of his servants still to be a continued worke and that not only that they may continue being the salt of the earth and the light of the world and by their light shining to win in men to glorify God Mat. 5.13.16 But olso for such as God hath blessed their ministration unto and made them instruments by which the spirit hath brought them to Christ enabled them to believe on him and writ his mind in their hart they are not then to cease their ministration towards them but then to follow one and more abundantly to care for watch over pray for instruct admonish and encourage them for their father building up and preservation in the faith and provocation to love and good works 2. Cor. 3.2 to 17. and 11.2.3 Iud. 1.5 Act. 20.28 II. That those who are through grace brought into believe and so made cleane by the word of Christ applied to them and so in Christ and hee in them it is meete needful profitable and safe for them to be still attending the ministration of Christ in the Gospell and to be further instructed admonished exhorted and encouraged and that againe and againe while they are in these clay tabernacles 1. Cor. 13.10.12 Yea though they bee sinceere and fruitfull Phil. 1.7 and 2.1.13 and 3.1.2.10 And know and are established in the present truth 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Yea though their faith love and hope be stedfast and opperative and their election of God so testified as may be knowne 1. Thess 1.3.5 and 3.2 Yet stil the ministration of the Gospell is meete needful and safe even for them because of oppositiones in flesh and weaknesse and wants that yet may yet be found in the usefulnesse of their faith and love and orderly walking 1. Thess 3.2.3.10 And good ends and reasons for both these points are given in the scripture it self as to instance briefly a fewe I. To stit up and keepe mindfull and waking the harts of the believers 2. Pet. 1.13 and 3.1 That so they may not suffer that lose in opportunities which forgetfulnesse sleepinesse endangers too Cant. 5.2.3.6 II. To prevent and save from seducements by false doctrine which enstrange from God and Christ 1. Cor. 15. to the end 2. Cor. 11.1.2.3.11 1. Ioh. 2.19 III. To prevent and save from the intisements and deceitfulnesse of sinfull and worldly lusts that withdraw from God Heb. 3.1.12.13 1. Ioh. 2.16 IV. To edify in faith love hope 1 Thess 5.11 Iud. 20.21.22 V. To provoke to fruitfulnesse in love and good works Tit. 3.8 Heb. 10.24 VI. To help forward to fulnesse of joye and comfort that may abide and hold in times of tribulation 1. Ioh. 1.4 1. Thess 3.2.3 So that in the truth of these two observationes in Christ practise and teaching it appeares that it comes not from the spirit of Christ for any dispensour of the Gospell to think that when any are by their ministration brought to Christ that they may then leave their care over them and cease their ministration towards them all the scriptures of the Apostles shew the contrarie Nor is it from the spirit of Christ for any that in believing know themselves in Christ and hee in them to conceite they now need no more to attend the ministration of the Gospell the whole scripture sheweth the contrarie and this might also be an exhortation to us both to the use of and attendance to the continual ministration of the Gospell 2. Tim. 4.2 Heb. 13.7.8 c. Now in the 9. and 10. Verses For the better and more full understanding of that which is therein held forth to us it is meete first to consider some circumstances about the words and then that which is set forth in the words themselves First For the Circumstances these three are considerable I. Who it is that assirmeth soe great Love II. To and off whom so great love is affirmed III. To what end the saying is recorded I. For the first whose affirmation this is of so great and peculiar love It is evident from the chapters before and vers 1. of this chapter that it is the affirmation of Iesus Christ who is the Son of God Rom. 1.4 Joh. 11.27 And the Saviour of the world Ioh. 4.42 1. Ioh. 4.14 And head and husband of his Church Eph. 5.25.32 Who is the truth it selfe Ioh. 14.6 All whose words are truth and nothing false or wreathed in them Pro. 8.7 8. Hee of whom the Father hath born testimony Mat. 3.17 Ioh. 5.37 He of and to whom the Holy Spirit of truth hath bo ne and doth beare testimony Ioh. 15.26 1. Ioh. 5.6 Hee whose lips are full of grace Psal 45.2 And in whose mouth was never any guile found 1. Pet. 2.22 So that of the truth and verity of this affirmation how great soever it were great sin to doubt at all and needfull it is that wee be firme in beliefe of this greatnesse power love and truth of our saviour his one-nesse with God and his onenesse with us his love to mankind and his peculiar love to the church that so wee may firmely believe the truth of this affirmation of so great love c. Ioh. 3.31.32.33 and 11.25 II. For the second who they are to and of whom so great and peculiar love is affirmed and invitation and direction for abiding therein given it is evident to be the disciples of Christ Ioh. 13. And though they were the eleven Apostles Iudas Iscariot being gone out and their could be no more at that time because it would have beene above a competent number for eating the passeover together yet this affirmation was to them as they were his disciples and did beleeve on him and love him and so concerned all that did believe on him and love him as well as it did themselves that were present to heare and this appeares by the tearmes and titles by which they were called as His owne which were in the world Ch. 13.1 Which also were al given and brought to him by the heavenly call Ioh. 6.39.44.45 and 17.2.8 And disciples Ch. 13.5.22.35 As all were that did believe on him and love him Mat. 5.1.13.14.15.16 And little children chap. 13.33 appliable to all that believe on him and love him Ioh. 14.1 1. Ioh. 2.12.13 And it appeares likewise by the new commandment given them chap. 13.34 Which is given to all that unfeinedly believe on him 1. Ioh. 3.23.24 and 4.21 And it also appeares by the promise of the spirit to them Ioh. 14.16.17 Which promise belongs also to all that believe on him Ioh. 7.38.39 Act. 2.38.39 And it appeares also by the metaphor and expressiones used in this 15. chap. In which al that it said of being Branches in him Vers 2.4.5 Of being cleane through the redemption and propitiation in him by his preaching the Gospell spiritually applied to them Vers 3. Of abiding in him Vers 4. Of impossibillity of bringing forth any spirituall and acceptable fruite without abiding in him Vers 4.5 Of the withering
A brief declaration OF JESUS CHRIST His peculiar Love to BELEEVERS And how they may abide in it IN A MEDITATION On Ioh. 15.1 to 10. By THO. MOORE Printed at Delff by MICHIEL STAEL 1647. CHRISTIAN READER I Have heer onely briefely given thee this Meditation as an addition or step forward in the love of God to mankind to see his speciall love to Beleevers and how they may walk in it which thou and I attaining our groweth to the harvest and perfection in the harvest will be certain which being my desire I Rest Thy well-willer in and for Iesus Christ THO. MOORE A MEDITATION Of Ioh. 15.9.10 and occationly from 1. to 10. Ioh. 15.9 As the Father hath loved mee soe have I loved you continue yea in my love Ioh. 15.10 If yea kyepe my commandments yea shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandments and abide in his love THE coherence of these words with the former shew them to be a farther encouragement exoitation and direction to Christs disciples for abiding in Christ and that he by his word and Spirit may abide in them for he had before beene instructing admonishing and encouraging them to abide in him and he in them Vers 1.5 I am saith Christ the Vine the True Vine a vine was known to them to be one of the trees of Gods Creation and provision for man such a one as brought forth such fruite as did testify the goodnes of God to man Zack 8.12 such a one as in the promise or giving of which was implyed plenty peace and safet ye Deut. 8.7.8 9. Ier. 31.4.5.8 I. King 4.25 Such as the fruite thereof did cheare both God and man because being filled with his goodnesse they offered of it to God and drank thereof in their sacrifices with thanks to God which he accepted and confidence in God in which they were refreshed Psal 116.11 to 19. Now that Jesus Christ is the Vine the True Vine is for such as they noe hard saying to understand according to the letter which is the sence the words import seeing the Scripture menciones two men or two Adams the first man who is the first Adam and the second man who is the last Adam 1. Cor. 15.45.47 And suitably two creationes the first Creation Gen. 1. 2. And a new creation Rev. 21.5 The first Adam being natural and earthye and soe the old creation that is supported for him 1. Cor. 15.46 Psal 75.3 The second or last man being spiritual and heavenly and soe the new creation compleated in and through him 1 Cor. 15.46 Isa 65.18.19 Soe as when in Scripture wee reade of vine fig-tree dore c. as it speakes off and is aplyableto the first man with the first creation for him and things pertaineing thereto wee may understand it suitably whether naturally or metaphorically yet ever as the words in that sentence and buysinesse import which is the litteral sence or as it speakes of the second man with the new creation compleated in and through him and things pertayning thereto wee may understand it spiritually whether in more general or more peculiar sence yet ever as the words in that sentence and buysinesse import which is also the litteral sence and so according to the letter or words written in this buysinesse I am the vine being spoken by and of Jesus Christ the spiritual man and the things of him it sheweth plainly that verily I. Hee is the vine the tree of life Rev 2.7 22.1.14 The greene Olive-tree in the house of God Psal 52.8 Their green fir-tree from whom their fruit is found Hos 14.8 And soe the vine as heere Vers 1.5 II. Hee is the vine or fruitful tree of Gods provision and preparation for man for the good of man 1. Pet. 1.2 Isa 42.1 1. Ioh. 4.14 In and through whom is testified the goodnesse and love of God to mankind Isa 55.1.4 Ioh. 3.16.17 And his peculiar love to his chosen Rom. 8.32 Joh. 9.3.6 III. Hee is the vine whose fruit cheareth both God and man hee hath in mans nature and stead soe dyed for mans sinnes and risen for mans justification and offered up himself such a perfect and acceptable sacrifice to God for man that in him mercy and truth are met Psal 85.10 And it is as iâ— all had dyed 2. Cor. 5.14 And with him yea in him God is well-pleased Mat. 3.17 17.5 And through him light mercy is extended to men filling them with good Joh. 1.4.5.9 Act. 14.17 So as in beholding and receiving his love heeâ— through testified they may give thanks to God and be comforted in God Psal 107.21.22.42.43 IV. Hee is the vine in which is all fulnesse of liveing and quickening sap that effecteth-life and fruitfulnesse it pleaseth the Father that in him should all fulnesse dwel Col. 1.19 All fulnesse of grace and truth Ioh. 1.14 Grace is powred into his lips Psal 45.2 Hee is immeasureably anointed and filled with the Spirit Psal 45. Isa 42. 61.1 In him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and understanding in him dwels al the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Coll. 2.3.9 V. He is the vine in promising of whom God promiseth and in giving of whom God giveth and in receiving of whom believers receive plenty of durable riches Pro. 3.13.18 Wisedome righteousnesse c. 1. Cor. 1.30 Enheritance Eph. 1.11 Kinred Mar. 3.35 Pleasures Psal 16. Utt. Also peace even peace with God in conscience with brethren and towards men peace passing understanding that wil keep the hart and mind in Christ and joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 5.1.2.5 14.17 Phill 4.4.5 And safety for suport preservation and eternall salvation Joh. 10.28.29 VI. Hee is the vine in and through whom al spirituall and quickening sap and powre of the devine nature flowes that brings forth good grapes or fruites that are acceptable that will either satisfie or be gathered of his Father and him Psal 52.8 Hose 14.5.8 1. Pet. 2.5.9 1. Joh. 5.12 Joh. 3.6 Cant. 4.1.14 and 5.1 Thus is Iesus Christ the vine endeed and not only allegorically and metaphorically but minding the buysinesse spiritually hee is soe truly and really and other natural and earthy yea or metaphoricall vines are so called in respect of that which they resemble and shew forth of some small goodnesse of his in whom the true good is vers 1 I am saith hee the True Vine And this may bee understood in oposition too or respect of others that are so called or in soom sort are vines I. The naturall vines the trees soe called that bring forth such fruites as aforesaid truth these vines are vines endeed as Creatures that have theire being support fruitfulnesse and operation of their fruits from God through Christ Ioh. 1.4.11 Psal 75.3 Coll. 1.17 Without whose word or forth-putting of his blessing those vines languish and bring forth noe fruite or bringing forth fruits yet cannot nourish nor are accompanied with those blessings of plenty
peace and safetie Deut. 28.30.40 Hab. 3.17 Ames 4.9 Hag. 1.6 16.17 Soe as these are but servants instrumentall and decayeing vines But Iesus Christ even opposed to these is the True Vine even that which endureth for ever hee in whom God dwells and through whom God doth all soe as by his word of blessing men live and the whole old and decayeing creation is supported for its time Deut. 8.3 In him we live move have our being what ever fruite wee eate or drink Act. 17.28 Hee is our life and the length of our dayes Deut. 30.20 That so even that life that we live in the flesh and that part of it also that respecteth the bodie and naturall life wee might live it by faith of and dependance on him that hath loved us and given himselfe for us Gall. 2.20 Who is the true dureing and fruitfull vine the true vine eminently II. Adam the first Adam as the publick man and roote out of which all men come metaphorrically may be called a vine being a figure of him to come Rom 5.14 And all his children branches and their works or fruites grapes this in some sort may appeare from that Rev. 14.18 And then Adam soe considered is appoluted and ecayed vine in whom all sinned and fiell under condemnation and death Rom. 5.12.18 And so all men that are the branches of him as they come out of him at polluted and desiled Rom. 5.19 Eph. 2.1 And soe bring forth evill grapes or fruites the motiones of sin working in their members and bringing forth fruite to death Rom. 5.21 7.5 Soe that Adam is but a wild vine and as wee come from him and abide in him wee can neither suck in life not bring forth any good grapes or fruits 1 Cor. 2.14 Ioh. 3.66 But Iesus Christ the second man the last Adam the Lord the quickening spirit hee is the true vine in that hee as the publick man hath for men and in mans nature in his owne person by death resurrection and sacrifice taken away sin Ioh. 3.5 Wrought righteousnes and received eternal life in the man and for men Rom. 3.24 5.18 1. Ioh. 5.11 Soe as all that come into him shal receive righteousnesse and eternall life 1. Ioh. 5.12 That will enlive and renew them and bring forth good fruites Rom. 5 19. 2. Cor. 5.17 3.8 III. The union confederacy and fellowship of the men of the world for atayneing keeping and encreasing greatnesse riches fame c. looking therby and relyeing on their pollicyes and waves to obtaine soe as their lives shall be more comfortable this metaphorrically may be called a vine and they that are brought into this union and fellowship branches and their works grapes but this is as the vine of Sodom their grapes gall their wine poyson Deut. 32.32.33 Whence such warning not to consent or joyne with them in their consideracy Pro. 1.10 to 19. Isa 8.11.12 But Iesus Christ is the True Vine In union and fellowship with whom all that come into that union receive that which bring forth good fruites his loves better then wine 1. Ioh. 1.3.4 Caut. 1.2.3.12.13 IV. The state of the common wealth and church of Israel as it was appointed and ordered by God and furnished with the word orracles with Priests prophets kings with temple sabboths sacrifices was a right noble vine and fit to bring forth good grapes yet really in all the outward but as apertaining to the flesh and tipically in siguring out the true Ier. 2.21 Psal 80.8.14 But Iesus Christ is the True Vine in whom the truth of all tiped is found hee the word Ioh. 1.1.14 The King Priest Prophet Heb. 3. 7. The temple of God Coll. 2.9 The rest Heb. 4. The sin-offering the meat-offering c. Ioh. 1.16.17 14.6 V. The convocation of the feyned profest children of God in their laws precepts doctrine and fellowships ar called metaphorrically a vine and their scocieties vinyards and their doings grapes but all vaine empty and bitter Cant. 1.6 Mat. 15.1.9 Isa 66.5 A burthen to all the true borne seed Gall. 4.28 But Iesus Christ is the True Vine In union with whom and in whose teachings and opperationes reall comforts ar met with Ioh. 16.27 14.21.23 15.1.10 VI. The members of Christ in their severall scocieties in union with Christ and one another are vines Cant. 2.15 6.11 7.12 But Christ is the True Vine Hee in whom they have their being from whom their growth and name of vine hee of and in himself in his owne person is the vine they neither in nor of themselves are soe but as they are in and one with him whence the particular persons scarce soe called but the societies as they are one together in him who is the greene tree from whom their fruite is found Cant. 4.15 Psalm 52.8 Hose 14.8 So that if we would have the preparation for life God hath made receive the testimony of love he hath given and receive his promises with which comes plenty peace and safetie drink of the wine that cheareth both God and man have the spirit of life be fruitfull in it Abide in Christ hee is the vine in which all this is if wee would be freed from being snared with outward mercies from perrishing in the polutiones and witherings of Adam or by the polutiones of the world or documents of men if we would not rest in shadowes nor be puft up by grace received if wee would enjoy the blessing in mercies and the life that is for ever soe receive saving comforts and refreshings Abide in Christ and know that hee even hee hee only is verily the True Vine again our saviour haveing instructed them concerning himselfe doth likewise instruct them concerning themselves in respect of their condition in him and in respect of him and that hee is Hee the Vine And to them he saith Vers 5. Yea are the Branches hee spake too and of his disciples that had received his word were cleansed by it and soe in him Vers 3.4 In which saying to his disciples are two things very observable First that all men are not in Christ al men are not branches in this True Vine Men are children of God and soe branches in this vine by faith in Christ Gall. 3.26 But all men have not faith 2 Thes 3.2 Some without Christ Eph. 2.12 Some writ in the earth united in hart to earthy things Jer. 17.5.6.13 Rev. 13.18 Some still verily naturall as they are of Adam 2. Cor. 2.14 Some of the worldly combination all which lie yet in wickednesse 1. Ioh. 2.15 5.19 Yea and many in profest church assemblies that yet ar not in Christ Cant. 1.6 Rev. 3.9 Yea it is very probable that in comparrison of others they are but few that are branches in Christ Isa 53.1 Mat. 7.14 Luk. 12.30.32 True it is Iesus Christ tooke the nature of mankind of al men al that come of Adam Act. 17.24 Ioh.
of such as abide not in him Vers 6. Of the acceptation and answering the prayers of such as abide in him Vers 7. Of the glorifying God by bringing forth much fruite by those that abide in him and his wordin them Vers 2.7.8 Every of which and all of them applyable to every believer Hose 14.5.8 And nothing in all that is spoken which is so peculiar to the Apostles But that it appertaines also to all believers yea and to the Apostles themselves rather as they were believers then as they were Apostles like that Mat. 16.16.17.18 So that the affirmation of this so great love is to and of his disciples that did believe on him and love him in whom wee have for our better understanding and use-fulnesse two things to be noted one that they were endeed believers in and lovers of him the other that at that time they were but babes and cumbered with many infirmities I. They were such as by the spirit of grace enlightening the Gospell or word of grace to their haat were brought to believe in Iesus Christ and in that believing to love him and so were also beloved of the Father Mat. 16.16.17 Ioh. 16.27 They were not such as did challenge an interest in him and his grace from any changes or righteous works or frames of their owne like the old Pharisees Luk 18.9 11. Or new followers of them that by such changes and works trusted in themselves that they were Christs 2. Cor. 10.7.12.18 Nor were they such as were brought to believe only through an ignorant admiration and good perswasion of Christ occasioned by some reports and sight of some great rare and wonderful works done by Christ as Nichodemus before he was borne againe Ioh. 3.2.3.5 Nor were they such as were brought to believe his doctrine and admire him only through the beholding some excellency in his doctrine and the heavenly powerfull and majesticall manner of his teaching as those who were yet far from being borne againe Ioh. 7.46 and 8.30 Nor gained only to some fleeting desires after good from him as those Ioh. 6.28.34 Who yet tooke offence at his doctrine but they were such as were brought to this their believing I. By a spirituall illumination revelation or secret spirituall evidence and testimony given by God through the Gospell to their harts evidencing to them and enlightening them in the great love of God in the gift of his son and in the fulnesse of grace and truth in Iesus Christ and that hee is endeed the Christ the son of the living God the saviour of the world who hath made the atonement and in whom is life in which discovery and evidence their harts were drawne to him and enabled to believe on him and love him Ioh. 1.14.15.16 and 14 1. 1. Ioh. 4.14 Mat. 16.16.17 Isa 55.4.5 Rom. 5.1.11 1. Pet. 1.21.22 II. By a spiritual communication and infusion of grace by Christ into their hart Rom. 5.5 Tit. 2.4.5.6.7 Christ revealing his father and his fathers love to them and so giving in his fathers words or the Gospell he received to minister into their harts in receite whereof they experimented love and found life even eternall life and were thereby knit both in love and considence to him Ioh. 17.6.8 and 1.16 and 6.68.69 1. Pet. 1.21.22 and 2.3.4.5 Thus through the Gospell with spiritual illumination and communication of grace they did both believe in Iesus Christ and love him unfeinedly And such they were II. They were such as notwithstanding this their faith in Christ and love of him were yet but babes and subject to like infirmities as we now are and that not only so far as those who were farther grown then these yet were Act. 14.14.15 Iam. 5.17 But as then weaker and more lyable to bee foyled with infirmities and passiones in some measure then such grown men were I. They were as yet to that time of this affimation but babes and weake in the knowledge of heavenly misteries not yet able to understand parables though they were not of the most misterious parables Mat. 15.16.17 Nor yet apt to understand the sayings of their own master and teacher Mar. 16.6 9. Nor yet able to bear the sayings that Jesus Christ had to make known to them Joh. 16.12 Nor did yet understand the scriptures that spake of the sufferings resurrection and Kingdome of Christ Luk. 24.25.26.27 II. They were as yet when this love was affirmed to them but babes and weake in respect of the rule and opperation of grace and their content taking therein and being formed to the likensse of Christ thereby being at some time ready to dislike and take offence at their masters plaine speaking of his crosse and sufferings and to fault him Mat. 16.21.23 Mar. 8.3.32 Some times ready to wish vengeance on such as dealt discourteously with their master and them Luk. 9.53.56 One some occasion ready to envie one another Mat. 20.20.24.25 Sometimes to envie such as wrought miracles in the name of Christ and did not follow them and to forbid them Mar. 9.38.39 Sometimes to he striving and reasoning who should be the greatest among them Mat. 18.1.3 Mar. 9.33.34 III. They were as yet but babes and weake for spirituall strength for standing and walking either in approving things most excellent or giving excellent testimonies of love when tried being sometimes ready to misjudge of and take offence at the excellent works and fruites of love both in lesus Christ their Lord and master Mar. 3.20.21 Ioh. 13.8 And in such as greatly loved him Mat 26.8.16 And at one time of trial not able to watch with him one howre Mat. 26.37.40.41 And againe in trial ready to withdraw though not from their faith and love yet from the walking in acknowledgement and testifying of their faith and love Mat. 26.56.70 These and such like infirmities were they yet acumbred with which when they were better growne they were more freed from Act. 4.8.12 and 5.29.41 Though in some tryals liable to be overtaken with some infirmities still Gall 2.11.12 So that they were believers and as yet but wake believers such as were yet subject to many infirmities and yet notwithstanding those infirmities were unfeyned believers and lovers of Christ to whom our saviour did affirme so great love with invitation and direction to continue in that his love For the third to what end and for what use this affirmation invitation charge direction with promise of such peculiat love is written and lift upon record to be read preached heard meditated and this appeares to bee I. More Generall and common for all that come to heare or reade the same that in hearing and reading they might believe the truth of this so great and peculiar love of Christ to those that are come into him and believe on him and love him that in beliefe thereof they might desire after him and come in and submit to him and receive his gracious words that they also might there-through be brought to believe
on him and love him that so they might come to partake of this peculiar love Ioh. 11.42 and 17.21.22.23 and 20.31 As Iesus Christ set forth the privilledges of his disciples in the hearing of the multitude Mat. 5.3.8 That the multitude hearing the same might bee alured to become his disciples that so they might also come to partake of such priviledges II. More speciall and peculiar for such as by the spirit of grace are enabled through the Gospell in the knowledge of the propitiation made by Christ and the eternall life that is in him and the love of God in the gift of his son to believe the truth and goodnesse of the report of the Gospell so as there through they are convinced and emptied of their former delight and considences and alured and overcome to submit and come into Christ Rom. 6.17 Isa 55.4.5 Ioh. 6.44.45 And in believing receive from God through Christ remission of sins peace in conscience and accesse to God Act. 10.43 Rom. 5.1.2 Eph. 2.17.18 So as heerby they are enabled to believe both the redemption and reconciliation wrought in and by Christ with God which is in him and hee is and that reconciliation that by his spirit he worketh in men to God and the eternall life that is in him to bestow and in this believing to depend on him for the same and in that dependance to love both him and their brethren Rom. 5.6.7.8.11 and 4.22.25 1. Pet. 1.8.21.22.23 These though yet accumbred with such like infirmities as these disciples were are yet true believers in end lovers of Christ and built upon him and in the same condition and so loved even as they were as is evident by comparing our saviours profession to Peter and Peters aplication of the same to all unfeyned believers and lovers of Christ Mat. 16.16.17.18 With 1. Pet. 2.3.4.5.9 And our saviours promise to all so believing in and loving of him Ioh. 14.21.23 And this affirmation charge and direction is recorded for their learning that through patience and comfort of the scriptures they may have hope Rom. 15.4 And so not only know they are beloved but even so beloved of Iesus Christ even as the Apostle writ to those that believed and knew they had life that they might farther know this eternall life and their having of it and so believe more and more and have their joy full 1. Ioh. 5.10.11.12.13 and 1.4 with Ioh. 15.11 Object It seemes as if believers now could not have like assurance of such peculiar love and so such consolation in it as the e had to whom Christ spake it because they had it from Christ his owne mouth which none now can have because he is in heaven Ans This is a great mistake and wrong conception confuted by our saviour himself who before he lift the world did testifie that he would send another advocate and comforter even the Holy Spirit of truth in his stead and place to be with the believers for ever and that his Spirit should bring his words to their remembrance and teach them al things Ioh. 14.16.17.18.21.23.26 Yea soe as it should be noe dammage to them that he left the world and went to his Father but more gainfull to them then if he had not gone in bodily presence from them Joh. 16.7.8.15 And this Holy Spirit gives to believers a twofold knowledge of this peculiar love though not both alwayes at once and this he doth I. By making a man a believer glorifying Christ so in his hart as hee not only brings him to believe the propitiation made by him but in believing that love and goodnesse to depend on God in Christ for farther saving and for that eternall life that is in him 1. Pet. 1.21 Rom. 3.24 25. and 4.23 25. and 5.8 9 11. And therein effects love and a Christ-like disposition 2 Cor. 3.3 In which believing he gives them interest in Christ and in al that is Christ 1 Cor. 1.30 and 3.22 23. And such in their believing veiw of this affimation and invitation may know themselves so beloved and envited of Christ and have the same assurance and consolation thereof that these had to whom Christ spake If not somthing more then they had till after his assencion that they received the promise of the more abundant portion of the Holy Ghost compare Rom. 15.4.5 1 Joh. 5.10.13 with Joh. 16.7 15. and 30.31 II. By a more peculiar witnessing such love as this into their believing hart Rom. 8.15 16 17. By a supernaturall illumination and inspiration of his gracious word and promise into the hart in which hee cleares up and sheads abroad even this peculiar love more abundantly therein Ioh. 14.26 Rom. 5.5 Tit. 3.5 6. By which Spirit Christ doth manifest his presence with them acquaint them with the things of the Father and himselfe which gives more abundant consolation to the beleevers as it did to these when they received the same Joh. 14.21 23. and 16 13 14 15.7 Act. 2. Cant. 1.2 And to this end was this recorded that believers might know certainly their interest in this peculiar love and have the consolation of it waite therein for the more full peculiar testimony therof so great their consolation thereby From these three things thus observed Viz. That it is Jesus Christ that hath affirmed so great love c. And that it was affirmed to believers and that it is recorded for believers that they may know how they are beloved I. Al that reade and heare the same should be stirred up to obey and embrace the Gospell of Christ in which not only deliverance from sin and death is declared and tendered but also for such as doe believe such peculiar love and eternall life to be farther found in Christ and the greater grace it tenders the greater the sin and the more woful the condition of al that doe slight and disobey the cal thereof Act. 8.38.39.41 Hose 11 7. Heb. 2.3 and 12.25 2 Thes 1 8. Oh that men would believe and turne II. Believers have good cause to praise and glorify God for recording the affirmationes of and invitationes to such grace in the Gospell Rev. 22.16 17. And also to give the more ernest heed to this great love and to the invitation and direction for continuance therein seeing it is from Christ to them Heb. 2.1 4. And according to this threefold consideration vew the words themselves now in the words themselves are three things considerable I. Our Saviour serious affirmation of his love and the manner of it to his disciples As the Father hath loved me soe have I loved you II. His gracious exortation invitation or charge Continue yee in my love III. His sweet and safe direction how to continue in his love including a promise in it If yee keepe my commandments yee shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commands and abide in his love I. The first thing to be vewed in our Saviour serious
life chestity wealth and good name of any one in desire word and deed 1 Tim. 1.6 Eph. 5.20 30 and 6. Coll. 3.5.10 1. Thess 5.15 And many such like precepts and more over precepts for to delight ones self in God and rejoyce in Christ Iesus Psal 37.4 Phill. 4.4 To pray and give thanks in the name of Christ Iesus Joh. 16.24.26 1 Thes 5.17.19 To love one another even as Christ Iesus hath loved us and to walk in that love Eph. 5.1.2 1 Joh. 4.11 And so to beare each others infirmities and burthens seeking each others good and preferring them in love before our selves Rim. 15.1.3 Gall. 6.2 Phill. 2.4.5 Rom. 12.10 To hold forth the word of life by an Holy confession and unblameable conversation before all men Mat. 10.28 Phill. 2.16 To edefy one another in our Holy faith and to preserve in and stir up each other to love and good works 1 Thes 5.11.14 Ind. 20.21 Heb. 10.24 To yeeld up all our members to God to fulfill all these sayings and motiones of his Spirit Rom. 12.1.2 Phill. 2.1.2.6 Gall. 5.24 1 Thes 5.19 To beare the reproach of Christ with patience and faithfulnesse to the death Heb. 13.13 Rev. 2.10 And to waite for the comming of Christ c. 2 Pet. 3.12 All these and such like precepts leading us to yeeld up our selves as servants to Christ and in and for him to his people doing all things to Christ that are contained and expressed in the Gospell Coll. 3.17.23 And yet also so expressed as in the Gospell appeares I. That these particular precepts are not in respect of the obligation such or so given as the law of works enjoyneth that is to fulfill them by our wisedome and in our owne strength Rom. 8.3 and 10.5 Or to make our selves righteous before God in and by the keeping of them Gall. 2.21 Rom. 10.3 Or to get Christ and his righteousnesse or life or the enheritance by our keeping of them Rom. 9.16.31.32 Gall. 3.18.21 Rom. 11.6 and 4.1.2 But in the declaration of the saluation so wrought by Christ and the righteousnesse and life to be found in him to shew what is suitable walking therein and thertoo and what his mind is concerning such as believe for working in them and leading of them that so believing him our righteousnesse wee might looke to him and depend on him to work all this in us and for us so leading us in his strength to performe them all Tit. 2.11.14 1 Thes 4.1.2.3 1 Ioh. 3.16 and 4 9 10 11 12. 1 Thes 5.23.24 Isa 26.12 Psal 138.8 II. That the way to performe these particular precepts is not by a first setting our eyes on them and so striving to doe them because we ought to do them and that wee may so do that wee ought to do 1 Sam. 2.9 Iosh 24.19 Den. 5.29 Zach. 4.6.7 Pro. 3.6.7 But first to looke to that which Jesus Christ hath done and suffered for us and that he hath promised to us that there-through believing in him wee may love him and one another and so walke in that faith and love wherein all contained in those particular precepts will be effected in us his Spirit leading us to the same 1 Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. Joh. 7.38.39 2 Cor. 3.17.18 Rom. 8.2.14 Gall. 5.16.18 So that faith and love appeare by this to be the commandements heere-ment being so contained and expressed in the Gospell yea as the summe of all the patterne of whole some words therein 2 Tim. 1.13 Yet is not this expression enough unlesse wee take in the next namely that the commandements of Christ to his disciples as they are contained and expressed in the Gospell Soe II. They are put with the Gospell by the Spirit into the harts of believers Ier. 31.33 Heb. 8.10 First it is to be noted that when God calleth men to Christ by the Gospell and doth by his Spirit enlighten their harts in the knowledge of his insinit grace in Christ so as hee in glorifying Christ and the word of his grace to them causeth them to admire and glorifie Christ and the word of grace and so draweth them to Christ that they run to him and hee meeteth and receiveth them then doth Jesus Christ not only manifest by Spirit with supper naturall light and Spirituall evidence and demonstration his love and his Fathers love and gracious mind and so the truth and goodnesse oâ— his Gospell or word of grace but also by a Spirituall it spiration enfusion and devine powre doth enter his grace and gracious word into their hart so as he causeth them to understand believe and love it and so to receive it that it takes place and seates it self in their hart Act. 2.3 Isa 55.5.6 Joh. 6.37.45 Mat. 16.16 17. Heb. 10.32 Act. 13.48 Joh. 1.11 12 13 and 17 2 â— 1 Cor. 2.4.5 14 15 16. 2 Cor. 3.3 18 and 4 6. Psa 36.9 and 119 130. Whence this word is called also the ingrafted word able to save Iam. 1.21 And said to bee pâ—â—â— in them 2 Cor. 5.19 And received of them 1 Thes 2.13 And to bee in them Joh. 15. Now when Jesus Christ doâ—â— thus put his word into a believing hart he doth also thereby effect and give a new hart and in that new hart doth Jesus Christ put or write his commandements 2 Cor. 3.3 Heb. 8.6.10 Causing and enabling them in and through their beliefe and receite of the word of grace and so of that which Christ hath done for them when they were his enemies and hath in the heavenly call done in them and is now able and ready to do for them being called to believe and depend on him for saving them by his life and communicating eternall life to them Rom. 5.1.10 1 Ioh. 2.24.25 1 Pet. 1.21 And so to worke in them and for them all that which in the precepts of the Gospell is required of them Jsa 26.12 Psal 138.8 1 Cor. 1.8.9 1 Thess 5.24 And to conferre on them all that which in the promises of the Gospell is set before them Rom. 4.20 24. 1 Tim. 1.12 And this faith or believing and dependance on him for all this is the first and great commandement put by Christ into the hart of the believer Phill. 1.29 1 Pet. 1.21 And in this beliefe in Iesus is contained and by his Spirit given and effected and in the believing hart in some measure experimented the springing up of all before-said Viz. Repentance in change of the mind estimate and thoughts of God an himselfe of sinne and of righteousnesse with griefe for his misconceiptiones and miscarriages and a turning the hart to Christ and to God in Christ beeing the first steppe in believing in Christ Luk. 24.47 Act. 5.31 With 10.43 and 26.18 20. Mat. 21.32 and 9.3 Submission to Christ in receiving his reproofe and letting all goe that hee reproveth and discovereth vile and vaine and yeilding to him for life and guidance Rom. 10.3 10. Phill. 3.3 7 8. Eph. 5.24 2 Cor.
and so without sin and this the scripture sets forth as his peculiar hee knew no sin he did no sin c. Ioh. 8 46. Heb. 7 26. Ioh. 17.4 Isa 50 and 53. Heb. 2 13. Ioh 13 1. Mat. 4 and 10. Ioh. 17 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Pet. 2 22 3 18. And that every one of us yea the best of all his servants while heere on earth offend in many things Iam. 3.2 Having sin still in nature Iob. 14 4 and 15 14. And also in his life Rom. 7 15. Gall 5 17. Against the law of works Rom. 3.19 20. Yea and the Gospell and so even against the law of grace In strists about the worke peculiar to Christ seeking in endavours to make peace and give satisfaction by performances or to doe in ones owne strength to make up duty and conscience good Rom. 9 32 and 10 3 and 7 15 24 25. and 8 7 8. Gall. 2 and 3. Or else in short-comming of that which through grace given wee might in the faith and love mencioned or walking therein to the denyall of the flesh and yeelding up to the Spirit in all things Rom. 7 15 25. Gall. 5 17. Yea it may bee in failing in particular service or ministration yea so certaine it is that all of us do in some things offend that who ever saith either that hee hath no sin or that he hath not sinned there is no truth in him and he casteth the lye on God Ioh. 1.8 10. Neither can any regenerate man avoid this by saying personally in themselves they have no sin or of themselves they do no sin but onely as they are one with their brethren and reckon themselves after them so they are sinners and do sin while any of their brethren have sin and are found to sin for in such a sence even so might Jesus Christ himself have said Isa 53 2. Cor. 5 21. 1 Pet. 2 24. And so may he still be said to suffer affliction Act. 9 4. Coll. 1 24. Isa 61 9. And to want of his fulnesse and perfection Eph. 1 23 and 4 13. And yet is this his peculiar that he knew no sin nor did sin being Holy harmelesse undefiled separate from sinners which could not bee if any could be said to be without sin in this life in such a sence besides himself Therefore there is yet one thing more to be put in in our keeping his commandements namely that as any sin is yet found either in our nature or life either against law of works or law of grace in failing either in faith or love or walking therein and yeelding to the Spirit there through according to grace received So wee in the acknowledgement of this his grace do speedily confesse our sins and seeke remission and healing of him and so in confidence of his goodnesse and love of brethren go one still in his way before him 1 Sam. 12 20 22. Pro. 28 13 14. 1 Ioh. 1 7 9. And in these five particulars is comprehended the keeping of his commands that appertaines to us III. For the third thing in this point the manner of keeping his commandements even as hee kept his Fathers commandements what this also is Viz. I. That all be done in an one-nesse and a greement of mind and will with the mind and will of Christ and God in Christ and so from the motion of the Spirit and law writ in the hart 1 Cor. 2 16 2. Cor. 3 3 17 18. II. Faithfully in the midst of his house and among the sons of men even a perverse people and in the midst of temptationes from the world the flesh and the devill Psal 101. Phill. 1 27 30 and 2 15 16 17. III. Constantly at all times and in all things with patience through all labours and sufferings till the season of entring his rest be fully given Act. 14 22. 2 Tim. 2 3 and 3 11 12. Mat. 10. Which will be but a first fruites heere Heb. 4 3 11. And perfectly at their departure hence Rev. 14 13. And gloriously at his comming againe for which they looke and long Phill. 3 20 21. 2 Cor. 5 1 6. 2 Tim. 4 8. Rev. 22 17 20. IV. Holding and excercising faith and love through all these 2 Cor. 5 1 14 19 c. For thus it is in all these respects before shewne that Christ kept his Fathers commandements And thus it is shewne what the commandments and the keeping of them with the manner thereof is Which may be Vse I. A discovery of the mistake or scant conceiptiones of the truth of such as in this place by commandements understand noe farther thing but the precepts of ten-ten-words engraven in tables of stone and delivered by Moses to the people to be first kept by Christ by his Fathers command and to be now kept by believers by Christs command which beeing a law without us and enjoinning to doe and live will leave us all under sinne and death it beeing impossible for us to have life and enjoy the righteousnesse of the law that way because wee cannot perform the righteousnesse that apertayneth to us according to that law Rom. 3 10 20. Gall. 3 10. Rom. 8 3 4 Phill. 3 3 9. And though it were perfectly performed by Iesus Christ yet if there had not beene greater commandments that he received of the Father and performed for us our faith were but vayne and wee had beene in our sinnes and soe in danger of wrath still Ioh. 10 18 and 12.31 Heb. 9 22 26. 1 Cor. 15 14 17 18 Rom. 3 25. The ignorance whereof causeth many to establish a righteousnesse of their owne by setting upon the law and so submit not to Christ who is the end of the law for righteousnesse Rom. 10.3 4 In whom nothing avayleth but faith which worketh by love Gall. 5 6 All which may be clearly and fully seen in that which is all-ready said about this buy sinesse Vse II. And this also may bee an information of the cause of soe much darknesse and so many great and smarting afflictiones that many believers in this life do fall into namely because they keepe not the commandements which Christ hath put in their harts which are the same the Father by his Spirit through Christ hath given unto them which had they attended too their peace had beene as a river and their righteousnesse as the waves of the Sea Psal 89 30 31 32. Isa 48 18. Soe that the cause of such smarting afflictiones on them is not because they were unable to keepe the law of works or came short thereof through a necessity by that weaknesse Psal 103 10 and 143 2 Nor yet because they were unable to walke suitable and answerable to the Gospell or law of grace or fell short thereof through a necessity by that weaknesse Psal 130 3 4. For God requires in this no more then hee hath sowne Luk. 19.21.22 But in and according to the Gospell accepts of believers the will for the deed and requires
c. A gracious comfortable and large promise which that wee may the better understand it there are fowre things to be heeded about it I. What that is to which the promise is made to believers II. On what or whome the performance of the promise depends III. Who and what a one hee is that hath so promised IV. What the promise it self is and what it containes I. For the first that to and according to which the promise is made is the keeping of Christ his commandements in truth and uprightnesse according to the grace given and which wee have received of him for so are his words If yea keepe my commandements yea shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandements and abide in his love These words even as appeare to point out the assurance and the example and the similitude to which our keeping must be comformed but not tying our keeping to that degree of perfection that was in his keeping there is a perfection of truth and parts which as it was in his keeping so it is required in ours and that is set downe before and this is the similitude and likenesse pointed out in the words Even as But as for persection of degree that was peculiar to him and his keeping the commandements as is a little before shewne and this not so imposed heere Besides Hee hath appointed meanes for those to whom this promise is made both to grow one to more fruitfulnesse and toward perfection Ioh. 15 1 8. And helps to get recovery in failings to rise againe and proceed to the enjoyment of this promise which he would not have done if the promise had beene only to perfection of degree in the keeping of his commandements 1 Ioh. 1 3 4 7 9 and 2 1 2. More-over he spakes not this to feare them or put them to a maze as it would have beene if he had tyed his promise to the perfection of degree in the keeping his commands but he expresly saith he spake this that his joy might bee in them and that their joy might be full Ioh. 15.11 And else where it is said if there be first a willing mind it is accepted according to what a man hath and this both in the endeavours and fruites 2 Cor. 9 12. Mat. 10 40 41 42. So that it is the truth and manner of keeping according to grace received too and according to which the promise is made so that the weakest believer so giving himself to walk in faith and love as a foresaid may have this consolation and looke for this promise Gall. 5.5 II. For the second upon whom the performance of this consolation and promise dependeth and that is on himself and the faithfulnesse and powre of him that hath promised yea shall abide in my love 1 Thess 5.24 Who hath engaged himself to preserve them and worke all their works for them and give life to them Ioh. 6 40 and 14 19. Isa 26.12 Psal 138.8 So as they may depend on him both to enable them to keepe his commandements and also to make good this promise to them and be disappointed in neither 1 Pet. 2.6 And this is very comfortable to the weakost believers walking in faith and love III. For the third thing who and what a one hee is that hath so promised that is Jesus Christ the Son of God Chap. 14.9 and 15 1. I have loved you and yea shall abide in my love This is hee who is the mighty God and the truth it selfe that is one in the Father and the Father in him who so loved us that he came down from Heaven and tooke our nature and bare our sins and curse and offered himself in sacrifice to God to worke redemption and salvation for us Tit. 2.13 14. Ioh. 14 6 10. 1 Pet. 2.24 and 3 18. 1 Tim. 2.6 And ascended to heaven and received Spirit to apeare in Heaven for us and sent forth Spirit to us to worke salvation in us Heb. 9 24. Psal 68.18 21. Eph. 4 7 16. Unto whom the Father hath given all powre and authority Heb. 8 1. Who is full of love to us and faithfulnesse for us Heb. 3.1.6 So as we may sasely depend on him for this promise IV. For the fourth thing What the promise it selfe is and what it containes the promise it selfe is Yea shall abide in my love if yea keepe my commandements yea shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commands and abide in his love So that the causing us to abide in his love is the promise And it contaynes three things clearly I. The having us in his peculiar love not only to love us but to love us with peculiar and choyse love surely forbearing to smite us and to cease from all his wrath towards such unworthy ones as wee were Great favour and our demeanour well considerd reason might say as much as were meete for us to aske of him Psal 85 3 4 5. But to shew forth his compassionate love in the redemption wrought for mankind and there-through to bring in to receive romission of sins what abundant grace and favour is this Act. 10.43 Rom. 3.25 Tit. 3 4 5. But to love us with such peculiar and delightfull love as the Father loveth him this is more abundant but to have us so in that choyse love of his as to compasse us with it that we should be in his bosome and as the seale in his hart in all his choyse delight will and purposes and as the seale on his arme in all his choyse workings and all for good to us Oh what hart can desire more or be able to desire so much Can. 8.6 7 9. It exeedes the desires of the hart And yet is this contained in this promise II. The abiding in this love surely one dayes enjoyment of this love were better then a thousand dayes enjoyment of all the loves and contentments this world can afford yea the deprivation of all these loves and contents a thousand dayes might befully satisfied for with one dayes enjoyment of this his peculiar love Psal 84 6 10. Yea surely a sight and tast heerof will take and ravish with sweetnesse the soule that seeth and tasteth this peculiar love 2 Sam. 7.18 19 20. Cant. 1 2 3. But to dwell and abide and have ones habitation in it who can expresse it Psal 91 1 2 c. Or be able with the eye of his hart unlesse much streng-thened by the Holy Ghost to veiw it yea even then also it will be veiwed incomprehensible Eph. 1 17 20 and 3 14 19. And yet is this the love contained in this promise III. The flowing and encreasing of this love upon us and the encreasing of strength in us to veiw and enjoy it more and more till wee come to the harvest and fulnesse of it Psal 84 7 11 12. If the first fruites be so sweere what is the harvest if a glimpse overcame Peter that it made him forget wife