and proceeds from weakness of Faith Psa 23 24. 4. Eâ—ery Believer ought to say as David I will fear no Evil. But they may rejoyce in Love and expect good and count that all things shall work for good to them In Christ they are carried above all fears of Evil for their Hearts should not fall down in them so that fear of Evil is not the thing here required this is forbidden elsewhere as by Moses fear not so not enjoined here 2. Fear of Doubting and Distrust Trembling opposed to Confidence and full Assurance is not here meant Men in a natural condition out of Christ may well be under the tortures and rackings of this fear they may be in bondage through fear of Death They may be tossed with fear and doubting and say as Rom. 10.5 Who shall ascend into Heaven Who shall descend into the Deep Or who can tell whether we shall go to Heaven or Hell But for Believers that are in the way of Salvation they ought not thus to fear 't is for such that have no other Spirit but the Spirit of Bondage which Believers do not receive If they are in bondage 't is not the Spirit of God but the unbelief of their own Spirit is the cause of it We have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we may cry Abba Father They are Sons having the Spirit of Sons Now as Christ says the Servant abideth not in the House for ever Joh. 8.35 He may be cast forth and so is subject to fears So Men in a natural estate are in danger to be cast forth into outer darkness But the Son abideth ever he is beyond fear so Believers are Sons they are always in Lâ—ve The Apostle Exhorts Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith c. Heb. 10.22 Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace Now if he should exhort to fear and trembling because of doubtings of Salvation he should conclude it to himself and make void his other Exhortations Again Believers are exhorted to be in a constant frame of rejoycing Rejoyce in the Lord always Phil. 4.4 We rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God Rom. 5.1 But fear of doubting is directly contrary to this joy Of it the Apostle says 1 Joh. 4.18 Fear hath torment But against this that place may be objected Heb. 4.1 Let us fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest any of us should fall short Where he seems to exhort to fear of doubting of coming short of Heaven For answer Consider Because some there are that put their Hand to the Plow and look back again some that have Lamps and not Oyl a form and not the power of Godliness a Faith that is not saving but vain so they may seem to stand and walk in the way of Life but because they have no more not true Faith in Christ noâ— real Interest in nor Union with him they come short or come too late as 't is said of the foolish Virgins They came when the Door was shut So the Apostle Exhorts all to fear that is to look well to themselves and to be searching for Salvation and not content themselves with a form with shews and shadows so as to think that their Profession and the performance of some Duties is enough to bring Men to Heaven But they should labour to see themselves stated in Grace interested in Christ that so they may know that they shall not come short The ground of this Exhortation is the Examples of the Jews they had the Promises the Gospel was Preached unto them that is Promises of rest in Canaan But many came short Why They did not believe Now there are Promises of a rest a better rest in Heaven Heb. 10.34 We have in Heaven c. Now fear c. that is look well to your selves take heed you be not deceived lest your Hopes prove vain Believe the Gospel the promises of Life made in Christ and let the word of hearing be mixt with Faith Take heed of an evil heart of Unbelief if the Gospel be not mixt with Faith the Promises of the Gospel will not profit you Christ is of none effect to you if you believe not in him so that this is an Exhortation to those that have not yet received Christ in their Hearts and entertained the Gospel Promises and fear is to be taken for heed-fulness wariness and utmost Diligence If once they believe and are interested in Christ they may be sure then that they shall not come short 2. What is to be understood by Fear and trembling For this consider the Apostle is Exhorting you to work out your Salvation that is make it sure to your selves see God in Christ reconciling and saving and desire that it may be carried on to perfection Now amidst the beholding of God in Christ and desires of perfect enjoyment there being so much of God declared in this business in giving Christ and so much of his Glory shining forth you must fear i. e. admire and stand amaz'd at the love of God giving Christ himself to a wretched polluted Creature full of Enmity Tremble at the infinite greatness of Divine Love be humble and trust not to your own strength but to that infinite Grace and Love in which God comprehends poor Creatures for carrying on Salvation to perfection Sâ—ction 11. That this may be the better understood consider these particulars 1. The Salvation of Sinners is the work of the whole Trinity Of Father Son and Holy Ghost God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself God in Christ through his Spirit saves the Elect and will make them perfectly happy The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by ordination he predestinates them to be conform'd to the Image of his Son he chuses to Salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thess 2.13 'T is Christ's work by Mediation he makes their case his own they being under Sin under a Curse he represents their Persons in undergoing Punishment suffering Death Rising and Entring into Glory Believers in him died rose c. Rom. 6.3 to 11. It 's the Spirit 's work by renovation God will have a change of Carnal to Spiritual of Sinful to Holy of Enemies to be made Obedient to the Lord Jesus In a word to be conformed to the Image of Christ Christ's work is to make Peace and to reconcile to God The Spirit 's is to conform to Christ in Grace and Glory to fashion Soul and Body like to him Not that the three Persons are divided in their Operations that one doth what another doth not but this is to be understood by way of Appropriation The Scripture doth Appropriate to each Person one work The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by purpose Christ's work by price Redeeming out of Misery the Spirit 's work by performance shedding abroad God's Infinite Love in the Heart shewing God in Christ God giving Christ Christ giving himself to
time when the day of Judgment should be Dominus dixit se nescire quia non erat paratus aliis revelare Salmeron He accounts himself not to know because he resolves not to make it known whether that be the sense or not this is a Truth God will not account you to know when you have opportunities to distil Knowledge to others as to your Wives Children Servants and you neglect 2. You are in danger of loosing that Knowledge which you have of letting slip the Truths you have received Exercse of Gifts in instructing others is a means to preserve and enlarge those Gifts to hide your Talent will be to consume it or else it may provoke God in Judgment to deprive you of it as he that hid his Talent had it taken away To him that hath himself and in common with others more shall be given him but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Here 's a seeming Contradiction hath yet hath not if you observe the occasion of this Speech which was the taking away of the hid Talent Math. 25 29. you will find thus much imported 1. He that hath a Talent given him and hides it and doth not improve it to the advantage of others he is accounted not to have a Talent he that knows and doth not inform and labour to benifit others by his Knowledge is accounted not to know 2. He that hath and hides shall loose what he hath it shall come to nothing then what follows v. 30. Cast ye the unprofitable Servant into utter darkness c. a dreadful Sentence Cast ye the unprofitable Hearer the unprofitable Father Master Husband Wife c. that have Knowledge and hid their Knowledge c. see therefore that you improve in Knowledge come hither to gain Knowledge and go home to communicate Knowledge let your Families know what you learn The Woman of Samaria having found Christ in the Mountain goes presently and Preaches him in the City Paul had no sooner that Voice in his Ear I am Jesus whom thou Persecutest but straight way he Preached Christ in the Synagogues that he is the Son of God Act. 9.20 He accounts himself to know what he knows among others for their benefit Paul according to the Interpretation given of the words accounts it a most excellent and precious thing to Preach Christ Crucified Hence Doct. 5. A faithful Minister of Jesus Christ accounts the Preaching of Christ a most sweet and precious Service Non eximium duxi I judged no Work so desirable and excellent as this so sweet to Paul that he esteems it more dear than his Life Act. 20.24 I count not my Life dear to me so I may finish my Course with joy and the ministry received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God he found Joy enough to carry him through all Sufferings in his course of Service and Duty he had reward enough in fulfilling his Ministry received of the Lord Jesus Glory enough in testifying the Gospel of the Grace of God Christ's Meat and Drink is to do his Father's Will Isa 49. â— Christ complains because of the obstinacy of the Jews I have laboured in vain because Israel is not gathered this seems an uncomfortable Service but he replys no there is sweetness and contentment sufficient even in labouring though in vain among the Jews surely my Judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God my Judgmenâ— c. or as Junius Officium meum penes est Jehovam My Office is with God that is he gave me an Office and I have performed and returned it to him in fulfilling of it that is satisfaction and recompence enough God witnesseth with my Conâ—cience that my Duty is discharged my work is with my God In the Margin my reward His work was a sufficient Reward O what an excellent Pattern is this for Christ's Ministers to account Work for Christ a reward given from Christ Gospel work your great Glory Likewise whatever Service Christ calls you to who are no Ministers know that there is sweetness enough even in the Service that 't is your greatest Honour to lay out your Selves for the Honour of Christ know you your duty to Christ to be your Dignity your work of Faith and labour of Love to be a reward Paul calls it a Grace to suffer for Christ Phil. 1.29 much more to do for Christ be so of Ingeâ—uous Spirits in the Service of Christ Profess the Gospel and live according to the Gospel live according to the Law of Faith to the Law of Love the perfect Law of Liberty Account Obedience to this Law to be most Honorable The Law of thy Mouth says David is dearer to me than Thousands of Gold and Silver not only the precious Promises of thy Mouth not only sweet Expressions of thy Love and Goodness but the Law which requires Obedience Self-denial c. this is more precious than Gold Labour you for such holy tempers of Spirit such Son-lke Dispositions to be in love with Duty to account the practicing of Holiness most precious the hearing of the Gospel Preached a Heaven to enjoy Christ in his Ordinances a high degree of Glory to live a gracious Life to be with Paul caught up into the third Heavens well may it be so accounted 't is so indeed Grace being Glory begun and Glory above is but Grace perfected But Jesus Christ Hence learn Doct. 6. Of all Divine Truths none are of so great necessity to be made known as Jesus Christ giving himself to be Crucified for the Salvation of Sinners This is the main thing for Ministers to apply themselves to make known and for People to know The Law was given on Sinai to drive Men to Christ to search more earnestly after him to be delivered from the Curse of it To him give all the Prophets witness Act. 10.43 he is the Principal Subject of the Gospel he is the Kernel of Scripture the Diamond in that Gold Ring the Sun in that Heaven the Ark in that Holy of Holys Hereto then all Studies and Endeavours must be applied to know Christ c. Thus briefly for these Observations The Main Points to be insisted on are these two Doct. 1. The Knowledge of Jesus Christ is the most Excellent and Precious Knowledge grounded on that Non Eximium duxi I counted nothing so excellent or worthy to be known Doct. 2. The labour of Ministers and the main Care and Endeavour of the People must be this the one to make known and the other to know as the History of Christ Crucified so especially the Mystery of the Cross of Christ 1. The Knowledge of Jesus Christ is the most excellent and precious Knowledge This is the ground-work and foundation in matter of Life and Salvation the Pillar and Grâ—und of Truth Christ is called the Foundation 1 Cor. 3 11. because all a Man's Peace Happiness and Joy lies on Christ as a Structure
not enough for a Christian to know the personal Excellencies of Christ For although if Christ were revealed in his Personal Excellencies of Grace and Glory which follow upon the Hypostatical Union this were enough to allure the Heart unto Christ to close in with him for so he were a fit Object for Men and Angels to imbrace Angels that are wholy clean and without Sin would think it an Addition to their Happiness to have him for their Head and Husband which Happiness 't is probable they have but Men are guilty of Sin and they cannot draw near to Christ to take delight in his Personal Excellencies except Sin be first done away Christ as considered in his Personal Excâ—llencies is not an Object â—â—â—ted so Sinners wherefore 't is not enough so to know Christ When Christ was transfigured in the Mount Math. 17. His Face shining as the Sun and his Rayment as white as the Light Peter thought tâ—â—n that they had seen enough of Christ and seems to be contented with this Representation of Christ's Glory ver 4. 't is good to be here let 's make Tabernacles settle our abode but Christ knew 't was not good to abide there something more was to be known of him so he leads them down from the Mountain they had not seen enough of Christ they must know him in another manner therefore ver 9. Christ says tell the Vision to no Man until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead Intimating that it was not enough to know Christ in his Glory but he must be known in his State of Humiliation as dying c. buried and risen again when the Apostâ—â—s thought they had seen enough of Christ in beholding his Personal Excellencies Christ then leads them to the Consideration of his Death Christ must be known in his Personal Excellencies but that is not enough we must look on him as dying as cloathed with his Garments of blood so he is a sit Object for Sinners The Prophets of old did not only represent him in his Glory but as dying Isa â—3 1 2. Who is this that cometh with dyed Garments from â—ozrah glorious in his Apparel and 〈◊〉 in his Apâ—arel This Christ himself in his Preaching of himself declares Math. 16.34 From that time Jesus began to tell his Disciples that he must suffer this the Disciples were a long time Ignorant off and so long were very rude and ignorant indeed and knew but little of the Mystery of the Kingdom of God although Peter could say in the name of the rest of the Disciples thou art Christ the Son of the Living God yet here he was Ignorant of this Mystery and when Christ speaks of his Death Peter rebukes him and says far be it from thee for which Christ called him Satan and said thou savourest not the things of God you know nothing of Christ aright unless you be acquainted with the Mysteries of his Death 2. 'T is not enough to know the History of Christ Crucified 't is not sufficient to meditate and contemplate on the great injuries done by the Jews the grievousness of his sufferings and the shame he was put to this may move the heart to a relenting and compassion to him as it will also to read the Stories of other Martyrs it may move the heart to indignation against the Jews for Crucifying of him this may beget admiration of his noble and heroical love which men may think to be Grace this is not enough This seems to be the fault which Christ reproved in those Women Wâ—ep not for me but for your selves and children Luke 23.28 You weep for me only out of natural pitty and compassion so indeed you may weep for your selves and your own miseries so you may weep for your Children and their calamities but you should not look on my sufferings as such as your selves undergo or your Children endure you must have more spiritual more raised thoughts of my sufferings not weep at them but rejoyce in them or weep for your Sins but rejoyce in my sufferings by which your Sins are done away 3. You must know the mystery of the Cross of Christ that is not only that he dyed but the ends for which he dyed and the benefits thereof that he dyed for our offences Rom. 4.25 That as Caiaphas Prophecyed Christ dying the whole Nation did not perish but some were saved by his death Now that thus you must look on Christ is evident because thus Christ is the object of justifying Faith Christ in his Personal Excellency is not the object of justifying Faith but the formalis ratio the proper respect and consideration that maketh Christ the object of Faith as justifying is his dying for Sin his sheding his blood that by it there might be the remission therefore Christ is a pleasing and grateful object to the Soul Christ as humbling himself and becoming obedient to death is an object suited to a humble Soul As the Brazen Serpent was lifted up c. so Christ on the Cross John 3.14 so the Scripture sets him forth Rom 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiatian through Faith in his Blood Look on Christ as by his Blood there is a propitiation for Sin so that then our care must be to know Christ as Crucified A humbled Soul must have recourse to Christ who is glorified and sits on the Right hand of God and yet to him as once upon the Cross 2. Now that I may in some measure unfold the Mystery unto you consider a threefold Mystery of Wisdom Love and Vertue 1. Of Wisdom in these particulars 1. Christ was delivered by the determinate Counsel and foreknowledge of God for a most Glorious and Blessed end that sinners in him might have the forgiveness of sins Act. 2.23 And he Blest with all Spiritual Blessings Eph. 1.3 Of Grace here in acceptation v. 5. and in receiving the Holy Spirit in the saving Graces and Workings of it Act. 2.38 Repent and be Baptized in the name of Christ and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost And of Glory hereafter Heb. 2.10 He is the Captain of Salvation by whom many Sons are brought to Glory This end see in Eph. 1.9 10. that is to make a perfect Reconciliation and to close up all breaches betwixt God and the Elect betwixt them and the Creatures there was Enmity even betwixt them and the good Angels Christ was sent that by him a Recapitulation might be made that all might be gathered under one head i. e. Christ for the end c. Isa 42.1 so that in meditating on the story of Christ Crucified we must look back to the Eternal Counsel and Decree of God consider that everlasting Design and Plot that was laid therein the Covenant made betwixt God the Father and Christ 2. See a Mystery of Wisdom in a sweet and admirable Conjunction of Justice and Mercy such a thing that if the Angels had laid their heads together and studied to Eternity to
some this is our Manna Bread fâ—om Heaven to sustain us whilst we inhabit the Wilderness Truth 3. To make all these Arguments demonstrative and convincing is required an inward work of the Spirit upon the Heart to this external light of Arguments must be added the internal light of the Spirit For the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 so says Christ to Laodicea that she might see I counsel thee to buy of me Eye-salve that is beg of me my Spirit The Spirit inwardly inlightâ—ing the Heart is the Eye-salve Rev 3.18 1 Joh. 2.27 the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and teacheth you all things and is Truth The anointing that is the Spirit wherewith you are anointed He is Truth so as that he cannot lye and he must give Testimony to the Truth in our Hearts else we shall not believe it by a divine Faith and he is Truth so as that 't is an Office he hath undertaken in the New Covenant to lead into all Truth as he was promised by Christ Joh. 16.13 The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth Joh. 15.26 The Spirit of Truth shall testify of me and so of the Scripture he shall say to the Soul that Christ who is spoken of in the Gospel is the Son of God that the Scripture is the word of God he shall ascertain the Heart of this and this two ways 1. By a moral work as the opening and expounding the word in the Ministry of it by exhortations perswasions Therein Truth is held forth and propounded to be embraced and believed as the word of God and this work of God may be resisted as the Jews did resist the Holy Ghost Act. 7.51 2. By a Physical work upon the heart working a change in the Faculty renewing us in the Spirit of our Minds bringing in a spiritual light into the Soul to enable it to discern the things of God when this is done then we shall know the word of God with as great yea greater certainty than that the Sun shines when we see it for certainty of Faith is greater than certainty of Sense Then we shall see the Authority of God in his word when thus we have the Spirit of Truth then shall we receive the word as it is in Truth the word of God so that we may attain the full assurance of Faith in this particular we must wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost as Act. 1.4 14. we cannot believe the word as it is outwardly propounded to us unless it be inwardly revealed to our Hearts now the Spirit of Truth who of necessity must be received by us before we can believe is the Spirit of Promise Eph. 1.13 that is a Spirit promised ask him so and he shall be given to us 2. The knowledge of the Scripture to be the word of God containing the Mysteries of Salvation is necessary to Salvation Joh. 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know God and Christ the distinct knowledge of God as Creator as Omnipotent most holy is necessary and as most good and that Man's happiness consists in the enjoyment of God and that Man is fallen from God and hath lost his Image in Holiness and his presence which is Life this is evident that we in our natural condition are alienated from the life of God and are ignorant of him Eph. 4.18 now the Scripture makes God known and shews how we fell from Gâ—d and the principal scope of it is to dâ—scover Christ to the World as a Saviour and Mediator by whom Sinners are reconciled to God and restored to Communion with him now then that we may be saved its necessary that we search the Scriptures for these only are able to make us wiâ—e to Salvation so we shall know God our Selves and a Saviour 2 Tim. 3.16 there is knowledge of God by his Creatures 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are known by the things that are made Rom. 1 2â— and there is Scripture-knowledge of God there God is known in his Son the fulness of the Godhead is in him he is the express Image of the Father 3. The knowledge of what the Scripture reveals is sufficient to Salvation this is enough to make the Man of God perfect there is no need of Mens additions there 's nothing more that 's needful to be done this furnishes to all good works nothing more to be believed Joh. 20.31 Many more Signs Jesus did but these are written that ye might believe what the Scripture reveals is Gold and Silver fit to help towards raising up a spiritâ—al building what is added by Men is Wood Hay and Stubble 1 Cor. 3.12 we say in matters that appertain to the worship of God and our Salvation as our Saviour of Communication Math. 5.37 let your Communication be yea yea nay nay for whatever is more than these cometh of Evil so whatever more than the word is urged or practised in matters of Religion cometh of Evil i. e. from the Devil principally and from our own corrupt and proud hearts immediately as if they were wiser than God and could teach him how he may be served and we saved God hath sealed up his word in such a manner as that no addition may be made to it See the Law Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add to the word which I command nor diminâ—sh from it by that the Jewish Talmud is excluded and for Prophets we may observe that the Gospel is begun with what the Prophets are concluded as Malachy the last Prophet concludes Mal. 4.5 with this Behold I will send you Elija the Prophet and Mark begins with this Chap. 1.1 2. The beginning of the Gospel as it is written in the Prophets behold I send my M ssenger By this those Books justly called Apocrypha are excluded and the last book of the New Testament Rev. 22.18 is concluded thus Whoever shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written therein Consider two things first that there must be no detracting and secondly no adding c. 4. The Scripture is clear in those things which are absolutely necessary to Salvation it shews plainly what is to be believed Three Persons One God what is to be done the word is nigh in thy mouth and in thy heart if thou shalt believe in thine heart and confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus thou shalt be saved that word doth most plainly deliver things necessary to Salvation true indeed some things are hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3.16 yet enough to Salvation is plainly discovered so that if any do perish through Ignorance their Ignorance shall not excuse them the Scripture is clear in this that we are lost and undone Creatures by nature that all we like Sheep have gone astray and that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners and that only such as believe in him renouncing their own Righteousness or abilities to do any thing in
the Mark they put forward with all their might so do Christians with all their Souls and strength Heaven and nothing but Heaven should be lookt on as the place of rest looking unto Jesus Make Christ your pattern What was his great desire Father glorify thy Son that thy Son may glorify thee Glorify me with the Glory I had with thee before the World was There was Joy set before him so Christ is set before the Saints revealed to their Faith they should long to see him as he is Glory is set before them c. In the World is Vanity in themselves Corruption Crosses on all hands Shame Reproach c. Before and above all in Heaven is set everlasting Joy Pleasures for evermore Where this Joy is there Believers hearts should be the mind the will and affections of a Believer should still be travelling towards this Joy running a Race towards Heaven as 't is said of the Creature Rom. 8.21 The earnest expectation of the Creature waiteth c. The Creature is in Bondage to Corruption Slaves to Lusts this is contrary to the end for which the Creature was made they naturally make towards that end to be Servants to the Saints and to be instrumental towards the manifesting the Glory of the Creator and to be free of Bondage So should Saints desire perfect freedom from Bondage to enjoy the Liberty the Inheritance portion and perfection of the Sons of God in the presence of God This hath been the great desire of Believers Rom. 8.23 We which have received the first Fruit of the Spirit What is meant by these The beginnings of Grace Knowledge of Christ Faith Love Humility Heavenly Mindedness the Comfort and Consolations of the Spirit we that have received these groan within our selves We would receive the whole lump of the Spirit there are burdens we groan under Sin is a burden when the Spirit hath wrought Holiness earthly things are a burden they cannot be gotten but by the sweat of our brows when Salvation that is purchased by Christ is believed then mortal estates are a burden when immortality is brought to Light then to be out of Christ's presence is a burden where Glory and the fulness of Christ is revealed we groan waiting for Adoption c. There 's Adoption in making you Sons and there 's Adoption in bestowing the Inheritance Glory and Liberty which belongs to them as they are the Sons of God They that are Sons and have the Spirit of Sons crying to God Abba would fully enjoy all the Priviledges all the Glory and all the love which belongs to them as the Sons of God in Christ Phil. 1.23 To depart and to be with Christ is far better beyond all comparison better there 's Joy without Sorrow Holiness without Sin Knowledge without Ignorance Eternity of all So to be in Christ in the World is infinitely better then to be in the World enjoying the contentment of it without Christ And to be in Heaven with Christ is exceedingly much better then to enjoy Christ only in the World The state of a Christian in Heaven is exceedingly beyond the state of a Christian on Earth though the Body may dye and be laid in the Grave Phil. 3.13 14. I count not my self to have apprehended I have not Knowledge enough I have not Grace enough I have not enjoyment of Christ enough it was much he had yet not enough but this one thing I do this is my main business forgetting the things behind earthly things behind and Grace receiv'd behind so far as not to be satisfied there with I reach forward to the things before The heart reaches out Faith is the hand that reaches out after earnest desire carries the Soul out unto them I press towards the Mark as a Man in a throng c. through a throug of Lusts and Temptations c. For the price of the high calling that I might enjoy all that Glory and happiness that God hath provided in Christ 2 Pet. 3 12. Looking for and hastning to the coming of the day of God That day hastens and is coming be you hastening to it i. e. your Hearts and Souls by Faith and desire that it may come hasten to it Sect. 9. Use â— Information By this it appears that many there are that as yet are not in the way of Salvation Because they can't say as Paul this one thing I do Who 1. Such as have nothing before them but worldly things worldly profits and pleasures that have their hope only in this Life and not Hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven but the love of the World fixed as an Anchor in the Earth whereby their Hearts and Souls are fastened to the World that with the two Tribes could be content to have their Portion on this side Jordan that their Houses Lands and Temporal Lives might continue for ever would desire no better Portion that see more gain in Life than in Death this is an evidence that they have not drunk of the Water that Christ gives their Souls have not been filled with the Glory of the World to come they are not acquainted with the Riches of Christ they know not the price of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus This is an inseperable property of a true Believer a desire to have his Salvation wrought out and finished where ever this work is begun the Heart would have it finished where Holiness is begun the desire of the Soul is to have it perfected There 's no greater burden than Sin to a Gracious Heart all the Contentments of the World cannot content a believing Soul nothing beneath Heaven nothing without the Presence of God nothing besides the Glory of Christ can make it perfectly Happy to be where Christ is that is best of all Faith will make us sojourn in the World when you are in the way of Salvation perfect Salvation is the mark which the Soul presses towards Now lay your Hearts to the bond of this undoubted Truth and do not conclude your selves to be in the way of Life if perfect Salvation be not the mark you press towards if it be not the presence of the Lord that you account the perfection of Happiness if you could be contented with worldly Felicity and your Desires are only towards the things of this Life then the root of all Evil is yet alive and growing in you 2. Such as dream of a present perfection that think they know as much as they need to know and do as much as is needful to be done He that thinks he knows enough knows nothing as he ought 1 Cor. 6.2 He that thinks he hath enough of Christ hath nothing of Christ Where there is true Knowledge of Christ begun the Soul is carried out with such earnest desires to know more that it accounts it self to know nothing I forget that which is behind Gal. 4.9 Now we know God or rather are known of God we are known perfectly but we do not
SEVERAL DISCOURSES ON The Unsearchable Riches of Christ The Knowledge of Christ Crucified The Authority and Efficacy of the word Working out our Salvation The Observation of the Christian-Sabbath Christ 's coming to Judge the World Being Some REMAINS OF WILLIAM ALLEIN M. A. Sometime Minister of the Gospel in Blanford Carefully copy'd from his own Notes and publish'd at the Request of his Hearers Remember them which had the rule over you who have spoken to you the word of God whose Faith follow considering the end of their Conversation Heb. xiij vij BRISTOL Printed by Will. Bonny for I. Allein at his House in Bristol 1697. TO THE READERS Those especially who once were Hearers of the late Mr. W. A. and now desired this Service YOur justly Honoured-Teacher tho' ceased from his Labours near Twenty Years ago now once more speaks to you some great things of the Gospel to the same ends as St. Peter wrote to his dispersed Countrymen 2 Pet. 1.12 13. To stir you up by the way of Remembrance and to establish you in present Truth The World is indeed full of Books and Preachers yet seems to want more or at least that surviving Elisha might receive a double Portion of Elija's Spirit we are not allowed to wish that ascended Elijah's might be sent back to our dark impure World Divine Wisdom has chosen other ways to amend it but the Mantle they dropt we may take up to divide the Jordan in our way I cannot tell as perhaps you may at what times these Sermons were delivered it appears in some of them they were in in the time of the Authors publick Ministry Many yet remember what Excellent Piety Learning Modesty and Meekness enrich'd and adorn'd him and his Doctrine and have noted that when in his former Book which himself designed for the P ess and to have added somewhat to it he pleads more judiciously and strenuouslâ— for a dubious notion than most others did yet makes no such confident boast as they Somewhere that notion occurs too in these Papers which needs not offend any who are not of his mind in that Many great Men of different Names in our Age espouse most tâ—at he argues for viz. that a day aâ—d state of the Christian Church on Earth shall be when the impure mouths of Blasphemy now opened so wide against our blessed Lord Jesus his perfect Wisdom sacred Truth omnipotent Grace and vital Headship to his Body shall be stopped Satan the seducer being chain'd up and the whole Mystery of Godliness more clearly understood more unanimously â—elieved and the purifâ—ing nature of divine Truth irresistably demonstrated in the holy lives and loving Commerces of very numerous Converts to Christ Now who can forbear to wish at least this may prove true To promote such a Kingdom of Christ among Men as that in Rom 14.17 was the scope of the worthy Author's Life Study and Labours as witness these broken Remains he never design'd them for the Press as appears by many abreviatures and c's in his notes even in alledging Texts of Scripture which I think the Transcriber should have filled up but hath not a desire to serve true Religion peaceably in his private Station induced his consent to the motion of thus reviving his Honoured Father's Memory It cost him not a little pains tho' best acquainted with the Author 's very small Hand What assistance I could give in comparing his Copy with the Originals was due upon his request but after all our diligence the work requires the Readers Candour for we would not assume to correct the Atuhor's words tho' here and there may be a Phrase ungrateful to some Ears till they read on where our Author delivers his sense as plain and sound as needs be desired Once indeed I alter'd one Sentence to give the meaning of it in terms inoffensive but when the same recurr'd I chose to late it pâ—ss These Discourses were chose out of many because the notes of these were most legible the transcript has often fail'd in one little word viz. in putting so for ergo or therefore which the Authour commonly wrote in a character like So otherlike defects in the work claim excuse by Common Law Many have writ well on these same Subjects which as they can never be exhausted so must be alwayâ— inculcated that Men may grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. ult It 's not to be doubted but from a Man of God so well read in Holy Scripture you 'l receive what is worthy of your time and pains and will never be disrelished by any that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity but pleasant as bread eaten in Secret He was a true patient Labourer and most succesful Comforter of many dejected and wounded Spirits by skilful affectionate application of Gospel-Cordials a Man modestly zealous for Truth and Peace and mightily was his Spirit and Conversation influenced by the pure Heavenly Doctrine he believed and taught Like Remains of two other excellent Allein's Richard the geuvine Brother and Joseph the Kinsman of our Author have been judged worthy of such Publication And we have later Examples of Printing the Notes of great Men which in some parts are not more compleat than these Impartial Readers will allow that this Author was Baptized into the same excellent Spirit as they In the Sixty third year of his Age he was called into hiâ— Lords rest and joy when he had newly cut out for himself fome painful work wherein he hoped to do greater Service to the Church in divers places as he had every where good acceptance when his Friends told him they thought his Siskness would be unto death he answered well I know no cause I have to be sorry for that for I know in whom I have believed and am perswaded he 's able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day As 2 Tim. 1.2 but it 's some trouble to me that during my day I have not more improv'd my Time and Talent as I might Suitable Counsels he added to those about him to redeem the time and hasten all the work of their Generation and notwithstanding his penitent Reflections as excellent Arch-Bishop Usher on his death bed regretted his Sins of omission the Lord was pleased to chear him in his last Conflicts by ravishing prospects of Glory set before him even Eternal Life as the Gift of God through Jesus Christ To supply what was lacking in his design'd Service is one reason of publishing these imperfect Papers Some that saw his amiable walking in all good Conscience towards God and Man will more reverence and love that Truth whereâ—y he was sanctified the Faith and Footsteps of such guides St. Paul bids us follow and such remains may put us in mind that England's Churches once had burning and shining Lights Survivors sadly confess a greater scarcity of such now and may we not do well to enquire 1. How and wâ—y tâ—is is come
to pass 2. What are the present Consequences of God's smiting so many Shepherds such as scattering the litle Flocks growth of Ignorance Error Impiety Ruins of Temple work many disorders and distractions in the destitute Churches c. 3. What must be the Cure Its time to enquire For do we not see want of more able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.6 wise and faithful builders of God's House How weak are many shoulders on whom so great work is laid forcing an out-cry for a richer anointing with the Spirit of Grace i. e. of Love Wisdom Humility Zeal Self-denial Heavenliness which they had seen on others If this depart so much of our true Glory departs It cannot go well in Churches without fiâ—ed Pastors after God's own Heart entirely caring and watching for Souls feeding tâ—em with knowledge and understanding in the great Mysteries of Godliness Jer. 3.15 such was our Author known not mint anise filled his Tâ—oughts but the weighty things of Natural and Reveal'd Religion if he dwelt more than some do on sublimer Doctrines of Faith the Texts here treated are his Warrant together with Col. 1.24 to 29. 2.1 2 3. Nor did he treat them in a way of bold or curious speculation but as leading to Christian Practice upon the great things of the Gospel must Christians live if evâ—r they go further in Religion than a fruitless Form It 's in wrong to Christ and his Church if any Preachers do not jointly declare these with the moral Rules of good living I cannot see that Law and Gospel were set as variance in the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles Nor that the Honour of Christianity can be preserv'd or its ends attain'd without tutoring his Disciples great and small both in Principles of Christian Doctrine touching the glorious Person Offices Fulness and Benefits of Christ t eir only Head Lord and Saviour and touching subjection to his Soveraign Wisdom in his Laws They must be under the Law to Christ 1 Cor. 9.21 and that in vertue of his own Grace 1 Cor. 15.10 what kind of Evangilists must they be that think the great discoverys of the Gospel whereby the world was Christianiz'd are of little use in Preaching now Our Author was better taught as the Truth is in Jesus and finished his Course fighting the good fight and keeping the Faith once delivered to the Saints holding fast the Doctrine according to Godliness till of his beloved Master he obtain'd the Crown of Righteousness would to God that a like love to Divine Truth might prompt many others professing to embrace it to meditate and consult speedily how tâ—ey may best establish and propagate it It 's not witâ—out a Providence that of late we hear of so many sudden deaths of able useful Ministers and may it not prove a presage of other Calamitees to surprize us It 's tâ—y spiritual Profiting Reader that this work aims at and now look to thy self that thou receive not this Grace of God in vain T e Unsearchable Ricâ—es of Christ are surely the better part and being timely chosen and pursued may be thine chuse and inherit them study to know him whom to know is Life Eternal Improve that Ministry and word of Grace to day which is still the Power of God to Salvation to them that believe and enjoying this with other Helps work out thy Salvation with Fear and Trembling and God for Christ's sake will work in thee both to will and to do So shalt thou be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man when he shall appear in Glory to doom this whole World to its Eternal State This is the Intent and Call of this Essay may the Lord of the Harvest so bless it Amen THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST DISCOURSE Eph. 3.8 Of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. 1. Some transient Notes on the Text. Page 1 Chap. 2. Why the things of Christ call'd Riches Page 4 Chap. 3. What are these Riches Page 6 1. Riches of Love which is Abounding Abiding Effectual c. Chap. 4.2 Riches of Christ's Righteousness as Mediator 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. Page 13 Chap. 5.3 Riches of Wisdom 1. Speculative Page 22 2. Practical As 1. in Ancient Providences and 2. About Man's Salvation Page 32 Chap. 6.4 Riches of Christ's Power Page 37 The Power of his Death Resurrect Intecession c. Power over all Mens Hearts and over all Creatures How exercised for us Page 40 Chap. 7.5 Riches of Glory Page 45 What Glory Christ hath and will appear in What Glory he received from the Father and shall receive from Creatures Page 50 Saints shall see and share in his Glory Page 56 Chap. 8. General Application of the whole Page 62 To those enriched by Christ and to all to seek a Portion in Christ's Riches Page 66 The Second Discourse 1 Cor. 2.2 Of Knowing Christ Crucified Page 72 The Text and Context explained to Page 77 Divers Notes thereupon As 1. That a Gospel Minister must resolve to go thorow with his work of Preaching Page 80 2. That he aim not at self-applause therein Page 81 3. That he must Preach Christ tho' he be counted a Fool for so doing Page 82 4. That he truly knows Christ when he labours to make others know Christ Page 83 5. He counts it a precious service to Preach Christ Page 85 6. Of all Divine Doctrines none more necessary to be Preached than Christ Crucified Page 87 Doct. 1. Knowledge of Christ is the most excellent Knowledge Page 88 1. Proved by considering 1. its object Christ in general Page 92 And in particular as his Natures Names Relations Offices to the Church Page 93 to 99 2. The Effects of this Kowledge as Justification Spiritual Transformation and Eternal Life Page 100 1. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 103 2. Means to get this Excellent Knowledge Page 113 3. Of Comfort to such as have attained it Page 119 Signs to Satisfy such as doubt Doct. 2. Our Principal study should be to know not only the History but Mystery of Christ Crucified Page 126 That Mystery is 1. Of Wisdom 2. Of Love And 3. of Vertue in his Blood Page 132 How the Vertue of Christ's Death is conveyed to us Page 138 Use 1. 1. Of reproof to the enemies of Christ's Cross 2. Of Exhortation to Believe in Confess and Suffer for Christ Page 134 Q. How may we so Suffer as to have Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings Page 145 Christ's Sufferings for us a ground of our worshipping him and how that must be Page 150 The Third Discourse 1 Thess 2.13 The Divine Authority of Scripture Page 157 D. The Word contain'd in Holy Scripture is in truth the Word of God Shewn Page 159 1. The Spirit in Scripture gives Testimony to it 2. Arg. from the word conv its Authority As 1. It s Power upon Sinners Page 160 2. It s Holiness 3. It s
and the heart of Cyrus to make Proclamation of Liberty for the Jews return to Jerusalem and hence this is an Expression to set forth the Power of God Isa 44.24 Thus saith the Lord that stretcheth out the Heavens v. 27.28 that saith to the Deep be dry that saith to Cyrus he is my Shepherd he shall perform all my Pleasure What comfort is this when Saints see what bad hearts they have they know that Christ hath power to make them better and what malicious hearts wicked men have Christ can either destroy or incline them to shew kindness as he did the heart of Esau to Jacob. Gen. 23. 6. Christ hath power over all Creatures to do with them as he pleases and to do what he will by them they go and come move or not move live or dye they are or are not at his will He sends forth his Spirits they are created he takes away thâ—ir breath thâ—y dy He hath power of nothing to make something of darkness to make light of evill to turn it to good of death to bring out life from it it 's the Prerogative of God he calls the things that are not as though they were 1. Cor. 1.28 and commands them to be and much more can he confound that which is of Babylon he can say of it Babylon the great is fallen is fallen This is matter of abundant consolation to the Sainis thy Redeemer is strong the Lord of Host is his Name 2. Tim. 2.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep me c. Believers know whom they have chosen believed in whom they love and serve how full of might he is and when the power of Hell and of the World lying in wickedness is against them they may comfort themselves in this the power of the Lord is for them God made Nebuchadnezzar to know that the Heavens do Rule Dan. 4.25 26. that is the three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit which Spirit is in the hearts of Saints also of which the Apostle says Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World 1. John 4.4 the holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Church Satan is the Spirit of the World the Saints comfort is they have the greater Spirit and if their Spirit be greater than the Spirit of the World much more is it greater than the Flesh of the World Particularly 1. Christ's Riches of Power are to be excercised for the good of the Heirs of Salvation Psa 89.19 I have laid help on one that is mighty the Father hath laid it on Christ with his power to help Unbelief to help Infirmities to help the Spirit against the Flesh the law of the Mind against the law of the Members None will stand by me in these things but Michael your Prince Dan. 10.21 .12.1 Let the weak then say I am strong Joel 3.10 In the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength Isa 45.24 In the Lord it is and in the Lord I have it 2. Christ's Riches of Power is a Fountain of Power to the Saints 1. In Regeneration he propagates his Power he begets and maintains a Power of Godliness in the new nature 2 Tim. 1.7 A Power to serve God a Power to confess his Name to take up a Cross and follow him Joseph's bow abode in strength when the Archers shot at him being made strong by the mighty God of Jacob Gen. 49.24 So are Saints strenghtened by the mighty Power of Christ resting on them Sin is from weakness how weak is thine heart seeing thou dost these things Ezek. 16.30 Vertue is a Power to do good which is from Christ 2. In the Resurrection Christ will give great Power to the glorified Bodies of the Saints 1 Cor. 15.43 It 's raised in Power the Power of raised and glorified Bodies shall be exceeding great there is not such power in any thing in the World as will be in them if God should give commission one glorified Saint might be able to destroy a World of ungodly men 3. In the World to come all weakness shall be swallowed up in Power there will not be cause to complain of the Power of Sin and weakness of Grace Heb. 6.5 there is mention of the Powers of the World to come there is no weakness but power in that World the power of Godliness the power of Love the power of an Endless Life Heb. 7.16 of Endless Holiness of Endless Joy Josh 14.11 As my Strength was then so it is now herein was Joshua a Type of the perfect and abiding strength of the Saints in the World to come And there being such Power in Christ learn 1. To Trust in him Isa 26.4 because in him is everlasting Strength Isa 3.15 O my Soul thou hast troden down Strength Judg. 5.21 Deborah's Soul having strong Faith and being poured out in Prayer did most in that Victory Deborah's Soul with Barah's Sword overcame the Host of Sisera Saints do most with the strength of their Souls and in this have great advantage of their Enemies and with this they shall tread down Satan and the Man of sin when a Saint hath no power in himself he may say as John there is one mightier than I and mightier than all my Enemies Jer. 31.22 A Woman shall compass a Man that is the weak shall overcome the strong as Deborah and Jael did one trod down the strength of the Host with her confidence and the other slew Sisera the Captain of it the Woman clothed with the Sun having the Moon under her feet though driven into the Wilderness yet at last must compass and conquer the Man of sin and then her Wilderness shall be as Eden and her desert as the Garden of the Lord and Babylon's fruitful Field shall become a Forrest 2. Fear him who hath Riches of Power he can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell Who art thou that art afraid of a Man that shall dye and forgettest thy Maker Fear him that hath made Heavens and the Earth the Sea and the Fountains of Water 3. Praise his Power Psal 21.13 Be thou exalted Lord in thine own Strength so will we Sing and Praise thy Power The Saints shall have abundant matter ministred unto them in the last days of praising the Power of Christ and of saying Salvation and Strength to our God and to him that sits upon the Throne Psal 145.11 12. They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy Power 4. Be in subjection to Christ and serve him if we ought to be in subjection to the higher Powers then much more to him that hath the highest Power and take heed that we be not found in opposition to him Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy are we stronger than he Job 9.4 5 6. He is wise in Heart and mighty in Strength which removeth Mountains and they know not Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered
and heightens their torment they think upon the vain course they led upon the seasons of Grace they slighted the great Salvation neglected by them they contemplate on the eternity of their Misery and they think on the happiness of those that they persecuted and hated Dives is said to see Lazarus afar off the wicked think on the blessed estate of the Godly but on the other side the Saints never see Death but Light and Life they shall see Christ and be ever with him beholding his Glory Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they be with me to behold my Glory to be in everlasting contemplation of it and the Light of him shall satisfy and they shall be ever seeing him there shall not be any Cloud upon his Glory true he shall come in Clouds but when he comes Clouds shall go away when he ascended a Cloud received him out of the sight of the Disciples when he descends a Cloud shall usher him into their sight and then Clouds shall for ever pass away that Saints may for ever see him and then they shall see Christ and all other things by Christ The Lamb is said to be the light of the new Jerusalem by this light they shall see Christ himself as by the light of the Sun we see the Sun and by Christ's light all other things as the Scripture and all those things contained therein The Jews before Christ came knew him by Types and Signs but after Christ came they knew these Types and Figures by Christ now we know Christ by the Scriptures but when he shall appear we shall know the Scripture by Christ now we know the Creator by the Creatures then shall we know the Creatures by the Creator now the invisible things of God are known by the things that are made then that which is invisible to us of the things that are made shall be known by the Light and Glory of him that made them And their seeing shall be a beatifical Vision Christ shall then see the Saints and be satisfied and they shall see him and be satisfied Exod. 24.11 The Elders of Israel saw God and did eat and drink not as when they made the Calf but either they did eat of the Sacrifices or did eat and drink Spiritually they delighted in the Glory of the Lord and fed their Eyes and feasted upon the brightness of his Glory which was better to them than the most pleasant meat In answer to this Christ promises that we shall eat and drink at his Table in his Kingdom this is the Portion of the Saints in Heaven they shall see Christ as God manifest in the Flesh and the God-head in Christ After the general Judgment they shall see God immediately as All in All and not only through the Man-hood of Christ. 2. Christ shall be a fountain of Glory to the Saints they shall receive of his fullness Glory for Glory as the Sun communicates the Glory of his Light so shall Christ the Sun of Righteousness which he beginning to do here shall do it perfectly to the filling of Souls and Bodies with Glory they shall have the Glory of being one in the Father and the Son Joh. 17.21 3. Christs Glory is a Pattern of the Saints Glory who are predestinated to be conformed to the Image of the Son Rom. 8.29 they shall see and be like him and be satisfied with his likeness If Saints now suffer so did Christ and as Christ is glorified so shall they if we suffer 't is no worse with us than 't was with Christ and when Christ shall appear it shall be as well with us as to a like Glory tho' not an equal Glory with his they shall appear with him in Glory there shall be a Manifestation of the Sons of God which the Creature hath an earnest expectation off that they may be delivered from their bondage unto the power of the Man of Sin into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God Rom. 8.18 19 20. 1. A Gracious Liberty which they have being under Grace and in a State of Grace being free from the Curse of the Law from the raigning power of Sin and from being led Captive by Satan at his will this is a Liberty where with Christ hath made free 2. A Glorious Liberty where with Christ shall make them free not only from Sin as a King but from Sin as a Tyrant and from any temptations and buffetings of Satan not only from pleasing Men and walking as Men but from all persecutions from Men for Righteousness sake they shall not hurt nor destroy c. such a glorious Liberty shall be to the Sons of God a triumphant Liberty as under Solomon's Reign when there was neither Adversary nor evil Occurrent And as the Creature so the Saints also having the first fruits of the Spirit do groan for the Adoption even the Redemption of the Body There is a two-fold Adoption Rom. 8.23 First by receiving power to be Sons through believing in Christ Joh. 1.12 2. In receiving the Portions of Sons and that Inheritance which belongs to them as Joynt-Heirs with Christ There is also a two-fold Redemption 1. Of the Soul from under the power of Sin Satan and the World 2. Of the Body from Persecution and Trouble which is the State Saints shall be in after the fall of Babylon when there shall be none to make them afraid as also there shall be Redemption from Death and the Grave so that their vile Bodies shâ—ll be fashioned like Christ's Glorious Body Only 1. Consider if you would see Christ and be like him in Glory see that you be found in him having his Righteousness Psa 17.15 I shall behold thy Face in Righteousness that is thy Righteousness those that will not submit to the Righteousness of God must not look to be Exalted to his Glory yet an inherent qualifying Righteousness also is by many and may well be understood in that Expression whom he Justified them he Glorified 2. You must be Holy without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord you must be sanctified into a likeness with him in Grace else look not to be satisfied with his likeness in Glory 3. Confess Châ—ist and stand for his Glory In his Temple should every one speak of his Glory Psal 29.9 So should we in his Spiritual House they that delight not now to be speaking of his Kingdom and talking of his Power and of the Glorious Honour of his Majesty must not look to have an Inheritance in his Kingdom In his Temple is the joyful sound of his Glory such as now hear the joyful sound shall have the joyful sight of his Glory 4. Do all to his Glory confess he is Lord to the Glory of the Father be just to his Glory be sober to his Glory be charitable and mercifull to his Glory Pray Hear Eat Drink do all to his Glory all things are of thee of thine own have we given thee 1 Chron. 29.14 all Waters are from
last must their Souls be brought The Kingdom of Christ is the wealthy Place Into that the Church at last shall be brought The Israelites had great Afflictions in Egypt and were led through the Water of the Red Sea and through Fire afterwards the burning at Taberah the stinging of the fiery Serpents and at last were brought into Canaan the wealthy Place were they enjoyed Vineyards they planted not Houses they built not so the Church is under hard bondage in Egypt Spiritually so called and that may have great Tryals in the Wilderness but at last it must enter into that Rest that remains and that wealthy place prepared for it or moist well watered Land as the words import or into a Refreshing as the Greek hath it Suitable to this the Apostle speaks Of times of refreshing from the presenee of the Lord Act. 3.19 After these sore afflicting times under the Reign of that Man of Sin shall be times of most sweet and abundant refreshing from the presence of the Lord when he shall consume Antichrist with the Spirit of his Mouth and destroy him by the brightness of his coming and so make the Kingdoms of the World his own Kingdom 4. See that you have a true right to those true Riches you must have Christ that you may have his Riches he that hath the Son hath life 1 Joh. 5.12 he that hath Christ hath his Riches you must be in Covenant have the Lord for your God be his People and all is yours ye are Christ's 1 Cor. 3.22 23. you must have Christ as Saviour and Lord and Christ must have you to be his Servants and Followers to be his Spouse and Members do not content your selves with a Thought and Opinion that his Riches are yours but see that it be so indeed Laodicea thought her self to be Rich but was Poor as worldly Mens inward thoughts are as Psa 49.11 that their Houses shall continue and so the inward thoughts of some are that they have an Interest in the Riches of Christ when they are none of theirs as he that getteth Riches and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his Days and in the end shall be a Fool Jer. 17.11 So he that thinks he hath Christ's Riches and hath them not indeed in the end shall be a Fool Math. 13.12 From him that hath not shall be taken away that which he hath he that hath a Name and not the thing a Name to live to be rich in having Christ and is dead and without Christ indeed shall have his Name taken away He that hath a form of Godliness and not the Power shall have the form taken away He that hath Gifts and not Grace shall have his Gifts taken from him he that hath a Lamp and not Oyle shall have his Lamp taken from him as 't is said concerning Judas his Bishoprick let another take it but on the other side to him that hath shall be given He that indeed is partaker of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ shall then have them more yea more abundantly The End of the First Discourse THE SECOND DISCOURSE OF Knowing CHRIST Crucified 1. CORINTHIANS ij.ij. For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him Crucified THere were two sorts of men that took offence at Paul's Preaching Jews and Greeks as appears in Chap. 1.22 1. Jews The Preaching of Christ Crucified was to them a stumbling block they dreamt that the Messiah should abide always John 12. â—4 and never die or be crucified they expected a Messiah that should restore the Kingdom to Israel and that which was to be understood mainly in a Spiritual sense they understood carnally of outward and mundane Peace and Glory They that had such high and large expectations of temporal felicity would not believe in a Crucified Messias that Life Salvation Eternal Glory and an everlasting Kingdom should spring from a Cross from a cursed death upon it their vailed understandings and carnal hearts could not be perswaded of They expected likewise some visible convincing Sign to Evidence to all the World that he was the Messias without which they will not believe Chap. 1.2 The Jews require a Sign 2. Greeks who were Philosophers Disputers of this World had wise and subtil heads these Greeks seek after Wisdom they apprehended there was no wisdom in Paul's Preaching Chrâ—st Crucified 1. Because he did not speak Reason they deemed it commendable wisdom to deny assent to that which was not made apparent by Arguments clearing it to Mens Reason Paul Preached naked Truths only upon the Testimony and Authority of God Now as Thomas would not believe unless he did feel so will not these Greeks unless these Truths be evidenced to Reason The Jews seek after a Sign the Greeks after a Convincing Reason The Jew will have it made evident to his Sense by a Miracle the Greek by a sound Argument to his Reason that Christ Crucified is the Saviour of the World so Natural Reason and Carnal Wisdom is made the rule and standard for the proof and trial of Divine Truths 2. They dislike his manner of Preaching 't was not sufficiently adorn'd with Wit and Eloquence the Truths that he Preached were not set before them in a comely dress they conceived both wisdom of Matter and wisdom of words to be wanting Truths of God Soul saving Truths are rejected because they were not delivered in enticing words of Man's Wisdom here 's the ground of the Offence To these groundless grounds of Offence the Apostle replies by urging his Commission given by Christ his Practice grounded on and conformed to that Commission and the Reasons why such a Commission was given him 1. He shews his Commission Chap. 1.17 Christ sent me not to Baptize but to Preach not with wisdom of words c. not to Baptize c that is this was not my principal work that he set me about but to Preach which is the greater and more noble work Verbum est vis Sacramenti Preaching is the means to beget Life Sacraments do but seal and confirm what is begotten the Church may sometimes subsist without the Administration of Sacraments for a time as the Jews in the Wilderness but not without the Preaching of the word though Hypocrites are of a contrary mind herein if they have Sacraments administred and their ordinary Service kept up no matter how little preaching there be but says Paul Christ sent me not to Baptize that is to Baptize and not to Preach or to Baptize as my chief and principal work but to Preach and that not with wisdom of Words His Commission was not to go and preach wisdom of words or to go in the strength of natural Wisdom or rational Arguments to convince their Judgments or with enticing words of mans wisdom with well-set Sentences and Eloquent Phrases to move their Affections but declare plain and naked Truths set Christ Jesus before them as Crucified urge the Testimony and Authority
us a Child is born to us a Son is given c. or as the Wise Men or as Peter thou art the Son of God the Saviour of the World thou hast the Words of Eternal â—ife What Christ said was wanting in them that followed him because of the Loaves let that be in 〈◊〉 Joh 6.26 Ye follow me because ye eat of the Loaves not because of the Miracle of the Loaves thar is you do not follow me because I am the Son of God sent into the World to save Sinners which you should have been convinced off by the Miracle of the Loaves but you follow me for the advantage of eating the Loaves Thus you must know Christ not after the Flesh only not only as having Flesh and being Man not only as you pereceive something in him to satisfy your Carnal Desires of being filled with temporal good thingâ— or fâ—â—â—d from Temporal and Eternal Evilâ— but know him as the Son of God and Christ anointed of the Father to be the Saviour of the World You will never know Christ aright in his Glory you will never fully resign up your selves to him till you be convinced of this O therefore reâ—ieve this Truth that Christ whom we Preach is the Son of the Living God Then you know that he is able to save and you will believe in him then you know that he must be worshiped and served by you being the Great God so you will obey him then you will apprehend greatest love in Christ that being God he should die for you then you will love him and your love will constrain you to obey him and this is totum hominis the whole of a Man the whole of a Christian Man to believe in him as the Son of God and Saviour of Men and to be constrained by Love to Obey him This is the second means 3. Take heed of any conceits of a sufficiency of Knowledge Many think they know enough of Christ as much as they need and content themselves with what they have they hear not the Word they apply not their Hearts search not for more Knowledge If there be any of such an Opinion I shall leave two places for you to meditate on 1 Cor. 8.2 You that think you know enough know nothing as you ought c. You that dream of a sufficiency of Knowledge that you have are like the hungry Man that dreams he eats but waking he is empty You are most deficient 1 Cor. 3.18 Become a Fool. Though never so wise in regard of Worldly Wisdom yet know your selves to be Fools in respect of the Knowledge of Christ that you do want and this you must know that you may be wise Joh. 14.21 4. If you have attained any measure of knowledge you must follow on to know the Lord Hos 6.3 follow on in Study Prayer Hearing Meditating to get more Knowledge His going forth is prepared as the Morning Christ doth not reveal himself all at once but as at going forth of the morning-light 't is by degrees there is a dawning and twilight and then perfect light when the Sun goeth forth in its might so is the going forth of Christ and so you must follow on to know more still of Christ You are not capable of receiving perfect knowledge at once John 16.12 I have many things to say but you cannot bear them now Men are at first but Babes in Christ they we know encrease in understanding strength and stature by degrees what you cannot bear now you must learn another time you must go from strength to strength from one degree of knowledge to another you must follow on to know you must grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of Christ Use 3 Comfort to those that have gained the knowledge of Christ I shall shew 1. Some Signs whereby to know this 2. The grounds of comfort arising from thence 1. The Signs as 1. If you know Christ in such a manner as that your Souls are raised up to an esteem of him above any thing in the World thus it must be and this is the least of Christ that a true Christian can have he must love Christ more then these Esteem Christ more then Honours Riches c. in some degree otherwise he hath not the true Knowledge of Christ He that loveth Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me The Young man being brought to the Trial which he loved most Christ or Riches left Christ hence it appears that he knew not Christ aright for there is no comparison betwixt Christ and Riches He that will nor forsake the World for Christ is ignorant of Christ he knows not the worth of Christ John 11.48 49. 2. If the word that hath been spoken unto you have been Spirit and Life if the Gospel hath been the Power of God to beget Faith in you to embrace it and lay hold on Christ revealed in it John 6.63 As when Christ said to Lazarus Come forth his words were Spirit and Life to Lazarus he cometh forth so if the words of Christ in the Gospel calling you to repent and to believe the Gospel have been life in this regard if that word Come forth from amongst them that are Sons of Belial have been life to you then have you gain'd this Knowledge When Christ said to his Disciples follow me they followed him O this hath Christ said to you often you have been called on many times have you left your Lusts to follow Christ left the practice of Sin to practice Holiness have Christ's words been Spirit and Life have they been as the Seed that is cast into good ground that lives and grows and brings forth Fruit Then may you comfortably assure your selves that you have gained the Knowledge of Christ 3. If you can rejoyce in the knowledge of perfect Holiness Righteousness and Justice of Christ as well as the Merit Grace and Loving kindness of Christ as well in this that he hath no sin and that he will not have sin to reign in his Members as in this that sin was imputed to him and that he imputes it not to his Members Many love the Knowledge of Grace to hear of satisfaction made c. but yet would continue in Sin They love to hear of a Pardon that might Priviledge them to commit Sin they would be freed from the malediction but not tyed to direction of the Law But if you know Christ aright you will rejoyce in him as pardoning Sin and purging Sin as in his freeing from the condemnation of Sin so in his condemning Sin in the Flesh as in pardoning and exercising Loving kindness towards humbled Sinners so in executing Judgment on impenitent and hardened Sinners Jer. 9.23 24. 4. If the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Math. 11.12 that is since Christ Preached and men knew him there is a great slocking and concâ—â—â—se of People as if men would take Heaven by force the meaning is Men will strive to enter in at the
Sin and taken great pleasure in it and when they hear what the word says that such must be damned banish'd from the presence of God and be everlastingly tormented with Devils and that this that the word speaks should strike such unspeakable terror to the Heart of Man what doth this argue but that the word is powerful Joh 18.6 as Christ spake but a word and his Enemies that came to take him fell back so that Mens proud and stubborn hearts should fall down before the word and are made to say as the Devils why art thou come to torment us this shews that there is an Almighty God speaking in the word and this fâ—â—ther That some Men yet in a natural condition who love Sin as their own Souls should not dare to commit some Sins because the word pronounceth Judgment and that Men that hate holiness as 't is evident that many do yet out of fear of Judgments denounced in the word should be brought to make some Profession of Holiness that as the unclean Spirit fell down and confessed Christ to be the Son of God so Men of unclean Hearts not renewed are forced to confess the word is of God 2. In the Conversion of Sinners I may say concerning the Word as Christ in his Message to John The Dead are raised the Deaf hear the Dumb speak and tâ— the Poor the Gâ—spel is Preached that a word preached should do this shews it to be the word of God so Men that are dead in Trespasses and Sins are raised by it the word doth bore some Mens Ears and make them hearken and obey it Consider that Men that take such great delight in Sin as we all do by Nature working uncleaness with greediness going to it as an hungry Man to his Meals ready to pine away for the pleasures of Sin and be discontent when we cannot satisfy our Lusts as it was with Ammnon Now that any of us because the word says cease to do Evil Sin no more should loath what we so dearly loved and that our hatred of Sin should be greater than our love was to it and it may be some can tell the time and remember the word that wrought such a mighty change what is to be concluded hence but that this is none other but the word of God Again we know how we love our selves by nature even so as that self-love is the supreme Law with corrupt Nature now that such an one should because the word says if any Man will be my Disciple let him deny himself cast off self-love and self-respects and sacrifice or give himself up to Christ and be his only and prize the Glory of God more than his own good yea choose to undergo the greatest Evils rather than dishonour God this shews the invincible power of the word Again if you have any knowledge of your selves you know what bitter enmity there is in our natures against holiness now that because the word commends holiness any of us should come to delight in it this likewise adds a Seal for the confirmation of this Truth that the word is in truth Gods word Again you know how we naturally love the World even so much that some can even in these plundering times think it better to loose our Lives than our Goods now that any should despise the world for Christ's sake and esteem his Reproaches better Riches only because the word doth commend Christ above the World and propose him as the best Good What doth this argue but a divine efficacy of the word and the power of a God making use of his word as an instrument of his own to bring to pass such mighty works 3. In confounding Christ 's Enemies Psa 8.2 Out of the mouths of Babes hast thou ordained strength to stâ—ll the Enemy this strength of mouth â— Prayer which is grounded on the word and preaching when men come with revengeful Spirits and think to swallow up the People of God the word shall stop and still them the word doth gather Men together and stir them up to fight against Anti-christ Rev. 16 16. and Rev. 17.16 The ten hornes shall hate the Whore c. why the word shall discover her and hence 't is said 2 Thess 2.8 That Man of Sin shall be revealed c. he shall destroy him with the Sword of his Mâ—uth and brightness of his coming Dan. 2.34 A stone cut out of the Mountain without Hands breaks the Feet of the Image and that shall overcome the great Roman Monarchy What is this stone c. a poor weak dispised People of God called by the word believing the same and walking by it these shall overcome all Antichristian powers and as the worm Jacob thresh the Mountains Use To make some application of this by the way Is there such a power in the word and may that be truly said of the word which is falsly of Simon Magus it is the great Power of God 1. Then take heed of despising it Heb. 12.25 see that ye dispise not look well to it if you despise the word you dispise the Power and Authority of God which is in it and which shall be manifested by it either in Conversion or Confusion either in unspeakable Terror or Consolation either it shall be the power of God to save you and then you must believe it and receive it with all readiness or to condemn you if you despise it if it do not now work effectually in you to turn you from Sin into the obedience thereof then it shall Judge you in the last day now you may hear it speaking comfortably to you bringing the glad Tydings to your Souls of good things of a Saviour that is offered to you a Pardon proclaimed Heaven opened to Men that are shut up under Sin and Wrath that is if you will now suffer your Consciences to be awakned to see what condition you are in but if it be not hearkned to it shall speak terribly to you and then you shall not sleep when 't is spoken you shall not sit carelesly under it as you do now but then you shall know the Terrors of the Lord you shall know the power of Divine Wrath to prevent which you should desire to feel the exceeding greatness of his Power in creating Faith in you and the length and breadth of his Love which is revealed therein so when the word is spoken to you let me exhort you as the Prophet Jer. 13.15 Learn be not proud the Lord hath spoken Act. 13.41 Behold ye Despisers and wonder I 'll work that you will not believe If you will not believe what I have said in the Word Precepts and Promises such Judgments shall be brought on you which you would not before believe 2. Believe the Word rest on it be strong in Faith your Faith shall not be in vain you rest not then on a broken reed but on the word of the great God on the great Power of that God The Power of God
The Pharisees gave this Interpretation of the Law anger hatred speculative uncleanness they thought were no breaches of the Law when 't is thus the word is received but as the word of Man Now how many are there that in these ways only receive the word of God 5. When the word is received but in word only 1 Thess 15. The Gospel came not to you in word only but in Power The word comes only in word when 't is not accompanied and set home on the heart by power of the Holy Ghost as on Lydia and the Jailor Act. 16. Use 2. Exhort To stir you up to look on and to receive the word as the word of God Hear and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken Jer. 13.15 'T is God that speaks in the word God speaks Promises God speaks Threatnings and Commands look on each of these as coming out of the mouth of God the word is called the Spirit of Christ 's mouth 2 Thess 2.8 you must not only receive it in the Letter so indeed only it comes from Man but as the Spirit of Christ's mouth as breathed out of his mouth and so as that it proves not a dead and an ineffectual Letter but a quickning Spirit in you that is a new principle of Life a new Soul in you so as that you live by the word act and do all according to it Now for direction that the word may be received by us as the word of God know that something is due to the whole word and every part of it as more general duties and something is to be done that is some special Duties with respect to the several parts of the word as distinguished one from another 1. That which is due to the whole word consider in these particulars 1. Faith you must believe it to be the word of God upon a clear apprehension of the Divine Authority of it your assent must be grounded on the testimony of God Consider there is a divine Faith and a humane Faith this is when we believe a thing upon Man's testimony given of it as the Samaritans believed in Christ for the saying of the woman this was but a humane Faith Divine Faith is when we believe a thing and give an assent to the truth of it upon a divine testimony that is given to it as the Samaritans believed in Christ when they heard him and said now we have heard him and know that this is the Christ this was a divine Faith now this is necessary to a right receiving of the word Quest Where is this Divine Testimony that is given to the word Answ 'T is contained in the word it self for as there is a light in the Sun sufficient to discover it self so that when the Sun shines it s own light shews it to be the Sun so there is a divine Light in the word sufficient to shew it to be the word of God Quest Why do not all then believe it to be so Answ Because Men are blind and know nothing of the things of God neither are they able to judge of them the light of the Sun discovers the Sun but 't is to those that can see the light of it so the word shews its divine Authority but to those that are inlightned so we must have the Spirit as eye-salve restoring our Spiritual Sight and then we shall see clearly the word to be the word of God and this is the first duty we must receive the word as the Thess Chap. 1.15 the Gospel came not in word but power and in the Holy Ghost and much assurance 2. Fear Isa 66.2 To him God looks that trembles at his word There is twofold trembling at God's word 1. Slavish only out of fear of Judgment thus Ahab and thus Felix trembled 2. Filial this is here meant God looks to that heart that when it looks to God and sees any thing of him trembles now this is a disposition of heart that 's required to the right receiving the word you must tremble at the word that is first there must be in you an holy awfulness humility and â—everence of Spirit suitable to the Greatness and Majesty Goodness Glory of that God that gave his word this is contrary to that pride of heart which is in every one of us by nature when ever we have any manifestations or goings forth of the Glory of God the out goings of our hearts must be suited hereto 2. You must have an apprehension of your own vileness and nothingness Ezek. 2.18 there was an appearance of the Glory of God when I saw it I fell on my Face as apprehending his own unworthyness to behold it 2. There are special duties that respect several parts of the word 1. Histories related as of the Creation of the fall of Man drowning the world c. here you must believe the report as made by God and give not God occasion to complain as the Prophet Lord who hath believed our report and look on all these as written for our Learning on whom the ends of the World are come 2. There is a Saviour described and set forth which is the main scope of the Scripture the eternally begotten word revealed in the written word that came to destroy the works of the Devil to save Sinners c. him you must embrace withal your hearts entertain him as Abraham did the whole word is a Gospel bringing glad tydings of Christ the old Testament is Gospel throughout in which Christ is though more darkly set forth and in the New Testament more clearly so that this is to embrace the word to receive him whose name is the word of God Rev. 19.13 to see Christ in his fulness of Glory Merit c. and to receive him as the word of the Father this is to receive the word in power to receive Christ into our hearts and to have him revealed in us and to have him formed within us so as that Christ live acts and rules in us 3. There are Promises Now to receive these as the word of God is to quiet our Souls in dependance on them and assurance that they shall be fulfilled that as his faithfulness hinds him so his Power shall bring forth his Promises into Act. Say as Paul I believe God that it shall be as he hath said that not one jot shall pass unfulfilled you must know Christ to be the faithful witness Rev. 1.5 4. When Judgments are threatned know that there is a Righteousness and Faithfulness in God that engages him to make them good we are as averse from believing Threatnings as Promises therefore as God has confirmed his Promises by an Oath so Threatnings likewise Amos. 9.8.10 The Sinners among God's People said Evil shall not overtake nor prevent us Deut. 32.40 If I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever I will make mine Arrows drunk with Blood Now to receive this word is to fear God and to prepare to meet
perishing Christ will â—ose none of his but â—aise them up at the last day And know that if you are oâ— Christ's Kingdom you do Judge him worthy and are willing to serve him And tâ—ere is nothing that more directly opposes the Assurance of your Salvation than an unwillingness to come under the yoke and opposing the Kingdom of Christ a walking contrary to the Gospel which you shall see clâ—â—r from that glorious Promise which Christ makes Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God c. Such as overâ—ome the Enemies of Christ Sin Satan and the World and come and live under the dominion of Christ so as that they have their conversation in the Gospel of Christ such as walk in Christ in his will to his Glory They shall be made Pillars in his Temple This Temple is Spiritual the Church Militant and Triumphant this Pillar is Spiritual and notes the stability of the Sons of God a confirmed Estate of happiness from which they shall never fall 't is spoken in allusion to the Pillars of Solomon's Temple 1 King 7.21 He set up Pillars in the Porch of the Temple the right Pillar he called Jachin which signifies he shall establish so I will make them Pillars this notes an establishment in the favour of God through Christ an establishment in a state of Grace and Glory The left Pillar he called Boaz this shall always remain in its strength so that they are Pillars and their Salvation is sure that is they shall not be overcome but remain in their strength that have overcome by the Spirit of Christ poured into them whereby they are translated out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Christ They shall go no more out such as are in favour shall go no more out of favour such as are in Christ shall go no more out of Christ And I will write upon him the name of my God that is he shall be acknowledged to be the Child of God he shall be able to see and read his Adoption by the Spirits witnessing it in his Heart and sealing it up and others shall read his Adoption in his holy Conversation and in his zeal of following Christ and his love to the Saints c. I will write upon him the Name of the City of my God he shall be known to himself and others that he is one of God's City and Houshold And my new Name he shall be honoured for King and Conquerer he shall be highly Exalted and Crowned with Glory like to Christ Rev. 2 17. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna an allusion to the golden Pot of Manna kept in the Holiest of all Heb. 9.4 which is meant of Christ the Spiritual Manna he shall feed on the fulness of Christ whatever is in Christ he shall take for his own most freely and nothing shall be with-held from him Now Christ's Kingdom is the golden Pot wherein this Manna is hidden so that if you come to Christ as your King and be his Followers you shall feed on him as Bread of Life I will give him a white Stone The Antients did absolve Persons accused of any Crime and cleared of it by giving them a white Stone to this Christ alludes and says I will give him a white Stone by this is meant assurance of a Discharge of all their Sins the Spirits witnessing to any that they are the Children of God A new Name that is of Sons of God this shall you know and read and rejoyce in By this know that assurance is part of the Glory and Priviledges that they enjoy who are of Christ's Kingdom You have not this white Stone this new Name that are Enemies to his Government over whom Sin reigns and who commit it with greediness Sestion 6. 2. Direct To Saints and Believers to shew them how assurance may be obtained confirmed and continued To make way for this let these things be premised 1. The Salvation of a Person may be sure and yet he want the assurance of it Salvation may be made sure in Heaven yet not in the Heart sure in regard of God's knowing them to be his but not in regard thâ—ir knowing God to be their's or themselves to be God's An Interest in Christ and an evidence of that Interest are not always Companions there may be Peace with God and not Peace in their Conscience 2. Assurance is a Gift of God bestowed upon whom and at what time God pleases 't is a fruit of free Grace it is the shining of God in the Face of Christ in the Souls of Believers Now as when the Sun arises it fills the World with light and makes it day though it may be under a Cloud and the beams thereof are not to be seen so God sometimes shines into the Heart and brings out of darkness into light so far as that there may be trust and affiance in the free Grace of God through Christ yet the light beams of his loving kindneâ— mâ—y be so far with-held as that the Soul may not have the evidence of his favour There is a direct act of Faith whereby Believers look on and trust to the Grace of God in Christ as the Foundation of their Salvation this all Believâ—â—s 〈◊〉 There is a reflex act of Faith a Person 's â—elieving that God is reconciled to his Soul in particular and that Christ died for him c. â—his God gives at what time he pleaâ—es â—â—ith in thâ— fiâ—â—â— act is sometimes given and 〈◊〉 in the laâ—ter 3. The assuâ—â—â—â— of Salvation having been given it may be loâ—â— again Salvation shall not be lost assurance of it may For a small moment have I forsaken thee Isa 54.7 8. I hid my face for a moment This God may do 1. Out of his Soveraignty that the Soul may acknowledge it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good 2. Out of his Love that the Soul may set a higher esteem on the light of God's Countenance and may be more abundantly satisfyed in the beams of his Glory shining in the Soul more than in all worldly Excellencies And that he may look on God's Favour and Loving-kindness as that which is better than Life and that he may say as the Spouse thy Love is better than Wine Spiritual Joy is sometimes in danger to be overwhelmed in worldly Joys The Souls of Believers are sometimes oppressed with carnal security as the Spouse when Christ came Cant. 5. I have put off my Coat c. Then Christ withdrew himself worldly things withdraw the Heart too much from Christ and that may cause a withdrawing of God from the Soul Now the Directions to Saints 1. How to get assurance are these 1. Take heed of surfeiting with worldly Joys and Contentments If with Solomon you will not withold your Hearts from any Joy God may withold Joy from your Hearts the Earth being betwixt us and the Sun this makes
it night with us if the Earth get betwixt our Hearts and God at any time they being overtaken with worldly Contentmentt this may intercept divine light and keep it from you so let your Souls dwell in God and not like Satan walk to and fro in the Earth and wander up and down in it The Apostle's Rule is an excellent one Let them that have Wives be as if they had none and those that be Rich as though they had no Riches 1 Cor. 7.29.30 and those that buy as if they possessed not that is let not your Hearts find rest in these things but let the love of God in Christ be your rest live above let your Souls dwell in God and God will dwell in your Souls 2. Give not way to Sin especially take heed of doing any thing against the light of your Conscience There is nothing more likely to cause a withdrawing of light than a walking contrary to light hereby light is rejected and stifled and when Believers will have Fellowship with Sin God may teach them to take heed of Sin by hiding himself and suffering of their Souls to be filled with terrors By Sin Believers may fall though not from the love of God in Christ yet from the light of his Countenance That is the Apostles triumph Rom. 8. Nothing shall be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ yet there may be a falling from the love of God in the Heart by Sin so then take heed of being over taken with it have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness but reprove them 3. Walk not in the light of your own fire and sparks of your own kindling the Children of Promise that are free are yet too much in bondage to the Covenant of Works looking to a Righteousness of their own to Duties Grounding their hopes of favour and acceptation hereupon God may suffer those to lye down in sorrow that look not higher for ground of Joy When the Wise men left following the guidance of the Star it left them they walked in their own light and they go to the High-Priests c. and enquire of them but when they returned then they saw the Star 4. Be well Principled in the Doctrine of the Gospel and labour to understand it aright As 1. That though the Sins of Believers have abounded yet Grace abounds much more that is there is Grace enough in God and to spare for the pardon of all Sins God hath an infinite and inexhaustible treasure of Grace What God's answer was to Paul may be applied to all Believers My Grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 Paul was the chief of Sinners and God had Grace sufficient for him 1 Tim. 1.16 He obtained Mercy that Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering for a pattern to them that should believe on him to everlasting life Believe the abundance of Mercy in God through Christ and you shall taste the fulness of it look on Sin and from Sin to Grace and there is Grace sufficient for you so you may have Peace in your heart 2. As their disobedience bath abounded so hath Christ's obedience much more As by one man's disobedience many were made Sinners Rom. 5.19 So by the obedience of one many shall be made Righteous There is more Power in Christ's obedience and Righteousness to Justify a Sinner than there is in Sin to Condemn him God is more honoured by Christ than dishonoured by Sin because Christ is an infinite Person equal to the Father he fulfilled the Law that was Lord of it It appears because sufficient to make a Sinner as Righteous as if he had never sinned sufficient to blot out all Sin that there 's no more remembrance of it Sufficient to recompence God c. And besides there is merit in it It 's a price sufficient to purchase Glory Life c. So that as â—here will be frequent acts of disobedience against these set the infinite obedience of the Lord Jesus abounding beyond them all as a Sacrifice sufficient to take away the evil of all 3. God had never suffered the Elect such as are ordain'd to life to have been in a state of Sin before Conversion c. or to do any act of Sin after Conversation but that he intended to glorify his Grace and Mercy in pardoning their Sin and saving them notwithstanding their Sin this was his design from all Eternity to magnify his Grace and Mercy towards the Vessels of Mercy That he might make known the Riches of his Glory Rom. 9.23 So he suffered them to Sin Rom. 5.24 The Law entred that the offence might abound that is that it might be known how far and how exceedingly it abounded Also by the entring of the Law Sin was irritated c. And this that Grace might be magnified towards the Elect in pardoning them and giving Christ to dye and saving them notwithstanding their Sin Now this may uphold the Soul in the apprehensiâ—n of Sin God never intended that Sin should hinder the Salvation of the Elect but to work good even out of sin and to take occasion from thence to magnify his Grace more abundantly so let us have recourse to Grace manifested in Christ But though God by his absolute power might suffer sin c. yet sin is never theless sinful and so we ought to withstand sin to the utmost and we must not do Evil that Good may come of it that is the note of Reprobates whose damnation is just Rom. 3.8 4. The sin of Believers may cause the hiding of love but no hatred they have not Indignation and Wrath but Compassion God looking on the reliques of sin as their infirmities that he will heal Now as Believers out of infirmity do sometimes sin so it is an infirmity to infer hatred in God towaâ—ds them for it for if so then the Grace of God is not sufficient for them and Christ died in vain for them c. 5. The sin of Believers may grieve the Spirit but does not make the Spirit an enâ—my to Believers Greive not the holy Spirit whâ—reby ye are sealed to the day of Redemption Eph 4.30 The sins of Persons sealed by the Spirit do greive the Spirit this is not to be understood properly because the Spirit is not subject to like Passions with us but he 's said to be greived 1. Because sin is contrary to the mind of the Spirit Rom. 8.27 We grieve at any thing that happens against our minds 2. Contrary to the motions of the Spirit 3. To the Graces and Comforts of the Spirit which call for an obedient walking and an holy Conversation 4 Contrary to the Office of the Spirit viz. to comfort the Spirit delights in comforting so it does as it were grieve the Spirit to be hindered from it 5. The sins of Persons sealed by the Spirit are said but to grieve the Spirit not to stir up Wrath and Indignation and a readiness to revenge 6. Consider
that sins should grieve and but grieve the Godly they should not doubt of Love and fear Wrath if once the Soul trusts in the Name of the Lord and stay upon God If once ye be founded on the Rock Christ then your sins should work grief for God dishonoured not fear of God's Wrath Grief for God dishonoured and Joy in God well pleased by Christ may consist together This is the way oâ— the Gospel but indeed a narrow way too hard to keep in it if ye joy in God notwithstanding sin then not to turn to the left hand of making light of sin or if ye grieve then not to turn to the right hand of questioning the love of God and so remitting joy 7. God may afflict yet not hate he may afflict and that grievously as he did Job and yet be well pleased whom I love I rebuke and chasten c. Rev. 3.19 8. For a Believer to doubt of Salvation that takes hold of Christ and is founded on him is his sin For 1. The Spirit of God doth not witness that he is not a Gâ—ild of God If the Spirit of God doth convince a natural Man that 's out of Christ of his carnal and cursed Estate and then he say he cannot lay claim to the Promises of the Gospel to the Benefits of Christ this is not his Sin because it may be that the Spirit is a Spirit of bondage in him and witnesseth this to him and so 't is true But for such as believe in Christ and look for Salvation no other way such never receive the Spirit of Bondage again to fear Rom. 8.15 that is the Spirit doth not bring them into bondage The Spirit doth not witness that they are not the Children of God for he should witness untruth then but their doubting Hearts bring them into bondage 2. 'T is through wanâ— oâ— Fâ—ith that such doubt of Salvaâ—ion 't is for not believing as they ought and that is their Sin and Christ may repâ—ove them as he did Peter O thou of little Faith wherefore did it thou doubt As God hath made the Salvation of Believers sure in Christ c. so they ought to believe it to be sureâ— and 't is their Sin to doubt of it not to believe is to make God a Liar 1 Joh. 5.10 Section 7. 2. How Believers ought to carry themselves in the want of Assurance 1. Desire it thirâ—â— and long for it account it a Mercy worth the enjoying better than all the World can afford and God hath promised to satisfy the hungry with good things and not to send them empty away so then breath after it as the Hart panteth after the water-brooks 3. Wait with patience of God till he return with joy and peace into the Soul I will wait on God that hideth his Face from the House of Israel Isa 8.17 3. Exercise Faith of adherence when you want the Faith of evidence this is the advice of the Prophet Isa 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant that is Christ Iâ—a 42.1 That fears the Lord and serve him in Christ being acquainted with the great Mystery of Godliness here 's Faith of adherence which Judges Christ worthy of Glory and walketh in darkness and sees no light here 's want of Faith of Evidence now what should be done in this case Still trust still hold fast Christ look for Salvation in him and none else trust in the name of the Lord trust to the mercy of God his abundant Grace manifested in giving Christ as sufficient to â—ave you and stay on his God God iâ— his God though he knows it not stay upon him let the Soul he fixed on him and say as Job though he kill me I will trust in him If I perish it shall be at the feet of Mercy and then though you may walk in darkness for a time yet the Lord shall be a light unto you Sâ—ction 8 From the second sense of these words work out that is desire and endeavour this that Salvâ—tion begun to be wrought out may be perfected so much the word signifies Rom. 7.18 How to perform that which is good I find not Doct. 2. The perfecting of Salvation that is begun should be the great desire of all Believers when 't is begun to be wrought they should desire that Salvation may be wrought out a Person begun to be saved should long to be saved to the utmost Here consider a few things 1. The Salvation of Believers shall be perfected This is a work that shall be finished As in the fiâ—st Creation of the World things were imperfect at first but God did not cease Creating till Heaven and Earth were finished and all the Host of them so at the first Conversion when Salvation fiâ—st comes to the Soul it may be it is very imperfect a little Faith a little Love but weak and faint breathings of Spirit but smoking Flax a bruised Reed But God will go on in this work till every Saint be made perfect and all the Host of them Phil. 1.6 He that hath begun a good work will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ He wi l keep Believers till the day of Christ and perfect their Happiness in that day which shall endure for ever Christ dying said it is finished that is the types of the Law are fulfilled what Christ had to do towards the obtaining Man's Redemption was finished for Satisfaction Reconciliation Merit all are fiâ—ished and nothing remains but the application of Christ to the Soul and bestowing the Benefits purchased for the Elect by Christ that Christ lives to finish he died to finish the work of Satisfaction and Reconciliation he lives to finish the work of Sanctification and Glorification He died to finish the work hâ— had to do respecting God's paying the price 〈◊〉 Redemption recompencing him for the d shonoâ—r that was done him by Sin and he lives to finish the work he hath to do respecting the Elect which is to pour out hâ—s Spirit into their â—â—â—â—ts and to form them for himsâ—â—l and to fashion Soul and Body like to himself this is the meaning of that place Rom. 5.10 For if when were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life He died to finish a work with the Father for Men making peace for them he lives to finish a work in them which is to make them Holy aâ—d Happy and whatever Enemies there are to the happiness of the Saints Christ shall subdue them 1 Cor. 15.25 He must Reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his Feet and till all his Members be conformed in glory to him and placed in Glory with him Joh. 17.22.24 The Glory that thou hast given me I have given them Now Believers have a right to but they shall also have the possession of it they shall partake in Christ's Glory in all his
his Spirit in the Heart he is the Well of Water that is springing up to everlasting Life For Explication of this point before I come to the proof I shall distinguish first of Good which is two fold 1. Carnal Outward Worldly good good that pertains to the Body and outward Man As the enjoyment of the things of the World in a sufficiency for Food and Raiment to preserve the Natural Life This good Men can embrace and they can be diligent in their several Callings to get this Worlds good 2. There 's a spiritual good that appertains to the Soul which is the life perfection and peace of the Soul Eternal Everlasting good Meat that endures to everlasting life That is an All-sufficient God There 's none good but one that is God a God reconciled believed and enjoyed in Christ This good a natural Man cannot will or desire because 't is not possible for him to apprehend it There 's no suitableness in Man for it 2. I shall distinguish of God's working which is two fold I In the old Creation So 1. God gives to Creatures a being some of one kind and some of another kind and puts several faculties and dispositions into them to work in several ways and to bring forth Fruits of several kinds He Created the Sun and filled it with Light and put into it a faculty and disposition to run a race in the Heavens and to be the Light of the whole World He Created the living Creatures and gave them a power to propagate after their kind 2. God doth by the same power by which he created preserve and continue them in their beings So 't is said they are created by God That is confirmed Rev. 4.10 Conservation being a continued Creation 3. God doth stir up the â—aculties and Powers put into several Creatures determining to several operations This or that every Creature shall do God concurring with them in their operations so they all act and move by the power of God in them So it 's said In 〈◊〉 we live move and have our being Acts 17.25.28 The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the Waters Gen. 1.2 Which imports the effectual quickning power of the Holy Ghost which upholds and sustains and gives vertue to all Creatures whereby they live move and have their beings So that of all Creatures this is true whatsoever they do 't is God works them to do What a Rational Creature wills God works it to will iâ— a way suitable to the faculty of Rational Creatures that is in presenting of objects to the understanding thereby moving and inclining the wi l. Now in this old Creation there 's no willing or dâ—ing that which is good wiâ—hout special grace There s no disposition or faculty towards it there 's no willing of God to take him as the Supreme Good and the will of God as the Supreme Rule the glory of God as the Supreme End There 's no Piety no Holiness left in the Old Creation Men are Corrupt the Creature is subject to Vanity and in Bondage to Corruption II. Thâ—re is God's working in the new Creation this begins in the Souls of Men c. Herein God works i. e. of Carnal makes Spiritual from Spiritual Death raises to a Spiritual Life and stirs up to Spiritual Operations and brings into Holy ways Now as in the Old Creation it 's said all live move and have their being so in this New Creation all live move and have their being in God God makes New and places Holy dispositions and God preserves and upholds them once made God determines and stirs up by an actual influence of his Spirit So God works to will and do of his good pleasure For the proof of this Three things are to be clear'd 1. Consider In the Natural man there 's no free will to Spiritual good no embracing or doing of it There is free will to Sin in the Men of the Old Creation Free will to natural actions in as much as herein they act by Knowledge and Election chusing to do this and not that There 's no free will to Spiritual good 1. Because they are under such darkness that covers it that they can't know and apprehend Spiritual objects Spiritual things can't be apprehended but by a Spiritual Eye Now the Soul of every Man is Carnal 't is imprison'd in Flesh it dwels in thick darkness As God is said to dwell in thick darkness because his glory is vailed and hid 1 Kings 8.12 He is hid by the thick covering of Carnal things that he doth not shine forth in Spiritual glory in the World so the Soul of man dwells in thick darkness God is above it and full of Glory Splendor and Majesty in himself Men are under it they are darkness so that they cannot look beyond things Carnal they see no good but in things Carnal The Carnal Man perceives not the things of the Spirit of God neither can he know 1 Cor. 2.14 So can't chuse and embrace them What the mind can't know as good the will can't embrace as good Now this mind cannot judge and apprehend God in Christ to be the chief good When Peter confessed Christ who he was he replies Flesh and Blood hath not revealed this to thee but my Father which is Heaven Math. 16.17 There 's no more of saving Spiritual Light in the Carnal Man before the New Creation then there was of Natural Light before the Old Creation The Men of the Old Creation have Light whereby they know the Creatures and have Souls terminated in them but not Light whereby they know God Whence the Apostle sais Ye were darkness Eph. 5.8 Men naturally dwell in the darkness and not in the Light of the Lord. They walk in the darkness of Creature-comforts and not in the Light of Divine glory And that which strenghtens this argument is that Men love darkness that covers them They had rather dwell in darkness than in the Knowledge of the glory of God Men do turn from Light and would turn the Light from them A Man hath free will towards darkness that he chuses but not free will towards Light that he refuses Light is come into the World into the Old Creation but Men as Men in a natâ—ral temper as sinners do evermoâ—e loâ—e darkness There must be a New Câ—eaâ—ion before Light will be received with Joy 2. They are under a state of deadness to all Spiritual good there 's no free will in a Dead Man to Spiritual Actions and there is no mâ—râ—â—n a Natural Man to Spiritual Actions Ye are Dead in Trespasses and Sins As Dead to Spiritual Life as the Bodies that lye in the grave to Natural Life As dead to a Life of God as Dead Bodies are to a Life of Man God lives in himself he lives to his own glory to this whatever he doth tends A Natural Man is alienated from this Life of God 3 Under a state of â—nmity against Spiritual good The Carnal
mind is Enmity against God 't is not subject neither indeed can be So there 's no free will to Spiritual good in a Natural Man the Carnal mind and Spiritual good are in opposition one to another Rom. 8.7 2. Man renewed and raised made Spiritual and having the Seed of God in him hath free will to Spiritual good As a Natural Man hath free will in Natural Actions he acts with deliberation and Election So Man renewed hath free will to Spiritual Actions This is implied God works to will so in a renewed estate a Man hath free will The Lord hath shewn what is good and what he requires and the Sâ—irit in them stirs them up to good God hath shined in the Heart and in the Face of Christ and hath appeared in his Glory shed abroad his Love and hath taken away the Heart of Stone in which there is no free will to God and given a Heart of Flesh in which there is a fâ—ee will to God a consent to be saved by Christ The Spirit acting by Light and Love convincing the Soul of the worth of Christ and stirring up to a following of the Lord Jesus that heart can reason out service Christ is worthy because a Lamb slain c. Rev. 5.9 And the heart chuses to serve Christ here 's free will to the doing of good When Christ is revealed in his Glory as most lovely and the Soul is brought into the treasures of good that are in Christ and sees a fulness in him and then embraces him here 's a free will in embracing of good a chusing of Christ above the World You are not sound Christians unless you have such a free will as this 3. That free will to Spiritual good which is in the renewed man is of God's working As the Apostle sais I live yet not I but Christ in me Gal. 2.20 So that a Believer hath free will and he acts freely in the ways of God he embraces what God shews to be good he châ—ses the things that please God yet not he but Christ in him Christ lives Christ wills and Christ works that which is good in him Without me ye can do nothing John 15.5 There 's no free will nor power to do good till Christ be in the heart I can do all things through Christ strenghtening me I can will as I ought and do as I ought through Christ Christ determines to good actions Christ stirs up to good actions Now this will further appear by considering the great design of God in saving Sinners As all God's works are God's manifestations so God intends in this work a glorious manifestation of himself 1. In his Power as in the first Creation his Eternal Power and Godhead is to be seen so in the second Creation Eph 1.19 The Apostle prays that the Ephesians might have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation to know the exceeding greatness of his Power to them that believe God's design is not to make known the power of Nature and Free will but his own power in the exceeding greatness of it If the Conversion of a Sinner be but by Moral perswasion by holding forth of Spiritual objects to be embraced then how is it that the exceeding greatness of power is manifested to them that believe if Faith come forth from free will and power of Nature only excited and stirred up by Divine Grace c. So certain it is that Faith is made out of nothing there 's no disposition in us towards believing but 't is a work of Divine Power creating it in a Soul most empty of Spiritual good 2. In his Grace which he declares first in the freeness of it For it is by meer Grace that any are called and justified There 's nothing that that puts a difference betwixt one and another nor why one embraces the Gospel and another does not but meer Grace 1 Cor. 4 7. These things I write that no one be puffed up against another for who maketh thee to differ If Men have free will to good if that Will be not meerly of God's working whereby one Man doth embrace Christ and lay hold on the Promise of Life God doth not make him to differ but his own free will doth so and so this opinion directly opposes the design of the Gospel to commend Grace in its freeness Free will established in natural men makes void free Grace As the Apostle says If of works then not of grace else grace is no more grace Rom. 6.11 So likewise if of free will grace is no moâ—e grace and if of grace then nor of free will So when the Gospel is Preached to all and some lay hold on it and embrace Christ in their hearts and follow him and others refuse and go on in evil ways leading to destruction What makes the difference Divine Grace God works a will in one and not in another the one he brings out of darkness and the other he leaves in darkneâ—â— and so all grâ—â—nd of glorying in a Man'â—â—elf iâ— taken away that he that glorys may glory in the Lord. So that free wiâ—l to good is nor in nature but where 't is it is a fruit of free Grace God works to will Secondly in the sufficiency of it when the Creature is insufficient and can do nothing to procure pardon and to make his Peace Grace gave Christ. And when Christ is offered and there 's no power to embrace Christ then Grace gives to believe in Christ and works a consent in the will to take Christ. When there 's no power against Corruption and to do good Grace gives the Spirit to be a living conquering Law causing Obedience Objection Some may object against this truth for establishing of free will in the Natural Man from the general and Universal render of the Gospel Go preach the Gospel to every Creature God gave his Son that all that believe c. Rom. 12.17 Whosoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely To what purpose are these tenders if there be not free will and power in Man to embrace them Answ 1. These general tenders of Grace do not argue in Men a freedom of will to receive Grace or a power to believe but only a duty to Believe Men ought to believe so all are called on and unbelief is Men's sin and greatest sin 2. The Election only shall lay hold on the Grace of the Gospel Rom. 11.7 Israel hath not obtained but the Election that is such persons as were Elected hath obtain'd it and the rest were blinded Now because the Election is secret and hid the Gospel is preached to all alike 3. The Preaching of the Gospel the holding forth of the Promises of Life in Christ to Sinners is the ministration of the Spirit to those that are ordain'd to Life that 's the way in which the Spirit comes down into their Souls and is a Spirit of Faith and Love in them 2 Cor. 3. 4. Reprobates having the Gospel Preached and
The Throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and his Servants shall serve him Then they shall serve him and not their Enemies any more and they shall serve him in-deed Now his Servants in name do serve other Lords Hypocrites go for the Servants of God but then his Servants shall serve him All Servants in name shall serve him indeed that is all shall serve him in sincerity so his Servanâ—s shall serve him throughly and to purpose 'T is so little Service that God hath now from his Servants that they can hardly be said to serve him but when they are before the Throne of the Lamb then shall Christ have abundantly more Service from his Saints As there shall be more light more warm Affections heat of Love in a high degree So there shall be much better Service Quest Shall there be a keeping of a Sabbath in the new Jerusalem the Holy City 't is said thus no Temple there no Sun nor Moon No Ordinances because the presence of the Lamb shall supply them and so make them useless and if no Ordinances then no First-day-Sabbath but every day a Sabbath Answ We must distinguish between the Holy City New Jerusalem and the Nations of them that shall be saved and shall walk in the light of it Rev. 21.24 Who bring their Glâ—ry and Honour into it mentioned Chap. 20.9 That is the Nations of them that shall be saved in the time of the Thousand Years as it is the same word which is used for the Congregation of Israel when they went out of Egypt travelling towards Canaan In like manner in the time of the Thousand Years besides the beloved City there will be a Camp of Saints there will be saved Nations called and converted then travelling towards the Holy City The Law shall go forth from Sion and the wâ—rd of the Lord from Jerusalem And they do walk in this light towards it Now in the beloved City Ordinances cease and the keeping of one day in seven ceases but in the Camp of the Saints c. amongst the Nations saved and walking in the light of the New Jerusalem there will be Ordinances and the keeping of the Sabbath in manner as is here prescribed Uses If there ought to be so strict an observation of the Sabbath day then how short do men come of the keeping of it Where are the Persons to be found that walk on the Sabbath according to this Rule 1. How loose are some in their Principles in writing and speaking against a Divine Institution of it as if there were not ground for the keeping of it but from Custom and the Commands of Men and so it shall be but the Holy of Men and not the Holy of the Lord whereas this is that which makes it H nourable and is the ground why we should call it Honourable because it hath the stamp of Divine Authority upon it And it 's Christ that is the Lord of it and not Man 2. And what loosness is in the practice of almost all Who be they that turn their Feet the Feet of the Body and Soul from it Where are any to be found that do not find their pleasure and speak their own words c. 2. Learn what reason there is to long for that glorious Reformation which shall be in the World As the Creatures groan to be delivered for the bondage of Corruption and from being in such bondage to Men's lusts who do abuse them so much to the dishonour of God and make them the matter of Sin So those that have the first fruits of the Spirit should groan within themselves waiting for the Adoption That is as they that believe have the power of Sons so they should wait for the Inheritance of Sons and long to have more of the Spirit of Sons that thereby they may be enabled as in their whole course to carry themselves as Sons towards their Heavenly Father So on the Lord's day they may come before the Lord in that Holy Spiritual and Heavenly frame which is here required What a blessed time will that be when he that is feeble and fails so much in Duties shall be as David the Man after God's own heart doing all his will Christ advised the Jews to pray that their flight might not he on the Sabbath-day Many times there is flying on the Sabbath-day and this is sad times Sometimes there is flying from Meetings flying from Duties for fear of Enemies and too often our Hearts on that day are flying away from God and the duties of his worship upon the wings of worldly thoughts and affections A happy time will it be with the Saints when there shall be no flying on the Sabbath no flying upon the wings of fear nor no flying upon the wings of worldly love but then David's wish shall be fulfilled to those that shall serve the Lord and David their King and fear the Lord and his goodness They shall have the wings of the Dove wherewith they shall fly to the Holy Spiritual Soul-refreshing rest of the Sabbath and fly to Heaven to the Throne of God and the Lamb c. Use 2. Exhortation Let that Holy Spiritual Strict Observation of the Sabbath which shall be hereafter be your pattern now 1. It will be a good evidence of your being in Covenant and of the truth and reality of Grace when you can thus holily and spiritually keep a Sabbath to the Lord. This is the Man that is likely to perform the duties of his Calling on other days to the honour of the Lord he will work he will Buy and Sell he will Plow and Sow he will Eat and drink to the honour of God and he will be careful that his business in the World be acted in Religion Isa 56.1 2. Keep Judgment do Justice Keep the Sabbath from polluting it The former comprehends the duties of the Second Table the latter the duties of the First So necessary is it to the right worshipping of God to keep a Sabbath that this is put for and made comprehensive of all the duties of God's worship 2. Thus shall you be the better prepared for a Storm For as here are Promises of being above troubles of riding on the High places of the Earth c. So hence you may conclude you shall have protection under trouble The true worshippers who worship God in Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus may have great confidence and peace in their hearts in such a day Psa 27.4 5. One thing have I desired of the Lord c. In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his Pavillion in the secret of his Tabernacle c. Those that come to his pavillion-love to be where God is and to be near him and to have communion with him c. When the Woman is in the Wilderness she is nourished there and when a stream comes and the Dragon casts out a flood out of his Mouth to swallow her up the Earth shall help her