out of your hearts hands this consideration is of singular use in a losing time men may take away our estates liberties priviledges but they cannot take away our mercies they may degrade us and remove us from our functions and offices but cannot dissettle our souls from relation to Christ or state of grace or blessed influences of grace Fox Mart. Vol. 1. p. â—20 When Popish Bishops took from John Husse the Chalice saying Oh cursed Judas we take away from thee this Chalice of thy salvation he answered but I trust unto God the Father omnipotent and my Lord Jesus Christ for whose sake I suffer these things that he will not take away the Chalice of his redemption but have a stedfast and firm hope that this day I shall drink thereof in his Kingdom Yea men may take away the members of the body but not the graces and comforts of the soul Notable is the story of Agatha the primitive Martyr Quintiliano dixisse ferunt ex cujus jussu praecisae sunt ipsi mammillae annâ—n te pudet Tyrone membrum illud in me amputare quod in matre suxisti verum age saevi quantum poteris duae tamen supersunt mammillae quas nequis attingere fidei una spei altera hae mihi vel in mediis tormentis solamen tutamen suppeditant earum alimento sustinendi virtus in me reparatur Dr. Arrows Tact. sac p. 195. who when Quintilian had commanded her breasts to be cut off art thou not ashamed O Tyrant said she to cut off that member in me which thou suckedst in thy mother but â—o to rage as much as thou canst yet two breasts are left which thou canst â—ot touch the one of faith the other of â—ope these supply me with comfort and safety in the midst of torments and abundant strength is repaired in me by the nourishment I have by them to endure Alas it were a sad state of an immortal soul to have nothing but what supplys corporal wants how soon will worm or moth or fire or thieves or tyrants make a prey of visible riches the good things of Saints are invisible happy are you whose mercies are divine you need not fear plundring or spoiling of your best goods these are the true riches Omnia â—â—m aliis communia habent tanquam ciâ—s omnia patiuntur tanquam pâ—egriai omnis pâ—regrina regio patris est eorâ—m omnis patria est peregrina Just Mart. eâ—â—d Diâ—g vid. plura though you be poor in this world yet if you beâ— rich in faith you are heirs of a Kingdom you live as strangers and Pilgrims for your estates lyeâ— in another Countrey and indeed a Christian is a Paradox in this as Justin Martyr observes of the ancient Christians that they inhabit their own Countrey but as strangers theâ— have all things common with others aâ— Citizens yet suffer all things as Pilgrims every strange Region is their Countrey and every Countrey a strange Region a Christians politicks are seemingly contradictory and truly mysterious they make a common table yet not polluted they are in the flesh but live not after the flesh they live on earth but have their conversation in Heaven they obey Laws established yet by their way of living go beyond laws they love all and are persecuted by all they are not known yet condemned they are killed yet made alive they are poor yet inrich many they want all things yet abound in all things they are disgraced yet thereby honoured c. Thus he proceeds shewing the state of Christians which is the same now oh what a mysterie yet felicity it is to be a Saint all things are yours though nothing were yours a Saint by Covenant hath right to all and shall have actual possession of what is for his good the Saints rule the earth themselves being trampled on by all they pass through the world as Conquerours and carry the spoils along with them as Trophies to death and when death is swallowed up in victory these blessed Champions arise triumphant in glory Oh Christians study your state know your priviledges be always triumphing in Christ live at the rate of these mercies make no reckoning of the world but as a foot-stool to raise you higher God-wards or as a stepping-stone to pass forward through this dirty world Heaven-wards thereby bless God for the least outward mercy but be not put off with the greatest a little with God is enough all things without God are nothing suppose you be below the higher part of the dust of the earth in riches power and glory yet you are above them in grace true riches and favour with the God of Heaven therein he makes amends as the Jews have a Fable that the Waters Terrestrial in the beginning took it ill they must be divided from the Coelestial by the Firmament he pacifies them by promising a Sacred use of them below in the Tabernacle of the Covenant so although you are set below others in other things yet in this you have preheminence above them that you are interested in and imployed about these Covenant-mercies this is abundant compensation be not discouraged whatever you suffer here 't is not Hell whatever you lose for God Heaven will make amends faithful is he that hath promised who also will do it God is yet able to pay his debts as able and willing as to the first man that ever sued for performance of a promise never any went away grumbling or charging God as some men are too justly accused that he minds not what he saith when David through weakness of faith began to stagger and expostulate saying doth his promise fail for evermore he quickly checks himself with that reflection And I said this is my infirmity Psal 77.8 10. It were a blessed thing which Luther wisheth for that our faith were as certain and firm as the thing it self believed Optarim fidâ—â—tam certaâ— firmam â—sse quâ—m â—es ipsa verwn peccatum in carâ—e râ—sistit spâ—rituiâ—ut non possitam firmiter credere Luth. but alas sin in the flesh doth resist the spirit so as we cannot so firmly believe as he complains the way to stability is acting of faith believe and ye shall be established as long as we consult with reason we shall still be fluctuating persons expedient for establishment after many temptations of doubt concerning a main article of faith was an hearty humiliation and captivating his understanding to the obedience of faith which brought such clear light of truth and certitude into his soul that there remained no reliques at all of dubitation we may all cry out with the Disciples Lord increase our faith alas the want of faith is the root of all actual sins and insensibleness yea the want of a through perswasion of the reality of divine things undoth the world most men do but read the Gospel as a fine fiction or a well-composed Romance but work not their hearts to credit
â—est The principle of Grace and these merâ—ies themselves are of a durable nature Grace â—s an immortal seed a never-dying root â—rincipium continuativum Joh. 7.38 He that â—elieveth in me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water though Grace is loseable in its own nature yet not in event because God upholds it the house built on the rock shall stand immovable Prov. 10.25 1 Jâ—h 2.17 the righteous is an everlasting foundation he that doth the will of God abides for ever yea he hath eternal life abiding in him But may not they depart from God no not totally and finally for God hath put his fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from him Jer. 32.40 they may sin and provoke God to withdraw the sense of his love they may lose their standing comforts and some degrees of Grace but never be stripped naked wholly of these sure mercies of David God hath secret hold of them and they have more hold of him than others have they are restless and dissatisfied till they enjoy God and these mercies be clear to them this Golden Chain stretcheth it self from everlasting it begins in free Election and ends in final salvation whom he predestinates them he calls justifies glorifies Rom. 8.29 30. it is horrid sacriledge to pluck one link from this golden Chain God is the finisher as well as the Author of faith it is not within the compass of any finite being to rob a gracious soul of the love of God or stop the channel of his Free-Grace to the Covenanted soul Paul can make a bold and brave challengeâ— Rom. 8.35 38 39. Who shall separate us from the love of God and he makes a sufficient enumeration of all things that were likely to conquer the believing soul and yet concludes that in all these things we are more than conquerours through Christ there are in the word sweet promises that may answer all Arminian Cavils and unbelieving fears concerning perseverance which many choice champions have produced and managed with dexterity and success See Mr. Prins Treat of Perseverance Dr. Prid. Lect. 7. De persevsanct Dr. Ames Coron Artic. 5. De perseverantiâ CHAP. IV. 3. THE third Head to be opened is more particularly to shew what is the way of making sure these Covenant-mercies how God doth it Now there are several steps of making a thing sure amongst men and God hath used the same means and some degrees more to make these mercies sure to the Children of men 1. Men are wont to pass their word When they promise any thing upon the word of an honest man they expect credit and among men this is current and the God of Heaven is worthy to be believed upon his bare word if I may so speak for he is a God that cannot lye nor deny himself yea let God be true and every man a lyar even a Balaam is convinced of it and must profess it Numb 23.19 God is not a man that he should ly hath he said and shall he not do it or hath he spoken and shall he not make it good the unchangeable God hath ingaged his Word in the New Covenant the Patriarchs of old gave credit to all that God spake by dreams visions and revelations as Abraham Isaac and Jacob. 2. Hence Neâ— 9 38. We make a sure Covenant and write it Men use to give greater evidence by subscribing their hand and putting their mind and promise into Writing hence the expression and practice of giving Letters of credence and we use to say men are mortal give it me under your hand that will abide for litera scripta manet well our gracious God hath condescended to subscribe his promises under his own hand the hand of his blessed Spirit the word of God is upon record therefore whatsoever was written it is for our learning I may add satisfaction that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 he hath given assurance to us of these things in the word of truth for this cause was the Gospel written that we may know the certainty of these things Luk. 1.4 and that we might believe Joh. 20.31 who dare now dispute or doubt of the truth and sureness of Gospel-promises since Heaven and Earth may pass away but one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all be fulfilled Mat. 5.18 3. Men use to call in Witnesses for further confirmation some important businesses require several witnesses Deut. 19.15 it s a standing rule at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall the matter be established well the God of Heaven hath confirmed his Gospel to us by three and three witnesses there 's three in Heaven the glorious persons of the Blessed Trinity the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one one in essence though three persons 1 Job 5.7 these bear Record of Christs God-head and there are three that bear witness in earth ver 8. these testifie of Christs manhood the Spirit i. e. say some his breathing out his soul and spirit in his giving up the Ghost and water and blood that came out of his side when it was pierced with a spear that shew he was real man and that he did really dye Hanc sequor sententiam hoc loco nec puto aliam posse adduci veriorem Aretius in loc See Mar'orate in loc Aretius interprets these three latter of the spirit in the Ministry of the Word the Water of Baptism and the Blood of the Lords Supper representing Christs meritorious Blood-shed and still this interpretation further confirms the Gospel-Covenant and consequently the mercies of it 4. Men use to give assurance to others by setting to their seal hence the practice amongst us of setting a seal to bills bonds leases purchases letters patents and this seal hath usually persons cognizance or Coat of Armes or some impression upon it and leaves the impression upon the Wax the God of Heaven adds his seal there is the broad seal of the new Covenant Baptism and the Lords Supper given and appointed purposely for the confirmation of our faith and asâ—uring of our hearts of the truth of the proâ—mises as Circumcision is called a seal of the Righteousness of faith Rom. 4.11 for by â—ese seals both the Grace of God is confirmed to us and holy impressions wrought in thâ— hearts of the elect there are also privy seals the seal of this blessed spirit in our hearts Ephes Eph. 4.30.2 Cor. 1 22. 1.13 sealed with that holy spirâ— of promise hereby Gods Children are distiâ—guished from wicked men and confirmed iâ— the truth of the Gospel yea it beareth witness with their spirit that they are the Chiâ—dren of God Rom. 8.16 this is an elegant simâ—litude for all civil Charters and Testamenâ— become authentick by the addition of a seaâ— and the seal in â—ormer times was the note iâ— Letters by which
verum etiam ab eo quae religioâ—i sâ—nt intrinseca cum nulla ex omnibus soeculis ac nationibus proferri potest aut praemio excellentior praeceptis perfectior aut modo propagari jussa est admirabilior Hug. Grot. de veritat Relig. Christ lib. 2. cap. 9. p. 52. Joh. 9.29 Act. 26.22 23. Act. 17.11 than that voice which came to Christ in the Holy Mount from the excellent glory 2 Pet. 1.18 19. not that any thing can be more sure than the very undoubted words of Jehovah who is truth it self but a more sure i. e. most sure a comparative for a superlative for the former visions being from God also as the Prophesies were was in it self as sure as they but the meaning is that the Scripture-testimony is more sure than that vision argumentatively as to others or secundum nos for the authority of the Scriptures is beyond the Testimony of Angels nay above the credit that any will give to men for men might suspect Peter and the other Apostles as though this apparition were but a fiction of their own brains therefore he appeals to the undoubted Prophecies of the Old Testament which were by long use settled in the hearts of the Godly Jews who believed all that the Prophets spake as coming from God therefore our Saviour makes account that they that believe not Moses's Writings will not believe his words Job 5.45 47. and hence it was that they examined Doctrines by the Prophets nay our Saviour himself affirms that if they will not hear Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rise from the dead Luk. 16.31 Habebant Apostoli prophetas tanquam patronos â—â—ctrinae suae fidales quoque inde petebant Evangelii confirmationem Calv. in loc Videsi Mart. Aret. c. in Locum therefore the Apostles had the Prophets as patrons of their Doctrine and thence did the faithful fetch a confirmation of the Gospel the summ of this Text is then to demonstrate the verity and certainty of the Gospel by evidencing the consent of Prophetical and Apostolical Testimony for its fuller confirmation q. d. if you distrust me in commending the Evangelical Doctrine I send you back to the Prophets whom without all exception you account Holy and Faithful these testifie of the truth of the Gospel therefore this consent is to be evincing and satisfying Hence it is that the disciples of Christ have professed such a plerophory and abundant acquiescence in their perswasions of Christs being the Messiah and Saviour of mankind so Joh. 6.69 We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ the Son of the living God and Simon Peter acknowledged it Mat. 16.16 Yea unbelieving Thomas at last cryed out my Lord and my God Joh. 20.28 as being overcome with the clearness of that stupendious condescending demonstration the Apostle John testifies 1 Ep. 1.1 concerning Christ saying We have heard seen with our eyes looked upon yea our hands have handled of the Word of life and this doth he declare to us from experience of several senses Oh what a blessed thing were it to have an undoubted assurance of the certainty of divine things Oh what life would it put into our graces 〈◊〉 comforts what an Antidote would it be against temptations corruptions persecutions could we as really believe the reality of the things of God as Corporeal objects what beauty should we discern therein what comfort should we receive there-from what would we not do and endure for them did we see the reality necessity and excellency of Covenant-mercies as we do of common mercies how should our hearts be enamoured therewith they that have the most prevailing perswasions of the certainty and transcendency of heavenly mercies are the most exact and eminent Christians but a faint belief of these things is the cause of sloth all irreligion and prophaneness proceedeth from a want of an effectual assent to Gospel-revelations alas there is more Atheism and Insidelity in the World than we are aware of did men as certainly believe there is an Heaven and Hell as they see and know there is Stones and Trees Earth and Water would not this have strange influence upon their practices would they not be other manner of persons than they are especially if they did faithfully work upon their hearts the reality of the things of God Paul and the Saints in his days lookt not on the things seen but on things not seen i. e. eternal things 2 Cor. 4.18 Moses saw him that was invisible that made him to endure any thing Heb. 11.27 O Christians rest not satisfied with a bare conjecture but press forward till you arrive at a full assurance you cannot be too sure in these cases the Apostle hath a mighty full expression Col. 2.2 to this purpose ver 1. he tells of a conflict that he had for them and the Laodiceans i. e. a care fear desire good man he was in a heart-rending conflict and agony Why what 's the matter why 't is that their hearts might be comforted being knit together in love and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding to the acknowledgement of the mysterie of God and of the Father and of Christ observe the Climax here is 1. Assurance he desires for them then 2. Full assurance further 3. Riches of full assurance Yet again 4. All Riches of full Assurance yea not a rash and ignorant but such an assurance 5. Of understanding i. e. with a settled judgement and not only to have such assurance and keep it to themselves but all this 6. To the acknowledgement of the mysterie of God that they may make an open profession of it But why was he so earnest for all this ver 4 this I say or pray for you lest any man beguile you with enticing words Q. d. You 'l find all this little enough when a subtle disputer shall set upon you with cunning artifice to draw you from the truth you will perhaps feel that you have need of the fullest perswasion that creatures can arrive unto that you may keep your hold and not be driven away from the hope of the Gospel you little know what storms may assault your faith of the truth of the Gospel Peter made a glorious profession yet his faith was staggered in a temptation and Santan is a cunning Sophister he desires to have you that he may fift you and toss you so as to shake away the purest grain of Gospel-truth he will do what he can to cheat you of your Religion hence is it that Paul was so jealous over the Corinthians with Godly jealousie lest by any means and he hath store of devices as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty so their minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ 2 Cor. 11 1-3 hence is it that teachers have alwayes been so careful to settle and ground their hearers in the certainty of the things they taught as Luke his Theophilus
the Author was known anâ— a seal is the mark whereby genuine things aâ— discerned from counterfeit all these are thâ— uses of the spirits sealing to confirm oâ—â— hearts in the truth of God in his promiseâ— against all the temptations of Satan thâ— blessed sealing is more prevalent for our coâ—firmation than all philosophical reasons oâ— demonstrations 5. Another way to beget assurance amoâ—â— men is a solemn Oath and we know an Oaâ— for confirmation is to them an end of all strisâ— Heb. 6.16 and thus God willing more abuâ—dantly to shew unto the heirs of promise thâ— immutability of his Council confirmed it bâ— an Oath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Invâ—tat praemio salutem jurans etiam vivo dicens câ—pit credi sibi O beatos nos queâ— causa deus jurat O misâ—rrimos sinec juranti domino credimus Tertâ— de poen or interposed himself by an Oathâ— it is very observable to consider the form 〈◊〉 the Oath God swears by himself who 〈◊〉 the living and true God he could swear by â—o greater and it is observed that two things make a thing more credible 1. the qualiâ—y of the person speaking 2. The manner of the speech Now the form of the Oath â—n Gen. 22.16 is exceeding emphatical to Abraham partly because of the asseveration surely Gen. 22.16 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Est particula caâ—salis coaditionalis partly because of the duplication in blessing I will bless thee if I speak â—t it shall be done moreover the form of the expression in Genesis is strange for it is thus Quid tibi prodest si Deus se juramâ—nto oâ—stâ—ingâ—t si tu haec quasi communâ—m audiâ—ns fabulam transeas Jurare diâ—itâ—r deus ut tu audiens paveas intreâ—iscas metu consternatus inquiras quid illud tantum est pro â—o deus jurare dicitur Orâ—g Homil. 9. super Gen. 22. if I bless thee thou shalt be blessed or because I bless thee or if I do not bless thee which is the form of an Oath Heb. â—4 3 as if he should say then let me not be true just yea let me not be God God pawns his faithfulness upon it and may he not then be believed but for what end is this it is to confirm his promises and assure the hearts of all the heirs of promise that he intends to do and will accomplish what he hath spoken that they might have strong consolation and that he might take away all doubts and haesitation and all this he doth for the heirs of promise he would not have done thus for others but he doth this and much more to satisfie his doubting Children 6. Yet further men use to give a pawn a pledge to assure others of their real purpose to make good the bargain and this is part of the payment this also doth our gracious God 2 Cor. 1.22 Cap 5.5 Ephes 1.14 his spirit is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the purchased possession an earnest is used in purchasing Land in hiring of Servants and in contracting Marriage and when ever the Lord puts his Holy Spirit into the heart it s as a pledge of all the mercies of the Covenant and of our eternal inheritance and though some men may be unfaithful so far as rather to lose their earnest than make good their bargain yet we may be assured God will not do so for it is as impossible that any saving grace of the Spirit should be cast into hell as it is for any sin to enter into Heaven God will not lose his pledge but fetch the soul to Heaven when he hath fetcht the heart to himself Grace is the Prologue and Praeludium to Glory the first Resurrection leads the van to the second a gracious change prepares for a glorious change Rom. 8.11 if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you the spirit confirms the promises and we need not fear any danger of retractation not but that the promises are firm enough but he would establish our hearts in the faith thereof and acquiescence therein lest any question it 7. Another way whereby men testifie their cordial resolution to make good promises is by doing a great part of the work which gives real evidence they will do the rest he that promiseth to give another a thousand pounds Should a King promise to erect some Colledge and give liberal maintenance to Students in it we are certain by an humane faith that he will do such a thing thâ—ugh it be not begun but if the foundations be in laying we see its execution in part and are assured it will be finished Baâ—us on Eâ—h c. 1. v. 17. p. 144. and hath already given him nine hundred may he not rationally trust him for the rest or suppose there were but one pound or a penny behind there is great reason to conside in him for what is wanting why truly the Lord hath performed the greatest part of the promises of the Covenant the great promise of the Covenant was that the seed of the Woman should break the Serpents head that the Son of God should be incarnate be in mans stead in life and death to satisfie justice fulfil the Law and by his death bring in everlasting rightcousness and he hath already done it now saith the Apostle Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son See Rom. 4.8 9 10. Qui misit unigenâ—tum immisit spiritum pâ—omisit vultum quid tandem tibi negaturus ost Bern. but delivered him up for us all how shall be not with him also freely give us all things God is before-hand with us yea if we be indeed heirs of promise he hath made good good another grand branch of the New Covenant in giving the conditions of the Covenant faith repentance and new obedience so that the main business is already done the writings are made sealed signed and delivered there wants nothing but actual possession nay there is a Seisin and delivery of part of the inheritance and dare we not trust God for the remainder certainly we have good reason so to do the contrary is unreasonable 8. God hath gone another step which is to work many Miracles for the confirmation of these sure mercies this is a degree further than man can reach to make any thing sure hence saith our sweet Saviour Joh. 5.36 I have greater witness than that of John for the works which the Father hath given me to finish the same works that I do bear witness of me that the father hath sent me this Text shews the true and proper end and efficacy of Christs miracles Igâ—tur non sâ—â—â— muta sâ—d voâ—ahssira ideo non simpliciter intuenda sed intelligâ—nter audienda Marl. in loc they are not dumb shews but have a voice and cry aloud for
faith in the intelligent observer yea and they were wont to beget faith in the spectatours as Nathaniel believed upon Christs telling him of his conference at a distance Joh. 1.48 49. the beginning of his miracles manifested his glory and his Disciples believed in him Joh. 2.11 and others comparing the doctrine of John with Christs Miracles believed on him Joh. 10.41 and indeed the Argument of Miracles is a cogent convincing Argument for no man can do these real Miracles except God be with him Joh. 3.2 Certainly the strange things wrought by Christ ought to assure our hearts of the truth of the Gospel and consequently of the sureness of these Covenant-mercies But upon this subject you have evident and abundant demonstrations from the pen of Reverend Mr. Baxter in his Saints Rest Part 2. in the Preface and in pag. 215. to 234. to which I referr you the truth is God hath graciously condescended to confirm the Gospel by many infallible miracles which none can question and all this to make sure to the elect these Covenant-mercies therefore they are inexcusable that slight this way of the Gospels confirmation See Heb. 2.3 4. 9. Another step that God hath gone is the various wayes that God hath taken to make us know these sure mercies and thereby to assure us thereof As Mat. 3.17 Cap. 17.5 1. An audible intelligible voice from Heaven at Christs Baptism and in his Transfiguration this is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased and this voice the Apostle Peter saith he heard in the Holy Mount 2 Pet. 1.17 18. so that these Gospel mercies are not devised Fables but divine Oracles of undoubted truth 2. The constant preachings of honest and unbiassed men that were eye-witnesses of his glory they give clear evidence of their hatred of evil love of truth and goodness and they could not be perverted by any selfish ends of profit pleasure or honour for these were not proposed promised or attained Nay affliction and persecution was their known portion and therefore certainly could not would not couzen the world with lyes to get that which was not attainable in that way 3. God hath adorned men with admirable gifts to enable them to demonstrate the certainty and excellency of these Covenant-mercies extraordinary gifts in the Apostles dayes as extemporary prophecying 1 Cor. 12.8 9 10. singing healing diseases working miracles discerning spirits divers kinds of tongues so that all Nations might hear these magnalia dei in their own dialect Act. 2.6 Eph. 4.8 and now they are translated into all languages and God hath continued to distribute ministerial gifts for the Churches satisfaction and edification 4. Yea he sent his own Son to be the Preacher as well as Purchaser of these sure mercies he spake at sundry times and in divers manners in times past by the Prophets but in these last dayes he hath spoken to us by his Son Heb. 1.12 the more to conciliate in us reverence and credence for he saith surely they will reverence my Son certainly he will declare to us the whole counsel of God for he was in the bosome of the Father and came from thence for that very end to declare Gods mind Joh. 1.18.5 Yea he hath raised Jesus Christ from the dead so that we have a Preacher sent from the grave to assure us of the truth of these high mysteries and sweet mercies so the rich man could say in hell if one went to them from the dead they will repent and believe Rom. 16.30 now our dear Saviour himself was dead and is alive and as he is declared to be the Son of God by his Resurrection from the dead Rom. 1.4 so after his Resurrection he declared the great things of God confirming his Disciples in the truth of things formerly delivered and giving further testimonies and instructions Luk. 24 44-49.6 Still another way of manifestation is clear and christal Ordinances in which as in a fair glass we may behold both the face of God and the choicest mercies of the Covenant here you may not only hear the voice of God but see Jesus Christ evidently set forth crucified before your eyes Gal. 3.1 in the Sacrament of his blessed body and blood are obvious Gods Grace in giving Christ Christs love in giving himself his body broken for our food his blood shed for the remission of our sins and all the benefits of this new Covenant 7. Another way more yet of the Lords manifesting these mercies and so making them sure is the sanctifying and satisfying illumination of souls by his holy spirit by this holy unction they know all things 1 Joh. 2.20 God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit in 1 Cor. 2.10 12. now the spirit comes with conviction and demonstration answers all the souls doubts and cavils and leaves it without dispute and haesitancy so that the believing soul cannot but say they are sure mercies he dare not deny this for a world 10. Yet there is one other way whereby God doth make sure these mercies of the Covenant and that is marriage-knot a mutual and matrimonial ingagement in the perpetual and inviolable bond of the Covenant whereby Christ and the soul are inseparably linked together and this relates to the particular application of these Covenant-mercies and compleats all the former for saith the poor soul I do not question but these mercies are sure in themselves in their own nature and sure to some but are they so to me what ways may I be assured of my title thereunto and interest therein now this the Lord doth make good by entring into that sweet and familiar relation with his people of marriage Isa 54.5 Jer. 3.14 Rom. 7.4 thy maker is thy husband and I am marryed to you saith the Lord a believing soul is dead to the Law that he may be marryed to Christ and our heavenly husband hateth puting away Mal. 2.16 once marryed to Christ and for ever marryed to him death it selt breaks not this marriage-knot nay it fastens and heightens it here Christ and the soul are but as it were contracted there the marriage is solemnized with the acclamations of glorious Angels and glorified Saints for saith the Apostle 2 Cor. 11.2 I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ now souls are fitting for that great solemnity when the marriage of the Lamb shall come that the bride is made ready Rev. 19.7 she is making her self ready in this world she is marryed at the illustrious day of Christs second appearing so then this marriage-knot cannot be broken since it is compleated in glory But yet more particularly consider that remarkable Text in Hosea 2.19 20. wherein the mercies of the Covenant are made over in a way of matrimonial relation And I will betroth thee unto me for ever c. in which Scripture there are four things that may assure the heart of the firmness of these
in reading the Word of God Oh of what use would this be there you may find what God commands how Saints have obeyed by what means they have cleared up their integrity and interest in Christ here you may find what are the conditions of the Covenant and upon what terms the mercies thereof may be enjoyed and what are the infallible Characters of such as have received benefit thereby here you may find Christ the main and choicest mercy of the Covenant yea for this end was the Scripture written that we might have comfort in God and by consequence also assurance of our interest in him Rom. 15.4 for this cause did both Christ speak Joh. 15.11.1 Joh. 1.4 and John write Divine truths that are upon record that his joy might be in us yea that our joy might be full an express Text you have in 1 Joh. 5.13 these things have I written unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God that ye may know ye have eternal life the more you study the Scriptures the more clearly you may read your names in the Book of Life your hearts if sincere will eccho to the word you read because the Law of God is written in your hearts therefore read and study this blessed Book these words are Charters of your heavenly inheritance food for your hungry appetites glasses in which you may discern the face of your souls Oh Christians neglect not the Scriptures look up for a right understanding and due application of every passage therein and then comfort your selves and one another with these words 1 Thes 4. ult 2. Attend upon a quickning Ministry here the terms of the Gospel are propounded the mercies of the Covenant are displayed true believers discovered and characterized here you may meet with a Barnabas as well as with a Boanerges yea it may be the hand that wounded may heal you God usually makes the fruit of the lips to be peace Isa 57.19 and many times sends some choice Interpreter to declare unto a man his righteousness and clear up his integrity Job 33.23 and therefore is it that God directs all such as walk in darkness to obey the voice of his servants Isa 50 10. or rather gives this as their character that they do so Isa 40.1 2.2 Cor. 1.4 and God gives Ministers a charge to comfort his people and lays up comforts in their Breasts to this end that they may comfort such as are cast down Oh the reviving words you may hear in the Ministry of the Word here you may hear doubts resolved cases of Conscience propounded answered and hearts opened anatomized here the spirit of God is often conveyed which seals up the believing soul to the day of redemption Isa 59.21 Gal. 3.2 3. Mat. 28. â—0 the presence of God accompanies his institution so that what the Minister declares in the name and by the Authority of Christ Isa 44 26. Mat. 18.18 according to the word he will ratifie back and confirm it in Heaven and how many drooping heirs of promise hath God erected satisfied encouraged about their title to Covenant-mercies by this Ordinance Oh the advantage that many have got thereby therefore wait on God in this Ordinance Oh look not upon it as weak and beggarly Elements as some ignorantly and blasphemously call all Ordinances make them not a matter of Ceremony and Formality but prepare for them and use them conscientiously and you shall see the sweet effect thereof 3. Improve the seals of the Covenant both Baptism and the Lords Supper Rom 4.11 Circumcision is called the seal of the righteousness of faith because that sweet Evangelical priviledge or marrow of the Gospel-covenant is signified sealed and exhibited in that Ordinance Oh Christians understand and improve that sweet Ordinance of Baptism it would be a spring of sweetness and satisfaction to your doubting fainting spirits 1 Cor. 10.16 c. 11.24 and then for the Lords Supper herein Christs Body and Blood are particularly applyed to us to become our own yea verily and really though not corporally but spiritually exhibited to every worthy receiver and hence resulteth spiritual joy solace and satisfaction as in the Passeover in Hezekiahs days 2 Chron. 30.21 26. they kept the feast with gladness and there was joy in Jerusalem But be sure you examine your selves prepare your hearts excite your Graces understand the Covenant apply these blessed mysteries to your own souls open your hearts by Meditation that the King of glory may come in stir up your souls to draw near to God and he will draw near to you Gal. 3.1 you 'l see Christ Crucified before you you 'l enjoy a blessed feast of fat things that will nourish and comfort your pining souls here you 'l feel pleasant Apples and sweet flagons of the Wine of his special love to stay you up and support your hearts in the day of your affliction and sad desertion and if you cannot enjoy that refreshing Ordinance yet reflect upon your former enjoyments and meditate upon your Crucified Redeemer and represent his bruised body and effused blood to your selves and in due time you 'l cry out with Thomas my Lord and my God 4. Ply the Throne of Grace in Prayer say as David Psal 35.3 O Lord say unto my soul I am thy salvation Isa 56.7 God hath promised to make his people joyful in the house or duty of Prayer Saints have found by experience the sweet and satisfying fruit of a serious wrestling with God thus David Psal 31.16 make thy face to shine upon thy servant and ver 21. he breaks out in thankfulness for an answer Blessed be the Lord for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong City Yea Christ himself commands us to ask that we may receive that our joy may be full Joh. 16.24 and is not a clear evidence of our interest in the Covenant and the mercies of it worth asking therefore plead with God tell him thou preferrest Covenant-mercies above worldly enjoyments and that thou wouldst rather have these mercies made sure to thee than to have a lease of thy life for his loving-kindness is better than life Psal 63.3 tell him the joy of the Lord is thy strength and how much it will tend to thy furtherance in his service if he will lift up the light of his Countenance on thy soul tell him he hath granted comfortable assurance to many souls and thou needest it as well as they thou art an humble suitor at the Gates of mercy and art resolved not to let him go except he bless thee yet once again tell him it is no more then he hath promised in his word and Christ hath purchased by his blood and therefore it is no arrogancy for thee to crave or expect and when thou hast been pleading conclude with that poor man Mark 9 24. Mat. 9.29 Lord I believe help thou my unbelief and he will say according
sin exceedingly against God and our own souls in neglecting those means of assurance 2. You cannot evidence your truth of grace or title to Covenant-mercies unless you use Gods appointed means to obtain assurance it 's an ill sign of a graceless heart to nourish doubtings and distrusts and then to come in with such pleas as these true faith is accompanied with doubtings he that doubts not doth not believe a doubting faith is a good faith let me have doubts and fears I dare not be too confident lest I presume But I must tell thee soul a doubting faith is but a weak faith and a Christian ought to be strong in faith Rom. 4.20 and make a progress to a full degree and proficiency in grace and endeavour to arrive to a plerophory and full assurance for this is the nature of grace to be pressing after perfection Rom. 1.17 and go from faith to faith even from a faith of adherence to a faith of evidence and assurance yea let such know this that slight means of assurance you live in a constant neglect of a known duty in disobedience to a flat command Heb. 6.11 and we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end q. d. if your faith and hope be of the right stamp as it may seem to be it will be working off all doubtings anxious thoughts and distrusting fears and move to a further degree of confidence and assurance else you may suspect the truth of it 3. You cannot assure your selves of creature enjoyments a day to an end nor yet of immunity from crosses and if you have not assurance of these sure mercies what have you to bear up your hearts in an evil day we little know what shaking times may come that may pluck from you whatever you account dear and if you have not something above oh the sad confusions that will seize upon you but assurance of an interest in the God of Heaven and the good things of the Covenant will be a guard to free your hearts from those numerous Armies of tormenting fears that will beset you this will be a cordial to drive away sick and swooning qualmes from your troubled spirits assurance of Gods love will fortifie your hearts against the fierce assaults of men and devils Psal 27.1 the Lord is my light and salvation whom shall I fear Exod. 12.23 Ezek. 9.6 destroying Angels shall not come near any persons that are sprinkled with Christs blood and have the mourners mark a day of danger horrour confusion may overtake us in the Nation in which we may be stript naked of all our enjoyments surely then assurance of our interest in the best riches in the World will stand us in stead and when all things else fail these will abide with us But 4. Consider the great advantages of assurance I can but name them 1. It will assure us that we shall want nothing that 's good for us if he have given us Christ then will he give us all good things Rom. 8.32 2. It gives a sweet relish to every comfort of life delight in Gods great goodness Neh. 9.25.3 It will sweeten the bitterest cup of affliction Mat. 9.2 4. It gives boldness to the Throne of Grace Heb. 10.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. with a liberty to say what we list if according to his will and he will hear us 5. Assurance helps the soul to despise the World he that knows he is cloathed with the Sun can trample the Moon under his feet 1 Pet. 4.14 16. see Heb. 10.34.6 It strengthens against the censures and reproaches of men no matter what men say when God acquits Rom. 8.33 34. our Conscience tells us we are not the men we are represented to be 7. It sweetens the reading of the Word and receiving of the Sacraments these promises seals blood of the Covenant are mine precepts threatnings all things his 1 Cor. 3.21 22.8 It enlargeth the soul in praise and thanksgiving hence those Hallelujahs in Heaven the more assurance the more thankfulness Psal 103.1 2 3. 9. It commendeth Religion to others makes Gods ways lovely Oh taste and see come and I will shew you what he what he hath done for my soul ingageth many Psal 142.7.10 It helpeth on repentance makes Godly sorrow more kindly Evangelical a love-look from Christ melts Peters heart this Sun dissolves frozen souls Ezek. 16.63.11 It engageth a soul against sin appearances of God are cords of love which are strongest to an ingenuous spirit Rom. 6.1 2.12 Assurance animates our performances and obedience is any thing too much to do for God yea my God deserves all I am have his command 's are not grievous 1 Joh. 3.5.13 It deadens the heart to needless disputes and Controversies it settles the heart in the truth and fortifies it against the subtilties of seducing spirits for Gods Law is in their hearts Heb. 13.9.14 It representeth the glory of Heaven is some blessed embleme of a souls bathing it self in these Rivers of pleasure that are at Gods right hand divine embraces a corner of Heaven a Pisgah-sight of Canaan 15. It sweeteneth the King of terrours and plucks out the sting of death so that a gracious soul assured of Gods love can triumph with Paul over this conquered enemy 1 Cor. 15.55 and indeed none but an assured Christian can look death in the face without horrour and amazement ruffling gallants may be prodigal of their lives who are far from any capacity of obtaining assurance but those are liker Bruits than men that are guided by sence not by reason and consider not that their souls are immortal and that they are entring into Eternity at death but these have drowned themselves in sensuality and consider not what they do but 't is only the Christian that's upon good grounds assured of his good estate that can in cold blood adventure upon death yea be willing to dye yea desire to be dissolved and be with Christ I have but hinted at these things because 't is an ordinary subject wherein many have done worthily to promote endeavours to obtain assurance Sirs what say you to these things is not assurance of interest in Covenant-mercies worth labouring for can you let these things lye without clearing your title doth not the new creature breathe after it doth not a rational soul desire it do not all wicked men catch after a certainty and frame to themselves some kind of certainty do not worldlings take care to secure their Lands Goods Estates shall they require Bonds Seals Oaths Sureties and yet account all this too little and shall we account any thing too much to secure these sweet mercies whithout which we are undone for ever Oh let nothing hinder your endeavours this way let no objections make you delay or be discouraged let not Satan deter you or the Worlds conceits make you slight it as unattainable nor a slothful unbelieving heart
obstruct your diligence in this great and weighty case who would live at such uncertainties as the most do who would have his life to hang in doubt in a meer conjecture especially when it is in this great case of Conscience whether the soul must live in Heaven or Hell but most of all considering that our very lives are so uncertain that the next moment we may step into Eternity the God of Heaven awake the Saints of God who have indeed an interest in these mercies to use all means to know they have an interest therein that they may know they are of the truth and assure their hearts before him as the Apostle speaks 1 Joh. 3.19 CHAP. XIII III. THE third head of Directions iâ— this In what cases may a Covenanted soul make use of or improve these sure mercies of David In answer to this I shall propound these seven cases wherein a gracious soul may and must have recourse to these Covenant mercies 1. In case of dissetling suggestions tâ— Atheism or unbelief when reason begin to dispute the being of God or the truth of Scriptures and shakes our confidence or strikes at the foundation then study and improve these sure undoubted mercies and lean upon Divine Authority if God speak it the thing is out of doubt his ipsâ— dixit is beyond all demonstrations Divines distinguish of maxims in Divinity some whereof are mixtly Divine other are meerly Divine Primo creduâ—tur postea intelliguntur in truths of the former sort reason may serve in the second place first they are believed then understood as a man believes the immortality oâ— the soul then he begins to take up the same from reason Rationes precedentes minuunt fidem sed rationes subsequentes augent fidâ—m only reason must not herâ— come before faith but know her place for if she should offer to go before aâ— an Usher to make way for faith wâ— should never believe therefore Schoolmen say Reasons going before Faith weakenâ— faith but reasons coming after faith strengthens it so that reason makes not the matter more sure ex parte veritatis dictantis in respect of God the speaker See Weem's Pourtrait of Imag. Ep. to Read sed ex parte intellectus dissentientis in respect of the weakness of our understanding But now in things that are meerly Divine and fall directly under faith as the Mysterie of the Trinity of Incarnation reason hath nothing to do but admire those hid mysteries that she can never reach unto Oh take heed of doubting or unbelief Gospel-mysteries are without all Controversie here thy way is not to dispute but believe Gods Word is more than all the protestations asseverations bonds or obligations of all the men in the World Consider what 's said in the Doctrinal part and give your full assent to all revealed truths you may better believe God than your senses Senses may deceive us God cannot many men are bruitish will believe nothing but what is within the reach of sense they are meer Sadduces about spirits and spiritual things but sirs will you belive nothing but what you see then surely you 'l not believe that there is such a City as Rome or London because you have not seen them But let me tell you that that tempting spirit who perswades you now to doubt of the being of God and the reality of Divine things cannot doubt thereof himself for he to his cost feels the truth thereof though without any comfortable interest therein the Devil believes and trembles Jam. 2.19 O therefore Non est disputatio aâ—t â—ubitatio post Evangâ—lium reveâ—â—tum silence all unbelieving and disputing thoughts doubt not after these clear revelations and demonstrations admit not this grand Gospel-sin of unbelief this damning infidelity but cry out as the poor man Lord I believe help thou my unbelief Mark 9.24 2. In case of guilt upon the Conscience and fears of acceptance then have recourse to these sure mercies of David these are mercies therefore mercy is working towards a poor sinner in misery they are made sure by Christ to all Heirs of Promise and though thou canst not sensibly apprehend him by faith at some times yeâ— he can powerfully comprehend thee what though thy sins be many yet mercy answers all demerits 't is not only mercy but mercies multitudes of tender mercies he is plenteous in mercy and will abundantly pardon he doth not consult thy fitness but his free-grace come then poor guilty sinner venture thy weary soul upon these sure mercies he iâ— meeting thee half way as the Prodigalâ— Father and ready to fall upon thy neck his bowels are yerning towards thy sinning soul he is very free and liberal 〈◊〉 distributing be not thou coy and shy in entertaining these sure mercies hâ— waits to be gracious do thou bid hiâ— gracious tenders welcome Yea but saith the troubled soul though there be mercies yet I question whether they belong to me I know they are sure to some but 't is a great question whether I be of that number and I reply why not to thee what Scripture or reason hast thou to suspect that thou art excluded the grant is in general terms Jesus Christ came to seek and save what was lost and thou art lost and feelest thy self to be lost doth not he bid weary souls come to him if thou wert righteous thou mightest justly fear thou mightest go without him but thou saist thou art a sinner and thou knowest he came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance thou art a sinner a great sinner yea chiefest of sinners and did not Paul look upon himself as such and yet he obtained mercy and consider soul if thou hast no interest in these mercies whence â—hen are all those fears doubts jealousies complaints enquiries whence are these sad and dreadful apprehensions of thy sin and misery these convictions of the nothingness of thy duties and sufficiency of mercies only to relieve thy perishing soul whence are those meltings of heart for â—ffending bowels of mercy and strugâ—lings against sin from the sense of mercy â—hat mean those prayers and tears those â—ossings of thy soul betwixt hopes and â—ears about thy interest in mercy and yet thou who thus complainest wouldst not give up thy title or quit thy claim to these Covenant-mercies for a full possession of all the common mercies in the World thou art not content without these thy enquiry is chiefly after these thy expectation iâ— most from and dependance most upon these Covenant-mercies these and these alone are thy salvation and desire But suppose the worst that thy soul hath no interest as yet in these why shouldst thou despair of future interest shouldst thou not rather put it out of doubt by a present application thereof by actual believing stand out stand off no longer take Christ upon his own terms give up thy self to him give him the glory of believing remember alâ— the ways the