as to the matter of it was of pure Gold He is much more excellent and lasting than that 2. That in its use served to interpose betwixt Mens sight and the Law of God which was in the Ark Christ interposeth betwixt Christians and the Law as condemning and procures that His Father doth not look on and judg them according to it I add Scultetus on the Romans As the Ark or between the Cherubims that were at the ends thereof God did commune and meet with His people Exod. 25. In and through Christ it is that they and He meet and maintain Communion together And now we will make a little search how Christ is said to be a Propitiation for our Sins It is noted Psal 32.1.2 that the Hebrew word Translated Propitiation denoteth covering and no doubt Christ doth cover our Sins from the avenging eye of God But we will in our answer most regard the Propitiaton Offerings Say 1. They are not to be hear kened to nor patiently heard who say Non merita sed peccata duxerunt See Bish Brownwrigg Sermons pag. mibi 177. Ro. 6. last that some did procure so as to deserve this Propitiation all having Sinn'd deserve punishment even that that is everlasting 2. Our Sins made such a Propitiatory Sacrifice as Christ offered and was needful Had not He been Sacrificed we must have been Sacrifices to Divine wrath 3. The Lord who laid our Sins in respect of the punishment due for 'em upon Christ Isai 53.6 upon His account taketh off the guilt of our Sins and deals with us as to our Eternal state as if we had not Sinn'd It may be ask'd Is not Christ a Propitiation for our Souls I answer He is so This observation appears weighty the Physician healeth both his Patient and his Disease the latter by removing it See S. R. on the Covenant the former by recovering him Christ is a Propitiation both as to our Souls and as to our Sins our Sins He removes out of the sight of God our Souls He restoreth to the favour of God What if before I make a more formal Application of this point I lead others in the way of this Meditation Blessed Lord thou Father of our Lord Jesus Christ How is it that I who hear so much of Thy Son and of His being made a Propitiation and sent by Thee for that end so little see thine exceeding Grace therein And in my meer impure naturalls am far from having the Bowels of a Child but what other Father ever had such Bowelmercy's as those which thou shewest me through thy Sacrificed Son Had He not been a Sacrifice He had not been a Propitiation I have read and do believe that though every Reconciliation doth not a Propitiation doth imply a satisfaction made on behalf of Offenders Undoubtedly the Sufferings of Thy Son were in an Ancient Church well stiled unknown ones I cannot Fathom or take a full Measure of the depths into which He Descended when His Soul was made an Offering for Sin But sure I am the lower he stoops the better thy Love may by every right Eye be seen Thou wast pleased with His bruising as it had a reference to my binding up Was ever Love save that of Thy Son and Spirit one with Thee like Thine and that this heavy heart of mine was lifted up to Admiringsat and Praises for it Through Thy dear Son in whom mercy flows to me let my Soul ascend and present her Acknowledgments to Thee May Thy Love be shed abroad in mine heart The first ase of this Point shall be of and for Caution The first Branch is Take we heed lest we take occasion from this Doctrine to think of the Love of God the Son or Holy Spirit in a way of Diminution because it presents the Love of the Father in a way of Exaltation The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 13. v. last Rom. 15.30 and the Love of the Spirit are spoken of as eminent and indeed as infinite As there isno Division in the Divine Persons so there is no Division in their Love to Men but a distinction there is which is to be observed The second Branch is Beware we lest by our looking at this very great instance of God the Fathers Love our eyes and minds be taken off from other Evidences thereof His Love is Written and should be read in the Provision He makes for us Psal 68.19.20 and the direction he gives to us daily Though the Sun far out-shines the Stars the Stars are Lights and though God's sending His Son excell other expressions of His Grace yet His Grace is shewed and to be seen in the lower tokens of it Psal 23. David saw Divine goodness spreading his Table and filling his Cup. The further Application of the Point shall be reduced under Inferences of Truth and Rules of Duly The First inference is The Love of God particularly of God the Father is of an elder Date then the actual sending of Jesus Christ into the World this doth flow from that Gal. 4.4 this was in the fullness of time that was from Eternity Though some who place the very nature of Love in delight are less willing to grant that any are beloved till they are Converted yet my Text joyns with sundry others that countenance this distinction See Doctor Roberts Believers Evidences p. 6. There is a Love of benevolence which leads to that of complacence of well-wishing that brings on that of good-liking Love intended makes way for Love applyed I the rather insist on this because 1. This much tends to quicken Persons to Duty especially the grand Duty Love to God Should not their Love to Him be without end whose Love to them was before times beginning Love is no little valued for its Antiquity 1 Jo. 4.19 and no Love of Creatures is in that point to be compared with the Love of God 2. This conduceth greatly to the Comfort of Persons The best on Earth are aptest to complain of their unworthiness to have the Love of God continued to 'em Now this is cheering to such as are in their main desire and design for the Lord. He that Love 'em when they could have no worthiness will not cease to Love 'em though now they have none Weaknesses in time shall not make void Love that was from Eternity The Second Inference is The Doctrine of the Socinians is greatly to be disliked yea to be detested Is it not a body of Heresie A. Bishop Usher Dr Arrowsmith c. Have not Divines of the first Rank ranked it with Mahometanism Here I will only point at its contrariety to the great point I am on 1. Do they not deny Christ's being sent to be a Propitiation for Sin when they affirm that He neither made Satisfaction to His Father by His Death nor intended any such thing Though the Scripture speak of His Dying for us that is
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
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
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
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
of Fathers inflicteth His Rods being in the hand of Love are to be kissed Lev. 26.41 and the Punishment of his Childrens Iniquity is to be accepted They should learn of their elder Brother readily to drink of the Cup which he puts into their Hand John 18.11 though it be a bitter one 3. In a chearful active forwardness in doing the work which this Father cuts out for 'em proving themselves Obedient Children 1 Pet. 1.13 14. 2 Cor. 5.14 15. This great Stream and Torrent of Love should carry to an abounding in Obedience What should they think too dear for him who thought not his Son too dear to give to ' em 4. 1 Thes 1.4 Col. 1.13 In an ultimate resolving of their Thankfulness to this Father the Father of Mercies from whom if we regard the Order in the Trinity they first arise to whom according to Scripture Order thanks are first and last to be returned 5. In a prizing other favours from this highest Father according to and on account of this prime favour the sending and Sacrificing his Son Rom. 8.32 Other things are choicer Gifts because related to and given with this Person From this Sun other Stars derive their Light Christ is the Figure before the numbers of other Gifts that puts the great value on ' em And so I come to shew That the Regenerate should in an eminent manner shew their love to Jesus Christ 1. His Person should be as the Object so in a sort the Center of their Affections Cant. 5.16 He is altogether lovely and to be loved accordingly 1. They should move towards him by degrees Psal 101.2 so far as the enjoyment of him is yet wanted The Husbands absence goes to the good Wives heart Cant. 2. last The Spouse desires Christ would be as a Roe for his swiftness in coming to her Have not some because they could not be so near as they desired to Christ and live been willing to dye that they might be nearer him Are not Duties is not Heaven most to be prized on account of * Phil. 1.23 enjoying Christ 2. They should rest in him by delight so far as he is pleased to communicate himself to ' em The rising of the Sun of Righteousness on and in their Souls should make a day there Doth not the Spouse speak in a triumphing way when she saith I am my Beloved's Cant. 1.16.2.4 and my Beloved is mine Doth she not sit under his shadow with great Solace and find his Fruit sweet to her taste Is not his love to her better than Wine And doth not his Sin-slaying and Soul-quickning Presence tend to satisfie her Soul as with marrow and fatness Again Christ's Practice should be the Copy of their Conversations 1 John 2.6 He that was a Propitiation for is to be a Patern to ' em Particularly 1. In his exercising Compassion to self-opposing sinners His Eye affected his Heart Mark 6.34 when he saw the multitude that wanted Spiritual Food and Hearts to desire it His Heart set his Eye on weeping over Jerusalem Luke 19.41 when he saw what her sinful Inhabitants would reduce her and themselves to 2. In his resisting the Tempter and his Temptations with the Sword of the Spirit the Word of God Mat. 4. When the Prince of this World came he could not overcome nor stand before these Weapons which were not Carnal but mighty through God 3. In laying Zion's sorrows near his Heart Isa 63.8 Acts 9.4 10.38 In all his Churches Afflictions he was Afflicted was not the Head most sensible of Wounds to him 4. In conforming his will to that of his Father 5. Phil. 2.5 In going about doing good O that the same mind that was in his were in our hearts The last Rule of Duty is for those that have the Grace to take and follow the good Advices that have been given They may take my Doctrine as a Cordial May they may find its chearing Vertue 1. Under all kinds of Discouragement and Distress Whether 1. They be from what they find without ' em Do they meet with many and those heavy Crosses Yet the Curse shall not come to ' em Gal. 3.12 13. He that was a Propitiation was also made a Curse for 'em that they might be freed from the Curse due to ' em The Love of God the Father shall not be lessened or less manifested because they are in Suffering Parents Hearts use to be most open to their sick Children Or 2. If they have inward sorrows and be acquainted with those troubles that follow the hiding of God's face Psal 30 6 7. they may write on it They have not lost their Fathers Affection though they miss some desirable expressions of it Shall not the Sun break through present Clouds Will not the Son on account of his being a Propitiation 1 John 2.1 2. be an Advocate for 'em that they may at last be comforted and in the mean time supported Again From this Doctrine an Use of Consolation is rightly drawn as to those I am treating with In all Duties whether ordinary or extraordinary whether Prayer wherein they speak to God or Self-examination wherein they speak with themselves or Hearing wherein God speaks to them Though none of these Duties have Perfection Col. 2.10 the Propitiation which God the Father hath received from the Son hath So. I will give a further touch on one Ordinance wherein the comfort of this Doctrine to prepared Receivers useth to flow freely and that is the Holy Supper of the Lord which is not to be perverted as by the Papists it is into a Propitiatory Sacrifice but it is a Commemoration yea and withall a Communication of such a Sacrifice Yea See Doctor Cudworth and is well called a Feast upon him that was Offered as a Propitiation and so is to be Celebrated with joy and thankfulness which the word Eucharist which hath long been one of its names implyeth Both the Elements and all the actions about 'em tend to fill their Hearts with gladness who use that Communion 1. Penitentially Zech. 12.10 looking with pierced Souls on their pierced Saviour 2. Applicatorily putting the finger of Faith into his Wounds 3. Charitably pitying their Enemies as he pityed them 4. Longingly Psal 81.10 that the Blessing of the Ordinance may accompany it Is not Christ therein given to 'em who was given for ' em Doth not God the Father shew that he is satisfied And shall not this satisfie and solace ' em And as in the Consecration they may see the Heart of God the Father See Mr. Baxter in several pieces and in the Commemoration the fulness of the Son So in the Communication it is made out that the Spirit the Comforter is free to come from both with Comfort to ' em O that mine own Heart had been more inflamed with God the Fathers Love and my Faith more
exercised on his Son as Sacrificed when I was writing thereof O that my Readers Hearts may feel that force in these things which mine hath not May the Lord in whose hand all Hearts are awaken those that have slighted Rich Grace May Honest Hearts find that Grace as sufficient for so effectual in ' em Amen and Amen A Third Instance OF THE RICHES OF GRACE TO WIT God the Father pouring out his SPIRIT Zech. 12.10 And I will pour upon the House of David and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem of the Spirit of Grace AS there are outbreakings of Light before the appearance of the body of the Sun Ortus Solit luminis so there were outbreakings of the Gospel long before the Sun of Righteousness his appearing in the Humane Nature Though my Text was delivered in the time of the Law the Truth delivered in it had a special respect to Gospel-times and accordingly I find that day found mentioned in the Verse before it Interpreted Synops Critic from Drusius To strike all through as to that point we read under the hand of the Evangelist S. John that the latter part of the Verse before us was fulfilled John 17.37 when our dear Lords sides were pierced One Junius whose Praise is in the Church is for observing the Parallels and Agreements between places in the Old and New Testament hath told us that the Jews themselves have not dared to deny that this Text hath its Eye on the Kingdom of Christ I deny not that the words have first their face on the Jews See Diodati c. and some Divines conceive they look as far as to that National Conversion of 'em which not a few look for Yet I affirm that as the believing Gentiles are grafted into the same Olive the Jews were once in Rom. 11.17 so the Fruit of this Promise may be expected and shall be reaped by ' em One that excelled hath said Mr. J.C. that by the House of David we are to understand the Church of Christ Acts 2.1 2 3. And was not this Promise as well as that in Joel in part fulfilled when there was a plentiful effusion of the Spirit If the shower fall on the Jews sprinklings may be on other Nations On this Promise I have all reason to write Precious In which we have 1. The Donor or Giver God the Father not excluding the Son He is the first Person in the Godhead Acts 1.4 and the Promise of the Spirit is called the Promise of or by the Father 2. The gift as is hinted is the Holy Spirit 3. The manner of the Fathers communicating the Spirit which is expressed by pouring out and denoteth freeness and fulness 4. The Adjunct or Epithet of this Spirit He is styled The Spirit of Grace not onely as working Grace but as given out of pure Grace 5. The Subjects recipient of the Spirit the House of David c. Even such as had their Hands in the Blood of Christ And now we have fair way and room for This Doctrine The pouring out of the Holy Spirit is an eminent Evidence of the Grace of God the Father As the Son so the Spirit is his Gift The first Quaere to be resolved is What is here meant by the Spirit And the first Answer is I am not nor are my betters satisfied to go in their narrow Path that some take who allow the Lord to make no further Promise of the Spirit save of that general Grace and Aid of his which leaves the refusers thereof without excuse See Mr. Trueman in all his Pieces as if none could expect such special efficacious over-powering Influences as do infallibly bring over Persons to God Is not this to make the effusion of the Spirit rather an effect of Justice than an issue of purely Free Mercy * See Reverond Bishop Reynolds Is it not well accounted hard in those that dispute for their own Liberty as to receiving Grace to deny the Lord his liberty as to giving it Shall we say or think that he onely gives * Posse velle non velle See Phil. 2.12 13. and Doctor Ward on it the power to will but the act of willing what is spiritually good is without any peculiar causing of his Doth not my Text clear this that when God pours out his Spirit he will attain an end and effect of the best kind Persons shall look on Christ Believingly and Repentingly mourn for him The Second Answer is I no way doubt we are here by the Spirit to understand the Graces and Sanctifying Operations of the Spirit Do not these most pure and blessed Streams partake of the Nature and so of the Name of the Fountain The Child is called after the Father and so is the effect after the cause by a Figure much used in Holy Writ Gal. 5.17 Mr. Norton Orthod Evan. One who was Famous in both Englands by the Spirit understands the universal Created frame of inherent saving Grace Of receiving this Spirit we are most capable as it is also of inhering and increasing in us The Third Answer I see no cause to decline the Company of those great men who hold that where the Grace of the Spirit is given and received there is a peculiar presence of the Spirit of Grace the Rivulets are not cut off from the River and I find excellent ones willing to Interpret my Text of the Spirit himself as joyn'd with the Graces given by him To prevent mistakes and misunderstandings I add 1. I am far from going so far as some have done who have asserted not onely a presence of the Spirit but such a Personal Presence of the Spirit with the Sanctified as that they become one Personally with him Is not this Tenent rightly charged By Mr. Barret as affirming an Incarnation of the Third as well as the Second Person in the Trinity and the dwelling of the fulness of the Godhead in the Members as well as the Head of the Church Can this be freed from the charge * By Mr. Hollingsworth of dividing the Spirit and limiting him or seeming so to do whilst it affirms that he is Personally here or there in this and the other Saint and is not in other places and persons All care is to be had lest we debase the Spirit or Deifie the Spiritual It is not to be thought that the Spirit is so in any Persons Troughton on Psal 45. as that he should be the immediate and formal exerter of their Acts. It is not he but they that Repent and Believe though he worketh these works in and for ' em Agens liberrimum Nor doth he work in any as a necessary and natural Agent but in all he doth is a Voluntier and most free Agent Yet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 13. last I have long been satisfied that the Communion or Communication of the Holy Ghost himself as well as the Grace of
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
to receive more when they are most enlarged in Thanksgivings for what they have received Have they not matter and ground for high Praises 1. Doth not the Holy Spirit dwell in ' em And doth not that imply 1. That he is very inwardly present with and near to 'em Intimior intimo nostro He is nearer to their Souls than they are to their Bodies 2. That he abides with ' em There is a fixedness and continuance in his Presence He that knocks at the Doors of others Hearts See Reverend Burgess on 1 Cor. 3. Pulsat aliorum corda Dr. Sibbs makes theirs his House and Temple He that moves others at times will not remove from them but stay with 'em for ever 3. That he exerciseth towards 'em much of Familiarity and Condescendence He useth 'em as his special Friends as those of his Family they know such Visitations of his as others are strangers to 2. Will not the Holy Spirit work where he dwells and so fitly furnish his Habitation Will he not be to 'em 1. Rom. 8.14 The most faithful Conductor Shall they not be led by him 2. John 14.26 The most seasonable Remembrancer Will he not write Truths in ' em 3. Rom. 8.2 16. The most powerful quickner Shall they not have Life abundantly 4. The most satisfying Witness Will he not speak to their Hearts Yet in all these workings he is a most free worker taking his own way and time 4. Be they by no means driven out of the good beaten way of earnest believing Prayer On their knees and through their Saviour cry they for the effusion of the Spirit I add That they may more feel the real effects of the Spirit beware they of the Rock on which too many are split to wit making vain and groundless Pretensions to him and his Operations And so in the close of this short Discourse I will offer at the Resolution of some Questions or Cases The First is Are Persons at this day to look for new Revelations from the Spirit Answ 1. They are to look that the Spirit would reveal in 'em what he hath in the Scripture revealed to 'em Eph. 1.17 Vide Arrowsmith Tact. Sac. but that he should add to the Canon and Rule of Scripture and make new Articles of Faith is not to be expected 2. Fish Usher Dr. Winter c. To some choice Favourites that have cleaved to the Scriptures as to matters of Faith he hath strongly suggested what his Providence would do as to matters of Fact This he may do to others The second Case is Is Duty never to be done save when Persons are under extraordinary impulses of the spirit to do it Answ 1. It is brave sailing before full Gales of this Wind and sweet moving when he is sensibly the first mover Yet 2. 1 Thes 5.17 The Spirit speaking in the Scripture calls us to Pray and perform other Duties when there is an Opportunity for it and this Call is to be Answered The Third Case is Is every impulse and strong motion to Prayer or other Duties to be Father'd on the Holy Spirit Answ See Mr. Hollingsworth The late worthy Mr. Oldfield c. This is utterly denyed by the best Divines Though Satan being evil cannot be the Author of Motions that are purely good yet he may excite to a work that is for the matter of it good And if we be moved unseasonably and unreasonably we may fear his hand is in it The Fourth Case is What Use are we to make of those extraordinary motions which some have had to Actions in an ordinary way less defensible as that of Phinehas and that of Sampson Answ We are to think they had full assurance those motives came from the Spirit but our selves should tremble lest we touch with what we have not a clear word for Now the good Spirit concerning whom these Pages are breath in 'em and in those that will give 'em a reading The Lord grant that Writer and Readers may more than ever be filled with the Spirit Amen and Amen A Fourth Instance OF THE RICHES OF GRACE TO WIT Effectual Calling 2 Tim. 1.9 And called us SUch are the difficulties and dangers that attend the Profession of Christianity especially as to those Professors that are Preachers thereof that all encouragements that are given prove few and small enough Blessed Paul who found that his Ministry drew down and deriv'd * Totius mundi furorem So Luther used to say the fury of the World upon him being at the time of his writing a Prisoner calls on his Son Timothy to fet his face on the Wind and Storms and hold on in his Holy Warfare being not onely a Souldier but a Commission-Officer he should quit himself like a good man And to that end he sets before him how highly he with others was Priviledged by and thereby engaged to the Lord In particular he instanceth in his and their effectual Calling and so gives us fair footing for This Doctrine God the Father out of his Free Grace gives Persons a Powerful Call 1. That God the Father is spoken of in the Text is well argued from his being distinguished from Jesus Christ And 2. His Calling of Persons is denyed to have its rise from their Works and expresly affirmed to arise from his purpose and grace Concerning the Calling of Persons sundry distinctions are found at some of which I shall point 1. Ad munus foedus Acts 17.30 It 's either to Office or Grace 2. It is either general so God calls all by the Gospel to Repent Or particular and so he calls his own Sheep and Elect by Name 3. It is either outward onely John 10.3 to the Ear or inward also to the Heart 4. It is either extraordinary Mat. 20.16 Acts 9.4 as Paul was called by a voice from Heaven as was that Ancient that was bidden * Tolle Lege Take and Read and directed to the Verse that turned him Or ordinary by the Ministry of the Word 5. It is either ineffectual or effectual Ex effectu vocationis Hoornbeck Instit p. 342. Some are barely invited others answer the invitation Some so far answer the Lord's Call as to come to the Profession of Christ and external Communion with his Members and so are of the Church considered as visible Idem 343. Others so answer it as to come to the possession of Christ having inward Communion with him as their Head and so are of the Church considered as invisible My short Treatise is to run concerning those that are so called Rom. 9.6 that they are chosen being Israel or Israelites indeed and not onely of Israel And now we will enquire what is implyed in the Notion or Phrase of Effectual Calling For Resolution whereof I shall lay down some Positions The First is Men in their meer Naturals are afar off from God O that they considered this Eph. 2.12 13
Isa 62.1 2 3. Breathing much after the flourishing of Zion For her sake not being silent but praying that she may have Peace Peace freedom from Divisions within Psal 122.6 and not onely Persecutions from without that her Children may resemble their Heavenly Father and be full of Soul-prosperity The Ninth is Keeping up a Watch against all sin Mark 13. last and temptations thereunto Carrying in mind that the World is their great Adversary 1 John 2.16 Haec tria pro trino numine mundus habet and its Profits Pleasures and Honours are the great Baits it lays to ensnare ' em The last is Prizing Heaven as it is a place and seat of perfect Holiness and accordingly making preparations for it in exercising true and endeavouring for more through Purity I much fear many will trust and not try and too many will be slighty in their trying and not beg that God would search and try ' em Psal 26.2 If upon Tryal weaker Christians do find any one sure mark with a desire that the rest may be found on 'em it is a good sign More good Divines than one have said Dr. Sibbs Mr. Hollingsworth One right Grape cannot grow on a Thorn But let the unsound know their going about to divide between Graces and Duties is of ill signification The Fifth Inference is They who have not heard the voice of God nor known what his Calling is should not rest in their present condition but call on him whose Calls have Power in 'em to give 'em the Call they have heard and read of Know they 1. As far as any of 'em are off he can easily make 'em hear 2. As vile as any of 'em are John 5.25 1 Tim. 1.15 his Grace can fully forgive 'em and move him to call 'em Of this Paul had full Proof And in order to their being so Priviledged 1. May they be for seating themselves under a Ministry in which there is plainness 1 Cor. 1.21 clearness and seriousness thereby God usually calls 2. May they use all earnestness as those that would not be denyed Prov. 2.2 3 4. 3. Job 42.8 John 14.16 May they engage the Prayerful to engage in Prayer for ' em 4. May they when they dare not say they have an Interest in Christ Pray that he would take 'em into and bear 'em on his Heart and prevail with his Father to speak so to 'em by his Spirit that they cannot but hear O that there were such hearts and workings in sinners The Sixth and last Inference is They that are indeed and in truth the Lord 's Called ones 1 Pet. 2.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should shew forth the Vertues and thereby the Praises of him that hath called'em 1. Psal 103.1 Should not their Hearts lead in their Praisings Should not all their Powers and Forces be called into this Service Are they not above others engaged and enabled thereunto 2. Psal 149.6 Should not the High Praises of God be in their mouths Should not the Calves of their Lips be offered to God 3. Eph. 4.1 Should not their Lives be referred to his Honour That they may be so May the Twenty Rules following be attended to O that they were more Answer'd by em 1. Psal 139.1 2 7. He is totius oculas Live they in and under a full and powerful apprehension of God's Omniscience Is he shut up or shut out any where And doth he not see their ways and Hearts with whom he is 2. Omne honum in summo bono Maintain they a constant dependence on God's All-sufficiency Is not all good bound up in the chief good Cannot he easily supply all wants Gen. 17.1 support under all pressures and fit for all Services 3. May there be on and in 'em abiding and influencing thoughts of the extream evil of sin See Dr. Goodwin c. Rom. 7.13 Is it not as truly as usually said A worse name than its own cannot be given it O that it more appear'd in its own ugly colours 4. Do they frequently review and reflect on the dishonour done to God by their sins past Psal 40.12 especially their heightened ones Can they fully number or weigh ' em And should not the sight of their black feet be very humbling to ' em 5. Take they into serious Consideration the shortness and insufficiency of their own Righteousness As to appeasing the wrath satisfying the Justice and procuring the favour of God Phil. 3.7 8. can Raggs cover ' em Can defiled Raggs cleanse ' em 6. Be they much in admiring the Riches of Grace which hath fully provided for 'em and the design thereof carried on by Christ for ' em Micah 7.19 Is not Gods Grace as the depths of the Sea which they cannot fathom And as the heights of Heaven which they cannot reach And doth not Grace that brought Christ down from Heaven to Earth intend to bring them up from Earth to Heaven 7. Keep they as near as near may be to the Blessed Jesus Gal. 2.20 Close they with his Person apply they his Righteousness and imitate they his Example May he lye Day and Night between their Breasts May they live on him as All and in All 8. Prize they the special Presence and wait they for the special Assistance of the Holy Spirit Gal. 5.16 May he more and more inspire their Souls and Services May he subdue their Corruptions and draw out their Graces 9. Keep they their Hearts under a deep and endearing sense of God's many great and choice Mercies to ' em How precious have his thoughts been to them-wards Rom. 12.1 Can they know the sum of ' em And hath not his hand of Grace in sundry Instances been lifted up high 10. Be they for out-shooting the Heathens in their own Bow and out-stripping 'em in the Vertues wherein they excell'd * See Reverend Mr. Porter This hath been styled borrowing the Jewels of the Egyptians and gathering the Flowers in Natures Garden to deck themselves with It 's a shame that they in and of the Church should be less sober chaste 1 Cor. 5.1 or just than some our of it 11. Study they to be extraordinary adorning the Doctrine of their Saviour in all things Tit. 2.10 May their Beds and Boards may their Shops and Fields may their employments and refreshments carry a mark of Holiness on ' em Zech. 14. last 12. Husband they their time and the seasons of Grace therein afforded to the best purpose and profit Eph. 5.15 May they not willingly trifle or squander away one Golden Hour but fill up every day with proper Duty 13. Be they for making a good use of the Word and Works of God Be they loath to be as leaking or broken Vessels Heb. 2.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See the late Reverend Dr. Owen thereon lest they take in Errors or let slip
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