The Sorrow of the World worketh Death 2 Cor. 7.10 The sorrow of the World that is grieving more for Suffering than for Sin growing under the want of Temporals more than of Spirituals this is a weight it hinders desire after a Heavenly Life pressing on to Salvation this depresses the Spirit Godly Sorrow what carefulness it wrought what zeal what vehement desires c. Lay aside the weight of worldly sorrow 4. Sin Especially the easily besetting Sin Heb. 12.1 Who shall deliver me from the body of Death This is a weight in Paul's Spirit when I would do good evil is present there 's a Law in my Members c. Desire that Sin may be subdued look to the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ to free you from the Law of Sin and Death especially the Lusts that are most prevalent that do most easily prevail that the Soul is usually overtaken with your Dalilah Herodias your Right Hand your Right Eye The following a Lust takes off the Heart from following after Knowledge c. 3. Run your Race with Patience that is first be not angry if the Blessing longed for be not presently bestowed be not like those that ask where is the promise of his coming Hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of God Lam. 3.26 All my appointed time will I wait till my change come Secondly Be not angry at the Crosses you meet with in the way of Salvation c. This was Israel's prevailing Sin whereby they vext the Spirit c. They could not with patience bear any Cross in the way to the Land flowing with Milk and Honey Satan and the World set themselves against the Heirs of Salvation that labour to work it out and with patience endure their buffetting There 's great reason for it for our light Afflictions which are but for a moment work for us a far more Exceeding and an Eternal weight of Glory Afflistion is not worthy to be compared with the Glory that is to be revealed Rom. 8.18 and 2 Cor. 4.17 Skin for Skin all that a Man hath will he give for his Life endures any thing parts with any thing rather than part with his Life He that will loose his Life shall find it loose Earth to find Heaven c. Psa 84. Going through the Vally of Baca a dry place make a Well this is a Well they going to God can satisfy themselves with his Law c. Thirdly Look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of Faith and Love c. The Author and Finisher of Grace and Glory Believe that he who is mighty to save will carry on the work to perfection The Jews had the Angel of God's presence with them to keep them and to drive out the Canaanites c. In a Wilderness he fed them with Bread from Heaven when they were ready to perish with tâ—irst he brought Honey out of the Rock c. When Sihon King of the Amorites and Og opposed them he slew those mighty Kings and he made a way through the Sea and Jordan Isa 63.9 The Angel of his presence saved them and in his Love and Pity redeemed them and bare them c. even thus Believers have the Angel of God's presence Christ Jesus c. He will bear in his Love and Pity as by his power as the tender hearted Mother bears her Child in her Arms Believers they have Christ to overcome their Spiritual Enemies Christ to feed them and supply them with Spiritual Nourishment Bread from Heaven and with water of Life giving by his Spirit so look to Christ as the Author and Finisher of Salvation As the Cloud and Smoak by day and the flaming fire by night c. was a sign of God's presence so God promises Isa 4.5 I will create on Mount Sion and her Assemblies a Cloud c. the shining of a flaming Fire Shining for Light to the Saints Flaming for Terror to the Enemies Christ will be as careful of Believers now as of the Jews of old believe that you have the Angel of his presence to conduct you to his presence and so hold fast your Confidence firm unto the end and you shall receive the end of your Faith the Salvation of your Souls Heb. 11.14 Christ is passed into Heaven as Priest he bare Sin on Earth but now he is entred without Sin Jesus the Son of God So hold fast your Profession Here 's an encouragement there 's no infirmities but Christ hath felt the like So then come boldly to the Throne of Grace by Faith go to the Throne of Grace in Heaven for Grace to help you to Heaven have Hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven on a Throne of Grace fixed in Christ so shall you be drawn nearer and nearer to Heaven Section 10. With fear and trembling As the Gospel requires Men to set about a work of following Christ and of saving their Souls so it gives directions for the way and shews where strength is to be had c. Here you have a manifestation of the way and manner in which Salvation is to be wrought out Whence the Doctrine is Doct. 3. Salvation is to be wrought out with fear and trembling Whereas in the former Exhortation somewhat seemed to be ascribed to the Will and Power of Man as if he could do somewhat towards the perfecting of his Salvation This that the Apostle adds in these and the following words takes away all colour and ground of attributing any thing to Nature in this great work But shews it to be the sole work of God's Grace and Power in Christ And there being a glorious manifestation of God in this work revealed in the Hearts of Believers that 's a ground of fear and trembling Now for the opening of this point I shall shew what is not meant by Fear and Trembling 1. Not a slavish fear of Judgment The fear of Christians should be filial i. e. fear of dishonouring God should restrain from Sin not fear of being destroyed but an earnest desire of being accepted Not a dread of Vengeance should move you to walk in Holy and Gospel ways Christians should not be driven to seek Heaven meerly out of fear of Hell but drawn by the Glory of Heaven and Pleasures for evermore in the presence of God Not driven by fear of the wrath of the Lamb but drawn by the Cords of the Love of the Lamb. The fear of Christians should not be the fear of Slaves but the fear of Sons Not the fear of Cain Every one that findeth me shall slay me but the fear of Joseph Gen. 42.18 I fear God Exod. 20.20 When Israel feared because of the thunderings c. Moses said Fear not for God is come to prove you that his fear may be before your faces that you sin not Fear of Evils God doth not account his Fear his fear is not Sin Believers are set beyond the fears of Evil they have no ground to fear wrath and vengeance 'T is an Infirmity to do it
to pass 2. What are the present Consequences of God's smiting so many Shepherds such as scattering the litle Flocks growth of Ignorance Error Impiety Ruins of Temple work many disorders and distractions in the destitute Churches c. 3. What must be the Cure Its time to enquire For do we not see want of more able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.6 wise and faithful builders of God's House How weak are many shoulders on whom so great work is laid forcing an out-cry for a richer anointing with the Spirit of Grace i. e. of Love Wisdom Humility Zeal Self-denial Heavenliness which they had seen on others If this depart so much of our true Glory departs It cannot go well in Churches without fiâ—ed Pastors after God's own Heart entirely caring and watching for Souls feeding tâ—em with knowledge and understanding in the great Mysteries of Godliness Jer. 3.15 such was our Author known not mint anise filled his Tâ—oughts but the weighty things of Natural and Reveal'd Religion if he dwelt more than some do on sublimer Doctrines of Faith the Texts here treated are his Warrant together with Col. 1.24 to 29. 2.1 2 3. Nor did he treat them in a way of bold or curious speculation but as leading to Christian Practice upon the great things of the Gospel must Christians live if evâ—r they go further in Religion than a fruitless Form It 's in wrong to Christ and his Church if any Preachers do not jointly declare these with the moral Rules of good living I cannot see that Law and Gospel were set as variance in the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles Nor that the Honour of Christianity can be preserv'd or its ends attain'd without tutoring his Disciples great and small both in Principles of Christian Doctrine touching the glorious Person Offices Fulness and Benefits of Christ t eir only Head Lord and Saviour and touching subjection to his Soveraign Wisdom in his Laws They must be under the Law to Christ 1 Cor. 9.21 and that in vertue of his own Grace 1 Cor. 15.10 what kind of Evangilists must they be that think the great discoverys of the Gospel whereby the world was Christianiz'd are of little use in Preaching now Our Author was better taught as the Truth is in Jesus and finished his Course fighting the good fight and keeping the Faith once delivered to the Saints holding fast the Doctrine according to Godliness till of his beloved Master he obtain'd the Crown of Righteousness would to God that a like love to Divine Truth might prompt many others professing to embrace it to meditate and consult speedily how tâ—ey may best establish and propagate it It 's not witâ—out a Providence that of late we hear of so many sudden deaths of able useful Ministers and may it not prove a presage of other Calamitees to surprize us It 's tâ—y spiritual Profiting Reader that this work aims at and now look to thy self that thou receive not this Grace of God in vain T e Unsearchable Ricâ—es of Christ are surely the better part and being timely chosen and pursued may be thine chuse and inherit them study to know him whom to know is Life Eternal Improve that Ministry and word of Grace to day which is still the Power of God to Salvation to them that believe and enjoying this with other Helps work out thy Salvation with Fear and Trembling and God for Christ's sake will work in thee both to will and to do So shalt thou be counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man when he shall appear in Glory to doom this whole World to its Eternal State This is the Intent and Call of this Essay may the Lord of the Harvest so bless it Amen THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST DISCOURSE Eph. 3.8 Of the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. 1. Some transient Notes on the Text. Page 1 Chap. 2. Why the things of Christ call'd Riches Page 4 Chap. 3. What are these Riches Page 6 1. Riches of Love which is Abounding Abiding Effectual c. Chap. 4.2 Riches of Christ's Righteousness as Mediator 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. Page 13 Chap. 5.3 Riches of Wisdom 1. Speculative Page 22 2. Practical As 1. in Ancient Providences and 2. About Man's Salvation Page 32 Chap. 6.4 Riches of Christ's Power Page 37 The Power of his Death Resurrect Intecession c. Power over all Mens Hearts and over all Creatures How exercised for us Page 40 Chap. 7.5 Riches of Glory Page 45 What Glory Christ hath and will appear in What Glory he received from the Father and shall receive from Creatures Page 50 Saints shall see and share in his Glory Page 56 Chap. 8. General Application of the whole Page 62 To those enriched by Christ and to all to seek a Portion in Christ's Riches Page 66 The Second Discourse 1 Cor. 2.2 Of Knowing Christ Crucified Page 72 The Text and Context explained to Page 77 Divers Notes thereupon As 1. That a Gospel Minister must resolve to go thorow with his work of Preaching Page 80 2. That he aim not at self-applause therein Page 81 3. That he must Preach Christ tho' he be counted a Fool for so doing Page 82 4. That he truly knows Christ when he labours to make others know Christ Page 83 5. He counts it a precious service to Preach Christ Page 85 6. Of all Divine Doctrines none more necessary to be Preached than Christ Crucified Page 87 Doct. 1. Knowledge of Christ is the most excellent Knowledge Page 88 1. Proved by considering 1. its object Christ in general Page 92 And in particular as his Natures Names Relations Offices to the Church Page 93 to 99 2. The Effects of this Kowledge as Justification Spiritual Transformation and Eternal Life Page 100 1. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 103 2. Means to get this Excellent Knowledge Page 113 3. Of Comfort to such as have attained it Page 119 Signs to Satisfy such as doubt Doct. 2. Our Principal study should be to know not only the History but Mystery of Christ Crucified Page 126 That Mystery is 1. Of Wisdom 2. Of Love And 3. of Vertue in his Blood Page 132 How the Vertue of Christ's Death is conveyed to us Page 138 Use 1. 1. Of reproof to the enemies of Christ's Cross 2. Of Exhortation to Believe in Confess and Suffer for Christ Page 134 Q. How may we so Suffer as to have Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings Page 145 Christ's Sufferings for us a ground of our worshipping him and how that must be Page 150 The Third Discourse 1 Thess 2.13 The Divine Authority of Scripture Page 157 D. The Word contain'd in Holy Scripture is in truth the Word of God Shewn Page 159 1. The Spirit in Scripture gives Testimony to it 2. Arg. from the word conv its Authority As 1. It s Power upon Sinners Page 160 2. It s Holiness 3. It s
Accomplishment Page 166 3. To make these Argum. convictive there is requir'd an inward work of the Spirit on the Heart Page 170 Use 1. Of reproof to them that honour not the word duly Page 175 2. Of direction how to receive it Page 179 The Fourth Discourse Phil. 2.12 Of working out our Salvation Page 185 Sect. 1. Opening the Text. Page 186 Sect. 2. D. 1. The great busin that requires greatest diligence is to make Salvation sure Page 188 1. Salvation of Believers in Christ is sure in it self as the whole Trinity can make it Page 193 2. It may be made as sure to them 3. It ought to be made sure Page 194 4. Nothing else can be made sure Page 195 5. Nothing else is worth making sure Page 196 Sect. 3. What is Salv. and what Assur thereof Page 197 Sect. 4. Use of Exhortation with motives Page 198 Sect. 5. Directions 1. to estranged Sinners Page 203 Sect. 6. 2. To Saints 1. how to get this Assur Page 211 Sect. 7. 2. How to carry thems in want of it Page 213 Sect. 8. D. 2. The working out of Salvation begun should be the great desire of all Believers Page 220 1. Their Salvation shall be perfected 2. by degr 3. They should desire its perfection Page 223 Sect. 9. Use 1. Of Information 2. Of Excitation 3. Of Direction in this great work Page 229 Sect. 10. D. 3. Salvation is to be wrought out with fear and trembling Page 238 With what fear and what not Page 240 Sect. 11. 1. Salvation of Sinners is the work of the Trinity Page 242 2. There is a most glorious manifest of God in it 3. That cannot but work fear in the Soul to which this manifestation is made Page 245 Sect. 12. Of the nat and opposiâ—… of that fear Page 249 Sect. 13. Use 2 Of Information for Sinners Page 250 Sect. 14. Use 2. To consider well what is this work Page 252 Sect. 15. On the motive to this work ver 13. Doct. 1. they that are in the way of Life and Salvat are willing and doing Christians Page 256 Sect. 16. How they are willing and doing Page 257 Sect. 17. Use for conviction of many Page 261 Sect. 18. Doct. 2. A gracious will is of God's working Page 266 1. Explained 2. Proved by these steps 1. In Nat. Man is no free will to spirit good he is 1 dark 2. dead 3. full of enmity thereto Page 271 2. Renewed Man hath spiritual freedom Page 273 3. This holy free will is of God's working Page 274 Two main Objections answered Page 276 Sect. 19. Divers uses of this point Page 271 The Fifth Discourse Isa 58.13 14 Of Sanctifying the Gospel Sab. Page 283 Doct. In the puâ—est Goâ—pel-times theâ—e will be a strict observ of the Sabbath day How this Prophet Text proves that Page 285 c. Q. How God's Com. to Sanct. the seventh day can oblige us now to Sanct. the Lord's day Page 293 Q. How the chaâ—ge of the Sab. day appears Page 294 Q. How was the Sabbath made for Man Page 296 Q. Wherein consists the strict observ of it Page 299 Answer'd from the Text it self Object Who then can keep a Sab. Answered Page 302 Q. Shall a Sab. be kept in New Jerus or when the Church is glorious on Earth Page 303 Use 1. Of Rep. to many for not counting the Sab. holy and honour neither in the Judgm nor in their Practice Page 304 2. Of Exhortation to Sanctify it better Page 306 3. Motives to the Exhortation 4. Direct how to keep a Gospel Sab. Page 312 The Sixth Discourse Rom. 14.10 Of Christ 's Universal Judgment Page 317 D. 1. Christ hath a Judgment seat prepared for him What is meant by that and by his sitting on it Page 319 How Christ shall then appear What Enemies will then be Conquered D. 2. All Men shall then appear before him to receive Sentence according to their deeds now done in the Body Page 323 After what form Christ's Judgm will proceed Page 324 Q. Shall the Sins of the Godly be then mentio Page 326 Use 1. Of terrour to all the Wicked Page 331 Urged by considering that 1. 't is the day of Christ's wrath 2. All their sinful works will be remembred 3. None of their seeming good works mention'd in excuse of their evil ones 4. Their Conscience shall then be convinced Page 337 5. Their cries Prayers shall not be heard Page 339 6. They 'll be reward accord to their works Page 340 Use 2. Of Exhortat make it the business of every day to prepare for that last day Page 341 Directions how to prepare ERRATA Of many Slips in Spelling and Pointing these most need to be Corrected PReface Page 3. Line 16. for late read let p. 4. l. ult r. 12 Book p. 1. l. 8. dele Saint p. 7. l. 28. after is add to p. 11 l. 9. doth This. l. 33. r. here 's page 53. 30. they p. 54. 30. dele be p. 62. 28. aim p. 65. 12. is r. are p. 67. f. trusting r. instructing as we are instructed p. 68. 32. too r. to p. 69. 33. where p. 78. 12. add as after Sense l. 28. is r. if p. 80. 20. night r. might p. 81. 6. you r. must p. 82. 11. spent p. 84. 7. exercise p. 86. 33. Son-like p. 87. 2. change the Points p. 89. 28. dele more p. 90. 12. none p. 97. 19. Isai 33. p. 103. 14. search l. 22. plenty p. 104. 30. then read thou p. 107. 27. appropriation p. 108. 10. dele re p. 110. 15. I can p. 115. 21. dele on p. 116. 19. dele let 's p. 122. 3. Christ was p. 149. ult they P. 151. 2. constrain p. 152. ult be no. p. 160. 15. p. 170. 9. dele Truth p. 19. 69. â—n r. in p. 174. 20. fore r. for l. 24. there are p. 180. 19. 15. r. 5 p. 199. 22. that he p. 204. 3. r. live p. 221. 22. we were p. 235. 1. groaâ—ing p. 275. 12. dele that l. 21. his own p. 313. ult they p. 323. 30. dele and. p. 333. 14. change the Points r. and the. p. 340. 26. capacity p. 341. ult believe This. p. 344. 15. Jude l. 88. that they THE FIRST DISCOURSE THE Unsearchable Riches of CHRIST EPHESIANS the iij. verse viij Unto me who am less than the least of all Saints is this Grace given that I should Preach among the Gentiles the Unsearchable Riches of Christ CHAP. I. THE Apostle here commends the Grace of God to the Gentiles in that they were made Fellow Heires and partakers of his Promise in Christ by the Gospel and also the Grace of God to him in particular in Calling him to Preach the Unsearchable Riches of Christ among the Gentiles Who was a greater and more Eminent Saint Saint then Paul He calls himself when a sinner the chief of Sinners So there was ground for others to call him when he was a Saint the chief of Saints yet he stiles
some this is our Manna Bread fâ—om Heaven to sustain us whilst we inhabit the Wilderness Truth 3. To make all these Arguments demonstrative and convincing is required an inward work of the Spirit upon the Heart to this external light of Arguments must be added the internal light of the Spirit For the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 so says Christ to Laodicea that she might see I counsel thee to buy of me Eye-salve that is beg of me my Spirit The Spirit inwardly inlightâ—ing the Heart is the Eye-salve Rev 3.18 1 Joh. 2.27 the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and teacheth you all things and is Truth The anointing that is the Spirit wherewith you are anointed He is Truth so as that he cannot lye and he must give Testimony to the Truth in our Hearts else we shall not believe it by a divine Faith and he is Truth so as that 't is an Office he hath undertaken in the New Covenant to lead into all Truth as he was promised by Christ Joh. 16.13 The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth Joh. 15.26 The Spirit of Truth shall testify of me and so of the Scripture he shall say to the Soul that Christ who is spoken of in the Gospel is the Son of God that the Scripture is the word of God he shall ascertain the Heart of this and this two ways 1. By a moral work as the opening and expounding the word in the Ministry of it by exhortations perswasions Therein Truth is held forth and propounded to be embraced and believed as the word of God and this work of God may be resisted as the Jews did resist the Holy Ghost Act. 7.51 2. By a Physical work upon the heart working a change in the Faculty renewing us in the Spirit of our Minds bringing in a spiritual light into the Soul to enable it to discern the things of God when this is done then we shall know the word of God with as great yea greater certainty than that the Sun shines when we see it for certainty of Faith is greater than certainty of Sense Then we shall see the Authority of God in his word when thus we have the Spirit of Truth then shall we receive the word as it is in Truth the word of God so that we may attain the full assurance of Faith in this particular we must wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost as Act. 1.4 14. we cannot believe the word as it is outwardly propounded to us unless it be inwardly revealed to our Hearts now the Spirit of Truth who of necessity must be received by us before we can believe is the Spirit of Promise Eph. 1.13 that is a Spirit promised ask him so and he shall be given to us 2. The knowledge of the Scripture to be the word of God containing the Mysteries of Salvation is necessary to Salvation Joh. 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know God and Christ the distinct knowledge of God as Creator as Omnipotent most holy is necessary and as most good and that Man's happiness consists in the enjoyment of God and that Man is fallen from God and hath lost his Image in Holiness and his presence which is Life this is evident that we in our natural condition are alienated from the life of God and are ignorant of him Eph. 4.18 now the Scripture makes God known and shews how we fell from Gâ—d and the principal scope of it is to dâ—scover Christ to the World as a Saviour and Mediator by whom Sinners are reconciled to God and restored to Communion with him now then that we may be saved its necessary that we search the Scriptures for these only are able to make us wiâ—e to Salvation so we shall know God our Selves and a Saviour 2 Tim. 3.16 there is knowledge of God by his Creatures 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are known by the things that are made Rom. 1 2â— and there is Scripture-knowledge of God there God is known in his Son the fulness of the Godhead is in him he is the express Image of the Father 3. The knowledge of what the Scripture reveals is sufficient to Salvation this is enough to make the Man of God perfect there is no need of Mens additions there 's nothing more that 's needful to be done this furnishes to all good works nothing more to be believed Joh. 20.31 Many more Signs Jesus did but these are written that ye might believe what the Scripture reveals is Gold and Silver fit to help towards raising up a spiritâ—al building what is added by Men is Wood Hay and Stubble 1 Cor. 3.12 we say in matters that appertain to the worship of God and our Salvation as our Saviour of Communication Math. 5.37 let your Communication be yea yea nay nay for whatever is more than these cometh of Evil so whatever more than the word is urged or practised in matters of Religion cometh of Evil i. e. from the Devil principally and from our own corrupt and proud hearts immediately as if they were wiser than God and could teach him how he may be served and we saved God hath sealed up his word in such a manner as that no addition may be made to it See the Law Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add to the word which I command nor diminâ—sh from it by that the Jewish Talmud is excluded and for Prophets we may observe that the Gospel is begun with what the Prophets are concluded as Malachy the last Prophet concludes Mal. 4.5 with this Behold I will send you Elija the Prophet and Mark begins with this Chap. 1.1 2. The beginning of the Gospel as it is written in the Prophets behold I send my M ssenger By this those Books justly called Apocrypha are excluded and the last book of the New Testament Rev. 22.18 is concluded thus Whoever shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written therein Consider two things first that there must be no detracting and secondly no adding c. 4. The Scripture is clear in those things which are absolutely necessary to Salvation it shews plainly what is to be believed Three Persons One God what is to be done the word is nigh in thy mouth and in thy heart if thou shalt believe in thine heart and confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus thou shalt be saved that word doth most plainly deliver things necessary to Salvation true indeed some things are hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3.16 yet enough to Salvation is plainly discovered so that if any do perish through Ignorance their Ignorance shall not excuse them the Scripture is clear in this that we are lost and undone Creatures by nature that all we like Sheep have gone astray and that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners and that only such as believe in him renouncing their own Righteousness or abilities to do any thing in
the business of their Salvation I say such only shall not perish but have everlasting life the Scripture is plain in this that only Saints shall see God that no Whoremongers c. shall see God If Persons be of very weak capacities yet such is the plainess and clearness of the Scriptures in things that are absolutely necessary that they may understand them here is milk for Babes as well as stronger meats for more experienced Christians As there are great Depths for Elephans to swim so shallows for Lambs to wade through as there are some things hard to be understood which the unlearned do wrest c. so there others easy to be understood which the unlearned may follow to their Salvation then let none plead their want of parts as a ground of their neglect of the word as if it were only for men of Learning to search into it but as all have Souls to save so let all that have the use of Understanding and Reason search the word that they may be saved and great encouragement there is because if Men are willing to learn and know the things of their Salvation and of Christ's Kingdom they have a Promise from God to be taught Joh. 6.45 Hebr. 8.10 we know God did inable Children to sing Hosanna to Christ Math. 2â— Isa 32.4 The heart of the rash inconsiderate Men shall understand knowledge and the Tongue of the Stammerer shall be ready to speak plainly they shall be all taught of God that are willing to learn of God and the Spirit that leads into all truth is a Spirit of Promise Use first Reproof of two sorts 1. Those that receive not the word of God with so much respect as the word of Man And it is to be observed for the most part that if the word be not received with the respect that is due to the word of God then it is received with less respect than is due to the word of Man If the word be not embraced as God's 't is despised more than Man's If Men love it not above any word they hate it more than any word and what 's the reason 1. Because it is a great Enemy to what Men do naturally love as their own Souls If they receive not the word so as above all to desire to yield obedience to it then they hate it for it reproves for an Herodias it forbids that which is Mens great delight to follow it contemns the World and it condemns Sinners Hence if the word be not embraced as the word of God with that Fear and Reverence that is due to it 't is hated and despised more than the word of Man Thus 't is with all those that take delight in Sin and greedily hunt after the things of the World and care for nothing but to satisfy their own Lusts and desires they can't but hate the Light because their deeds are evil There is hardly a medium betwixt these two a receiving of and submitting to the whole word as God's and a hatred of it in some parts at least every Sinner hath such a disposition to the word as Ahab to Michaiah I hate him because he Prophecies not good to me so the word gives not a tolleration to commit Sin which is only good in a natural Man's Eye and therefore 't is hated 2. Pride is another reason That which is generally condemned to be the Devil's first Sin is our great Sin Pride the Devil thought himself too high to submit so he rebelled against God that he might Rule he 'll uphold and maintain a Kingdom against God rather than submit to God though he know that he shall be destroyed for it in the end now there is this devilish disposition in every one of our hearts the pride of them lifts us up against God we of our selves chuse to be our own Lords though we destroy our selves hereby rather than Christ rule over us that we might be saved Who is Lord over us is a question arising from that proud disposition of our Hearts the proud Men in Jeremiah said as for the word thou hast spoken in the Name of the Lord we will not do it this we all do if God do reveal his word and not work by his Spirit 2. Those are to be reproved that receive it but as the word of Man some do in a sort receive the word and think that they receive it aright yet 't is but as the word of Man as 1. When they have nothing else to ground their Faith upon then humane Testimony if the should be asked why they believe the word to be God's can give no other reason then that their Fathers and Mothers said so and 't is generally so believed and embraced now those that believe it because others believe it receive it only as the word of Man so the Papists receive it as the word of Men and all that have no testimony from the Spirit no true work on their hearts c. 2. Those that perform Duties that are required in the word to be seen of Men as did the Pharisees they Fasted Prayed and gave Almes were zealous of the Law all to be seen of Men they sought the praise of Men now they that do any thing that the word requires to be seen of Men see not God in his word they that love the praise of Men and out of that seem to be Religious receive the word only as the word of Men then says our Saviour how can ye believe 't is impossible ye should receive the word as God's and believe it by a divine Faith if ye seek Honour one of another Joh. 5.44 therefore if you come to pray and hear only to satisfy Man's expectations of you you receive it but as Man's word 3. Those that take up Mens Ordinances as of equal authority with the word are as zealous for a humane form of prayer as for the word c. they that make Man's words equal with God's make God's word no better than Man's therefore said our Saviour Math. 15.3 9. By your Traditions you make void c. you urge your Traditions as if they were so necessary as the word and hereby you make void the word That hath not any authority amongst you as the word of God for Men to set their Thresholds by God's their Posts by his is to defile his holy name Ezek. 43.7 8. that iâ— by making God no better than Man 4. When Men look on the word as binding the outward Man and not the heart that Religion consists in a bodily exercise that it is sufficient if we come with our bodies before God and honour him with our lips as Men think it enough if you yield outward obedience to their commands for they have no power over the Conscience Now if it be thus in matters of Religion that our hearts are not brought into obedience to the word that we think our thoughts and affections are free and our hearts being loose c.
him as Jacob by wrestling c. Isa 26.8 9. Hos 12.2 3 4 6. 5. When God gives Precepts and lays Commands on us know that the Holiness Majesty and Goodness of God deserves Obedience and sing as the 24 Elders Rev. 4. ult Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Honour c. you must see the greatest reason of yielding Obedience Now these qualifications make up that honest and good heart Luk. 8.15 That having heard the word keeps it c. by this try the honesty of your hearts many think they have honest hearts because they hate no man do no Injury but are upright in their dealings but here 's a way to try the honesty of your hearts indeed do you not hate some part of the word there is self-denial mortification of Lusts required heavenly mindedness a seeking the praise of God only and not of Men. Joh. 5.42 43 44. Rom. 2.29 Signs of true receiving the word of God 1. Holding fast the word undeâ— Persecutions Luk. 8.15 there are four sorts of Hearers only the last that believe the word aâ—ight and they grow by it and live on it and according to it and when Persecutions do arise for the word's sake a mock or scoff from Men is not so grievous as the word is precious As Christ endured the contradiction of Sinners so can they this is set forth as the highest of Christ's Sufferings Heb. 12.3 Consider him that endured Contradiction of Sinners c. and mockings are called Cruel they are hard to be born Heb. 11.36 these will try whether the word be received and blest so as to see Sin the greatest Evil. 2. If it work effectually to thorough Conviction and Conversion so that all high Imaginations stoop and the strong holds of Sin are demolished Agrippa was almost perswaded So the word did not work effectually in him The Jews did halt between two Opinions when the word works effectually then Men will pitch on Joshua's choice I will serve the Lord Josh 24.15 and the World will be despised for the word's sake You will go into Patmos for the word as John did Revelat. 1.9 rather than leave the word to escape Persecution This Discourse concluding so abruptly seems Imperfect but the Authors Notes proceed no further THE FOURTH DISCOURSE Of working out our Salvation PHILIPPIANS ij xij Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling ver 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good Pleasure THese words contain 1. An Exhortation work out Salvation 2. A Direction intimating tâ—e way and manner in which Salvation is to be wrought out which is with fear and trembling 3. An encouragement in this work for it is God which worketh c. or a reason the Apostle gives of his Direction 't is to be wrought with fear and trembling because it is God's work And the Soul of a Believer eyeing and beholding God going on in this work appearing in his glory ought to fear and tremble even at that glory â—â—â—ifested forth therein The Exhortation is to a duty of very great consequence there is no work that so nearly concerns us as this the Apostle here perswades us to set about work out c. so we should give diligent heed to this work Sect. 1. Explaining the sence of the Text. Take the meaning of the words thus work he means not either that Sinners in their natural state can by working raise themselves into a state of spiritual Life nor that Believers when they are spiritually quickned can or should so perform Duties as to think they shall merit Salvation thereby nor so work as the mercenary Pharisees did trusting in their own works Paul was no such Legalist but his meaning is consider the condition of your poor Souls that they are wretched and miserable c. look to the saving of them study the way of Life give not rest to your eyes till you have found it out search the Gospel wherein Salvation is revealed labour to be acquainted with the Mysteries of Christ work out Salvation this is meant two ways 1. Give Diligence to make Salvation sure to your Souls desire that it may be made out to your Spirits in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit Rejoyce in nothing but the assurance of Salvation that as it is wrought out in Christ so also in your Hearts 2. Work out that is Salvation being begun to be wrought desire the perfection and accomplishment of it Christ having begun to save you look to be saved to the utmost by him having received the first fruits of the Spirit groan for the adoption viz. the redemption of the body leaving the first principles of the Doctrine of Christ that is these being well laid go on o perfection Heb. 6.1 Labour to know more of Christ and to receive more from Christ till we attain to the measure of the stature of the fâ—lness of Christ Your own Salvation Your Hearts desire and endeavour must be that others also may be saved but especially look to the saving of your own Souls And indeed you cannot desire the Salvation of others unless the Spirit of God have first stirred up your hearts to desire the Salvation of your Selves With fear and trembling The Apostles meaning is not that you should have doubtful thoughts and perplexing fears about your Salvation like such as are under a Covenant of works whose condition the Apostle sets forth Rom. 10.5 6. Who shall ascend into Heaven c. who can tel whether we shall go to Heaven or Hell Fear and trembling is not opposed to Faith and full assurance but to highmindedness to glorying in the Flesh or to carnal Confidence Rom. 11.20 Be not high minded but fear Again with fear that is see God in Christ working your Salvation reconciling you to himself by his Spirit calling in your hearts and conforming you to himself and so fear and tremble at the glory of Wisdom Power and Love that shines forth from this work For it is God which worketh this is a reason why we should fear take notice of the work of God in Christ and the work of God in the Heart causing his Spirit to dwell in an unclean Soul to make it a holy and spiritual Temple for himself to dwell in let the discovery of God and his glorious approach to your hearts in this great work work fear and reverence in your Hearts this also is an encouragement to work out Salvation and look to be â—aved and to be assured of it because it is a work that God hath undertaken whatever difficulties there are in it God hath undertaken he will master them whatever is to be done by Men as they are to believe they are to repent they are to deny themselves and to take up their Cross and to follow Christ all this God will work in them To will and to do so work it out by Faith in the good pleasure and power of God for the perfecting of
perishing Christ will â—ose none of his but â—aise them up at the last day And know that if you are oâ— Christ's Kingdom you do Judge him worthy and are willing to serve him And tâ—ere is nothing that more directly opposes the Assurance of your Salvation than an unwillingness to come under the yoke and opposing the Kingdom of Christ a walking contrary to the Gospel which you shall see clâ—â—r from that glorious Promise which Christ makes Rev. 3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God c. Such as overâ—ome the Enemies of Christ Sin Satan and the World and come and live under the dominion of Christ so as that they have their conversation in the Gospel of Christ such as walk in Christ in his will to his Glory They shall be made Pillars in his Temple This Temple is Spiritual the Church Militant and Triumphant this Pillar is Spiritual and notes the stability of the Sons of God a confirmed Estate of happiness from which they shall never fall 't is spoken in allusion to the Pillars of Solomon's Temple 1 King 7.21 He set up Pillars in the Porch of the Temple the right Pillar he called Jachin which signifies he shall establish so I will make them Pillars this notes an establishment in the favour of God through Christ an establishment in a state of Grace and Glory The left Pillar he called Boaz this shall always remain in its strength so that they are Pillars and their Salvation is sure that is they shall not be overcome but remain in their strength that have overcome by the Spirit of Christ poured into them whereby they are translated out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Christ They shall go no more out such as are in favour shall go no more out of favour such as are in Christ shall go no more out of Christ And I will write upon him the name of my God that is he shall be acknowledged to be the Child of God he shall be able to see and read his Adoption by the Spirits witnessing it in his Heart and sealing it up and others shall read his Adoption in his holy Conversation and in his zeal of following Christ and his love to the Saints c. I will write upon him the Name of the City of my God he shall be known to himself and others that he is one of God's City and Houshold And my new Name he shall be honoured for King and Conquerer he shall be highly Exalted and Crowned with Glory like to Christ Rev. 2 17. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna an allusion to the golden Pot of Manna kept in the Holiest of all Heb. 9.4 which is meant of Christ the Spiritual Manna he shall feed on the fulness of Christ whatever is in Christ he shall take for his own most freely and nothing shall be with-held from him Now Christ's Kingdom is the golden Pot wherein this Manna is hidden so that if you come to Christ as your King and be his Followers you shall feed on him as Bread of Life I will give him a white Stone The Antients did absolve Persons accused of any Crime and cleared of it by giving them a white Stone to this Christ alludes and says I will give him a white Stone by this is meant assurance of a Discharge of all their Sins the Spirits witnessing to any that they are the Children of God A new Name that is of Sons of God this shall you know and read and rejoyce in By this know that assurance is part of the Glory and Priviledges that they enjoy who are of Christ's Kingdom You have not this white Stone this new Name that are Enemies to his Government over whom Sin reigns and who commit it with greediness Sestion 6. 2. Direct To Saints and Believers to shew them how assurance may be obtained confirmed and continued To make way for this let these things be premised 1. The Salvation of a Person may be sure and yet he want the assurance of it Salvation may be made sure in Heaven yet not in the Heart sure in regard of God's knowing them to be his but not in regard thâ—ir knowing God to be their's or themselves to be God's An Interest in Christ and an evidence of that Interest are not always Companions there may be Peace with God and not Peace in their Conscience 2. Assurance is a Gift of God bestowed upon whom and at what time God pleases 't is a fruit of free Grace it is the shining of God in the Face of Christ in the Souls of Believers Now as when the Sun arises it fills the World with light and makes it day though it may be under a Cloud and the beams thereof are not to be seen so God sometimes shines into the Heart and brings out of darkness into light so far as that there may be trust and affiance in the free Grace of God through Christ yet the light beams of his loving kindneâ— mâ—y be so far with-held as that the Soul may not have the evidence of his favour There is a direct act of Faith whereby Believers look on and trust to the Grace of God in Christ as the Foundation of their Salvation this all Believâ—â—s 〈◊〉 There is a reflex act of Faith a Person 's â—elieving that God is reconciled to his Soul in particular and that Christ died for him c. â—his God gives at what time he pleaâ—es â—â—ith in thâ— fiâ—â—â— act is sometimes given and 〈◊〉 in the laâ—ter 3. The assuâ—â—â—â— of Salvation having been given it may be loâ—â— again Salvation shall not be lost assurance of it may For a small moment have I forsaken thee Isa 54.7 8. I hid my face for a moment This God may do 1. Out of his Soveraignty that the Soul may acknowledge it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good 2. Out of his Love that the Soul may set a higher esteem on the light of God's Countenance and may be more abundantly satisfyed in the beams of his Glory shining in the Soul more than in all worldly Excellencies And that he may look on God's Favour and Loving-kindness as that which is better than Life and that he may say as the Spouse thy Love is better than Wine Spiritual Joy is sometimes in danger to be overwhelmed in worldly Joys The Souls of Believers are sometimes oppressed with carnal security as the Spouse when Christ came Cant. 5. I have put off my Coat c. Then Christ withdrew himself worldly things withdraw the Heart too much from Christ and that may cause a withdrawing of God from the Soul Now the Directions to Saints 1. How to get assurance are these 1. Take heed of surfeiting with worldly Joys and Contentments If with Solomon you will not withold your Hearts from any Joy God may withold Joy from your Hearts the Earth being betwixt us and the Sun this makes
mind is Enmity against God 't is not subject neither indeed can be So there 's no free will to Spiritual good in a Natural Man the Carnal mind and Spiritual good are in opposition one to another Rom. 8.7 2. Man renewed and raised made Spiritual and having the Seed of God in him hath free will to Spiritual good As a Natural Man hath free will in Natural Actions he acts with deliberation and Election So Man renewed hath free will to Spiritual Actions This is implied God works to will so in a renewed estate a Man hath free will The Lord hath shewn what is good and what he requires and the Sâ—irit in them stirs them up to good God hath shined in the Heart and in the Face of Christ and hath appeared in his Glory shed abroad his Love and hath taken away the Heart of Stone in which there is no free will to God and given a Heart of Flesh in which there is a fâ—ee will to God a consent to be saved by Christ The Spirit acting by Light and Love convincing the Soul of the worth of Christ and stirring up to a following of the Lord Jesus that heart can reason out service Christ is worthy because a Lamb slain c. Rev. 5.9 And the heart chuses to serve Christ here 's free will to the doing of good When Christ is revealed in his Glory as most lovely and the Soul is brought into the treasures of good that are in Christ and sees a fulness in him and then embraces him here 's a free will in embracing of good a chusing of Christ above the World You are not sound Christians unless you have such a free will as this 3. That free will to Spiritual good which is in the renewed man is of God's working As the Apostle sais I live yet not I but Christ in me Gal. 2.20 So that a Believer hath free will and he acts freely in the ways of God he embraces what God shews to be good he châ—ses the things that please God yet not he but Christ in him Christ lives Christ wills and Christ works that which is good in him Without me ye can do nothing John 15.5 There 's no free will nor power to do good till Christ be in the heart I can do all things through Christ strenghtening me I can will as I ought and do as I ought through Christ Christ determines to good actions Christ stirs up to good actions Now this will further appear by considering the great design of God in saving Sinners As all God's works are God's manifestations so God intends in this work a glorious manifestation of himself 1. In his Power as in the first Creation his Eternal Power and Godhead is to be seen so in the second Creation Eph 1.19 The Apostle prays that the Ephesians might have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation to know the exceeding greatness of his Power to them that believe God's design is not to make known the power of Nature and Free will but his own power in the exceeding greatness of it If the Conversion of a Sinner be but by Moral perswasion by holding forth of Spiritual objects to be embraced then how is it that the exceeding greatness of power is manifested to them that believe if Faith come forth from free will and power of Nature only excited and stirred up by Divine Grace c. So certain it is that Faith is made out of nothing there 's no disposition in us towards believing but 't is a work of Divine Power creating it in a Soul most empty of Spiritual good 2. In his Grace which he declares first in the freeness of it For it is by meer Grace that any are called and justified There 's nothing that that puts a difference betwixt one and another nor why one embraces the Gospel and another does not but meer Grace 1 Cor. 4 7. These things I write that no one be puffed up against another for who maketh thee to differ If Men have free will to good if that Will be not meerly of God's working whereby one Man doth embrace Christ and lay hold on the Promise of Life God doth not make him to differ but his own free will doth so and so this opinion directly opposes the design of the Gospel to commend Grace in its freeness Free will established in natural men makes void free Grace As the Apostle says If of works then not of grace else grace is no more grace Rom. 6.11 So likewise if of free will grace is no moâ—e grace and if of grace then nor of free will So when the Gospel is Preached to all and some lay hold on it and embrace Christ in their hearts and follow him and others refuse and go on in evil ways leading to destruction What makes the difference Divine Grace God works a will in one and not in another the one he brings out of darkness and the other he leaves in darkneâ—â— and so all grâ—â—nd of glorying in a Man'â—â—elf iâ— taken away that he that glorys may glory in the Lord. So that free wiâ—l to good is nor in nature but where 't is it is a fruit of free Grace God works to will Secondly in the sufficiency of it when the Creature is insufficient and can do nothing to procure pardon and to make his Peace Grace gave Christ. And when Christ is offered and there 's no power to embrace Christ then Grace gives to believe in Christ and works a consent in the will to take Christ. When there 's no power against Corruption and to do good Grace gives the Spirit to be a living conquering Law causing Obedience Objection Some may object against this truth for establishing of free will in the Natural Man from the general and Universal render of the Gospel Go preach the Gospel to every Creature God gave his Son that all that believe c. Rom. 12.17 Whosoever will let him take of the Water of Life freely To what purpose are these tenders if there be not free will and power in Man to embrace them Answ 1. These general tenders of Grace do not argue in Men a freedom of will to receive Grace or a power to believe but only a duty to Believe Men ought to believe so all are called on and unbelief is Men's sin and greatest sin 2. The Election only shall lay hold on the Grace of the Gospel Rom. 11.7 Israel hath not obtained but the Election that is such persons as were Elected hath obtain'd it and the rest were blinded Now because the Election is secret and hid the Gospel is preached to all alike 3. The Preaching of the Gospel the holding forth of the Promises of Life in Christ to Sinners is the ministration of the Spirit to those that are ordain'd to Life that 's the way in which the Spirit comes down into their Souls and is a Spirit of Faith and Love in them 2 Cor. 3. 4. Reprobates having the Gospel Preached and