Who mind earthly things They pull down their Souls to build up an Estate they are not redeemed by Christ who not from the World 3. Use of Comfort to such as are redeemed You are happy the lot of free grace is fallen upon you you who were once in the Devil's Prison you have broke this Prison you that were once bound in the Chains of Sin God hath begun to beat off your Chains and hath freed you from the Power of Sin and Curse due to it What a Comfort is this And is there any Consolation in Christ it is thine is there any sweet Fruit growing upon the Promise thou maist gather it are there any glorious Priviledges in the Gospel they are thy Joynture Justification Adoption Coronation is there any Glory in Heaven thou shalt shortly drink of that River of Pleasure hast thou any Temporal Comforts these are but a Pledge and Earnest of more Thy Meal in thy Barrel is but a Bait by the way and an Earnest of that Angels Food which God hath prepared for thee How maist thou be comforted in all Worldly Afflictions though the Fig-tree flourish not nay in case of Death Death hath lost its Sting Mors obiit morte Christi Death shall carry thee to thy Redeemer fear not dying not happy but by dying Use ult of Exhortation Long for the time when you shall have a full and perfect Redemption in Heaven an eternal Jubilee when you shall be freed not only from the Power but from the Presence of Sin Here a Believer is as a Prisoner that hath broke Prison but walks with a Fetter on his Leg. When the Banner of Glory shall be displayed over you you shall be as the Angels of God you shall never have a sinful Thought more When no Pain or Grief no aking Head or unbelieving Heart you shall see Christ's Face and lye for ever in his Arms. You shall be as Ioseph Gen. 41.14 They brought him hastily out of the dungeon and he shaved himself and changed his raiment and came in unto Pharaoh Long for that time when you shall put off your Prison-Garments and change your Raiment and put on the Embroidered Garment of Glory O long yet be content to wait for this full and glorious Redemption when you shall be more Happy than you can desire when you shall have that which eye hath not seen nor ear heard nor can it enter into man's heart to conceive Of FAITH Gal. 2.20 The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of GOD. THE Spirit applys to us the Redemption purchased by Christ by working Faith in us Christ is the Glory and Faith in Christ the Comfort of the Gospel Quest. What are the kinds of Faith Resp. Fourfold 1. An Historical or Dogmatical Faith which is the believing the Truths revealed in the Word because of Divine Authority 2. There is a Temporal Faith which lasteth but for a time and vanisheth Matth. 13.21 Yet hath he not root in himself but dureth for a while A Temporary Faith is like Ionah's Gourd which came up in a night and withered Cap. 4.10 3. A Miraculous Faith which was granted to the Apostles to work Miracles for the Confirmation of the Gospel This Iudas had he cast out Devils yet was cast out to the Devil 4. A true justifying Faith which is called A faith of the operation of God Col. 2.12 And is a Jewel hung only upon the Elect. Quest. What is justifying Faith Resp. I shall show 1. What it is not It is not a bear Acknowledgment that Christ is a Saviour indeed there must be an Acknowledgment but that is not sufficient to justifie The Devils acknowledged Christ's Godhead Matth. 8.29 Iesus thou Son of God There may be an Assent to Divine Truths yet no Work of Grace on the Heart many assent in their Judgments that Sin is an evil thing but they go on in Sin their Corruptions are stronger than their Convictions and that Christ is excellent cheapen the Pearl but do not buy 2. What justifying Faith is I answer True justifying Faith consists in three things 1. Self-renunciation Faith is a going out of one's self a Man is taken off from his own bottom he sees he hath no Righteousness of his own to save him Phil. 3.9 Not having my own righteousness Self-righteousness is a broken Reed the Soul dares not lean on Repentance and Faith are both Humbling Graces by Repentance a Man abhors himself by Faith he goes out of himself Is is with a Sinner in the first Act of Believing as with Israel in their Wilderness-march behind them they saw Pharaoh and his Chariots pursuing them before them the Red Sea ready to devour them so the Soul behind sees God's Justice pursuing him for Sin before Hell ready to devour him and in this forlorn Condition he sees nothing in himself to help him but he must perish unless he can find help in another 2. Recumbency The Soul casts itself upon Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Faith rests on Christ's Person Faith believes the Promise but that which Faith rests upon in the Promise is the Person of Christ Therefore the Spouse is said to lean upon her Beloved Cant. 8.5 And Faith is described to be a believing on the Name of the Son of God Ioh. 3.23 viz. On his Person the Promise is but the Cabinet Christ is the Jewel in it Faith embraceth the Promise is but the Dish Christ is the Food in it which Faith feeds on And as Faith rests on Christ's Person so on his Person under this Notion as he was crucified Faith glories in the Cross of Christ Gal. 6.14 To consider Christ as he is crown'd with all manner of Excellencies doth rather stir up Admiration and Wonder but Christ looked upon as Bleeding and Dying is the proper Object of our Faith therefore it is call'd Faith in his blood Rom. 3.25 3. Appropriation or the applying Christ to ourselves A Medicine though it be never so soveraign yet if it be not applyed to the Wound will do no good tho' the Plaister be made of Christ's own Bloud yet it will not heal unless it be applyed by Faith the Bloud of God without Faith in God will not save this applying of Christ is called a receiving of him Joh. 1.12 The hand receiving of Gold enricheth so the hand of Faith receiving Christ's Golden Merits with Salvation enricheth us Quest. How is Faith wrought Resp. By the Blessed Spirit it is called the Spirit of Grace Zec. 12.10 because it is the Spring and Efficient of all Grace Faith is the chief Work which the Spirit of God works in a Man's heart In making the World God did but speak a Word but in working Faith he puts forth his Arm Luke 1.51 The Spirits working Faith is called The exceeding Greatness of God's Power What a Power was put forth in raising Christ from the Grave when such a Tombstone lay upon him the Sins of all
not carnal but sacred Delights As our Employments shall be spiritual it will consist in Adoring and Praising of God so our Enjoyment shall be spiritual it shall consist in the having the Perfection of Holiness in seeing the pure Face of Christ in feeling the Love of God in conversing with Heavenly Spirits these Delights will be more adequate and proper for the Soul and infinitely exceed all carnal voluptuous Delights 2. We shall have a Lively Sence of this glorious Estate A Man in a Lethargy though he be alive yet he is as good as dead because he is not sensible nor doth he take any pleasure in his Life we shall have a quick and lively sence of the infinite Pleasure which ariseth from Enjoyment of God we shall know our selves to be happy we shall reflect with joy upon our Dignity and Felicity we shall taste every Crumb of that Sweetness every Drop of that Pleasure which flows from God We shall be made able to bear a sight of that Glory We could not now bear that Glory it would overwhelm us sensibile fortè destruit sensum as a weak Eye cannot behold the Sun but God will capacitate us for Glory our Souls shall be so heavenly and perfected with holiness that they may be able to enjoy the blessed Vision of God Moses in a Clift of the Rock saw the Glory of God passing by Exod. 33.22 Through that blessed Rock Christ we shall behold the Beatifical sight of God 4. This Enjoyment of God shall be more then a bare Contemplation of him Some of the Learned move the Question Whether the Enjoyment of God shall be only by way of Contemplation Answ. That is something but it is but one half of Heaven there shall be a Loving of God an Acquiescence in him a Tasting his Sweetness not only Inspection but Possession Joh. 17.24 That they may behold my Glory there is Inspection Vers. 22. And the Glory thou hast given me I have given them there 's Possession Glory shall be revealed in us Rom. 8.18 not only revealed to us but in us To behold God's Glory there is Glory revealed to us but to partake of his Glory there is Glory revealed in us As the Spunge sucks in the Wine so we shall suck in Glory 5. There 's no Intermission in this State of Glory We shall not only have God's glorious Presence at certain special Seasons but we shall be continually in his Presence continually under Divine Raptures of Joy There shall not be one Minute in Heaven wherein a glorified Soul may say I do not enjoy Happiness The Streams of Glory are not like the Water of a Conduit often stopped that we cannot have one drop of Water but those heavenly Streams of Joy are continually running O how should we despise this Valley of Tears where we now are for the Mount of Transfiguration How should we long for the full Enjoyment of God in Paradise Had we a sight of that Land of Promise we should need Patience to be content to live here any longer 2. Let this be a Spur to Duty How diligent and zealous should we be in glorifying God that we come at last to enjoy him If Tully Demosthenes Plato who had but the dim Watch-light of Reason to see by and did but fancy an Elizium and Happiness after this Life did take such Herculean Pains to enjoy it O then how should Christians who have the Light of Scripture to see by bestir themselves that they may arrive at the Eternal Fruition of God and Glory If any thing may make us rise off our Bed of Sloth and serve God with all our might it should be this the hope of our full Enjoyment of God for ever What made Paul so active in the Sphere of Religion 1 Cor. 15.10 I laboured 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more abdundantly then they all His Obedience did not move slow as the Sun on the Dial but swift as the Sun in the Firmament Why was he so zealous in glorifying God but that he might at last center and terminate in him 1 Thess. 4.17 Then shall we be ever with the Lord. 3. Use of Consolation Let this comfort the Godly in all the present Miseries they feel Thou complainest Christian thou dost not enjoy thy self Fears disquiet thee Wants perplex thee in the Day thou canst not enjoy Ease in the Night thou canst not enjoy Sleep Thou dost not enjoy the Comforts of thy Life let this revive thee that shortly thou shalt enjoy God and then thou shalt have more then thou canst ask or think Thou shalt have Angels Joy Glory without Intermission and Expiration We shall never enjoy our selves fully till we enjoy God Eternally Of the SCRIPTVRES Quest. II. WHat Rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorifie and enioy him Answ. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament is the only Rule to direct us how we may glorifie and enjoy him 2 Tim. 3.16 All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God c. By Scripture is understood the Sacred Book of God It is given by Divine Inspiration that is the Scripture is not the Contrivance of Man's Brain but of a Divine Original The Image of Diana was had in Veneration by the Ephesians because they did suppose it fell from Iupiter Acts 19.35 This Book then of the Holy Scripture is to be highly reverenced and esteemed because we are sure it came from Heaven 2 Pet. 1.21 The two Testaments are the two Lips by which God hath spoken to us Quest. How doth it appear that the Scriptures have a Jus Divinum a Divine Authority stamped upon them Answ. Because the Old and New Testament are the Foundation of all Religion If their Divinity cannot be proved the Foundation is gone on which we build our Faith I shall therefore endeavour to evince this great Truth That the Scriptures are the very Word of God I wonder whence the Scripture should come if not from God 1. Bad Men could not be the Authors of Scripture would their Minds be imployed in indighting such holy Lines would they declare so fiercely against Sin 2. Good Men could not be the Authors of Scripture Could they write in such a strain or could it stand with their Grace to Counterfeit God's Name and put Thus saith the Lord to a Book of their own devising 3. Nor could any Angel in Heaven be the Author of Scripture Because 1. the Angels pry and search into the Abyss of Gospel Mysteries 1 Pet. 1.12 which implies their nescience of some parts of Scripture and sure they cannot be Authors of that Book which themselves do not fully understand besides 2. what Angel in Heaven durst be so Arrogant as to Personate God and say I create Isa. 65.17 and I the Lord have said it Numb 14.35 So that it is evident The Pedigree of Scripture is Sacred and it could come from none but God himself Not to speak of the
Christians have sat by the Rivers weeping the Word hath dropped as Honey and sweetly revived them A Christians chief Comfort is drawn out of these Wells of Salvation Rom. 15.4 That we through Comfort of the Scriptures might have hope When a poor Soul hath been ready to faint he hath had nothing to Comfort him but a Scripture Cordial When he hath been sick the Word hath revived him 2 Cor. 4.17 Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory When he hath been deserted the Word hath drop'd in the golden Oil of Joy into his Heart Cant. 3.31 The Lord will not cast off for ever He may change his Providence not his Purpose he may have the Look of an Enemy but the Heart of a Father Thus the Word hath a Power in it to comfort the heart Psal. 119.50 This is my comfort in my affliction for thy Word hath quickned me As the Spirits are conveyed through the Arteries of the Body So Divine Comforts are conveyed through the Promises of the Word Now the Scriptures having such an exhilarating Heart-comforting Power in them it shows clearly that they are of God and it is he that hath put this Milk of Consolation into these Breasts 7. The great Miracles wherewith the Lord hath confirmed Scripture Miracles were used by Moses Elijah Christ and continued many years after by the Apostles to confirm the verity of the Holy Scriptures As Props are set under weak Vines so these Miracles were set under the weak Faith of Men that if they would not believe the Writings of the Word yet they might believe the Miracles We read of God's dividing the Waters making a Cawsey in the Sea for his People to go over the Iron swimming the Oil increasing by pouring out Christ's making Wine of Water his curing the Blind and raising the Dead Thus God hath set Seal to the Truth and Divinity of Scripture by Miracles Object The Papists indeed cannot deny but that the Scripture is Divine and Sacred but they affirm that quoad nos with respect to us it receives its Divine Authority from the Church and they bring that Scripture 1 Tim. 3.15 where the Church is said to be the Ground and Pillar of Truth Answ. It is true the Church is the Pillar of Truth but it doth not therefore follow that the Scripture hath its Authority from the Church The King's Proclamation is fixed on the Pillar the Pillar holds it out that all may read but the Proclamation doth not receive its Authority from the Pillar but from the King So the Church holds forth the Scriptures but they do not receive their Authority from the Church but from God If the Word of God should be Divine because the Church holds it forth then it will follow that our Faith is to be built upon the Church and not upon the Word contrary to that Eph. 2.20 Built upon the Foundation that is the Doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets Quest. Are all the Books in the Bible of the same Divine Authority Answ. Those which we call Canonical Quest. Why are the Scriptures called Canonical Answ. Because the Word is a Rule of Faith a Canon to direct our Lives The Word is the Judge of Controversies the Rock of Infallibility that only is to be received for Truth which is consonant to and agrees with Scripture as the Transcript with the Original All Maximes in Divinity are to be brought to the Touchstone of Scripture as all Measures are brought to the Standard Quest. Are the Scriptures a compleat Rule Answ. The Scripture is a full and perfect Canon containing in it all things necessary to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 Thou hast from a Child known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise to salvation It shews the credenda what we are to believe and agenda what we are to practise It gives us an exact Model of Religion and perfectly Instructs us in the deep Things of God The Papists therefore make themselves guilty who go to seek out Scripture with their Traditions which they equalize it The Council of Trent saith That the Traditions of the Church of Rome are to be received pari pietatis affectu with the same Devotion that Scripture is to be received with So bring themselves under that Curse Rev. 22.18 If any Man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book Quest. What is the main Scope and End of Scripture Answ. To Chalk out a Way to Salvation It makes a clear Discovery of Christ. Iohn 20.31 These things are written that ye might believe that Iesus is the Christ and that believing ye might have Life through his Name The Design of the Word is to be an Examen whereby our Grace is to be tried a Sea-mark to show us what Rocks we are to avoid The Word is to sublimate and quicken our Affections it is to be our Directory and Consolatory it is to waft us over to the Land of Promise Quest. Who shall have the Power of interpreting Scriptures The Papists do assert that it is in the Power of the Church If you ask who they mean by the Church They say the Pope who is Head of it and he is Infallible so Bellarmine But that Assertion is false because many of the Popes have been ignorant and vitious as Platina affirms who writes of the Lives of the Popes Pope Liberius was an Arian and Pope Iohn XXII denied the Immortality of the Soul therefore Popes are no fit Interpreters of Scripture Who then Ans. The Scripture is to be its own Interpreter or rather the Spirit speaking in it nothing can cut the Diamond but the Diamond nothing can interpret Scripture but Scripture the Sun best discovers its self by its own Beams the Scripture interprets itself in easie places to the Understanding But the Question is concerning hard places of Scripture where the weak Christian is ready to wade beyond his depth who shall interpret here Resp. In the Church God hath appointed Ordo docentium discentium some to Expound and Interpret Scripture therefore he hath given Gifts to Men the several Pastors of Churches like bright Constellations give light to dark Scriptures Mal. 2.7 The priests lips should preserve knowledge and they should seek the law at his mouth Quest. But this is to pin our Faith upon Men Resp. We are to receive nothing for currant but what is agreeable to the Word as God hath given to his Ministers Gifts for the interpreting obscure places so he hath given to his People so much of the Spirit of Discerning that they can tell at least in things necessary to Salvation what is consonant to Scripture and what is not 1 Cor. 12.10 To one is given a spirit of prophesie to another discerning of spirits God hath endued his People with such a measure of Wisdom and Discretion that they can discern between Truth and
a saying of Luther Quos Deus vult perdere c. whom God intends to destroy he gives them leave to play with Scripturre Use 3. of Exhortation If the Scripture be of Divine Inspiration then be exhorted 1. to study the Scripture it is a Copy of God's Will be Scripture Men Bible Christians I adore the fulness of Scripture saith Tertullian In the Book of God are scattered many Truths as so many Pearls Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures Search as for a Vein of Silver This blessed Book will fill your Head with Knowledge and your Heart with Grace God wrote the two Tables with his own Fingers and if God took pains to write well may we take pains â—o read Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures Acts 18.24 The Word is our Magna Charta for Heaven shall we be ignorant of our Charter Col. 3.16 Let the word of God dwell in you richly The Memory must be a Table-Book where the Word is written To make us read the Word consider 1. There is Majesty sparkling in every Line of Scripture Take but one Instance Isa. 63.1 Who is this that cometh from Edom with died garments from Bozrah this that is glorious in his apparel travelling in the greatness of his strength I that speak in righteousness mighty to save Behold here a lofty magnificent stile what Angel could speak after this manner Iunius was converted by reading one Verse of Iohn he beheld a Majesty in it beyond all Humane Rhetorick 2. There is Melody in Scripture This is that blessed Harp which drives away sadness of Spirit Hear the sounding of this Harp a little 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Iesus Christ came into the World to save sinners he took not only our Flesh upon him but our Sins And Matth. 11.28 Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest How sweetly doth this Harp of Scripture sound what heavenly Musick doth it make in the Ears of a distressed sinner especially when the Finger of God's Spirit toucheth upon this Instrument 3. There is Divinity in Scripture It contains the Marrow and Quintessence of Religion The Scripture is a Rock of Diamonds a Mystery of Piety the Lips of Scripture have Grace poured into them The Scripture speaks of Faith Self-denial and all the Graces which as a Chain of Pearl adore a Christian. The Scripture excites to Holiness it treats of another World it gives a prospect of Eternity Oh then search the Scriptures Make the Word familiar to you Had I the Tongue of Angels I could not sufficiently set forth the Excellency of Scripture It is a spiritual Optick Glass in which we behold God's Glory it is the Tree of Life the Oracle of Wisdom the Rule of Manners the heavenly Seed of which the New Creature is formed Iames 1.18 The two Testaments saith Austin are the two Breasts which every Christian must suck that he may get spiritual Nourishment The Leaves of the Tree of Life were for Healing Rev. 22.2 so these Holy Leaves of Scripture like those Leaves are for the healing of our Souls The Scripture is profitable for all things If we are deserted here is the spiced Wine that cheers the heavy heart If we are pursued by Satan here is the Sword of the Spirit to resist him If we are diseased with Sins leprosy here are the Waters of the Sanctuary both to Cleanse and Cure Oh then search the Scriptures There is no danger in tasting this Tree of Knowledge There was a Penalty laid at first that we might not taste of the Tree of Knowledge Gen. 3.17 In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die But there is no danger of plucking this Tree of Holy Scripture if we do not eat of this Tree of Knowledge we shall surely die Oh then read the Scriptures Time may come when the Scriptures may be kept from us Quest. How should we so search the Scriptures as to find Life Answ. 1. Read the Bible with Reverence think every Line you read God is speaking to you The Ark wherein the Law was put was over-laid with pure Gold and was carried on Barrs that the Levites might not touch it Exod. 25.14 And why was this but to breed in the People Reverence to the Law 2. Read with Seriousness 'T is Matter of Life and Death By this Word you must be tried Conscience and Scripture are the Jury God will proceed by in Judging of you 3. Read the Word with Affection Get your Hearts quickned with the Word go to it to fetch fire Luke 24.31 Did not our hearts burn within us Labour that the Word may not only be a Lamp to direct but a Fire to warm Read the Scripture not only as an History but as a Love-Letter sent to you from God which may affect your Hearts 4. Pray that the same Spirit that wrote the Word may assist you in the reading of it that God's Spirit would show you the wonderful Things of his Law Go near saith God to Philip joyn thy self to this Chariot Acts 8.29 So when God's Spirit joyns himself with this Chariot of the Word then it becomes effectual 2. Be exhorted to prize the Word written Iob 23.12 David valued the Word more precious than Gold What would the Martyrs have given for a Leaf of the Bible The Word is the Field where Christ the Pearl of price is hid In this Sacred Mine we dig not for a Wedge of Gold but a Weight of Glory 1. The Scripture is a Sacred Collyrium or Eye-salve to illuminate us Prov. 6.23 The Commandment is a Lamp and the Law is Light 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clem Alexandrinus The Scripture is the Card and Compass by which we Sail to the New Ierusalem 2. The Scripture is a Soveraign Cordial in all Distresses What are the Promises but the Water of Life to renew fainting Spirits Is it sin troubles there is a Scripture Cordial Psal. 65.3 Iniquities prevail against me as for our Transgressions thou shalt purge them away or as it is in Hebrew Te eapperem Thou shalt cover them Is it outward Affliction disquiets there is a Scripture Cordial Psal. 91.15 I will be with him in trouble not only to behold but to uphold Thus as in the Ark was laid up Manna Promises are laid up as Manna in the Ark of Scripture 3. The Scripture will make us wise Wisdom is above Troubles Psal. 119.104 By thy Precepts I get understanding What made Eve so desire the Tree of Knowledge Gen. 3.6 It was a Tree to make one wise The Scriptures teach a Man to know himself they discover Satan's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 snares and stratagems 2 Cor. 2.11 They make one wise to Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 O then highly prize the Scriptures I read of Queen Elizabeth at her Coronation she received the Bible presented to her with both her Hands and kissing it laid it to her Breast saying That that Book
Job 15.14 God can do it Out of an unholy Heart he can produce Grace O! make David's Prayer Psal. 51.10 Create in me a clean heart O God Lay thy Heart before the Lord and say Lord my unsanctified Heart pollutes all it toucheth I am not fit to live with such an Heart for I cannot honour thee nor to die with such an Heart for I cannot see thee O create in me a clean heart Lord consecrate my heart and make it thy Temple and thy Praises shall be sung there for ever Use 3. of Thankfulness Hath God brought a clean thing out of an unclean hath he sanctified you wear this Jewel of Sanctification with thankfulness Col. 1.12 Giving thanks to the Father 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who hath made us meet for the Inheritance c. Christian Thou could'st defile thy self but not sanctifie thy self But God hath done it he hath not only chain'd up sin but chang'd thy Nature and made thee as a King's Daughter all glorious within He hath put upon thee the Breast-place of Holiness which though it may be shot at can never be shot thorow Are there any here that are sanctified God hath done more for you then millions They may be illuminated but not sanctified He hath done more for you then if he had made you the Sons of Princes and caused you to ride upon the high places of the Earth Are you sanctified Heaven is begun in you Happiness is nothing but the quintissence of Holiness O how thankful should you be to God Do as that blind Man in the Gospel after he had received his sight He followed Christ glorifying God Luke 18.43 Make Heaven ring of God's Praises Of ASSVRANCE Quest. WHat are the Benefits flow from Sanctification Resp. Assurance of God's Love Peace of Conscience Ioy in the Holy Ghost Encrease of Grace and Perseverance therein to the end 1. Benefit flowing from Sanctification is assurance of God's Love 2 Pet. 1.10 Give Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure Sanctification is the Seed Assurance is the Flower which grows out of it Assurance is a consequent of Sanctification the Saints of old had it 1 Iohn 2.3 We know that we know him 2 Tim. 1.12 I know whom I have believed here was Sensus Fidei the reflex act of Faith and Gal. 2.20 Christ hath loved me Here was Faith flourishing into Assurance Aecolampadias when he was Sick pointed to his Heart Hic sat Lucis Here I have Light enough meaning Comfort and Assurance Quest. 1. Have all Sanctified Persons Assurance Resp. They have a right to it and I do incline to believe that all have it in some degree before their last expiring though their Comfort may be so strong and their Vital Spirits so weak that they cannot express what they feel But I dare not positively affirm that all have Assurance in the first moment of their Sanctification A Letter may be written when it is not Sealed so Grace may be written in the heart yet the Spirit may not set the Seal of Assurance to it God is a free Agent and may give or suspend Assurance pro libito as he please Where there is the Sanctifying work of the Spirit he may withhold the Sealing work partly to keep the Soul Humble partly to punish our careless walking We neglect our Spiritual watch grow remiss in duty and then walk under a Cloud We quench the Graces of the Spirit and God withholds the Comforts and partly to put a difference between Earth and Heaven This I the rather speak to bear up the Hearts of Gods People who are dejected because they have not Assurance You may have the Water of the Spirit poured on you in Sanctification though not the Oyl of Gladness in Assurance there may be Faith of Adherence and not of Evidence there may be Life in the Root when there is no Fruit in the Branches to be seen so Faith in the Heart when no Fruit of Assurance Quest 2. What is Assurance Resp. It is not Vocal any audible Voice or brought to us by the help of an Angel or Revelation Assurance consists of a Practical Sylogism where the Word of God makes the major Conscience the minor the Spirit of God the Conclusion The Word saith He that fears and loves God is loved of God there is the major Proposition then Conscience makes the minor but I fear and love God then the Spirit makes the Conclusion therefore thou art loved of God And this is that which the Apostle calls The Witnessing of the Spirit with our Spirits that we are his Children Rom. 8.16 Quest. 3. Whether hath a Sanctified Soul such an Assurance as excludes all doubting Resp. He hath that which bears up his Heart from sinking he hath such an Earnest of the Spirit that he would not part with for the Richest Prize but his Assurance though it be infallible it is not perfect There will be sometimes a Trepidation or Trembling he is safe yet not without fears and doubts as a Ship lies safe at Anchor yet may be a little shaken by the Wind. If a Christian had no Doubtings there should be no unbelief in him had he no Doubtings there would be no difference between Grace Militant and Triumphant Had not David his Ebbings sometimes as well as his Flowings like the Mariner who sometimes cries out Stellam Video I see a Star sometimes the Star is out of Sight Sometimes we hear David say Thy Loving Kindness is before mine Eyes Psal. 26.3 But at another time he was at a loss Psal. 89.49 Lord where are thy former Loving Kindnesses And there may fall out an Eclipse in a Christians Assurance to put him upon longing after Heaven Then there shall not be the least doubting then the Banner of Gods Love shall be always display'd upon the Soul then the light of God's Face shall be without Clouds and have no Sun-setting then the Saints shall have an uninterrupted Assurance and be ever with the Lord. Quest. 4. What are the differences between true Assurance and Presumption Resp. 1. They differ in the method or manner of working Divine Assurance flows from Humiliation for Sin I speak not of the measure of Humiliation but the Truth There are in Palermo Reeds growing in which there is a Sugred Juice A Soul humbled for Sin is the Bruised Reed in which grows this sweet Assurance God's Spirit is a Spirit of Bondage before it be a Spirit of Adoption but Presumption ariseth without any humbling work of the Spirit How camest thou by thy Venison so soon The Plow goes before the Seed be sown the Heart must be plowed up by Humiliation and Repentance before God sows the Seed of Assurance 2. He who hath a real Assurance will take heed of that which will weaken and darken his Assurance he is fearful of the Forbidden Fruit he knows though he cannot sin away his Soul yet he may sin away his Assurance But he who hath the Ignis Fatuus of
Resp. Seek to God for it It is his Promise to give an Heart of Flesh Ezek. 36. and to pour on us a Spirit of Mourning Zech. 12.10 Beg God's Holy Spirit Psal. 147.18 He causeth his Wind to blow and the Waters flow When the Wind of God's Spirit blows upon us then the Waters of Repentant Tears will flow from us III. The Third way to escape the Wrath and Curse of God and obtain the Benefit of Redemption by Christ is The diligent Vse of Ordinances In particular the Word Sacraments and Prayer 1. I begin with the First of these Ordinances I. The Word 1 Thess. 2.13 which effectually worketh in you that believe Quest. 1. What is meant by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Words working effectually Resp. The Word of God is said to work effectually when it hath that good effect upon us for which it was appointed of God namely when the Word works powerful Illumination and thorough Reformation Acts 26.18 To open their Eyes and turn them from the power of Satan to God The opening their Eyes denotes Illumination And turning them from Satan to God denotes Reformation Quest. 2. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to Salvation This Question consists of Two Branches 1. How may the Word be read Effectually 2. How may it be heard Effectually 1. I shall begin with the First Branch of the Question How is the Word to be read that it may be effectual to our Salvation Answ. That we may so read the Word that it may conduce effectually to our Salvation 1. Let us have a Reverend Esteem of every part of Canonical Scripture Psal. 19.10 More are they to be desired than Gold Value this Book of God above all other Books It is a Golden Epistle endited by the Holy Ghost sent to us from Heaven more particularly to raise our Esteem 1. The Scripture is a Spiritual Glass to dress our Souls by it shows us more than we can see by the Light of a Natural Conscience that may discover gross Sins but the Glass of the Word shâ—ws us Heart-Sins Vain Thoughts Unbelief c. And it not only shows us our Spots but washeth them away 2. The Scripture is a Sacred Magazine out of which we may fetch our Spiritual Artillery to fight against Satan When the Devil tempted our Saviour he fetch'd Armour and Weapons from Scripture It is written Matth. 4.4 7. 3. The Holy Scripture is a Panacea or Universal Medicine for the Soul it gives a Receipt to cure Deadness of Heart Psal. 119.50 Pride 1 Pet. 5.5 Infideliâ—y Iohn 3.36 It is a Physick-Garden where we may gather any Herb or Antidote to expell the Poyson of sin The Leaves of Scripture like the Leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of the Nations Rev. 22.2 And may not this cause a reverend Esteem of the Word 2. If we would have the Word written effectual to our Souls let us peruse it with Intenseness of Mind Iohn 5.39 Search the Scriptures The Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to search as for a Vein of Silver The Bereans Acts 17. searched the 〈…〉 daily The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to make a curious and critical Search And 〈◊〉 was mighty in the Scriptures Acts 18.24 Some gallop over a Chapter 〈…〉 and get no good by it If we would have the Word effectual and saving we must mind and observe every Passage of Scripture And that we may be diâ—igent in the perusal of Scripture Consider First The Word written is Norma Cultus the Rule and Platform by which we are to square our Lives it contains in it all things needful to Salvation Psal. 19.7 What Duties we are to do what Sins we are to avoid God gave Moses a Pattern how he would have the Tabernacle made and he was to go exactly according to the Pattern Exod. 25.9 The Word is the Pattern God hath given us in Writing for modelling our Lives therefore how careful should we be in the pursuing and looking over this Pattern Secondly The Written Word as it is our Pattern so it will be our Iudge Iohn 12.48 The Word that I have spoken the same shall judge him at the last Day We read of the opening of the Books Rev. 20.12 This is one Book God will open the Book of Scripture and will judge Men out of it He will say Have you lived according to the Rule of this Word The Word hath a double Work to Teach and to Iudge 3. If we would have the Word written effectual we must bring Faith to the reading of it Believe it to be the Word of the Eternal Iehovah The Word written comes with Authority it shews its Commission from Heaven Thus saith the Lord It is of Divine Inspiration 2 Tim. 3.16 The Oracles of Scripture must be surer to us than a Voice from Heaven 1 Pet. 1.18 Unbelief enervates the Vertue of Scripture and renders it ineffectual First Men question the Truth of the Scripture and then fall away from it 4. If we would have the Word written effectual to Salvation we must delight in it as our Spiritual Cordial Ier. 15.16 Thy Words were found and I did eat them and they were the joy and rejoycing of my Heart All true solid Comfort is fetch'd out of the Word The Word as Chrysostom saith is a Spiritual Garden and the Promises are the Fragrant Flowers or Spices in this Garden How should we delight to walk among these Beds of Spices Is it not a Comfort in all dubious perplext Cases to have a Counsellor to advise us Psal. 119.24 Thy Testimonies are my Counsellors Is it not a Comfort to find our Evidences for Heaven and where should we find them but in the Word 1 Thess. 1.4 5. The Word written is a Sovereign Elixir or Comfort in an hour of Distress Psal. 119.50 This is my Comfort in Afflictions for thy Word hath quickned me It can turn all our Water into Wine How should we take a great Complacency and Delight in the Word They only who come to the Word with Delight go from it with Success 5. If we would have the Scripture effectual and saving we must be sure when we have read the Word to hide it in our Hearts Psal. 119.11 Thy Word have I hid in my Heart The Word locked up in the Heart is a Preservative against sin Why did David hide the Word in his Heart In the next Words That I might not sin against thee As one would carry an Antidote about him when he comes near a place infected so David carried the Word in his Heart as a Sacred Antidote to preserve him from the Infection of Sin When the Sap is hid in the Root it makes the Branches fruitful When the Seed is hid in the Ground then the Corn springs up So when the Word is hid in the Heart then it brings forth good Fruit. 6. If we would have the Word written effectual let us labour