and compassionate Guide Doth he not pity such as are apt to go astray 4. Heb. 5.2 Psal 48. ult Will he not be a Guide unto death Will he desert his 5. Will not his Guidings be attended with Efficacy 1. Hos 11.3 4. Will he not so guide as a Mother doth a Child who hlods it by the hand and streng thens it 2. Rom. 6.14 Will he not preserve from a course of sin so that no sin shall have full dominion 3. 1 Cor. 10.13 Will he not support under sore sufferings so that they are kept from sinking that are sighing 4. Will he not at last Land people in the Place and State where Bliss and Blessedness shall have no END
Are they not rightly compared to Iron Grates that let pure Water pass through See worthy Mr. Hodges on this whilst Mud and Filth sticks in them What loud Complaints do good People make of their short frail and defective Memories If others make less moan they have more cause for it Alas how is Trading with and into Heaven hereby hindred The last Inference is They whose Hearts are for driving an Heavenly Trade are to praise God 1. So Wollibius Though through the Fall the Faculty of Memory is endamaged it is not taken away 2. Provision by free rich Grace is made for the penitent 1. On account of Christ's Merit notwithstanding their Infirmities 1 Joh. 1.7 their Sins shall be pardoned 2. Jo. 14.26 On the same Account the holy Spirit as a Remembrancer shall be poured out on 'em and Trading into Heaven maintained The 5th Position is When Man was created through the thorough Goodness of his Conscience he was fit for Communion with God Thus much or little I will at present say of Conscience Of Liberty of Conje Very high things are said of it The late learned Rutherfoord calls it the Apple of the Soul's Eye He further saith that though it is not a part of the Deity which hath no Parts it smells more of God than the Heavens See his Harmour the Sun Moon or other Stars and so than the Saphirs Rubies or any of the precious things of the Earth Profound Dr. Bates hath not stick'd to call it a subordinate God giving Laws and exacting Obedience 1. If Respect be had to the original Words whereby it 's set forth 1. The learned tell us 2 Sam. 24.10 that the Hebrew Word for Heart by which in some Scriptures Conscience is meant pointeth at a Conspersion 1 Jo. 3.21 or at Meal mingled with VVater The Soul in regard of it is watered with Notions which we call common and hence hath it been stiled a Storehouse of Moral Principles 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Greek Word used as some reckon about 32 Times in the New Testament denoteth 1. See accurate Sheffiâ—id on this That it is a Knowledge a Light by Reason whereof Man's Soul is the Candle of God 2. This Knowledge is not found walking in so large a Field as that of the Understanding Its Eye hath much for its Objects 1. The Will of God as its Rule 2. The Souls Case with reference thereto 3. This Knowledge is of a joint conjoined Nature It is say some a Knowledge together with Angels with Men 1 Jo. 3.21 22. with ones self To be sure God who is greater than the Heart and Conscience knowing all things knows together with it Having thus spoke of the VVords it 's time to touch on the Thing And Poor I am as little willing as able Vide Therap Sac. to engage in a Dispute whether we shall call it a Distinct Faculty from the Mind or rather the Mind self-acting and Rev. Ryther by way of Comparison or Reflection Cannot this Eye look as backwards so inwards Whether as one and not he only conceiveth it takes in the VVill. Or whether it is more fitly called an Act or a Power whence Acts flow it continuing in persons when asleep I leave to my Betters to determine Certainly it 's rightly said to be a very busie thing as ingenious Dr. Burthogg's Expression is De causa Dei An Instinct impressing on Men's Minds a future Judgment Sundry fall in with the excellent Amos De Conflantia who stileth it the Judgment of Man as subjected to the Judgment of God VVho that is of worth makes it a question whether in Adam at first Conscience was perfectly good 1. Honeste bona Iacate VVas it not good both in point of Honesty and Peaceableness Did it not perform its whole Office and therein find Ease and Solace enough Quoad statum Exercitium 2. VVas not Man's Conscience good both as to State and Exercise VVas not Holiness to the Lord written in fair Characters as on its Nature so on its Actings See Mr. Sheffield on this 3. VVas it not good 1. As a Minister to instruct 2. As a Magistrate to injoin 3. As a VVitness to attest and 4. As a Judge to pronounce guiltless That whilst Conscience was right Man's Communion was very sweet is very evident Doth not much that I have said tend to give in full Proofs thereof 1. Did not its pure Principles incline Man to act for God and to receive from him 2. 2. Pet. 1.3 VVas not Grace and Peace multiplied through the Knowledge it had of and exercised about him 3. VVhen as God's Deputy it judged as he did did he not communicate himself to it I add 1. Did not Conscience then fence against Sin Isai 59.2 the Interrupter of Commerce between Heaven and Earth 2. Did it not fit for Duty wherein there is an exporting of Graces and so a fitting for the importing of Grace And now I first infer That if Man had kept his first Estate Hallelujah Hallelujah had been much his Language was he not as to his Conscience a Vessel as of Honour so of Mercy The 2d Inference is Fallen Man hath great Cause to fall on his Knees or Face in a way of Humiliation Is not his Conscience â—â—tus 1.15 which seems to have scaped better than some other Powers defiled Oh! Quantum â—â—â—tatur How much for the worse is it altered It was tender but is hardened it was inoffensive but is contrary The 3d. Inference All that hear of should as feel the VVant Hos 9.14 so see the VVorth of the Lord Jesus Is not his Blood an All-heal Are not through it Consciences purg'd and pacify'd The last Inference is The Spirit of God should be waited on and breathed after that the Conscience may be his Temple that through his Influence this Bird in the Breast may declare truly and withal sing sweetly The 6th Position The Commerce and Communion between God and Man in Man's first Estate was much furthered through the Liberty Purity of his own Will So noble a Faculty is that of the VVill the chusing and refusing Power that it is usually said Voluntas hominis est homo the VVill of Man is the Man Is not Religion rightly said to be the right Poyse or Byass of the VVill Are not God's People willing or as a Free-VVill Offering Psal 110.3 Many Disputes are concerning Free-VVill and it is out of Dispute A coactione that there is a Freedom that is essential to the VVill. That celebrated Saying of an Ancient is approved by modern Divines If there was nothing of Free-Will there would be nothing to be saved and if it were not for much of Free Grace there would be no Salvation It is not easie to satisfie some wherein the Freedom of Man's Will doth most properly consist but I can easily satisfie my self
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is not in that Indifferency which implies equal Inclination to Good or Evil. Are not the Wills of Angels yea and the Will of the God of Angels free Vide Le Blank 's Theses tho wholly fixed on Good Certainly in Man's first Estate his Will was purely free The Event proves there was a Possibility of its being drawn to Evil but God made it with a Bent and Inclination to Good It was not only free from Compulsion so that it admitted of no Force for so it is now but it was free from Corruption there was no wrong tendency in it Had not Adam's Will been purely free he had not been holy and so not happy Was not such Freedom of his Will necessary to his being a Covenanter with God Had he not consented to the Duties he had not been entitled to the Blessings of the first Covenant May not the following Particulars be asserted of Adam's Will Tact. Sac. p. 138 1. His Will was under the Empire and Rule of Right Reason Did not his Reason vail to God and his Will to Reason Did it stir without Reason's Orders or stay when it had 'em to go Did it not follow the best Light 2. His Will did close with See the incomparable Baxter on self-denyal and was carried to God as its Felicity and his chief End Was not his Respect to Creatures yea to his own Pleasure Profit and Honour subservient thereunto Rom. 14.9 Did he look at what he had or was as his own Did he not look at his Maker as his Owner 3. Psal 116.7.73.25 He by his good Will did rest and delight in God as his Treasure satisfying Portion and chief Good Was not God his dwelling Place Did he not take pleasure in other things for God's appearance in ' em and as Rays from him were darted through ' em 4. Eadem velle nolle est amicitia Man's Will did then very readily bow to God's Soveraignty was it not resolved into the divine Will Were not God and Man such great and good Friends that they did will and nill the same things Was not God's Law in Man's Heart Did not Adam whilst in Integrity obey the Lord 1. Perfectly without failing in any kind or Degree 2. Readily without any thing like demur or delay 3. Chearfully without raising Cavils or Objections 4. Humbly without taking Honour due to God to himself Again Man's Will at first was altogether for living in a way of Dependance on God as the first Cause Did he not rely on the Arm of Almightiness Even when he had a large Stock in his own hand Was not his Eye still on the highest Hand And now can any well doubt that when Man did so freely and fully come to God God would not or did not graciously and plenteously communicate himself to him Did not Man live at the Well-head where the Water of Life is as full so pure and sweet And hence I first infer That whatever Fault was or is found in Man's Will it cannot be laid at God's Door Was it from Want of Power was it not from the abuse of the Freedom of his VVill that Man fell Jor. 17.9 Did not Man's Uprightness in part consist in that Freedom The 2d Inference Is not the low way a good way and fit for fallen Man to walk in Do not they do well that much mourn that Man's VVill is now frail and alas false Doth it not mislead the Understanding whereby it should be be led The 3d. Inference Their Tenents are not to be touch'd with in whose Books the VVill of fallen Man stands as an undeflowr'd Virgo intacta untouch'd Virgin Do not some whom we will not brand See Worthy Dr. Hill as through Arminians glory overmuch in the Title of Free-VVillers Vide Peltii harmoniam Are they not afraid of allowing Free Grace leave to rule and undermine Man's VVill The 4th Inference They who never before did should now ply the Throne of Grace and in Christ's name beg the special Influence of the Holy Spirit Psal 119.80 Ezek. 36.26 27. for removing the Pravity without infringing the Liberty of the VVill. Be it considered 1. In many good Motions of on the VVill are quenched 2. This cuts the damned See Dr. Hammonds Pract. Car. that they chose the way to Hell The last Inference is They who having known the day of God's Power are a willing People and are caused as well as called to walk in God's Statutes Psal 149.6 should highly seeing they shall eternally praise the Lord. The 7th Position Through the Order and Regularity that was in Man's Affections he was meet for Converse and Communion with God That Man is an affectionate Creature Quid sensibile is a kind of sensible Truth He is not without Affections in his fallen State and surely he was well affected in his first state when some are said to be without natural Affections Rom. 1.29 30 31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 7.15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Coloss 3.5 it s rightly construed without the due exercise hereof I am aware that the Word Affections is not so often read in holy VVrit as any others are but the things we call so are oftner found therein than most others and when we read o◠inward Affection we may run and read that in Man there are inward Bowels His Soul hath such and there 's a Figure in the Phrase Bowels being put for Affections seated there Do not we call those Motions Affections which the Moralists call Passions and to that VVord in some Scriptures where we meet with the VVord Aflections there is Respect Passions are usually said to belong to the sensitive Appetite But eminent Divines speak of Affections as moving in an higher Sphere So Rev. Reyner as nearly allyed to the VVill flowing from it saith a VVorthy as Fingers from the hand and as Toes from the Foot and withal so influenc'd by the Understanding that they obtain the name of Rational One who was one of a thousand for choice Affections Mr. W. Fenner describes them as sensible Motions of the Will to from things as apprehended good evil First That in Adam when in Integrity there were Affections and that they were pure admits of no doubt 1. Did not his being a Man endued with Sense and Understanding and the Power of chusing and refusing speak this 2. Is not this proved from his being made to love and fear his Maker and to avoid what was contrary to him 3. Did not God Gen. 2.17 in order to preserving a holy Fear in him propound a Threatning to him in case of Disobedience 4. Was there not in that Threatning couched a Promise of Life unto his Obedience that his Hope might be quickened Secondly That Man if he had kept his Assertions pure had traded much into Heaven appears from the consideration of some particulars
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philipp 3.19 that they mainly relish favour and affect the things of the Earth Have they not set their Eyes and Hearts bowing downwards 2. Is there not much of Falsehood in those Affections Psal 17.11 that make a fair shew Are they as much on God's side as they make sure of 3. Jer. 3.10 Numb 23.10 Do not their Desires pretend to Goodness when they are mere Flashes and however are lazy and not lively conditional and not absolute 4. Acts 26.11.23.15 How violently yea brutishly against all Rules of Reason and Religion are the Affections of sundry carried VVas not Paul verily mad in and for Persecution VVere not the Jews for killing him when a Preacher 5. Nitimur in veritum Is there not that Vileness in fallen Man's Affections that Sodomy and Bestiality c. pleases many The more God forbids the less they forbear I now infer Gal. 1.4 One Reason lies ready why the World carries after and with it the Epithet of Evil. Are not Affections the Spring of Actions that are sutable to ' em The 2d Inference is There is all Reason that one Affection should be much in exercise Should not godly Sorrow be set to mourn over and for what is so wrong in other Affections 2 Cor. 7.9 10 11. Hath not Corruption infected the Vitals and chief Powers of Man And is there any hope of healing where there is no humbling The 3d Inference Even good Persons should not let their Affections go or be without a Watch or guard on 'em nor are they to lay too much stress on some stirrings of 'em So Renowned Baxter Hos 6.4 seeing such goodness may pass away as the morning Clouds and Early Dew May they see and wait that their Love may be sincere their Fear filial their Hope purifying and their hatred of sin vehement universal and constant The 4th Inference Surely there 's a Power Energy and Efficacy in real godliness 2 Tim. 3.5 Doth not Grace work a very great change in and much elevate and raise the Affections Doth it not fix 'em for God and against sin Doth it not cleanse that Fountain that cannot cleanse it self O that for and after sanctifying Grace there were more and greater breathings The 5th Inference They who have holy Affections should as with so for 'em highly praise God Psa 149.6 Should not their Mouths speak out their Praises That it is so well with them is it not for the Merit and by the Spirit of Christ The Last Inference No doubt Satan's Design is no little on mens Affections Will he not attempt to disturb and disorder them 2 Cor. 2.11 Doth he not by ill Influences on their Affections blind their Judgments And is not their trading with and into Heaven thereby greatly hindred The 15th Position Except persons who live to ripe years so trade into Heaven that they hold Communion with God whilst they live there 's no hope they should be receiv'd into Heaven or live in the blessed making Enjoyment of God when they die Might it not have been said to that Noted Doctor Dr. S. who in Print scoffed at Right Worthy Persons under the Notion of God's Acquaintance Sir See Rolls on this they who are not of God's Acquaintance on Earth shall not be of his Acquaintance in Heaven The short and long is 1. Rev. New-com on Job 22.2 Rom. 2.8 9 10. They who are willingly strangers to God in this state cannot produce or prove what they have not a Right or Title to the glory that shall be revealed in the future state 2. They who are not for driving an Heavenly Trade here are no way meet to be partakers of the Heavenly Inheritance hereafter See the excellent How of Blessedness May such as are Masters of Right Reason use it 1. Shall they have possession of happiness that are not Friends to it 2. Col. 1.12 13. Shall they be possessed of it that are not prepared for it With reference to the former question be it considered 1. Till persons be born again or from above having a New Nature or Principle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 carrying 'em so that they may converse with the Lord See Dr. Wallis on this Jo. 3.3 5. they can in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Can they either obtain or enjoy it 2. Have not they their Conversation in Heaven trafflcking as Citizens thereof who do thence look for a Saviour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. 3.20 For 3. Though Heaven be even in the acknowledgment of Lutheran's local Vide Binchium yet is it not very much a state begun below and compleated above Do not they who well view this Doctrine see in it a display 1. Of God's glorious Wisdom who tho most liberal of his great Gift bestoweth with or before it Hearts set on setting forth his eminent Excellencies Hath he not bound his Honour and our Happiness together 2. Of his glorious Goodness Psal 84.11 12. who doubleth his Gifts giving both Grace and Glory Grace to fit for Glory I add Though there be not nor can be betwixt God and fallen Man what we call commutative Justice Rom. 11.35 Vide Le Blank 's Theses who hath first or last given to God any thing like hire or merit yet in rewarding out of his Grace their Works that hold Communion with him 2 Thes 1.6 7 8. 1 Jo. 1.9 he manifesteth what hath the appearance of distributive Justice And now I First Infer They who slight or neglect the heavenly Trade not using holy Duties or Ordinances or not breathing and panting after the Lord in 'em Jonah 2.8 are chargeable with forsaking their own Mercy The good Lord work Convictions in order to the conversion in them 1. Will any I fear many will say Though we draw not near to God he is near to us We have as good a claim to Heaven as the greatest Puritan among ' em Eph. 5.6 Is not this rightly called Presumption though we call it Faith Is this Claim derivably 1. From God the Father's Purpose Hath not he chosen Persons to Holiness as the Path af Life Or 2. Eph. 1.4 Tit. 2.14 From God the Son's Purchase Is he the Author of Salvation to any save the obedient Or 3. From any Promise under the hand of God the holy Spirit 1 Tim. 4.7.8 Are not the Promises of the Life to come entailed on those who are exercised and do trade in Godliness Again Will any of 'em think the miss and Loss of Heaven's Glory a thing tolerable Do not Divines who say that as to the Punishment of Sence Man can only bear finite tho great Wrath in an infinite duration New Eng. Div. say that the Punishment of Loss is infinite being of him that is so Did not one call'd a Father say that in the Words Depart from me Chrysostome mille Gehennae are contain'd
a thousand Hells Is it not terrible to hear of that Sentence O what will it be to hear it The 2d Inference is The Patience and Goodness of God to Slighters of the Spiritual Trade is admirable yet 't is said to 'em Acquaint your selves with the Lord Job 22.21 yet through a Mediatour this may be The 3d Inf. is They who have not entred into and engaged in Converse with God should be for doing now without delay Can Persons be willing to be banished from the gracious presence of the sight of God and that for ever Is not the Fountain of Being the Fountain of Life Will not this cut deep if Heaven be lost for Lusts or Trifles Will not this cause as wailing so gnashing of Teeth Quantum pro quantillo Luke 13.28 when they see others that sate under the same means in the Kingdom of God and themselves shut out The 16th Position To those who live and die in the wilful neglect of the heavenly Trade on Earth there remaineth fiery Indignation which shall for ever abide and torment them in Hell 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Thess 1. ult Gal. 3.10 Doth not the Law breath out the Wrath to come or which will still be coming against all those who have not obey'd its Orders Hath it not a Curse for every one that violates any one of its Commands Doth not the Gospel leave all Jo. 3 ult who having come to ripe years do not come over to the Son of God that through him they may transact with the Father for Mercy and in Duty under the Penalties by the Law threatned 3. In the Representation which we have of the general Judgment Matthew 25.41 c. and the Proceedings of that day under the hand and from the Mouth of Christ is it not declared that they who have not by Grace derived from Christ discharged in sincerity their duties to him shall go into everlasting fire The 1st Inference is There is great danger in and so had need to be great watching against sins of Omission Tho persons escape the grosser pollutions of the world See Baxters Apology p. 238 240. if they do not in the ways of Gods appointment tender their Homage to him and wait for grace from him is not the mouth of the Pit open to devour ' em O that many took a truer measure of the guilt that attends their willful sinfull Omissions 1. Deo servire est regnare Is not Gods Law in its primary design positive and its Precepts affirmative and doth not Religion much lie in respect to such Precepts 2. Do not sins of Omission strike high even 1. At Gods Soveraignty who gives out Orders 2. At his Goodness as if all his Laws were not written in love I add have not all sins of Commission sins of Omission leading to them To descend a little to particulars both as to Duties and Graces 1. As to Duties Jer. 10.25 Do not showers of Wrath hang over prayerless houses 2. Was it not well said or written to King Charles the second By Dr. Gauden that whatever hindred his regard to the word of God would prove ruining and damning 3. Is not he accursed that respecteth not the right manner of doing duties Mal. 1. ult should any one that hath a male in the flock offer a corrupt thing 1. Is not he in whom Unbelief reigneth under the Sentence of Condemnation As to Graces Jo. 3. ult Doth not the Wrath that comes on others abide on him 2. Doth not an Anathema Maranatha a Curse till the Lord come belong to such as are destitute of love to Christ 1 Cor. 16.22 See Pink on this The 2d Inference They are in an evil case and state who so commit as to drive a Trade of Sin serving divers lusts 1 John 3.8 9. plying the work of the Devil 1. If persons live and lie in those sins which Satan both tempteth to and acteth in So acute Herle distinguisheth of which sort are Pride Malice Lying Persecuting 2. If persons follow those Vices which Satan tempteth to but doth not that I know act in into which Count fall Drunkenness and Uncleanness Do not their paths visibly take hold of Hell Prov. 9. ult If the tree that is barren be cut down what will be the end of that that bears ill fruit The 3d Inference is It is the great and important concern of persons a concern as great as that of their immortal souls to look and long after this Ezek. 18.31 John 14.6 that there be in 'em a divine Nature a pure and powerful principle from which the heavenly Trade may be set and kept up that through Christ they may come to God the Father and find him coming to them May they cry for the Residence in order to their having the Influence of the holy Spirit And that 1. As an enlightned Spirit A Mystery is mentioned as to lower Trades Without Controversie 1 Tim. 3.16 great is the Mystery of godliness of the practice and not only of the principles of it Can lower teachers teach it 2. Rom. 8.14 Eph. 4.18 As an enlivening Spirit Is not life the principle of Movers and Traders Can any that are alienated from the life of God hold spiritual converse with him 1. That persons heard the Lord say to 'em What mean you O ye sleepers Rom. 13.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will you sleep the sleep of eternal death It 's high time for you to awake and arise can you dwell with a consuming fire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a fire that will burn and not wast torment and yet not destroy as to being Rather than you should not be awakened Evaccat haud perimit Isa 33.14 I am willing that the flames of hell should flash in your faces and consciences I had rather allure than affright yet rather affright than lose you If this work go on the Soveraign Remedy provided for lost man will next be touched on FINIS Trading Spiritualized The Second Part. Or some more POSITIONS On which Tradesmen And Others may O that they would meditate By W. BAGSHAW Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel 1695. To the truly Worthy and deservedly Honoured Mr. William Nicholas HOW many praying Persons in the High-Peak do and will rise up and call you Blessed and with you many noble Citizens who promote the Work of the Lord therein We cannot think of the Fall of your late dear Son-in-Law * Good Mr. Coupe without Grief He together with Reverend Mr. How set on foot that charitable Work which that Worshipful Knight Alderman Abney hath continued and is now committed to your Hand Blessed be God for you and you of him that so favour the Place of my Birth and Labours May you and all that derive from you and all the bountiful Persons
are up and doing will not the Lord be gracious with them But O how dangerous are Deferrings The last Inference is Convinced humbled dejected ones may take much Encouragement and should in the face of many Discouragements come to and lay hold on God's Strength and Son that they may be at Peace with him Isa 27.5 Have they not his Word and can they desire a better Warrant that on their so doing they shall be at Peace with him Should they not in holy Duties go for and fetch Grace from him Is it any Presumption in them to come to him seeing they have a particular Call and a particular Promise that they shall be welcome Tho they have much dishonoured God by Sin will not God count himself much honoured by their believing on him whom he hath sent Joh. 6.29 30. The 18th Position That there might be Commerce and Communion between God and fallen Man he who was and is God became Man Was not the Word essential the Word which is God Joh. 1.14 manifest in and made Flesh Did he not partake of the Human Nature Tho he ceas'd not to be what he was Non transmutando quod erat c. Boxhorn p. 1 2. did he not begin to be what he was not Blessed be God great Men do now undertake those who call and count themselves Wits that disbelieve the Mysteries which the Scripture mentioneth among which is that great Mystery of Godliness or Religion Dr. Tillotson Dr. Stillingfleet Tho the Godhead was not altered was not the Manhood assumed into Personal Union with the second Person or subsistent in it 1 Tim. 3.16 Long have poor I been affected with the sententious Saying of a late Worthy Mr. Norton Orth. Evang. whose Name is precious in both Englands God and Man met in one Person that God and Man might meet in one New Covenant I add and so in one Communion That he who was the Son of God from Eternity became the Son of Man in the fulness of Time is a Fundamental in Christianity is argued at length elsewhere Here I hint 1. Our choice Divines own that being Anointed respects Christ's Human Nature tho it 's said Idem Bucanus the Name or Word Christ pointeth at the Person consisting of both Natures 2. Is it not intimated in the very first Edition of the Covenant of Grace that the Serpent's Head or Power Gen. 3.15 was to be bruised by the Seed of the Woman Tho the secondary Seed or Generation of the Faithful are included as sharing in the Conquest as to the Benefit of it No doubt the primary Seed to wit Semen primarium Christ is primarily intended as the Conqueror And doth not he who delivereth out of Satan's Hands by way of Power Heb. 10.20 21. deliver out of the Hands of his Father's Justice by way of Price and so make way that God who is offended and Man who hath offended may converse together That the Incarnation of the Son of God conduced to restore lapsed ruined Man as to Reconciliation so to Communion with God is evident Is there not such a vast even infinite distance between the All-glorious Creator and the Apostatized Creature that Man could not think of such a thing as an immediate Access and Address to God Had not God made a low stoop to Man 1 Tim. 2.5 and so drawn nigh to him how can we think that he should have adventured to draw nigh to God I ask 1. Is it not upon God's matching into and with our Nature that he deals in a familiar friendly way with our Persons See Mr. Jeanes his Mixture Do not deep Divines say that the substantial Mediation must be presupposed as the Ground of the actual Mediation 2. Quod non assumsit non redemit If the Human Nature had not been assumed had we who partake of it been redeemed 3. Is not the Human Nature in Christ the great Channel through which as the Divine Nature is the first Fountain from which Grace floweth and is communicated to Christians And so I infer 1. That those Tenents are erroneous Gal. 4.4 and carry much of danger in them which cast any Reflection on the Truth and Worth of Christ's Human Nature See Dr. Usher's Immanuel Was not the Son of God made of and conceived in a Woman Was not part of her Substance sanctified that it might be the holy Thing united to the second Person in the Trinity The second Inference is The Wonders shew'd in God's Word do far and far transcend those called the Wonders of the World Isa 9.6 Is not Wonderful one of Christ's Royal Titles and that as he is a Son given and a Child born to and for us Was it not admirable that his Father should prepare for him a Body That he who is Infinite should take on him the Human Nature that is Finite Rom. 8.3 See the Engl. Annotat and that after Man was fallen and so appear tho not in sinful Flesh yet in true Flesh and in the likeness of sinful Flesh Yea that he should take on him as the Nature of Man so the State of Infancy and the natural Infirmities thereof Did not the holy Spirit wonderfully tie the Knot between the Divine Person and Human Nature See excellent Usher in the Bride-Chamber of the Virgin 's Womb The third Inference Every Man and Woman to whom the Gospel comes will be found inexcusable who slighteth the Lord Jesus Christ and lives without him and that Communion with his Father Acts 4.12 that is to be had in and through him Alas 1. Some are Neglecters of or negligent in the management of holy Duties and Ordinances Are they not as Atheists or Formalists 2. Not a few by living in Worldly Fleshly or Devilish Lusts dishonour the Human Nature which God hath highly honoured Will not Christ in his Human Nature sit as Judg Act. 17.31 and condemn those that die in this Guilt Will they not be thought worthy of the sorest Punishment The fourth Inference It 's the great Duty of Christians in the management of all Duties that they may maintain Communion with God in them to eye and employ the Lord Jesus Christ Is he not a Non-such Is any other Person God-man Immanuel Is it not through him Joh. 14.6 and him alone that God comes to Man and Man goes to God The fifth Inference Drooping Christians should lift up their Heads and Hearts Heb. 2.15 4.15 Manet Compassio c. Is not God become Man and will he not be tender of Man From him that is Man is received Satisfaction that Man may receive Salvation The last Inference is They who are in Heaven do and well may admire the Lord Christ Is not he in their Nature gone to Heaven Heb. 10.20 Joh. 14.2 and that in the Nature of a Fore-runner to make a way for them thither and of an Harbinger to
1. May not the words on the Earth Vid. Arnoldum Vindic. Evang be construed thus of an Earthly Quality and Condition 2. Did being on Earth incapacitate for the Legal Priesthood 3. Is not this the Intendment of the Holy Ghost that if Christ had been only such a Temporal Priest as the Jewish ones were and had not shed such precious Blood as that he could and did take the Virtue and Merit of it into Heaven and there present it he had not been so compleat a Priest as he is I infer 1. That their Case is deplorable who set light by Christ's Intercession and consequently neglect spiritual Traffick And 1. Can they plead Not guilty Rev. 8.3 4. who either do not use solemn Prayer in their Houses and Closets or do not use it in a spiritual way Is it not with and not without the Prayers of Saints that Incense ascendeth 2. Is it not Guilt on them who are the Men and Women of the World of a Worldly Complexion and Disposition Doth Christ pray for such as for those that are given him Joh. 17.9 Can they with Comfort look to Heaven or for special Communications of Grace from Heaven by whom Christ's Intercession is so undervalued Inf. 2. They who groaning under the Burden and Body of Sin and breathing after sanctifying Grace trade into Heaven are furnished with Matter and Ground of Encouragement 1. Doth not their Advocate throughly understand their Case Joh. 2. ult Condition and Concerns 2. Heb. 2.17 4.15 Is he not most compassionate and tender of them 3. Is he not with the Father always ready to present and plead their Cause in Heaven 1 Joh. 2.2 4. Hath he not that Interest in his Father which will render his pleading as effectual as continual 5. Joh. 11.42 Luk. 22.32 Is he not an Advocate for every one that is penitent as if he had but one to plead for O that they who are thus privileged did better understand and improve this Privilege The 24th Position Through the Exercise of Christ's Prophetick Office Commerce and Communion between God and Man is much furthered 1. Doth not Christ as a Prophet show that as such Communion may be held so the true and ready way of holding it 2. Ephes 2.8 Illuminati Beneficio Doctrinâ Christi Doth not Christ as a Prophet teach People and lead them into and in that way Are we not in and by the holy Scriptures and choice Catechisms grounded thereon acquainted with his Teaching That it is 1. Outward Joh. 5.39 to the Ear and Eye revealed to Persons 2. Eph. 1.17 Inward to the Heart by the holy Spirit who revealeth Christ in Persons Joh. 16.13 leading them into Truth shewing its Glory and Tendency On these Particulars particular Hints may follow Here I infer 1. That all those who are for trading with and into Heaven are nearly concern'd well to study and much to improve the Prophetick Office of Jesus Christ That they who need Help in this noble Study may not want it See Wilson 's Dictionary be it considered the word Prophet is not always taken in one sense 1. Tit. 1.12 Are not Heathen Poets spoken of as Prophets 2. 1 Sam. 10.5 compar'd with 19.20 Hoornbeck de Indep p. 285. Is not Prophesying by Christians construed concerning Singing 3. Hath not a * Dr. Stillingfleet 's Orig. Sac. learned Writer written that the proper Notion of a Prophet is not a Fore-seeer or Fore-teller of such future things as we call Contingencies but having in an immediate way Divine Revelation 4. Are there not directing as well as predicting Prophets 5. Mat. 10.41 Do not some hold that the Prophets set before Evangelists and next after Apostles Eph. 4.11 had a peculiar Gift for interpreting Scripture-Prophecies Clear it is that both as to fore-telling and as to instructing Christ is a None-such 1. Deut. 18.15 Isa 7.14 If we regard his Person Was any other Prophet the begotten Son of God 2. As to Revelations made and given by him See Roobotham Heb. 1.1 2. Joh. 1.8 See Dr. Arrowsmith on it Dr. Owen on Heb. p. 17 18. did he not excel 1. Did not he being in his Father 's Bosom know his Secrets 2. Had not he a full Comprehension of all the Revelations that he had 3. Did not the Spirit of Prophecy so rest on him that he was always ready to receive Revelations Again As to his teaching others what Prophet came near him 1. Are they able to teach further than he enableth them 2. When they are teaching Isa 48.17 is it not he that teacheth to profit 3. Whereas they own their Weakness he teacheth with all Power Rev. 3.7 4. Are the best Teachers any more than his Ushers 5. When they teach a little in much time he teacheth much in a moment For 6. Their Teachings take place according to the Hearers Light Joh. 1.9 he gives and is Light And now I hint 1st That this Office and Employ of Christ should be improved Acts 3.22 Him should all that call themselves his hear in the best manner 1. Humbly Heb. 5.11 12. 4.2 bewailing their being hard Learners and having learn'd so little 2. Hungringly that they may hear his Voice and not only that of his Ministers 3. Believingly acting Faith on his Merit that his Spirit may teach them 4. Honestly resolving through Grace to be as Hearers so withal Lovers Learners and Livers in and after hearing 5. Reverentially bearing in Mind that he who is their Prophet Psal 45.11 is the Prince of Princes Infer 2. We are to keep a due and so great distance from the Tents of Socinus and his Followers 1. See Polhill 's Answ p. 573. Do not they deny that inward Illumination or Teaching of Christ which hath the Preheminence 2. Vid. Arnoldum p. 344. Do not they affirm that he was taken up from Earth to Heaven that he might there learn the Mind of God 3. 1 Cor. 2.12 Do they not confine his Teaching to New-Testament-Times Whereas we with and from holy Writ are taught See Dr. Owen 's Vindic. p. 376 c. 1 Pet. 1.11 that tho his Human Nature received Light he who Assumed it is as is his Father Light it self and the Prophets as well as the Apostles had their Light from him Inf. 3. They are to be pitied O that they did pity themselves who have it not in design to honour and learn of Christ as the Prophet Doth he not stand at their Doors Acts 3.21 Rev. 3.20 and that knocking whilst some shut the outward Door of the Ear on him not affording him an hearing and others will afford him no more Doth not their wilful Impenitency in inward if not open Sins keep the inner Door of the Heart shut on him How will they answer this at the great Day The last Inference Humble Christians who complain of their
less Skill in the Heavenly Trade should take Comfort Hath not the best of Teachers undertaken to be their Teacher Isa 48.17 Should they not wait that he would be so The 25th Position The holy Scriptures given out by the Church's great Prophet do much promote the Converse and Communion between God and Man 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 3.1 1 Kings 6 5-31 Are not the Scriptures the written Oracles of God as distinguished from the Oracle which is stiled vocal Were the Heathen Oracles fit to be named the same day with these Divine Ones 1. Are not these Oracles declarative as of Man's Duty so of God's Love May not they who consult with them and with God in them clearly find the former set before them in the Law Vid. Armillam Catech. Et Wilkinsonii Concionem ad Clerum and the latter displayed in and by the Gospel 2. Are not these Oracles predictive of Man's Destiny as well as directive as to his Duty May not Persons who lay the Scriptures and their Hearts or State together Joh. 5.39 have a Prospect how it shall be and go with them for ever Again Are not the Scriptures the choice Privilege of Persons Among the Advantages of the Jews of old Rom. 3.1 is not this counted the chief 1. Psal 119.105 Joh. 6.63 65. Are not the Scriptures a Light both to their Eyes and Feet 2. Are they not of an enlivening as Well as enlightening Nature 3. Rom. 15.4 Scripturae tuae deliciae meae said an Antient Are they not as Cordials for chearing as well as Food for nourishing I infer 1. That it is incumbent on all Christians to be well settled and satisfied that the Scriptures are from the Inspiration of God and so of the highest Authority Can they who call this in question tho they call themselves Deists through them converse with God Many have excellently See ingenious Mr. Lee. and one lately enlarged on this Subject Poor I hint The Scriptures carry Divine Characters and Impressions savouring sweetly and strongly of the holy Spirit Is not his Testimony to the Gospel which as to us is the Marrow of the Scripture See Renowned Baxter passim 1. Antecedent by Prophecy 2. Concomitant by Miracles 3. Subsequent by Success May I not add There is a Witness stiled Constitutive Se alia manifestat Doth not this Light shew and discover it self 1. In its sublime Doctrines only revealed in and by them 2. Vid. Tact. Sac. In its Majestick Stile Doth no◠Power accompany Plainness 3. 1 Tim. 3.16 Heb. 4.12 In its pure Scope and Drift which is to abase Man and to exalt God i◠Christ 4. In its exact Harmony there being a real Agreement where there is a seeming Difference Would bad Men or Angels have discovered things so holy Could good Men or Angels have discovered things so high as abound therein Inf. 2. It is greatly to be wished that they who by the Testimony of the Church were induced to think well of the Scriptures and by Arguments fetch'd out of it are convinc'd that it is from Heaven did wait for that Witness of the Spirit which is stiled effective Effectivum Dr. Arrowsmith O that the Eyes of our Understandings were cleared to see together with the Truth the Glory of Scriptures O that our Wills were perswaded to be ruled and governed by them What is a meer notional or traditional to a pure spiritual and effectual Knowledg of them Inf. 3. They who cry so loud To Rome To Rome give us cause to cry against their Way and Tenets Do they not reflect foully on Christ's Prophetick Office and that as exercised in giving out the holy Scriptures Do they not charge them 1. See even the Representer himself With Obscurity and Darkness as if God had wrote and sent a Letter from Heaven to Earth which the Saints on Earth cannot read and understand without the Pope's Spectacles 2. With Imperfection and Defectiveness as if they were not a Rule but needed the Eek of their Traditions in order to acquainting Persons with Necessaries to Salvation Inf. 4. They are in a very ill case who cannot trade into Heaven through the small Esteem they have and the little or no use they make of the holy Scriptures Some do scarce read others do not search them How few comparatively are conducted by them to leave every Sin to follow the Lord in all Services and in close of all to exalt Christ Will they not be judged at the last day by the Words which they slight in this Joh. 12.48 Last Inference Comfort falls to their share who in order to the driving of the Heavenly Trade Psal 119.24 make the Scriptures or Counsels of God their Counsellors * Dr. Hammond 1 Joh. 2.20 27. or the Men of their Counsels 1. Have they not an Unction from the Holy One which shall abide 2. Shall they not have Comfort when it will be most comfortable Rom. 15.4 The 26th Position The Commerce and Communion between God and Man is much furthered through the inward Teachings of God's Spirit whom Christ as a Prophet employeth 1. Doth not God evidence his Kindness to Men in that through Christ he communicateth to them the Spirit of Revelation Doth not the Apostle beg this as a choice Boon for the Ephesians Eph. 1.17 2. Are not Men by the Spirit as a Revealer and Teacher 5.8 9. fitted to exercise Graces on the Lord and to derive Grace from him That Christ teacheth Christians by his Spirit is evident 1 Joh. 2.20 27. Vid. Polum ad locum Is not this the Interpretation of that Phrase their having an Unction or Anointing from the holy One Is not the holy Spirit compared to Oil Doth not the word Christians point at Anointed Ones I grant the Oil of Christ's Grace and Spirit hath a softning and cheering Virtue Exod. 25.6 But as Oil was used for Light in the Sanctuary of old the Unction which the Apostle treats of is by him expounded concerning teaching 1. When Ministers are endeavouring to open the Scriptures is it not the Spirit that opens their Understandings Isa 61.1 2. to conceive aright the Mind and Meaning of God in them Psal 45.7 comp with Joh. 3.33 1.41 2. When Ministers have studied to preach profitably is it not the Spirit that teacheth Persons to profit The first Use is for Caution Act. 11.26 Take we heed lest we take in or touch with those who under pretence of crying up the teaching of the Spirit cry down learning by the Word or through the qualified and called Ministers thereof 1. Joh. 16.13 Dan. 10.21 Is not the Spirit of Christ the Spirit of Truth and doth he not lead into and according to the Scripture of Truth 2. Are not those two Orders issued out together 1 Thess 5.19 20. Quench not the Spirit Despise not Prophesyings Doth
being taught of God exclude his teaching by Men And if the Sanctified have learn'd that first Principle about knowing the Lord doth it follow that they need not that any Man should under him further teach them The second Use is for Information The first Branch is There is a great Difference between spiritual Persons and others Are not the former the excellent of the Earth Psal 16.3 105.15 and among his anointed ones and so prepared for driving a spiritual Trade with him Are others so The second Branch is It is the Duty of us all to enquire whether Drops of the holy Oil or Measures of the teaching Spirit are fallen on us Surely Prov. 20.13 1. The holy Spirit rendreth his Hearers and Scholars attentive Have not they hearing Ears 2. Mat. 13.13 Job 42.5 6. He maketh such as learn of him meek and humble Are they puffed up as others The third Use is for Reproof 1. This falls fully on those who make the Teachings of the Spirit matter of Scorn and Drollery 2 Pet. 3.3 and brand those as Fanaticks and Franticks that wait for them 2. They also fall under the Lash Jam. 1.21 Rev. 2.7 who being Hearers are only so They hear the Voice of the Servants of God but to hear what the Spirit saith by them they are not sollicitous May it be well weighed 1. The holy Spirit is the Comforter Joh. 16.7 and can they who slight him expect Comfort from him or receive it from a lower Hand 2. The Spirit is the Spirit of Glory 1 Pet. 4.14 Isa 63.8 9. Shall they have Glory from him hereafter who do willingly want him here Will he not be to Despisers and Vexers a sore Enemy The fourth Use is of Exhortation The first Branch bendeth towards those that are willingly Strangers to the holy Spirit and his Teachings Go they directly and in a Scripture-Path to Christ for Supply 1. Feeling that naturally they want spiritual Sight 2. Grieving Eph. 5.8 Job 36.12 that they have so long rested in this State 3. Fearing Mat. 8.12 lest they should be taken out of the World with their Eyes shut and so pass from inner into outer and utter Darkness 4. Waiting that in the Use of Means on Christ's Account the Spirit may be conferr'd on them The second Branch beareth what is cordial 1 Jo. 2.27 and calleth on God's Anointed Ones to take it 1. Shall not they be taught the most needful and useful Points 2. Will they not find the Spirit 's Teachings attended with Clearness Isa 32.3 and that they are of a growing nature The 27th Position The Kingly Office of Jesus Christ doth much contribute to the Converse and Communion that is between God and Man 1. Cant. 1.4 Do not Christians in and by their Services own this King 2. Psal 45.11 14. Doth not this King on his Servants confer choice Favours 3. See spiritual Troughton thereon Psal 110.3 4 5. Are not they maintain'd and defended in the Enjoyment of Privileges and Exercise of Services by his Royal Power Are not their Enemies especially spiritual by that Power subdued I infer 1. That the Opposition that is made to Christ's Kingly Office is to be made matter of mourning Are not the Opposers thereof opposite to themselves Psal 2.1 2 3. and to the spiritual Trade which they should with others drive O that some Words of truly worthy Persons had the Weight due to them One said Dr. Holmes Very few if any Ministers dare preach up the Extent of this Office so little can many brook this Doctrine Another in a small Piece of no small Worth Mr. Beadle having made Enquiry in Times better than in some late Reigns what was the great and crying Sin of England Nolumus hunc regnare did at last pitch on the great Enmity to Christ's Kingdom and Government of his Church and the prevailing Cry We will not have this Man to reign over us Luke 19.27 as that Crime Be it as it is known 1. That they who refuse Christ's inward Government in and over their own Souls are not likely to be rightly zealous for that Church-Government that can lay Claim to Divine Institution 2. They who will not submit to Christ's Golden Scepter must expect to feel the Weight of his Iron Rod. Will he not break those that will not bend Inf. 2. The Children of Zion Psal 149.2 who are for spiritual traffiquing should much rejoice in Christ as their King Is there not a Cause the greatest Cause Is any other King comparable to him 1. Doth he not choose his Subjects Joh. 15.19 1 Jo. 4.19 and cause them to choose him 2. Doth he not give them as Laws Psal 110.3 so Hearts to obey them Can any other King write Laws in the inner Parts 3. Doth he not as forbid the Acts See Roobotham on 1 Pet. 2.7 so by degrees take away the Jews Pretences 4. Psal 89.29 30 31. Doth he not as correct their Disloyalties so bless that Correction 5. Doth he not as call them to so qualify them for the holy War 6. Rom. 14.17 Will he not as preserve spiritual Power so create spiritual Peace in them 7. Will he not so reward as at last to crown them and that with Glory I will ask some farther Questions about Christ's Kingdom 1. Luke 17.21 Is not his Kingdom spiritual and within Men in their Consciences 2. Psal 2.8 Is it not extensive and universal and his Dominion over all Rev. 19.16 1. All Persons even Kings 2. All Nations 3. All Ages 4. All Creatures Is not he who is Head of the Church Eph. 1.20 21. Isa 9.7 Head over all things for the Church's good 3. Is not his Kingdom everlasting can there be any end of it I add What can be eminent in a King that is not eminently in Christ 1. What Extraction or Pedigree 2. What Anointing 3. What Qualities in the best of Earthly Kings are to be compared to those of his For Wisdom for Courage for Righteousness for Mercy for Conduct and Management who cometh near him Inf. 3. All that do rejoice in Christ as their King should have their Joy duly qualified May it be 1. Reverential and mixt with holy Fear Psal 2.11 Are not the highest Subjects infinitely below this Soveraign 2. Spiritual reaching Gal. 5.22 yea rising in and from their Spirits and savouring sweetly of God's Spirit 3. Strengthening Neh. 8.10 and enabling their Souls to run after him 4. Raising Mat. 25.4 so that their Souls mount up towards that State that is stiled Joy The last Inference Mat. 6.9 10. Christ's Subjects that are spiritual Traders should pray as they are taught that his Kingdom may come 1. That the Word or Scepter thereof may be lifted up 2. That the Body of Israel Psal 110.2 14. ult with the Fulness of the Gentiles may bow to
yet are we much to lie at his Cross and consider him as enduring it and satisfying the Demands of his injured Father Heb. 12.2 3. Rom. 4. ult Tho he as exalted applieth the Benefit of Redemption he as abased obtain'd and purchased it He is now eminently lovely but did then eminently shew his Love And so I next infer That all those who are for trading into Heaven should get and keep distinct and clear Apprehensions of Christ as received into Heaven Vid. Amesium Alstedium Are not the Degrees of his Exaltation well worthy of our best Thoughts Do they not exactly answer the Degrees that were in his Humiliation 1. Did not he who died 2 Cor. 5.15 after Death rise again 2. Ephes 4.9 10. Did not he who descended into the Earth ascend into Heaven 3. Doth not he who continued for some time in Hades or the separate State Heb. 1.2 3. now sit and abide where he ever will be at the Father's Right-hand Again Is not Mystery written on and to be read in the Ends of Christ's Exaltation And that first 1. In reference to himself Phil. 2.9 10. Psal 110. ult Is not he rewarded after all his fore Services and Sufferings Is not his Head lifted up that drunk of the Brook in the way Hath not his Cross proved the way to his Crown And tho he was only capable of being exalted in his Manhood by way of Addition yet may he that is God be said to be exalted by way of Manifestation 2. With reference to us Is he not full of Compassion when freed from Passion Doth he not sympathize tho he cannot suffer Heb. 4.15 16. Is he not entred Heaven with an Heart full of Love to Sinners on Earth Doth not his transacting there make much for our Advantage that are here The next Inference is They do not drive the spiritual Trade who neither have nor desire to have Communion with Christ as exalted Joh. 14.6 See the solid Scotch Brown Is not he as the Truth and the Life so the Way the way to the Father in Duty and the way from the Father in the Expression of Mercy And here let me propound some Questions of Concernment 1. Have they Communion with Christ as in Heaven Phil. 3.20 who have not in Desire and Design their Conversation in Heaven 1. As to their Minds musing on him and the things above 2. Intellectualiter c. So profound Whichcoat In their Affections loving hoping for and longing after him and them 3. In their whole Couse studying the exactest Imitation of and Conformity to him attainable 2. Have they Communion with an exalted Saviour who too frequently and too too wilfully abase and debase themselves in the way of sinful Sins Whether they be such as are for distinction sake stiled fleshly 1 Pet. 2.12 and sensual tending to gratify the sensitive Appetite such as Drunkenness Uncleanness and Idleness Or they be such as carry the Title of Worldly such as Covetousness Oppression and the like Or such as are said to carry the Face and Figure of the Devil Dr. Arrowsmith stiled Suavissimus such as Pride Wrath and Malice May such Persons consider 1. This exalted Saviour keeps his Heart open to the Penitent 2. His Hand will fall and lie heavy on all that are found in wilful Impenitency FINIS A Catalogue of Books printed for Tho. Parkhurst THE Church's Triumph over Death A Funeral Sermon upon the Decease of blessed Mr. Rob. Fleming late Pastor of a Church in Rotterdam By Daniel Burgess Mr. Baxter's Grand Question resolv'd His Call to Seriousness in Religion His good Counsel to the converted and unconverted Sick bound together Free Justification by Christ Written first in Latin by John Fox Author of the Book of Martyrs and now translated into English for the Benefit of those that love their own Souls and would not be mistaken in so great a Point The poor Man's Help or young Man's Guide By Mr. Burkitt Minister of Dedham in Essex An earnest Call to Family Religion being the Substance of eighteen Sermons By Sam. Slater The Confirming Work of Religion By Robert Fleming of Rotterdam Advice to an only Child or excellent Counsel for all young Persons Trading Spiritualized The Third Part. Or some more POSITIONS On which Tradesmen And Others may O that they would meditate By W. BAGSHAW Minister of the Gospel LONON Printed for Nevill Symonds Bookseller in Sheffield in York-shire and Sold by George Conyers at the Ring in Little Britain in London 1696. To my much Honoured Friend Mr. Henry Gill. Worthy Sir THough my Memory laboureth under much Weakness Can I ever forget the Encouragement which my Ministry met with in Times sufficiently discouraging at the Beloved Oaks where some of the Truths presented in the Printed Sheets came to the Ears yea and as I believe to the Hearts of you and your then precious Bosome-relation who has for some Years layen in the Bosome of Abraham I am assured you will not despise the Day of Small Things you will look with favour on his hand whose age and infirmities have of late hindred your seeing his face May you whose self-denyal is exemplary as is also your bounty be blessed and a great blessing May your dear Children Children of the Covenant and all your Relations prosper May the Church that is and that meets in your house have in it a special presence of God! So prayeth Endeared Sir much obliged W. Bagshaw To the Reverend Mr. Edward Prime Mr. Robert Fern and the other Worthy Ministers near Chesterfield and Sheffield that joyn Hearts and Hands for furthering the Lords Work Very Dear Brethren MINE Hand was at the Proposal for your Associating and mine Heart is with you in all your Meetings for your strengthening of one anothers Hands in God With what delight I have comen amongst you when younger and fitter for Travel he knoweth who is All-knowing I have no such vanity as to expect or desire to be counted an Author yet am not unwilling that when dead I may yet speak in such Papers as this is prefixed to Pardon I pray you my mentioning you in this Address If to your solid Judgment my proceeding further appear unnecessary and unprofitable I beseech you hint so much The Good Lord who hath taken down many Lights that were in his Golden Candlesticks continue you long as Burning and Shining Ones and bless all Related to you This is the Heart's desire and Prayer of Choice Sirs One unworthy to call you Brethren W. Bagshaw Trading Spiritualized The Third Part. The 30th Position THE Holy Spirit of God hath a special Hand in and doth promote the spiritual Trade Commerce and Communion that is betwixt God and Man 1. May not this well be as it is written on See Dr. Clifford his Methodus that to the carrying on of Mans Salvation and so of his Communion with God as it is here begun the