bear his strokes to and in Eternity May he whilst Life lasteth change 'em thoroughly The Third Use is of or for Exhortation The first branch thereof is more large and general Be we all stirred up to put this matter upon a fair issue and tryal Is the Spirit poured out on us Have we received the Spirit which is of God yea is God I will first present some Considerations tending to excite us to this Trying and to seriousness in it The first is Many trust very foolishly in trusting their own Hearts Prov. 28.26 which Naturally are untrue and as far from goodness as from Truth There were of Old those called Gnosticks and Montanists who called themselves Spiritual ones but very falsly and at this day many strongly conceit that the Spirit of God is in 'em but put 'em on proving it and you silence ' em Secondly There are in all of us considered in our Naturals Principles that lead us to a vain confidence that we are Rich Jer. 17.9 and increased with Goods and Goodness Ezek. 36.31 And is it not a leading work of the Holy Spirit to shew us our self-emptiness and bring us to self-loathing Thirdly Is it not of sad signification when we decline all serious search and tryal in the case Psal 26.2 139. last Did not the Man after Gods own Heart shew what he was by his desiring God to examine and prove him Were not those Virgins far out Mat. 25. that looked not into their Vessels to see what supply there was in 'em for their Lamps Fourthly God will to the quick try us He may send on us such a sudden and sharp Affliction as will answer the name of a Temptation or Tryal He will certainly come to us by Death Eccles 12. last and bring us to Judgment and then there will be a full and impartial decision of the matter Then the Secrets of all hearts will be laid open And now marks or signs lye next us And the first I shall name which I shall do little more than name having before given an hint of 'em See Doctor Manton c. distinguish'd are exclusive ones If they be upon Persons they are void of the spirit of Holiness To wit 1. Walking after the Flesh and fulfilling its Lusts Hath the Flesh a full dominion within the Spirits Territories Rom. 8.1 Have they the Spirit whom the Flesh at a beck can command into its Obedience Gal. 5.16 so that they will run into excess and be drunk unclean or lazy The second is Living in an ordinary and wilful neglect of Spiritual Duties or however of Spiritual Graces in the use of ' em Doth not the Spirit of Life where he enters bring his Law into the Heart Rom. 8.2 And doth not Mens Closets and Houses savour of it I next come to give some of those Marks which are good but not conclusive 1. They may not have the Spirit of Sanctification who have had some of those preparatory works as they are called which Saints have Acts 24.25 They may have frights for wrath that want fear of sin They may have sorrows that have not Godly sorrow They may be shaken that are not settled on the Rock of Ages 2. They may be destitute of the Sanctifying Spirit that have some desirable motions and affections from him They may desire benefit by Christ that have no real desire of Christ himself They may desire him as a Bridge on and over which they pass to Happiness that do not desire him as an Husband in whose Bosom they may iye and whose Orders they may observe They may love the Loaves that do not love the Person of Christ they may joy in some Gifts from him that count not abiding with him joyful And so I proceed to lay down Marks styled inclusive They that carry 'em have received if not a double a larger portion of the Spirit than sundry others who yet have received him May those who will vouchsafe to read 'em desire that they may bear ' em The first is An hearty and deep detestation of inward and thought-defilements added to an escaping the gross Pollutions of the World Psal 119.113 128. Though David fell far and foully yet in his main course and bent he had an habitual yea and actual hatred as of every false way so of every vain thought and therein stood above many whose Feet are on Holy Ground An eminent presence of the Spirit was with him The Second is A readiness in many cases to deny ones self and part with ones own Right and concern not onely for Peace sake but chiefly for God's sake Gen. 13.8 Was not Father Abraham higher by the Head than most are that are his Seed who not onely yielded to Lot that was his Nephew but also refus'd to touch any of the Spoils that were recovered in War being first taken from the Sodomites I know Balaam could speak words of self-denyal as if an House-full of Gold was as nothing to him but it was because God made it too hot for him to hold 2 Pet. 2.15 for in his Heart he loved the Wages of Unrighteousness If a Person come to this A meipso libera me cry'd Luther that he fears the encroachment of self-ends and is free to be taken off from self-willedness and is Mortified as to self-advancement a large measure of the Spirit is conferred on him A Third is Walking more evenly and uniformly than most do who yet are in the Road to Heaven Gen. 5.24 1 Pet. 2.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 No doubt there were in Enoch's Age other upright Persons yet on account of his out-shining 'em and out-going 'em in Obedience he hath this High Character That he walked with God When a Person 's Conversation as to the several turnings that are in it are honest and becoming the Gospel and is so much all of a well-wrought piece that it is not easie for a Friend to find any thing that deserves a sharp Reproof See the Life of Sir Nat. Barnardiston and of the Lady Wharton or a Foe to quarrel with any practice as inconsistent with saving Grace a Person is verily filled with the Spirit 4. So is he that gives great Glory to God by exercising Faith in the face of many and great discouragements was not this an Evidence that Abraham was fuller than many of the Holy Ghost Rom. 4.19 20. in that he considered not his own Body being then dead as to the hope of begetting an Isaac a Son of Laughter nor yet the deadness of Sarahs Womb He did not so consider either of 'em as not to rely on God for fulfilling his Promise in giving him Posterity He believed in hope against hope he set one God over against all Objections His Faith remov'd Mountains out of his sight 5. They have the Spirit above many that are mighty in Prayer that can humbly and earnestly plead in
THE RICHES OF GRACE DISPLAYED The SECOND PART In the great Instances thereof In giving the Son Sending the Spirit Effectual Calling God's Covenanting with Man By W. Bagshaw Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Ralph Shelmardine in Manchester 1685. ADVERTISEMENT Reader THou maist take notice That the Reverend Author of this Book did begin to Publish something on this Excellent Subject in a Book Entituled The Riches of Grace Displayed c. in the Year 1674. To which this is a Second Part proceeding on several great Instances to the fifth in number which are mentioned in the Title page To which will be added a Third Part of five Instances more of the same Rich Grace to wit of God the Father's Justifying Adopting Sanctifying Comforting and Glorifying Persons The Subject is of the highest concern and this may be said of the handling of it That it is fully and yet briefly done And the Reader may be assured that as the price cannot be great so he shall not pay for scarce a superfluous word in the whole May God Bless it to the eternal Advantage of every careful peruser of it Amen ERRATA PAge 3. line 1. read manner p. 4. l. 21. dele which is p. 5. in the Marg. r. Commendabilem ib. Polus p. 14. l. 7. r. at Ibid. l. 23. dele say p 17. l. 16. r. O that p. 25. l. 12. dele he came so p. 30. l. 13. r. inflicted p. 31. l. 19. r. O that p. Ib. l. 22. r. pledge p. 48. l. 10. r. know p. 55. l. 10. r. cures p. 63. l. 14. r. yet p. 64. in the Marg. r. rependere p. 70. l. 11. r. desires p. 72. l. 14. r. her p. 76. l. 18. add is p. 81. Marg. r. against ' em p. 87. l. 5. r. and. p. 103. l. 13. r. do p. 110. l. 22. add is p. 122. l. 6. r. living water p. 133. Marg. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 143. l. 16. r. chearing p. 147. l. 4. r. of us all p. 154. l. 20. r. and design p. 164. Marg. r. malè colorata p. 180. l. 15. r. Context p. 182. l. 25. r. this p. 184. l. 2. r. removed p. 187. l. 1. add as well p. 193. l. 12. r. crys p. 203. Marg. r. Date THE RICHES OF GRACE The SECOND PART 1 John 4.10 Herein is Love not that we Loved God but that He Loved us and sent His Son to be a Propitiation for our Sins DId not Divine John carry Grace and Love in his Heart as well as in his Name BP Brownwrigg It was well observed by one of great eminency and is worthy of the observation of others that as he shared above others in the Love of his Saviour he above others shewed as well as bare Love to his Saviour Jo. 13.23 As he was the Disciple that Jesus Loved He was a compound of Love and sweetness he was the Disciple by whom Jesus was beloved and in the exercise of Love his fellowship was with the Father See Doctor Roberts as well as with the Son Jesus Christ Witness this Epistle 1 Ja. 1.3 and that part of it wherein my Text stands And he who felt such pure flames in his own breast was desirous to kindle the like in the breasts of others thence doth he display the Love of God before 'em His heart would not easily off from that Subject and it kept his Pen to and on it On that sweet string he struck in the Verse before this and on it he strikes again in this Verse wherein 1. The Matter treated of is Love Love in its height 2. The Matter of his treating thereon is as was usual with him 1. Negatively the excellency of Love lay not in Mens Love to God 2. Positively it lyes in Gods Love to Men. Of whose Love there is an eminent instance to wit sending His Son to be a Propitiation for our Sins The Text hath in it fair footing for sundry points or observations but it falls for my present design to touch only on this Doctrine 1. The sending of His Son to be a Propitiation for Mens Sins was an eminent evidence of the Rich Grace and free Love of God the Father Of this person's Love doth the Text and Context much treat That we are to take the word God therein personally for the Father is argued from his being distinguished from the Son and having that action which is especially appropiated to the Father Differentia est per propria appropriata Bp. Prid. manuduct p. 34. ascribed to him that is sending the Son Though there be no inequality among the Divine Persons or Subsistents there is an order and the Scripture speaks of the first Person Isai 53.10 as the first propounder and mover as to the work of Mans redemption And when the Text saith herein is Love or in this is Love it speaks as much as I have put into my Doctrine See the Eng. Annot I find it thus glossed on The very nature of Love doth herein appear One I remember expressed himself thus This is Love worth pointing at Mr. S. E. what if I say this is Love worth wondring at it is much on this score especially that God the Father is stiled Love 1. Jo. 4.8.16 which is full of Love Love it self And in the foregoing Verse it is said expresly In this was the Love of God manifested in this mainly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 though not in this only in this above and not only among other things that he gave his only Begotten Son 1 Jo. 3.16 So God Loved the World so wonderfully so as cannot be to the full expressed or conceived Here is a Sic without a Sicut So that good Men and Angels are fill'd with admiration This Love had no president Rom. 5.8 and shall have no parallel Commendabile reddit salus ad locum This commendeth or rendreth commendable the Love of God the Father particularly That we may take a fairer view of this his Love we will offer at the resolution of certain Questions 1. Who is it that thus declares his Love Is it not God the Father Did not the Son come and was he not sent out of His Bosome Vide Amyraldi Thes de peccato in Spirit Sanctum Now did not Mans Sin in violating the Law and first Covenant strike very fully at this Person from whom if we regard the order of the Persons in the Godhead that Law and Covenant had the first rise Had not He been what He is if Man had never been And could not He have Glorified Himself in Mans Damnation Rom. 5 8. Now that He against whom Man had Sinn'd should for Man provide a Saviour that he who was provoked by the World should send his Son for as well as into the World that he that is All-blessed should bestow on provokers this prime Blessing that he who could have honoured His justice should thus declare
Moralists or Formalists And as to the former sort With what face or colour can they say they have received Jesus into their Hearts and have the Fathers Love shed abroad in them who are overmuch wicked Eccles 7.17 I remember with what seriousness a worthy Brother Mr. H. Newcome Preached thereon as the Preachers Phrase is 1. Wallow in the mire of Uncleanness or run into excess in Drink or over reach those they Trade with or inure their tongues to vain Swearing Cursing or Reviling 2. Add one of those Enormities to another having on them sundry black and broad spots at once And 3. Add Rebellion to sin hating to be Reformed rising up against the Reproofs under which they should fall down Is Christ an Head Tit. 2.11 12. to which such Corrupt Members are joyned Is such ungodliness consistent with Graces Teaching And so I fall on posing those who go no further than the form of Godliness Who 1. In abstaining from Evil are onely sollicitous about abstaining from more open Evils The filthiness that is in the Spirit to wit Contrary to 2 Cor. 7.1 Pride Malice Luke-warmness and Worldliness they indulge 2. Their abstinence from evil is separated from diligence in good they think it enough not to bear bad Fruit though they be Barren as to what is good as if not flying out into Rebellion was enough to make a good Subject Mat. 3.10 3. In doing Duties they are partial picking and choosing and onely taking the cheaper serving the Lord with what costs them least not communing with their own Hearts in self-examination not labouring to work truths upon and into their Hearts by Meditation not keeping up a Watch and Guard over their Senses and Souls 4. They are not for exercising their Spirits in the exercises they are engag'd in James 5.17 they are not for Praying earnestly or in Prayer nor for Praising God with their whole Hearts nor for hearing Psal 9.1 that they may Live 5. They when exercising some of the strength of their Spirits are not for exercising the Graces of Gods Spirit They cannot call forth Faith Love and Zeal who are void of them 6. Phil. 3.3 They are not for exalting Christ above and in the close of Duties nor glorying in him as the Lord their Righteousness covering their sins and presenting their Souls acceptable to God Let these know that as yet the Free grace of God in Christ hath not a special influence on them nor are they peculiarly interested therein The second Advice is Be they persuaded to weigh well that their present state is not a state to be rested in Be it known that the slighting of Christ argues 1. An Understanding dangerously dark that hath not discover'd 1. The indispensible want of him that he is more needed than daily Bread John 4.10 God can preserve mens Bodies without that but will not save their Souls without him Nor yet 2. The incomparable worth of him Did Men kow the gift of God and how this Sun out-shines all lesser Stars so that they disappear at and on his appearance they could not but fall in Love with him and follow hard after him 2. It is also an Argument of an Heart desperately hard hardened through divers Lusts particularly through 1. Pride The Heart thinks too highly of it self to go unto Christ Rom. 10.3 4. John 1.11 to be its Righteousness and too meanly of his Service to submit to him as its Ruler 2. Sensuality It prefers filthy Puddles before the River of God and had rather have its Residence in Styes than in his pure presence And it is a great Truth but no great Wonder that this sin doth immediately shut Persons out of Heaven and under Wrath what Remedy is there for those with whom the great Gospel-remedy is at an undervalue Will not all the Curses of the Law and with them an Anathema 1 Cor. 16.22 Maranatha fall on such as Love not the Lord Jesus Christ nor have recourse to him and to his Fathers Love in him that they may do so Whither will they Appeal that are cast at the Mercy-seat I will next apply my self to the notoriously Vicious and oh that God would say to them Micah 2.10 Get ye from these Tents Haste out of this Sodom Know they their Crimes are exceedingly aggravated from the tenders of the great Propitiation out of the Fathers Rich Grace made to ' em 1. Are they not against clear Light In this Glass may be seen 1. How deep the stain and pollution of sin is which onely his Blood who is God can fetch out so that it shall not be seen with an avenging Eye 2. How greatly the Nature as well as the Will of God is against sin yea how all his Attributes oppose sin Rom. 8.32 He spared not his own Son but gave him up to a Cursed Death when he undertook to answer for it 3. How willing as well as able both the Father and the Son are to receive Penitents into favour Doth not Christ's death set out this to the Life and with their Love is that of the Spirit presented in the Gospel witness the moving Lamentations over sinners Isa 55.1 2 3. John 5.40 the pressing Exhortations on 'em and winning Invitations to 'em And so 2. Are not their ill courses against dear Love yea against expressions of the highest Love as to the spring Evidences and Effects of it Do they not strike at the Heart of every Person in the Godhead And will not these blows redound and fall on their Heads that give ' em Mat. 1.21 Will not this be the Condemnation of thousands they with the resistance of Light and Love expected that God should save 'em in their sins who would have have sav'd 'em from ' em The Application is now to fall on those that rest on this side Christ the true Rest though in those cleaner ways to Hell as some speak Civility and Formality This is not their Rest nor should be made so one hour Till such Persons have Union to and Communion with Jesus Christ and his Father 1. Eph. 2.12 They are in the World without God in the World They have a better Air than Heathens but have not better Hearts at least not a better inward state than they They have more Light but not more Spiritual sight They have more Church-Priviledges but no more saving Grace 2. Their Services how specious soever and taking with Men are unacceptable to God if we speak of full and absolute and not of comparative acceptance their Fruit is not to Perfection 1 Pet. 2.5 and will not be to Salvation not growing on or from the Tree of Life 3. They have no Title to Heaven John 3. last but are Children and Heirs of Wrath. Their Righteousness doth not exceed probably it doth not equallize the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees 1 Thes 1. last It is Christ alone that delivers from
the Wrath to come and he onely delivers those that are in him The last advice as to the unregenerate is cry they pray they get they all their Friends to cry and pray for a change of their state and frame that they may on good grounds say that Jesus Christ is a Propitiation for their sins and that the Father that sent him to be so hath accepted him as such O that the Lord who imploys one so weak as I am would Honour me in making me an Instrument of their Conversion 1. Study they to good purpose that they do as really need an Interest in this Blessed Propitiation as any in the World can do 1. Have they not many great sins to be removed off from their Souls and out of God's sight Did they not fall as far and foully as any in Adam Did they not derive as guilty Persons Rom. 5.12 7.24 so filthy Natures from him Is there not in every one of 'em a Root of bitterness Hath not this Root been fruitful in the unfruitful works of Darkness If all their sins particularly those of Omission were set in order before 'em If onely those that have been more directly against the Love of the Father and the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ were presented to 'em would they not be as a vast and terrible Army And if the heightning Circumstances of 'em were shewed together with 'em would they not render 'em still more frightful 2. Be they fully persuaded that no Righteousness which they can call their own will avail or signifie any thing as to the atoning of God and rendring him Propitious and Gracious to ' em The Bed is too short they cannot stretch themselves thereon The Covering is too narrow they cannot wrap themselves therein The injur'd Justice of God being infinite John 7.20 cannot be righted by any finite payments made to it Thousands of Rams Micah 6.5 6 7. and ten thousands of Rivers of Oyl are insignificant 3. Make they a just Account that to their Salvation a renewing of their Natures is needful As they are indebted so they are diseased as they need Pardons so they need Cares if God save 'em he 'l heal ' em 4. Doubt they not of the All-sufficiency of Christ's Propitiation John 6.37 7.37 or of the freeness of his Father to make over to 'em the benefit thereof upon their coming in and yielding themselves to him Assuredly if they can once get a sight of the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 they may with comfort behold the Glory of God in it All the Divine Attributes will appear then amiable all the ways of God will be rendred easie and all the Providences of God will become profitable even chastising ones or Rods will have Honey on the end of 'em which they shall taste 5. That they may be brought nigh to the Father and the Son and share in their Loves wait they in the use of a plain clear practical Ministry that the Holy Spirit may descend on 'em and they may experience the sweetness and powerfulness of his drawings God not seldom speaks to mens Hearts by his Ministers as his Mouth and Oh that Persons longed to find the Holy Spirit 1. Eph. 1.17 A revealing Spirit shewing 'em the King in his excellent enamouring Beauty 2. An inclining Spirit bowing their wills Psal 110.3 and bringing 'em over to embrace him whom they apprehend 3. An enabling Spirit empowring 'em to come to him that is able to save 'em to the uttermost from sins reigning Power here as well as from its ruining power hereafter O for a Spirit of Faith Is it not much more precious than Gold or Pearls Though it do not at all make the Propitiation for our sins it makes it ours Lest all I have said be as if it was unsaid to those who most need it I shall before I come to direct my Speech to the Regenerate set before the Unregenerate and such as continue to slight the Rich Grace of God in Christ some moving Motives One is Death is on its way towards 'em and every step they take they are a step nearer to it Their Glass is continually running and how few Sands remain in it it is not for them to know What if it should lay hold on them before they have laid hold on this Propitiation Job 18.14 Would it not be as it hath been accounted of terrible things the most terrible For 2. if they come not to Christ he will in Judgment come against them and as he is the sweetest Friend so he is the sorest Foe Rev. 6. last The wrath of the Lamb is to Grandees that are to fall under it full of Terror They that will not have him as their Saviour cannot flye from him as their Judge And to their shame and sorrow it will appear 1. This Judge is All-knowing No sin hath been committed so secretly as to scape his Cognisance He will bring to light the most hidden works of Darkness 2. He is also most Just and cannot be Bribed nor will any make offers of that sort to him 3. He is Powerful and they that fall into his Revenging hands can make no escape out of 'em Isaiah 33.13 14. His displeasure which cannot well be endured cannot at all be avoided Thirdly Will not the Torments which they shall be adjudged to have sundry of the sharpest stings in ' em 1. Will they not have the speculative knowledge of the great Love which God made offers of that so their sin may appear exceeding sinful John 3.19 and their Sufferings most righteous Knowledge shall be increased that Sorrow may be so Even where there is utter darkness there will be light that is terrifying The thoughts of Mercy that were most sweet in Life will be more bitter than many Deaths because it was rejected 2. Will they not have a sin to answer and suffer for which is not chargeable on Devils who never had Christ and Grace in him held forth to ' em Heb. 2.3 The Blood of Christ must needs lye heavy on those on whom the guilt of it lyes because the Merit of it was made light of 4. Yet the day of Grace lasteth and the Door of Hope continues open Isa 55.7 If the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and turn to the Lord making the Son of God his Advocate he shall in no wise be cast out There is in Christ vertue to take away sins against Christ and the Fathers Bowels will yearn over a Penitent that hath been a Prodigal Luke 15.20 The Lord turn sinners that they may be turned The Fourth Rule of Duty hath a particular eye upon those that are Interested in the Son of God as a Propitiation and consequently in the Love of his Father They should be found attending to and in the Services that are proper to and for ' em The first Service is Musing
our Lord Jesus Christ and Love of God the Father is with Gracious Persons He himself is the Author Upholder and Perfecter of Grace By him persons are quickned strengthned sealed and comforted They who had no touch of Enthusiasm or Phanaticism have made this Observation that the Spirits inhabitation is spoken of as joyned to the love of God as shed abroad in the Heart as distinguished from the New Man Rom. 5.5 8 9. See Pool against Biddle from being in the Spirit A late Famous * Doctor Tuckney Professor professeth his full belief that the Holy Ghost himself is given to and dwelleth in Believers and from their being styled the Temples of the Holy Ghost it is genuinely inferred Vide Baxteri methodum part 2. pag. 216. ut foederatus operator that they stand nearly related to his Person as on other accounts it is concluded that he is nearer than we can think to his own Grace and works in a Covenant-way on and in the Gracious Some Proofs that the pouring out of the Spirit argues the Free Rich Grace of the Father are now next us The First whereof is drawn from the consideration of the Dignity and Office of the Spirit As it is said of the Son Phil. 2. that he thought it no Robbery to be equal with God that is the Father the same is applicable to the Spirit And as he is a Person in the Godhead he is that Person that applyes the love of both the other Persons to us Dr. Sibbs Conc. ad lerum From the sweet dropper see words that bear this sense All things proceed from the Divine Essence by the Mediation of the Persons therein and amongst the Persons in the following Order from the Father through the Son by the Spirit Is he not the Spirit of Grace The Second Proof is fetch'd from our considering the meanness yea vileness of the persons on whom the Spirit is poured before he is so Are they not such on whom the Father might justly pour out his wrath Are they not Naturally in their Blood under guilt and filth Was it not thus with those Inhabitants of Jerusalem Zech. 12.10 who were Crucifiers of Christ The Spirit finds though he leaves not persons in a woful yea wilful state at frame The Third Proof is founded on a due viewing and weighing in what manner and measure the Spirit is communicated Is he not poured out most largely and plenteously Is not he in those that are spiritual as a Well and Spring of Living Water Is there not respect had to him John 4.14 7.38 39 when it is said Out of their Bellies flow Rivers of living water Is not every drop from the Spirit most sweet and gracious What Grace is there then in Floods from him The Fourth Proof ariseth from the Blessed Consequents and Effects that follow the pouring out of the Spirit some of which are pointed at in the Context 1. Is he not in those that are his a spirit of Prayer And are not Grace and Supplication joyn'd together Zech. 12.10 I know the Spirit of Prayer is far and far before the gift of Prayer but what gracious Christian should not value both Hath not he hath hath the Spirit of Prayer a Key to Heaven and its Treasure See Mr. Dod. Was ever Man quite undone that was in a Praying frame 2. Is he not also the Spirit of Faith Doth he not open the Souls Eye as well as unbare that Object its Saviour Is he not the Spirit of Revelation 2 Cor. 4.13 Doth he not help such as are stung with and for sin to look on Christ as satisfying Divine Justice Eph. 4.17 that he may satisfie Humane desire And is not the look Healing 3. Is he not withall a Spirit of Repentance Causing that mourning for sin that is of a Godly sort or according to God and savouring sweetly of his Grace being Spiritual 1. As to the rise of it being from him as working Conviction which implyes a clear abiding applicatory discovery of sin and compunction which carries in it griefs and fears 2. As to the grounds of it being 1. For sin as crossing the Divine Law and not onely as procuring Divine wrath and so is for the evil of sin and for all sorts of sins 2. For sin as piercing Christ and so hath love to him at the bottom of it and will be as a Spring still flowing 3. In the Fruits of it which are such as these 1. Weaning the Heart in some good measure from the World and moderating 1. It s Joy in the enjoyment of it 2. It s sorrow for losses in it 3. Tending to break the Heart from sin And 3. Rendring it more soft and flexible to God and Goodness Now who that gives what I have written the weight that belongs to it that takes a true measure Who the Holy Spirit is and how and on whom he is poured being as Floods on dry and bad ground and producing such an alteration thereof and Fruits therein can refrain from saying Here 's Grace to a Wonder May this Holy Spirit concerning whom I am writing and others are to read teach us to make a right Application which shall be first by way of Information Sincere Christians are under the greatest Bonds and Obligations possible to God particularly to God the Father Who can by searching find out how vastly they are indebted to his Grace Have they not all of 'em received a measure of the same Spirit 1 Cor. 2.12 though all of 'em have not received the same measure of the Spirit Of his great Love in giving his Son we have touched In that he who gave his Son to obtain should also give his Spirit to apply Salvation to ' em They whom this Spirit animateth and acteth are the Subjects and should be the Trumpets of exceeding Rich Grace Lest some that I have in mine Eye and on mine Heart should to and in their own wrong put away this word and the comfort of it from 'em and conclude that they have not received the Spirit I will take on me to pose ' em If you had no measure or work of the Sanctifying Spirit 1. How is it that you daily groan being burdened under the weight of sin even the body of sin which you bear about and that with respect to the dishonour that thereby redounds to God Rom. 7.24 Dare you deny that it is thus with you Gravia haud gravitant suo loco Or however your great desire is that it may be so and can you affirm that sin is so heavy in its own Element an unsanctified Soul 2. Whence is it that you see such a surpassing ravishing Excellency in Christ Jesus That when you are not able to say Your Beloved is yours and you are his yet you can say You had rather have an Interest in him than a thousand Worlds Is he not a Pearl in your Eyes A very None-such
1 Pet. 2.7 Not onely as making Peace for you but withall as bringing Power for subduing sin and carrying on Gods Service to you 3. Could you as you feel you do in some degree pant after Holiness and Pureness in your Spirits Do you not Watch as well as Pray against Spiritual defilements Phil. 3.3 Are not your Souls for Spiritualness in Worship Would you not have Faith and Love to influence the Duties you engage in Tell me if you can where those Hypocrites dwell in whom the three qualifications last named meet As for Profane Persons Procul hinc procul ite I may say to 'em stand off stand off From this word which I have applyed to these to whom it is proper and hearken to me that God may hearken to you The next word is very much for you For the Second branch of the first Use is as followeth They that are at a want of the Holy Spirit may hence learn to whom or whither they should go for him Should they not bow their knees and with 'em their Hearts to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and cry Pour O pour of this Holy Water thy Spirit upon us I should have more hope that this Use would be more useful to you if once you well understand your own case and state I may deal with you further about it ere long at present I propound these Questions to you 1. How can you think having the Spirit consistent with such diligent service as the Flesh or the World have from you 2. How can you pretend to be inspired with the Spirit that have not a great care to demean your selves well towards the Spirit and a fear to resist yea to quench or grieve him And O that you would give this a serious thought Can you with confidence look God in the face or hope to escape his dreadful wrath if his Spirit be not in you Could I see or hear of right relentings in your Hearts for your miscarriages with reference to the Spirit and breathings in 'em that he may breath in you yea and be a Guide and Governour to you how joyfully and seriously would I commend you to and commend to you the Grace of God the Father encouraging you to expect this great gift 1. Do not earthly Fathers even evil ones know how to give good gifts to their Children Luke 11.13 Will not the best of Fathers the Heavenly one give the Spirit to humble askers 2. Grace though long slighted Luke 15. per totum hath long Arms and hath 'em open to receive poor Praying Penitents 3. Qui dedit gratiam desiderii da hit gratiam desideratam Will not he that causeth Persons to desire his Spirit if they follow on desiring answer their desire Seeing upon the Fathers giving the Spirit to Persons both he and his Son will be Honoured by 'em and for his Sons sake he doth with his Honour give him The second Use for Reproof The first branch of the Reproof falls full upon them to whom the Holy Spirit and the effusion or pouring out of his Grace is matter of Drollery and scorn It is known that the men of Rome call Protestants in scorn Spiritists See Mr. Brownsword against Popery for their speaking much and honourably of the Aids of the Spirit May this Spirit reprove and convince 'em of this sinful sin May they feel his humbling work that so they may not fall under his destroying Hand Mat. 12.31 32. Are not all the Persons in the Godhead wronged when the Spirit is so Will not Arrows shot at Heaven fall down on their Heads that shoot ' em It is a Lamentation that any are so daring The second Branch is for or if you will against those that make vain pretensions to the Holy Spirit and his differencing workings when indeed they are too much strangers both to him and them O that they who cast off all or at least most of the Institutions of Christ did not cry up themselves as men who have most of the Spirit 1. John 4.23 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Doth Worshipping God in the Spirit exclude external Worship pointed at in the Greek word 2. Doth the Spirit speaking in the Heart contradict his speech in the Scripture 3. Doth Baptism by the Holy Ghost shut out Baptism by Water Doth drinking of or into the spirit 1 Cor. 12.13 make against drinking the Sacramental Cup that is set out by that very Phrase Should not Spiritual Persons use and prize Spiritual Ordinances The Third Branch of the Reproof falls to their share with whom the Spirit of God and his Gracious Influences are at an undervalue They neither have nor desire to have him Alas Alas is not this evidently their case 1. Who are sensual Jude 19. living in Carnal Pleasures being given up to ' em 2. Who are inspired with the spirit of the World 1 Cor. 2.12 Earth Earth Earth may be written on their Minds and Affections 3. Heb. 6.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Who are utter strangers and that out of choice to those first works of the Spirit which accompany Salvation or have it following ' em 1. Are they enlightned Have they a sight of sin in its sinfulness Of Christ in his Beauty and Glory And of Holyness in its Excellency and Extent Is their knowledge near so much as a spiritual one Is it any more than a meer literal one Hath it in it clearness of Light See Doctor Arrow-smith's Armella which enables Persons to discern things that differ or sweetness of taste for relishing what excels 2. Are they enlivened Doth this appear 1. By their crying or breathing in Prayer after spiritual things Acts 9.11 and Christ with whom they are given 2. Natura principium motus By their motion in other Holy Duties and by the vigour and constancy as well as freeness of it 3. By their sense of what tends to prejudice Spiritual Life Hath not a little living Child a feeling of a small prick of a pin 4. 1 Pet. 2.2 3. By their desire of proper Food and Nourishment particularly of the sincere and unmixed Milk of Gods Word that they may grow thereby Have they an inward concern about these things O that there were such an Heart in ' em May the Lord set this use of Reproof home upon those to whom it of right belongs 1. Shall slighters of or meer pretenders to the Holy Spirit be able to stand in Judgment surely they will not What then will be the end of those that take the scorners Chair and play not onely with sacred things but also with this most sacred Person except Repentance reach their Hearts 2. Will not this to those that hearken to him sweet Friend be found by those that abuse and undervalue him a most severe Foe Can Persons during this state endure the terrors he strikes into their Consciences How then will they be able to
Prayer Isa 62.1 filling their mouths with Arguments giving God no rest till he give in Spirituals to 'em and look down on his Jerusalem with favour Hos 12.3 being of Jacob's genuine Seed that Wrestled till he prevailed Gen. 32.24 28. and would not part with God without a Blessing 6. The Spirit also shews that he is eminently with and in those who being beset with Crosses hold up and hold out gathering ground and strength and losing nothing in the fire save their dross Was it not thus with Joseph Gen. 49.23 24. whose Bow abode strong when the Archers shot at him 7. They also are above many acted by the Spirit Prov. 16.32 Tit. 3.2 who have a more than ordinary command over their Spirits and Passions and are for shewing all meekness to all men and that when not a few Numb 12.3 nor those small provocations are given ' em Was it not thus with Moses the Man of God who in his ordinary temper was to Temptations to Wrath as moist wet Wood is to sparks that quencheth and is not kindled by ' em 8. The Holy Spirit doth eminently reside in and influence them who can stand in as fast Friends at the Throne of Grace for those by whom their Earthly Glory hath been eclipsed and those by whom they have been opposed and deserted Thus was it with Samuel 1 Sam. 16.1 12.23 that interceded so earnestly for Saul and the Israelites 9. So have they who when they have acted yea and suffered above many for God do still set the Crown and Honour as did Laborious Patient Paul 1 Cor. 15.10 on the Head of Free Grace 10. So also is it with them who are desirous to serve God as they are capable on Earth yet love the coming of Christ and because they cannot get so near to him as they would whilst they live 2 Tim. 4.8 are desirous to dye that they may be nearer him 11. This is also the choice case and state of those who highly esteem God's Ordinances and yet if to their sorrow they be deprived of 'em they can live upon the Lord as a little or great Sanctuary 2 Sam. 15.25 26. May those good Persons who cannot reach those greater measures mentioned be reaching after ' em And may none Bless themselves in their Hearts or state till they have on and in 'em those marks or signs of their having the Spirit which go under the name of adequate and even which all the Sanctified and none but they have 1. One whereof being led by the Spirit out of the love and allowance of sin and out of confidence in self-righteousness and self-strength unto the Lord Jesus for himself and for Righteousness and strength from him John 15.5 There is no Hypocrite that is for abiding in Christ and there is no weak Christian that dare abide out of him 2. Another is longing to find the workings of the Spirit more full and powerful They who have known the gift of God John 4.10 are for asking larger draughts of the Water of Life Hypocrites set stints and limits to themselves as to things of the Spirit A little serves their turn and usually they study * Minimum quod sic what is the very least and lowest degree in Grace as resolving to sit down there whereas weak Christians though they may attain less breath after more and have a real Spiritual Thirst on ' em 3. A Third is Spiritus es tres delicatissima Having a tender respect to the most tender Spirit of God and an Holy care and fear lest injury be offered him and he be as much as by men he can be grieved by inward and not onely outward miscarriages Hypocrites are daring and provoking not trembling lest the Spirits motions be quenched and his Graces lye unexercised and weak Christians accounting the Spirit their Friend are in their ordinary course loath to displease him The Second Branch of the Exhortation hath a particular respect to those who upon tryal do or may find that they have not the Spirit as to any special Interest in and influence from him Be they exhorted to wait in God's way that he would pour out of the Spirit on ' em Under this Head will fitly fall several Directions the Lord direct 'em to their Hearts to whom they belong The First is Be they willing to see that the Spirit of Grace is not in ' em Till their wants appear a supply will not be sought Mat. 9 12. The whole feel not their need of a Physician and so will not make out to and for him Besides what I have offered for their Conviction before I desire they would thus pose themselves 1. Do they study to shew forth the Vertues of Christ Who received not the Spirit by measure 1 Pet. 2.9 from whom all his receive a measure of the Spirit John 1.14 16. Is it in their Aims to be Humble Meek Pure Compassionate Active and Heavenly as he was 2. Have they warm Hearts for such as are and appear Spiritual Do they Love their Society in Spiritual Exercises Do they not rather seek occasions against 'em 1 John 5.1 and take up evil reports of 'em and interpret their real weaknesses to be manifest Wickedness 3. Is Spiritual Worship and Spiritualness in Worship prized and panted after by ' em Phil. 3.3 Do they any thing like Worshipping God in the Spirit O that they that have not the Spirit had their Eyes opened and that state discover'd to ' em The Second Direction is When once they feel their want of the Spirit they should see what a miserable case that is and tremble lest they live and die in it Whilst they live 1. Can they carry on the death of any one sin Rom. 8.13 Will sin dye of it self Or by any Wounds save those which the Holy Spirit makes and gives 2. Can they expect that any Service in which he breaths not will be sweet and acceptable to God Joh. 4.23 24. Doth he not seek such to Worship him as do it in Spirit When they dye if they dye as now they live 1. Have they either Title to or meetness for Heaven 1 Pet. 4.14 Doth not the Spirit fill all the Vessels of Mercy and Glory Could they desire to stay in Heaven if they had admittance into it who want the Spirit of Glory 2. Is not wrath their Portion Will not the Spirit for ever fill those with Confusion that made void all his strivings with 'em in order to their Conversion Will he not be a terrifying Spirit where he hath not been a Sanctifying Spirit Heb. 10.29 And will not wrath lye heaviest on those that have made the greatest resistance to him The Third Direction is When a due sense and fear as to their present state is on 'em cry they in the name of Christ unto God the Father John 14.16 that the
Son may pray down and the Father together with him may pour down the Spirit on ' em Do they this 1. Humbly and self-judgingly Gen. 32.10 in that they are as far as any can be from Meriting one blessed sprinkling or drop thereof Are they not below the lowest Mercy 2. Earnestly and thirstingly May they who have been as the dry be as the opening Ground May they be taught to Plead as well as Pray O that the Teacher of Hearts may be their Teacher May he put into their Mouths such Arguments as follow 1. Lord the Promise of the Spirit is the grand Promise of the New Testament we are cast under that dispensation let us reap the Fruit of that Promise 2. Lord As thy Spirit is a free Spirit so the Promise thereof is a free Promise It is made to the unworthy and to needers Now into that count we fall 3. Lord if we have the Communion and Communication of the Spirit thou wilt have much Glory thereby we shall then Crucifie sin carry on thy service and exercise Grace for thy Names sake give thy Spirit to us 4. Lord though we do not deserve thy Spirit we are sure we desire him and we hope we do so that we may be fitter for the work thou assignest us We have this desire from thy Grace from it let us have our desire accomplished 5. Lord Thy Providence did order that we should come under the Baptism which is by Water when we had not a value for that Priviledge we were on the score and presenting of our Parents received into thy Church will not thy Grace confer on us the Baptism of the Spirit when we are brought to value it And with our Persons to present our Petitions for it to thee But methinks I hear some convinced drooping souls say You would have us Pray and Plead for the Spirit how can we do this without the Spirit Answ By a more common and general assistance of the Spirit you may Pray for his special Influence It may by such be further Objected Though there be a Promise of the pouring out of the Spirit we dare make no claim to it The Promises are made in Christ and made good to those that are in him but we fear we are out of him To such I say 1. Mr. Shepherd Mr. Calamy c. There have been and are choice Divines who have held forth that there are ablolute as well as conditional Promises To be sure there are Promises of Grace as well as Promises to Grace and troubled Persons that dare not claim a Title to the latter Ezek. 36.26 may desire an Interest in the former 2. Mr. How of Blessedness So Rich is Divine Grace that as an acute Writer writes Unpromised Mercies flow on every side us and Hope built on rational Probabilities is well called the great Engine that moves the World and should move the Objectors to pray for the spirit 3. They that dare not apply to themselves the Promise of God Psal 65.2 Soles audire Pool ad locum considering the goodness of his Nature and withall the Evidences thereof in his dispensations to Praying ones have great encouragement to pray for his spirit 4. Can it be thought that any have strong breakings and use earnest crys for the spirit in whom there is not some special working of his It may be some will still Object against themselves they have grieved quenched and resisted the spirit is there any hope they should be made partakers of him Answ Their case if truly represented calls for deep Humiliation yet on their being humbled desperation must be watch'd against Yet this free spirit is free to visit those that have carryed untowardly towards him May such Persons spread before the Lord their great Necessity and his great Bounty And when they most labour under a sense of their own unworthiness make they mention of the All-worthiness of Jesus Christ On this fair and broad bottom they may stand O that they were loath to be driven away from the beautiful Gate of Mercy or to be said Nay what hope would their case have in it The Third branch of the Exhortation hath a special respect to those who have a special Interest in the Holy Spirit and know what it is to have him poured out on ' em Be they excited to wait for further and fuller effusions thereof on their own souls Have they felt blessed drops they should desire to experience what floods and showers are Motives thereunto 1. Hath not God the Father the residue yea the fulness of the Spirits Graces and Influences to Communicate Is there not enough and enough under his Hand 2. Is he not as free as can be wished to fill those that are sensible of their defects Psal 81.10 Hath he not bidden them open their mouths wide 3. Did not the Spouse of Christ joyn'd to him by the Spirit desire that the North-wind might awake Cant. 4. last See Durham on the place Rev. 22.17 and the South-wind blow on her Garden Which expressions are expressive of the various Influences of the Holy Spirit Would not the Bride have Christ to come with further displays of his Spirit to her 4. Do not all the knowing know that larger measures of the Spirit are necessary Have they not Corruptions to subdue Temptations to resist Duties to perform and Graces to exercise None of which can be done further than the Spirit helps their Rom. 8 26. infirmities or * See Mr. Hollingsworth from the Word lifts up over against ' em 5. Is it not clear that a large portion of the Spirit is as excellent as necessary Is it not compared to Rivers of living yea to the best Wine 6. Will not this difference 'em from Hypocrites Are any of that number willing the hand of the Spirit should be on their special sin Or do they desire the Spirit may work in 'em Graces of all sorts To wit 1. Rooting Graces Humility and Self-denyal 2. Raising Graces Faith Hope Love and Joy 3. Spreading Graces Charity to all and loving-kindness to Saints Means for 'em now come 1. Wait they for further Communications of the Spirit in the low way of self-searching and self-abasing Psal 10.17 having a particular sense of their wants and weaknesses Are not the low Valleys usually Richest and best laden with Corn 2. Get they into the clean way of watchfulness Be they duly afraid of obstructing and stopping the Passages through which God the Father useth to convey the Grace of the Spirit which may be done 1. Through the thick clay of Earth by letting their Hearts lye too near it 2. Through the foul Mud of any base Lusts or inordinate appetite by suffering it to enter into Isa 50.1 and stay in their Hearts 3. Keep they in the High-way of Praises for that communication of the spirit that is made to ' em Psal 67. latter end Are not their Hearts most meet
to John 3.19 Joh 21.14 O how many avoid Knowledge and affect Security The Second is Driving a trade and course of Profaneness being Creatures of carnal pleasures The Third is Minding savouring Animalia voluptatis 1 Tim. 5.6 Phil. 3.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and relishing Earthly things mainly if not onely Eating dust is that the Serpent is Condemn'd to far unfit is that Food for the Seed of the Woman The Fourth is Gal. 4.29 2 Thes 2.10 Having an aking Tooth and envious Heart at the better sort of People The Fifth is Setting light by God's Word and being void of the love of the Truth I proceed to instance in marks that are good but Not Conclusive Sundry have 'em who have not been Effectually Called The First is Escaping some of the more gross pollutions of the World * See Mr. Fowler Men may be without open Crimes and yet without Christ Luke 18.11 If we believe the boasting Pharisee he was no Adulterer or Oppressor The Second is Being at times found in some Duties for the matter of 'em commendable Such as 1. Hearing the best Ministers Mark 6.20 Herod sate under John Baptist's Teachings 2. Praying in publick and private Hypocrites have made many and long Prayers 3. Observing some Fast-days Isa 58 2 3. Had not the Pharisee two in a week The Third is Luke 18.11 Being entrusted with and interested in choice Church-Priviledges Such as 1. Being joyn'd in and to a good Society Were not foolish Virgins with the wise Mat. 25.1 2. Being washed with the water of Baptism Acts 8. Was not Simon Magus so 3. Being admitted to the Holy Table Mat. 7. Luke 13.26 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gratias gratis daras The bare Plea of eating and drinking in Christ's presence will be found insufficient The Fourth is Attaining Gifts that are desirable and to others Edifying Such as 1. Being able and apt to enlarge in Prayer on sundry occasions 2. Prophecying in Christ's Name Mat. 23.14 Mat. 7.20 21 22. or Preaching very plausibly I add The Unconverted may 1. Seem Zealous for the Sabbath 2. Declare for Reformation 3. Jer. 42.4 5. Acts 8.24 Come to Ministers with Cases 4. Beg a share in their Prayers Now we come to marks Inclusive They on and in whom they are are without doubt called to be Saints And it may pass for an adequate or even sign of such a Calling if Persons do earnestly desire and endeavour to bear and express ' em Such desires and endeavours weak Christians are acquainted with and the furthest reaching Hypocrites strangers to May therefore Readers be careful in considering ' em And full of longings that they may have more and more experience of ' em 1. The first is more general to wit having a new Heart or Principle of Spiritual Life and Love Dr. Bolton This is as one said the great crack found in many Vessels that are found in God's House or Church consider'd as visible Mat. 7. latter end They build without regard to a good Foundation and bear without reference to the root of the matter Some Fruit they have but about having the Seed of God they are not concern'd They are seen moving in some Holy Duties but never felt breathings after that Divine Nature from whence such motion should flow Many are chain'd and not chang'd or have onely known a change of their sins and not of their Souls they do not long after a thorough change 1. That their Understandings may not onely discern between good and evil 2 Cor. 5.17 but also between good and good the good that may serve 'em and that which can satisfie ' em 2. That their wills may be set against sin and for and on God Where a renewing work is Effectual Calling hath certainly been about which we may have better Information from the following Particular Signs The first is Brokenness and Poverty of Spirit If we speak of persons of Years Mat. 5.3 hath not that Heart been broken that is sound Is Conversion there where Contrition hath never been They who can witness that they are not onely humbled but humble Non solùm humilitati sed humiles broken in a good degree for sin from sin and from their former self-confidence who as they know they are vastly indebted to Divine Justice they feel they have nothing wherewith to pay and are undone if Christ appear not as their Surety who have a quick sense of their want of Sanctifying Grace and that supplies can onely be had with and through him have an hopeful evidence of their being Called A Second is Cleaving to and glorying in the Lord Jesus as a None-such for a Mediator and Reconciler of God to man by his merit and man to * See Mr. Herles God by his Spirit as Wisdom for their Direction Righteousness for their Justification 1 Cor. 1.30 Sanctification as freeing from the Reign of sin and Redemption at last from all sort of Suffering Phil. 3.3 Rejoycers in Christ are of the Circumcision or Spiritually Circumcised A Third is Choosing God in Christ as the Treasure saying from their Hearts Whom have we in Heaven but thee Psal 73.25 And what is that on Earth that we desire besides thee Thou art that Sun whose presence makes a day in our Souls Thou art All in All in Heaven and best of all on Earth both in the want and enjoyment of Creature-Comforts Is God liv'd on as their Portion by any that are uncalled A Fourth is Waiting for the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit Art not they the Sons of God that are led by this Conductor Rom. 8.14 Gal. 5.25 And living in him desire a design to walk in and after him longing that he would mortifie their Flesh and revive their Spirits The Fifth is Bending Ordinances and Providences both favouring and frowning against sin still striking at the Head and Heart of it aiming at its Death Gal. 5.24 and arguing for it from Mercies and Judgments and longing that at Sermons it may receive some Deaths-wounds Is it thus with any save the Called A Sixth is 2 Pet. 1.5 6. Having growth and strength of Grace in desire being for adding to Faith Vertue and to Vertue Knowledge c. for building up themselves on the Rock of Ages Gal. 5.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vide Polum ad locum and for shewing that Love Joy Meekness Long-suffering c. are one and the same Fruit of the Spirit and for being every day stronger and stronger The Seventh is Having respect to all God's Commandments Not wilfully making balks in such good and holy Ground Psal 119.5 6. Tit. 2.11 12. Bish Rainbow but studying to walk Godly Righteously and Soberly as one in my Youth gloss'd on those Adverbs acting in those good ways from a good Habit and regarding the manner and end with the matter of Duties The Eigth is
Souls into Glory Mat. 22.32 Hath not he engaged to be their God And shall Death break that bond And are not they whose God he is as to their better part See Doctor Templar Idea p. 312 as are Abraham Isaac and Jacob at this present living to and with God Have they not good ground for their saying who say that by that time their Friends have well closed the Eyes of their Bodies Mr. Norton c. their Spirits shall be admitted to behold God's Face in Righteousness Shall they not immediately on their departure be with Christ 9. Shall not their Bodies on which Death seizeth be raised out of the Dust that in their whole Persons they may be Happy to and in Eternity Hath not our Saviour left it under his hand John 6.39 that he will lose nothing not onely no Soul but nothing no Body that is given him Are not the Bodies of Covenanters the Purchase of his Blood and Temples or Habitations of his Spirit M. Jeanes Scholast Div. p. 28 29. He is not the God of the dead of those any part of whom shall dye for ever Surely what I have written proves the Covenant to be of Grace May my Reader go to the Labours of that Dear Brother on this Subject Mr. H. Newcome on the Covenant whose Tongue and Pen God hath eminently Blessed And now must I go to some brief may it be blessed Application And the first Use shall be by way of Caution Take we heed lest from the Doctrine of God's Covenanting with Man we conclude that this his Covenant doth in all points answer those Covenants that are amongst and between Men Surely this Covenant doth far and far transcend ' em First Hath any Humane Covenant so much of freedom in it as God's hath 1. See the Ark of the Covenant opened Job 22.2 3. Do not Men in their Covenants propound something of Advantage to themselves This can have no place in God whom no Persons or Praises can in the least profit his glorious name being above ' em 2. Do not men ordinarily see something of worth and loveliness in those whom they take into Covenants of Friendship and Familiarity But what of worthiness or loveliness is there to be seen in fallen Man Ezek. 16.1 2 3 c. Is he not in his blood and gore in his filth and guilt And yet that is made a time of Love Secondly In what meer Humane Covenant is there such condescension as is expressed in this Covenant If a Prince should stoop to make a League with a Peasant Psal 82.5 6. Finiti ad infinitum nulla proportio yet he that is so far above as to Office is but an equal as to Nature But between the Creator and Creatures what proportion is there Thirdly What lower Covenant is like this high one in firmness and sureness Have not men like men transgressed and varied And on Mens part Hos 6.7 2 Chron. 13 5. Sal est duraturae amicitiae symbolum Isa 55.4 in this Covenant there are too many failures but as to the Lord it is a Covenant of Salt lasting and incorruptible Do not the sure Mercies of David belong to this Covenant Mal. 3.6 Jehovah changeth not therefore the Sons of Jacob are not consumed Fourthly Is it not eminently to mans Honour yea and to God's that God thus Covenanted 1. Though men may Bless others Psal 144. last are not they the Blessed of the Lord whose God he is in a Covenant-way Is not this a Covenant of Life 2. Are not God's Attributes as evidently so joyntly displayed herein Infinite Wisdom hath ordered a meeting of Mercy and Truth of Righteousness and Peace Justice receives satisfaction and Grace is in its exaltation sin is condemn'd and sinners sav'd the Law fulfilled as to the Surety and the Gospel advanced as to those for whom he is so The Second Use is for Information The first Branch is One step or consideration is before us on which we should stand and afresh wonder at Divine Grace 1. Rom. 9.3 4 5. Are not the People a People of Grace to whom the Covenant belongs as to its external and Ecclesiastical Administration Were not the Jews in this respect known and honoured above all the Nations of the Earth Exod. 19.6 being to God as peculiars and a Treasure 2. When Persons are inwardly in Covenant and have a right to its choice benefits can we take a measure of God's Grace to ' em What but that could move him to Covenant with them On their laying hold on this Covenant and Union to the Mediator thereof Rom. 8.3 4. the Covenant of works cannot demand any thing of 'em which Christ and his Righteousness will not answer And whereas they stand chargeable with injuring God's Justice and Holiness See Herle's Tripes the former will be righted through the satisfying Merit of Christ and respects paid to the latter through his Sanctifying Spirit by his Purchase they shall be freed from the damning power of sin and by his Power from the reigning Dominion of it The second Branch of the second Use is They are inexcusable who stand off from Covenanting with God and will by no means be prevailed with to come within this blessed Bond Isa 55.1 2 3. though the Lord say Ho every one Come come come 1. Many turn the deaf Ear on him Mr. Porter Prov. 1. and will not come within the hearing of Wisdom's calls that cry loud as one Phras'd it till she be hoarse 2. Many are Hearers onely 2 Thes 2.10 they open the outward Door of the Ear but keep the inner one of the Heart shut They are led unto Truth but not into it they receive it not in its light and love or if they rejoyce in some light it is but for a season May not many Preachers say Isa 53.1 Who comparatively believeth our Report Few are as the good Ground that had depth of Earth and moisture enough Few have been steep'd in sorrow or are in that stream carried to receive a whole Christ and resign themselves to him Few from a right understanding of the tenor of the Covenant with Hearts and Hands subscribe to it I will say to Recusants Isa 1.16 Come and let us reason together 1. Have you not been too too long sinfully coy forsaking your own Mercy 2. Can you possibly be happy if you be not in a Marriage-Covenant with the Lord 3. Can you stand under the wrath that is over rejecters of the Covenant Psal 2. last Is not a little a very spark of this fire scorching Can your hands be strong or your hearts endure in the day of God's sharp visitation Might not Chaff sooner endure the Wind Isa 33.14 and Stubble the Fire 4. What will you Plead why wrath should not have its free course on you 1. Was not closing in with the Covenant your Interest as well as Duty
2. Did not the Holy Spirit strive with you Mat. 11.28 and persuade you to do it 3. Were you not sometimes under convictions and good inclinations First Will you offer to say Covenanting with God is more than needeth I say 1. Let Scripture be judge of that Do not its Precepts enjoyn it Its Promises encourage it And its Paterns lead to it 2. Have you not done it Sacramentally Is it any more than Baptism binds to 3. Isa 45. latter end 56.5 6. Will not this at Death and Judgment appear one thing necessary 4. Will you not be undone for ever if this be not done What will it avail you that the Church is your Mother if God in a Covenant-way be not your Father Will not all your external performances Mr. S. Shaw yea and your pretensions to glory in Christ's Righteousness be construed as an Essay to bribe the Lord that he fall not on you whilst you resolve not to be his through and through Secondly Will you say you are not yet at leisure to attend this business I will say 1. What then have you leisure for Or for what end is further space given you Is it not in order to your Repentance In which Covenanting with God is included 2. Do those employments or enjoyments with which your time is taken up satisfie you Rev. 2.21 Have not the fairest Roses that grow in Natures Garden prickles about ' em 3. Jer. 2.27 Shall you not at Death be sent to those Comforts you so doted on in the time of Life that you neglect God Will they not then be burdens to you Thirdly Will you say It is a Summers day to Night hereafter you 'l Covenant with God I will say 1. In whose Hand is your time Is it not in his you stand off from Cannot he soon end it 2. If your time continue may not seasons and strivings of Grace cease This Tide may be the last 3. Psal 31.15 You speak as Persons unconcern'd in the Honour of God If you were sure he would accept your last fruits Mat. 6.33 should you not out of choice give him your first-fruits Is the best you have good enough for him Fourthly Do you plead you have otherwise disposed of your selves You are in Covenant with some sin and will not be so with God The Reply is ready 1. This is plain dealing but are you not ashamed on 't 2. Quo Warranto By what Right did you give away your Hearts Are they not by right the Lords Ezek. 18.4 3. Your disposal is illegal and so void * Ipso facto in and on your doing it 4. The Obligation to Covenanting with God is on you may you through grace answer it Fifthly Do you say you have Covenanted with God I Answer That is very good if very true Attend you well to what will be next offered you The Third Use is for Exhortation The first Branch is general Be we all excited to look and long that there may be on and in us such Characters as will be Proofs that our Covenanting with God is sincere 1. May we clearly apprehend and highly esteem the just and honourable terms required in and of those that do so Covenant to wit sin-disliking Jer. 24.7 self-disclaiming and Saviour-accepting May our Hearts say These terms we like 2. Rom. 7.24 11.28 May we inwardly and daily grieve for Original sin and for this branch of it averseness to close with Gospel-tenders and to glorifie Christ to which his Spirit leads 3. May we when in secret and seriousness much admire that Rich Grace that founded the Covenant and hath been set before it 4. John 6.44 May we feel a need of special Grace to bring into and keep in this Bond May we be sensible that the Fathers drawings brought us to and the Spirits Influences hold us in Christ 5. May we find this Bond forcible on us restraining us from sin when tempted to it and constraining us to Duty when prone to decline it Do we say to purpose we have made a Dedication of our selves to the Lord his Vows are on us how can we slight him 6. 1 Sam. 30.6 7. 2 Sam. 23.5 Do we from this Covenant fetch our supports under down-castings in distresses and upon the apprehensions of Death Holy was David that saw and went this good way O that all Readers Souls breathed after such Expereinces The Second branch is more particular They who have not engaged their Hearts to approach to God should be at unrest till it be done To them The First Direction is Get they a good Understanding of those great Points of Divinity that are related to the Covenant Jer. 24.7 Doth not God give those with whom he Covenants an Heart to know him Is not Covenanting an Act of the Intelligent O that all were clear as to these Heads 1. Man cannot have Communion with God except God greatly condescend 2. That God Covenants with him is a great condescension and honour to Man 3. That Man broke the first Covenant was very sinful unfaithfulness was with undutifulness 4. Every Child coming from Adam in the ordinary way by that breach is a Child of wrath 5. It 's no small part of the Curse on man that he seels not his state nor desires a change of it 6. Except the Covenant-state of Persons be chang'd they cannot stand in Judgment 7. It 's the wonder of Angels God will transact with men in a new way 8. The New Covenant is made in and through a Mediator 9. This Mediator Christ is a compleat one being God-man a Priest to God and a Prophet and King to men obtaining declaring and applying Salvation 10. To the Mediation of the Son the Ministration of the Spirit is graciously added 11. That Persons may have benefit by Christ they must be joyned and married to him 12. None will consent to Christ till convinced they absolutely need him 13. Grace that joyns to Christ doth still aid those that are in him 14. All that are in Christ are for dying to sin and living to Righteousness 15. They who partake of Covenant-grace shall partake of Covenant-glory and together with understanding these Points Persons should understand concerning the Action of Covenanting 1. That it is a free Action Being a Marriage-covenant choice is requisite 2. It is a deliberate Action grounded on the strongest Reasons 3. It is a Resolute Act A Covenanter is to be against revoking his Choice The Second Direction is Feel they as well as see a necessity of Covenanting both that of Precept Praecepti medii 2 Chron. 30 7. Data manus 1 John 5.12 and that of means as to attaining Heaven Yield they themselves give they their Hands and Hearts to him He that hath not the Son so as to Covenant with the Father through him hath not Life he hath neither right to nor fitness for it The Third Direction Be they for a