8. Heb. 5 9. Rom. 14.2.12 as now he hath come in the flesh and died for our sinnes and is risen for our justification Rom. 1. Heb. 9. and having offered up his own selfe a Sacrifice to God for us is received and exalted at Gods right hand having obtained eternall redemption and so is become the Lord of all the propitation for the sins of the world the Mediator between God and Men Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption and life in him for all And hee all this for and to all that by the heavenly call beleeve on him and for them the Mediator of the new Testament that they may receive the promises being immeasurably filled with the holy Spirit to send forth to men even the rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them and to such as are brought in to him to lead them into all truth having all power and authority to call all the sonnes of men that they might look and live to him to absolve and bring to eternall life all that obey his call and to judge and condemne all that persist refusing and will none of him This Doctrine as it is now declared in the Gospel it is the onely necessary doctrine to be taught known beleeved and walked in and it is a full sufficient and compleat Doctrine or Law and needeth no other doctrine to be added to it either to goe before or follow after or be joyned with it 1 Cor. 2 1-4 Gal. 1.7 8 9. 1. Either to convince the world of sinne or righteousnesse or judgement and to empty a man of himselfe John 16.7 11. Phil. 3 3-8 2. Or to call to Christ and so to repentance and faith and there through to receit of remission of sinnes renewing and life in Christ 2 Thess 2.14 3. Or to encourage beleevers to abide in the faith John 15 1-10 Col. 1 5-23 4. Or to direct and lead Beleevers to sanctification and conformity with Christ in heart and life 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Tit. 2.10.11.12.14 5. Or for Beleevers exercise to preserve and edifie themselves and one another in the faith and love of God in Christ and in the love of one another through all sufferings and services of love till they come to the Inheritance John 15.4 7 8. 1 John 2.24 25. Jude 20. 6. Or to oppose all sins and adversaries and all false Doctrines wayes and hopes withall 2 Cor 6.4 7. and 10.4.5 6. Ephes 6.17 Yea this Doctrine of the Gospell as it now sets forth Christ and life in him is a compleat full and sufficient Doctrine for all this without addition And for better understanding the sufficiency of the Gospell this is to be heeded That the life in Christ the Redemption compleated in his own body for men the redemption in the Declaration thereof tendered to be wrought in men by his Spirit in application of that in himself wrought in such as believe on him ever from the beginning was now is and ever will bee one and the same 1 Iohn 1.4 5 9 12. 1 Iohn 1.1 2 3. Heb 13.8 But the fulnesse and cleernesse of the Doctrinall Declaration and Dispensation as well as of the spirituall communication of Christ and the life in him hath had its diversity of Degrees 1 There was some discovery of this life even of the redemption wrought by Christ in himself for men and the power in him to make it known and tender it to men and give it into believing men even at first And that then declared was Gospell even the same though not so full and cleere as the word of the beginning of Christ now as appears by comparing Gen. 3.15 with Iohn 1.4 1 Iohn 1 1-3 and 3 5-8 2 After some time God was pleased to give a more full discovery of Christ and this life in him in opening to and making with Abraham an everlasting Covenant to assure all the spirituall Seed of this life in Christ and the priviledges thereof by a sure and unalterable Covenant Gen. 17. which was not another but the same Gospell more full come forth and the same that now is though now more open and cleer Gal 3.8 16 28 29. Yet till Christ was actually come God saw it needfull to adde stil something for the nurture and guidance of his people that they might estimate seek and lay hold of Christ and this life in him which still they were apt to sleight and neglect and ready either to extenuate their evils or to magnifie some wisdome and righteousnesse of their own wherefore God gave them a Testament or Law by Moses his servant one part whereof pointing out the righteousnesse due from man to God thereby to discover their sinfulnesse and make them say Amen to the Curse And the other part to type and shadow out Christ that they might in observation therof look and wait for all grace through him that was co come And this Law or Testament was not the everlasting Covenant It was not the Gospell preached to Abraham but a Law added because of transgression till the Seed should come and so long was the teaching and pressing of this Law needfull and usefull as subservient to the Gospell c. Gal. 3.19 to drive to Christ 3 But when the fulnesse of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman c. Gal. 4.1 4. And hee being come in the flesh and having suffered and being in our nature exalted at the right hand of God he hath given a new Testament which is a first fruits of the everlasting Covenant and the blessing of the Gospell for the nurture of his people and so the old Testament decayed and passed 2 Cor. 3.11 Heb. 8.13 Gal. 3.24 25. And thus though it was the same grace and life in Christ yet in respect of this full and cleer dispensation that is now by the Gospel it was hid in God and not so made known as now since Christ came it was to his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit and by them in the Gospel in which the same Spirit still teacheth Eph. 3 2-9 Col. 1.26 1 John 1.2 3 4. And so of the Gospel as now declared is the Affirmation in the Observation to be understood namely That the Doctrine of the Gospel is the onely necessary and full sufficient and compleat Doctrine to be taught known believed and walked in c. And this doth yet further appear in that 1 This Gospell is that Doctrine which God gave Jesus Christ to preach and sent him and filled him with Spirit to preach and he preached it Iohn 12 49 50 and 17.8 18. with Isa 4.2.1 and 61.1 2. Luke 4.18 Mark 1.14 2 This Gospel is that Doctrine which Jesus Christ hath given to his servants to preach and sent them into the world and endued them with spirit to preach and given them in charge to preach it Iohn 17.8 18. and 15.26 27. 1 Iohn 1.1 2 3 7. 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 3 This Gospell is that
at his Fathers right hand and receive and bee filled with the holy Gost in our nature glorified to send forth to the sonnes of men and to fill and lead his people and so to be as in his own place a reprover of the world and an advocate and comforter of his people Himselfe when he was in the world did testifie of it That the works thereof were evill Iohn 7.7 And hee declared himselfe the Bread of life Iohn 6. the Son of God and Doore of the sheep Iohn 10. yea the Way the Truth and the life Iohn 14.6 and did teach his Disciples and keep them and manifest his Fathers Name and Words to them Iohn 17.6 7 8. and hee being in that estate and manner of ministration not long to abide in the world did promise to send them another Advocate and Comforter to bee in his stead with them for ever Ioh. 14.16 and that this holy spirit should beare witnesse of him Iohn 15.26 and convince for reprove the world Iohn 16.8 9 10 11. and guide his Disciples into all truth Iohn 16.13 mind them of his sayings teach them all things Iohn 14.26 c. yet even when while Christ in his own personall body was in the world he told this for truth unto his Disciples Iohn 16.7 It is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you But if I depart I will send him unto you And when he promiseth such portion of Spirit it was at that time said The H. Ghost was not yet given because Jesus Christ was not yet glorified Iohn 7.39 Now in his ascending and offering himselfe in Sacrifice to God for men hee hath prevailed for this also as appears in that is said Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts in the man that is in the humane nature and for men to give gifts to men Eph. 4.8 yea the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them And so where there was a performance-evident and eminent in visible descent divine operation through some to the convincement of many and drawing in many Acts 2. totum It is said This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we are all witnesses therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the H. Ghost he hath shed forth this which yee now see and hear and so the Spirit of the Lord doth rest on him Isai 42.1 and he is annointed with it to preach good tidings c. Isa 61.1 2 3 4. So that as himselfe hath made peace so he hath received Spirit to preach and give peace Eph. 2.14.16.17 As he hath procured meanes to be used to call men so hee hath received Spirit to send forth according to the means to breath and operate secretly therein towards and with men Gen. 6.3 to enlighten every man Iohn 1.9 to manifest the being and goodnesse of God to them Rom. 1.19 to reprove their evils Pro. 1.23 to lead to repentance Rom. 2.4 that they might seek and find God Acts 7.26 and hee opens his words and gives his Spirit to to them Pro. 1.23 And as he hath himself preached the Gospel and confirmed the truth of it with his blood left it with his servants to minister so he hath received and is filled with Spirit immeasurably Ioh. 3.34 to send forth in the ministration thereof to cenvince the world Ioh. 16.8 9. to bring down every high thought 2 Cor. 10.4.5 to discover grace to men that they might believe Ioh. 1.7 and come to Christ Isai 55.5 to purge the consciences of beleevers Heb. 9.14 and witnesse their sonship Rom. 8.16 And as hee hath shed his blood and presented himselfe with the vertue of it in offering himselfe a sacrifice to God for men and so made a purgation of sinnes and wrought salvation and righteousnesse and obtained eternall redemption for men so hee hath received an office and spirit at his Fathers right hand to offer and call men to to the receite of the same Pro. 8.4.7 Esa 45.22 And by the same spirit to apply the same grace sprinkle the vertue of the same Blood and Sacrifice on such as believe to wash cleanse sanctifie and conforme them to himselfe therewith Esa 61 1-5 Ephes 5.25.26 whence they that come to Jesus are said to come to the Blood of sprinkling Heb. 12 24. And to say in a word As himselfe is the gift of God Iohn 4.10 and full of grace and truth Iohn 1.14 and eternall life is in him and given us in him that whosoever hath him hath it 1 Iohn 5.10.11.12 So is he filled with the abundance of spirit to discover and dispence this gift grace truth and eternall life Esa 42 1-8 and 61 1-4 whence also grace mercy and peace are mentioned for the Holy Ghost coming downe from the Father and the Sonne discovering giving to and effecting in believers grace mercy and peace as is seene by comparing Rom. 5.1 5. and 1. Iohn 5.6.7 with Rom. 1.7 1 Cor. 1.3 2 Cor 1.2 Gal. 1.3 Ephes 1.2 Phil. 1.2 Col. 1.2 And so in all the Apostle Pauls salutations to the Churches 2 Pet. 1.2 Rom 4.5 And so and in every respect as a foresaid hath the Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ prevailed with God for men and this set forth in the Gospel for men as a very truth yea to and for such as do not yet believe but are yet impenitent and disobedient that they might believe and repent it being the foundation of and Door to repentance and faith And so of the first consideration of the vertue efficacy and prevalency of the pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ even as it was offered to God and hath prevailed with God for men Now let us consider the efficacie in the three following considerations CHAP. IX 2. Of the vertue operation and effectualnesse of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ As through its prevalency with God grace and mercy is shown and extended to men and how fit and forceable to prevaile with them IT is before shewn that through the prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ with God for men mercy is shewn and meanes is used towards men And that though men are so dead in sinne that they have no power spirit or will to discerne God or come into him by these meanes yet Jesus Christ by his Sacrifice hath prevailed with God and received of him in the humane nature the spirit to send forth in and according to the meanes to discover the grace procured by his Blood and Sacrifice and so to call and draw in men to God as is shewn And of the Prevalency of the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ with men towards God in this Discovery of grace by his spirit is that here to be noted not what humane studdies artificiall knowledge and forced motives effect But what by vertue of the
understanding made uselesse or distracted So that this knowledge or knowing here meant is not such as slaies or makes the other altogether uselesse As for that doting upon naturall or artificiall knowledge the humane wisdome or the wisdome of the Rabbies and Prince of this world by which many so magnifie it as the only or necessary or at least the best mean to find out and discover the things of God It is a grosse and Idolatrous conceit and God hath executed judgment on that Idoll and stained the pride of that glory and so will do still in that the wisdome of God is hidden from them Matth. 11.25 Luke 10.21 and they know it not 1 Cor. 2.7 8 14. And few of them are called to it 1 Cor. 1.26 And those that are have their former wisdome befooled and they abased in the acknowledgment of the vanity of it before they receive the spirituall wisdome 1 Cor. 1.19 20. And the truth is this magnifying of humane wisdome and knowledge is the very enmity of Christ and the very Spirit of Antichrist Mat. 15.4.9 2 Thes 2.4 that moves to the building of Babell to Idolatry or Superstition to be as God in the Temple of God to appoint Doctrines Lawes Officers and to persecute the Truth and the Children of the Truth As for that saying that this naturall and artificiall knowledge this humane learning and wisdome is an Handmaid to Divinity Though this be but the Doctrine of men and no where affirmed in the Word of God yet if it be rightly understood it might by collection appear agreeable thereto for if it should be meant an handmaid or help to find out and attain Divinity that were rather to be a Mother then a handmaid and this is before proved false And if any object in men sanctified it may that is also false Job 11.7 8 9. Prov. 30.2 3 4. He that hath seeing eyes will not be befooled to take a candle to find out the Sun And again if by handmaid should be meant a guide and help to limit order and better the teaching of the Spirit the divine light knowledge and motions of grace that they may be more profitable and effectuall this is rather to be a Mistâ—is then a Handmaid and if suffered in this it would soone corrupt from the simplicity of Christ Prov. 30.22 23. And against this the Apostle hath protested 1 Cor. 2.1 4 5. But if by a handmaid bee meant a handmaid indeed that which is taken of its Throne and submitted to Divinity even to the Divine Spirit and grace of Christ to use as a Servant according to its pleasure and divine wisdome and motion for translating etymologizing and discanting on words for analyzing places comparing places using Similies c. Then if keeping the servants place is usefull as grace leads to the use of it And in this sence I conceive some godly men have used this saying and where it is so used it may be included in this saying Psalm 103. Blesse the Lord O my soule and all that is within me blesse his holy Name 4 But the knowledge or knowing here meant is supernaturall spirituall and divine and that appeares in three things that are together in this knowledge though distinct yet never separate in this knowledge or knowing First that the Giver or Teacher of this knowledge is the holy Spirit even God in Christ and the Spirit proceedin from both Prov. 2.6 For the Lord giveth wisdome and out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding Isa 48.17 I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit Isa 54.13 All my children shall be taught of the Lord Iohn 16.23 When the Spirit of Truth is come he will guide you into all Truth and this is in a heavenly manner as the Scripture shewes 1 By a divine not bodily but spirituall light shine or revelation in unbaring or manifesting to the soul or mind the things of Christ Heb. 10.32 In which after yee were illuminated 2 Cor. 4.6 hath shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God Math 16.17 Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven 1 Cor. 2.10 God hath revealed to us by his Spirit 2. By a divine infusion or inspiration to the heart of a Spirituall streame motion or evidence and perswasion of the truth and goodnesse of that of Christ discovered Isai 44.3 I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Job 32.8 The inspiration of the Almigty giveth them understanding Isai 30.21 Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way Isai 50.4 The Lord hath given mee the tongue of the learned saith Christ that I should know how to speak a word in season Isai 52.6 They shal know in that day that I am he that doe speak behold it is I. 3. By a Divine power or Spirituall strength so as he causeth the blind to see and the deafe to heare Isai 29.18 and openeth the heart to attend Act. 16.14 whence he is called The finger of the Lord c. Mat. 12.28 Such is the Teacher and teaching by which this knowledge is attained Secondly the Object of this knowledge That which the holy spirit teacheth and glorifieth in teaching is Christ and the things of Christ as the verity ends necessity excellency and vertue of Christ and his pretious Blood and Sacrifice the infinitenesse and freenesse of Gods love appearing therethrough and the promises and hope given therein yea Christ the wisdome of God and the power of God and wisdome c. to us 1 Cor. 1.24.30 John 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall take of mine and shall shew unto you John 15.26 he shall testifie of me John 14.26 hee shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you And so 2 Cor. 3.18 4.6 Thirdly the manner of knowing is likewise spirituall and that is both 1. By that new light disposition and spirit he hath put in the heart which is as a new and spiritual eye to see spirituall things which is not by a humane discourse collecting one thing from another judging to know unseen causes from some seen and sensible effects like humane wisdome and the spirit of the world but spirituall discerning in the very light and of the very evidence of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.12.16 so as they may prove the effects sound from their knowledge of the cause 1 John 4.19 So John 1.14 We beheld his glory the glory of the onely begotten of the Father full of grace and truth Psal 36.9 In thy light we shall see light And in this as no mans humane wisdome and learning doth further his discerning so no mans ignorance or want thereof shall hinder Psal 119.130 The entrance of thy word giveth light and giveth understanding to the simple Matth. 11.25 Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast tevealed them unto Babes 1 John 5.20 we
in all that he doth to us in mercy for his Sonns sake his love and goodnesse appeareth therein Psal 136. And his goodnesse is his glory Exod. 33.18.19 and so 1 His love mercy and goodnesse appeareth in this that by Christ and for his sake the earth and the Inhabitants thereof are upheld the Sunn to shine c. continued mercy shewn c. All witnessing his goodnesse and leading to repentance as is foreshewn and so it is said Psal 19. The heavens declare the glory of God c. And thus all his workes prayse him Psal 145.8.9.10 And thus for Christ his sake his love and glorious goodnesse appeares to all in his workes 2 Yet his love mercy and goodnesse did more specially appeare to Israel in giving them his Oracles his Covenant and Ordinances and though but in Promises Prophesies and Tipes of Christ as then yet to come yet his glory appeared therein and such speciall love as it might then be truly said he had not dealt so with any Nation Rom. 3.2 and 9.4 Psal 147.18 3 But now in this giving and setting forth his Sonn who hath come and dyed for our sins and with the vertue of his own Blood entred the heavens and offered himselfe a Sacrifice to God and received Spirit and sending him forth in the word of Salvation which himselfe wrought and first began to preach and so God speaking to him by his Sonn who is the brightnesse of his glory and the expresse Image of his Person Heb. 1.2.3 and 2.3 The wisdome of God and the power of God yea wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption to them that believe 1 Cor. 1-24 30 In which face of Christ the light of the Knowledge of the glory of God yea his face shineth and is beheld 2 Cor. 4 6. and 3.18 Oh the Infinitnesse of the Breadth Depth length and height of this love of God appearing herein Ephes 3.18.19 In which still the Excellency and Dignity of this Sacrifice appeareth 4 In respect of the great hope this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice giveth and engendereth in all that in believing receive the same as 1 Remission of sinns and acceptance into favour and peace Act. 10.43 Rom. 5.1.2 2 Purgation of Conscience and Sanctification of the whole man Heb. 9.14 3 Seasonable victorie over all enemies and Temptations 1 Iohn 5.4.6 Rom. 16.20 1 Thes 5.24 4 The Holy Spirit to teach guide and conforme to Christ and so bring to the Kingd ome and inheritance Iohn 14.26 and 16.13.14 1 Pet. 1.5 5 And to say all in one word eternall life 2 Pet. 1 23. 1 Iohn 2.25 All which shew forth the Excellency and Dignity of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ besides the vertue and power now to be spoke of CHAP. 8. Of the vertue operation and prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ And first As offered to God THE vertue operation and prevalency of the Blood and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ is very great so as that which was prophesied concerning him is and shall certainly be fulfilled Esa 53. When thou shalt make his Soule an offering for sinn He shall see his seed so great a Generation as none of us can declare He shall prolong his dayes live ever and cause his seede to live for ever with him And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands his workes and Judgements acceptable and prosperous He shall see the Travell of his Soule even be the Lord of all and be acknowledged Lord by all By his knowledge shall my righteous Servant justifie many even all that believe on him through his teaching And this is the ground for he shall beare their iniquity therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoyle with the strong he shall have the Kingdome and be the judge and give to each their portion and Doome Because he hath powred out his Soule unto Death c. All which is true in Christ who is the truth And in a measure true too and in all that believe on him and shall one day appeare true to all men 1 Iohn 2.8 Phil. 2 7-11 And that the Truth of the vertue Power and Prevalency of this Pretious Blood and Sacrifice of Christ may be rightly and profitably understood and believed by us let us consider what is said thereof by the Spirit of truth in the Scripture or word of Truth concerning the vertue power and Prevalency of this Pretious and Sacrifice of Christ 1. As it was presented and offered to God 2. As grace is therethrough shewn and tendered to men 3. As it is spiritually applied to and worketh in the hearts of those that through grace believe 4. And as he testifieth and exerciseth the power of it upon them that have persisted in obstinacy and refusing to believe In all which its power and prevalency doth appeare and shall by all men be one day confessed 1. As this pretious Blood and Sacrifice was presented offered to God it hath so verily and mightily prevailed with him that he hath obtained and received of the Father the first next and immediat end of his suffering and Sacrifice and also the Father hath filled and fitted him for the second ultimate and utmost end of his suffering and sacrifice In both which the prevalency and effectualnesse thereof with God for men is evident and manifest let be considered The first next and immediat end of the suffering and Sacrifice of Christ was to work a salvation for mankind with God And that himselfe might be the Lord the Saviour and the Judge John 3.17 Rom. 14.9 1 John 4.14 Psal 2 9. And this first end containeth and may be comprehended in these particulars 1. To put or take away sin even the sinne of the world that was in the way between God and mankind out of the way by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 Joh. 1.19 1 Joh. 3.5 as is fore-shewne That so he that was made sinne and a curse for all might himselfe in the room of all be justified as the publick man with such a full and fruitfull justification that all may be so farie justified in him that whosoever of them are by his grace and Spirit brought in believing to be one in and with him shall also in their own particular persons be justified in with and through him Ephes 2.4 10. Joh. 3.15.16 Acts 10.43 And hath not his Blood and Sacrifice offered to God prevailed with God for and effected all this doth not the Spirit in the Scripture affirm plainly and expresly 1 Joh. 3.5 In him is no sin Heb. 1.3 And that when he had by himselfe purged our sin he sat down on the right hand of c. with Heb 11.12 And doth not God affirm him to be the just 1 John 2.1 and the holy one vers 20 and his righteous servant that by his knowledge shall justifie many Isa 53.11 And saith not the Scripture expresly Rom. 3.23.24.25 All have
the redemption and purgation wrought by Christ hath been visiting enlightning moving at their hearts and striving with them to effect repentance and faith in them and so to bring them to himself and they after the knowledge of the truth refuse resist or depart from it willingly and will none of God none of Christ will not be brought in to him this way to have all their life and confidence in his grace and guidance by it but persist in their wilfull refusall or Apostasie till he leave striving and give them up to their own lusts and Satan This deserveth kindleth such wrath as wil not be appeased and such a fire as will not be quenched Gen. 6 3 Prov. 1.23 24 c. Psal 81.11 Ezek. 24.13 Matth. 23.37 38. Heb. 6.4 5.2 Pet. 2. Jude totū And the execution of this is called The wrath to come Luke 3.7 1 Thes 1.10 fire unquenchable Luke 3.17 Mark 9.48 hell fire Matth. 18.9 Mark 9.47 the second death Rev. 20.14 3 By the greatnesse and inexcuseable folly rebellion and filthinesse of this sinne it being an under-valuing neglect and refusall of so great salvation and redemption first obtained and then first preached by the Lord himselfe yea a denying him that bought them and so a treading under foot the Sonne of God Heb. 2.3 2 Pet. 2.1 Heb. 10.29 a hardening the heart against the mercies and meanes that through the pretious Blood Sacrifice of Christ was procnred for and extended to them to lead them to repentance and so counting the blood of the Covenant an unholy thing Rom. 2.5 Heb. 10.29 a turning from him that speakes from heaven and so resisting and offering despite to the Spirit of grace that strove with them to bring them to God Heb. 12.25 10.29 Act. 7.51 In a word by their preferring darknesse before light when light came John 3.19 exalting their own wisdom workes and choyce and objecting and taking offence at the means Doctrine and Spirit of Grace and turning from it after it hath so farre been extended to them they crucifie again make of no account and efficacy to themselves the Sonne of God and put him to an open shame Heb. 6.6 A great ingratitude and fearfull rebellion against so great and gracious a God and Saviour and Spirit and so reall an offer and tender Psalm 81.11 Great folly and madnesse to refuse so great and reall mercy and salvation and altogether excuselesse they cannot say we fell and were loft in Adam no redemptiō was wrought for us wherby we might have been saved Our Fathers have eaten sowre grapes and the childrens teeth are set on edge Ezek. 18.2 Rom. 5.12 18. for the later part of the plea is false God wil punish it for though they were lost in Adam and could no way redeeme themselves yet in Christ redemption was again wrought for them Nor can they say this mercy was altogether hidd and no meanes used towards them that they might have sought and found him Act. 14.17 and 17.26 nor will this pleasure we had in our selves no will or power to choose lyfe For though it was not in them yet it was in him And his spirit by which he tendred grace wanted not power Mich. 2.7 He doth not looke to gather where he hath not sowne though wicked Servants so say But on his examination they will be dumb Mat. 25.26 and 22.12 Sinnes of ignorance and weaknesse to which through the fall men are necessitated and for which yet there is a remedy though they are directly against the Father and indirectly against the Sonne and holy spirit sinnes against the meanes procured by Christ and extended through him to lead to repentance and faith and so against ordinary light warnings and motions are against the Father and directly against the Sonne yet all manner of these sorts of sinne shall be forgiven unto men but the willfull and rebellious sinning in refusing and opposing the grace it selfe in Christ and evidenced by the spirit after light obstinately refusing to have all life in and guidance by that grace the spirit discovers in Christ But blaspheming the same This sinning is directly against the Father and the Sonne and the Holy Ghost and shall never be forgiven Mat. 12.31 Marke 3.28.29 4 By the evilnesse and remedilesnesse of the state and condition such sinning throwes these men into And that may be seene in two things 1 That whereas they were once dead through Adam and a ransome was given for them by Christ and life procured for them and this set forth in the Gospel and in the meanes tendred to them with some quickning motions of the spirit and hope of life there being no other meanes or Sacrifice They having wilfully cast aside this have rent themselves out of this booke of life renounced this life that was set in hope before them and are become Trees twice dead and pluckt up by the rootes so as there is no more hope for them Jude 12. 2 That whereas when they were fallen in Adam though truth and Justice pleaded for their Death yet mercy was for them and found out a ransome in which truth and justice did meete and joyne with mercy nor their good And though Justice might have risen against them for their strayings in ignorance and unbeliefe yet compassion and mercy had patience and forbearance to waite for them but now by his spirit he hath been striving with them and they will none of Christ but harden themselves against him and oppose and offer wrong and violence to Christ and his word and people even mercy also with Justice and truth is turned against them not that there is any change in God but they have put themselves into such a condition that his mercy becomes crosse to them the light is pleasant to the eye and that it troubles the sore eye the change is in the eye not in the light so Gods love and mercy is the same for ever His delight is in his Sonne and his pleasure in his people made one with his Sonne yea so great that when men harden their hearts against his Sonne the Gospel and spirit of his Sonne and turne to oprresse those that are vessels of mercy The more he loves his Sonne and the dearer his people are to him the more doth his mercy move him to plead their cause and plague their enemies and so he smote Egypt overthrew Pharoh and his Host in the sea smote great and mighty Kings c. For his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136.10.20 Oh heavy when mercy stands against them 5 By the greatnesse of torments and punishments to be executed on such sinners which as the Scriptures sets it forth is very terrible for it is the same that at first was prepared for the Divell and his Angels who sinned freely and without a Tempter or any cause Iude 6. Mat. 25.41 So it appeares that 1 The Death on mankind for the first transgression was an Allenation from God a
know that the Sonne of God is come and hath given us an understanding that wee may know him that is true 2. By a certain inward experience of the beauty excellency and sweet savour of the things known a pleasing delightfull and reviving tast and savour 2 Cor. 2.14 15.16 manifesteth the savour of his knowledge a sweet savour of Christ a savour of life unto life Phil. 3.8 For the excellency of the knowledge of Christ for whom I have suffered the losse of all things and do count them but Dung that I may win Christ 1 Pet. 2.3 If yee have tasted that the Lord is gracious to whom coming c. And this is the knowledge here meant A supernaturall and spirituall knowledge of Christ and the things of Christ taught by the Spirit of Christ with light motion and power giving an understanding to discern and heart to savour the things knowne In which knowledge as there are divers degrees so some are but Babes and Novices in it and so in respect of some others unlearned and unskilfull in it others more skilfull yea some Fathers and very stable And this is the knowledge the Spirit in the Scripture speaketh of when it speaketh of the things of Christ and his Spirit 1 Cor. 2.1 15. 1 Tim. 3.6 Heb. 5.12.13.14 2 Pet. 3.16 which whoso wanteth altogether whomsoever he hath heard preach the Gospel what books soever he hath read and what knowledge soever he hath attained in the Scriptures what degree what office or profession soever he hath yet he hath not seen the image of the Father nor heard his voyce Heb. 1.3 John 1.14 5 37.38 c. And so knoweth not the Father nor the Son nor the things of the Spirit nor such as are born of the Spirit 1 John 3.1 John 15.21 1 Cor. 2.12.14.15.16 And so the knowing here meant is supernaturall spirituall and experimentall bee it little or much more or lesse and so yet wavering or stable CHAP. 13. 3. Of what Faith it is here to be understood and 4. of what remembrance 3. FOr the Faith here meant it is a Divine and Spirituall faith for the better understanding whereof these seaven things may be considered about it 1. The object of it 2. The Mover or Worker of it 3. The nature and act of it 4. The motion in and of it 5. The subject in which it is and immediate instruments in and with which it moveth and worketh 6. The power life or principle in in it 7. The onenesse of it in diversity of the degrees and acts 1. For the object that the eye of this Faith is set on on which it looketh to which it runneth on which it leaneth and resteth This object is Divine and but one even God In the Lord put I my trust Psal 7.1 and 11 1. and 121.1 and 123.1 and 9.10 Cant. 1.4 Yet this object is considerable in a threefold respect viz. 1. In respect of the most inmost and utmost object for refuge foundation and fountain of all help safety and satisfying and that is God himselfe even the divine Nature in his infinite wisdome power mercy love truth c. Psal 42. God our refuge and strength c. Psal 18.2 Rock Fortresse Deliverer c. Psal 27.1 Light and salvation even God Rom. 4.24 that raised up Jesus Christ our Lord from the dead 2 Cor. 1.9.10 which raised the dead who delivered c. and doth deliver c 1 Pet. 1.21 By whom we beleeved 1.5.5 trusteth in God Heb. 2 13. In respect of the inmost and absolute Medium through which this faith discerneth c. commeth to and fasteneth on God and without which there can bee no discerning of or comming in to God or closing with him at all And this inmost and absolute mediate object is Jesus Christ the Sonne of God made Man of the Seed of Abraham and David who is the Saviour of the world and the Head and Husband of the Church Rom. 1.3.4 1 Joh. 4.14 John 4.42 Eph. 5.32 and 1.22.23 Christ saith Iohn 14.6 I am the Way the Truth and the Life no man commeth to the Father but by me Eph. 2.18 Through him we have both an accesse by one Spirit unto the Father Iohn 1.7 that through him all might beleeve 2 Cor. 3.4 Such trust have we through Christ to God-ward Whence also this faith is called Col. 1.4 and 2.5 faith in Christ and Iohn 3.15 believing in him And so Christ Jesus is object of this faith and that 1. In respect of what he hath done for us in dying for our sins and rising for our justification and offering up himselfe a Sacrifice and ransome to God Rom. 4.25 1 Tim. 2.6 2. In respect of what he is through that hee hath done become for us as namely that nee is Eph. 2.14 our Peace 1 Iohn 2.2 the propitiation for our sinnes 1 Cor 1.30 wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Rom. 1.3 our Lord and Saviour 3. In respect also of what through that he hath done and is become for us he now doth in heaven for us and that is Heb. 9.24 appeare in the presence of God for us And Heb. 7.25 ever liveth to make intercession for us And so Heb. 9 14.15 4. In respect of what he will doe in and for all such as through grace beleeving in him accept that he hath done Rom. 5.11 and depend on him according to that he is and doth for that he will do in and for them as namely that he will support and uphold them Isai 43.1 2. and cause all to work together for good to them Rom. 8.28 and send forth his Spirit from the Father to them to beare witnesse of him to and through them Iohn 15.26.27 to mind them of his words and teach them all things Iohn 14.26 to take of the things of Christ and shew to them and so glorifie him to them and thereby comfort them and lead them into all truth Iohn 14.14 16. 16.13.14.15 to make them fruitfull in their ministration Iohn 15.5.16 convincing the world Iohn 16.7 8 9 10. calling in to Christ 2 Cor. 2 14-16 and 3.3 and answering their enemies Matth 10.20 and to sanctifie and preserve them to the inheritance 1 Thess 5.24 And thus is Jesus Christ the next and neerest object and the onely absolute and inmost Medium through which this faith fasteneth upon God or the Divine Nature which is the most inmost and outmost object Thirdly in respect of the Instrument and outward Medium through which Christ and so God in Christ is beheld beleeved and trusted in and this is the word of God that which declareth Christ and Gods love and gracious mind in and through him and so the name or great report and fame of the glory or goodnesse of God in Christ in his love mercy power wisdome c. Whence he is said to have magnified his word above all his name Psal 138 2. and so this faith is called A beleeving the Gospel and receiving
shall one day be brought so farr to the knowledge of the truth that they shall therein be brought to confesse Jesus the Lord to the glory of God 1. Tim. 2.4.6 Esa 45.23 Phil. 2.10.11 But now in this day of grace from the appearance and force of his loving kindnesse in beliefe of his goodnesse to submit to and acknowledge the Lordship and grace of Christ is the motion and string of this faith Hosea 3.5 2 An inward and hearty acceptance and receiving of Christ and this grace of God in Christ for Pardon Peace righteousnesse and life so Iohn 1.12 As many as received him c. Col. 2.6 Received Christ Jesus the Lord Act. 26.18 Receive forgivenesse of sinnes Rom. 5.1 We have Peace c. verse 11. We have received the Attonement verse 17. Receive the Abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousnesse 1 Iohn 5.12 He that hath the Sonne hath life And this accepting and receiving is another motion in this faith 3 An approach accesse in coming or nigh-drawing to Christ and this grace in him and for farther onenesse and enjoyment thereof he also herein building farther upon himselfe Rom. 5.2 By whom also we have accesse by faith into this grace c. Ephes 2.18 Through him we have both accesse by one spirit unto the Father 1 Pet. 2 3 4. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gratious to whom coming as unto a living stone c. And this approaching is another motion in this faith 4 A hearty content and well-pleasednesse takeing in and with Christ and this grace in him which is a feeding thereon Phil. 3.3 And rejoyce in Christ Jesus Col. 3.4 Christ who is our life Psal 16.5.6 I have a goodly heritage Iohn 6.56 57 58.68 69. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me c. And thus doth this faith move in a submission to and acknowledgement of Christ receite of the grace in him approaching to God through him and well-pleasednesse takeing in him our Portion Psal 15.5.9 Such the moveings in and of this faith 5 For the subject in which this faith is the Instrument with which it moveth and worketh in and to all this beholding assenting believing trusting acknowledgement receite approaching content-taking It is the heart the principall the choyce and inmost strength of the minde will and affection even the spirit of all which is usually called the heart in Scripture Rom. 10.9.10 And shalt believe in thine heart for with the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith so that this faith is not in or with the minde or conception onely or with a light affection but in and with the whole heart Act. 8.37 And so it is with 1 The minde and understanding highly prizing Christ and this rich grace in him as the most excellent pretious and choice Pearle and Riches Phil. 3.7.8 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3.10 2 The will resolutely chusing receiving and accepting Christ and this grace in him as that which is most pleasing and welcome Psal 73.24.25 and 119.30.37 3 The affections closing therewith as that which is most desirable and satisfying Psal 16.5 6 7. Cant. 1 2 3 and 2 3 4 5. 4 A springing and reviving apprehension of truth and goodnesse of that believing however fainting before Psal 116.10.12 As old Iacob though before fainting at the newes yet when he believed the report of Iosephs being alive Gen. 45.27.28 His spirit revived he said it is enough my son Ioseph is yet alive c. And as Mary Luke 1.46.47 My soule doth magnifie the Lord and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour and as David Psal 103.1.2 3. Thus is this faith in the heart and with the heart man believeth not only righteousnesse but unto righteousnesse and so with the heart moveth as aforesaid 6. For the strength power and principle in and of this faith It is the divine power and spirit of Christ entring with his motion or infusion effecting and spirituall seed or dispofition in the heart in which the divine power and spirit of Christ that wrought this faith operateth in and with this faith which faith is therefore rightly called Col. 2.12 The faith of the operation of God who hath raised Christ from the Dead and the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead is affirmed to worke in those that by it believe Ephes 1.19.20 And by reason of this spirituall disposition effected in the heart of the Believer it is called The spirit of faith 2 Cor. 4.13 And by this spirit of faith it is that the believer in believing is enabled 1 To behold and discerne the object of faith Christ in his fulnesse and beauty and the rich grace of God in him Iohn 1.14.16.18 Mat. 16.17 1 Cor. 29. 1 Iohn 3.1 2 Moved and overcome in the appearance of this grace to believe 1 Pet. 1.21 Tit. 3 4 5. 3 Enabled to assent to and receive the Testimony 1 Thes 1.5 And to believe and accept the grace it selfe 2 Thes 2.13.14 And to depend on God for all the hope to come Rom. â— 5.10 Gal. 5.5 4 Prevailed with in the motions to the submission to and acknowledgement of Christ 1 Cor. 12.3 To receiving him Iohn 1.12.13 To approaching to God in and by him Ephes 2.18 and to Content-taking in him Col. 3.10.11 5 Hath the new minde spirit and heart effected Ezek. 36.27 1 Iohn 5.20 And the minde and law of Christ written therein 1 Cor. 2.16 2 Cor. 3.3.18 6 The springs fruits and operations of love joy peace c. Rise up Gal. 5.22.23 Diffusing the vertue and operation in all the powers and faculties of he man Mat 13.33 Purifying the heart unto unfained love of the Brethren 1 Pet. 2 22. Rasing up motions and so springing forth in prayer praise confession works of mercy c. 2 Cor. 4.13 And all notions about the Doctrine of faith and Profession of faith where this spirit of faith is wanting is but dead faith Iames 2.17.26 And all workes wrought by humane force not produced by this spirit of faith are but dead workes Heb. 6.1.2 Tim. 3.5 but this spirit of faith is the life of faith and that which makes faith lively in all that is said of it Rom. 8.2.4.14 7 For the one-nesse of this faith in the diversity of the Degrees and Acts of it the Scripture sheweth That there are divers degrees of this true and Divine faith the first Degree is little and small in comparison as a graine of Mustard-seede Mat. 13.31 Luke 17.6 And called little or weake in faith Mat. 6.30 Rom. 14.1 The second Degree is stable stedfast or strong faith abiding in Christ endeavouring temptations and tryalls Col. 1.23 and 2.5.1 Thes 3.7.8 The third degree is effectuall and victorious working faith and overcoming 1 Thes 1.3 1 Iohn 5.4 Though there are diversity of measures or Degrees and Growth therein in each
1 Tim. 2.5 And that in speciall for those that in the heavenly call are prevailed with to believe on him as that besides both the fore-mentioned for all men hee is in speciall manner for them an Advocate 1 Iohn 2.1 Yea even the Mediator of the New Testament that hy his spirituall application of the vertue of his sacrifice they may receive the promised inheritance Ephes 5.25 26. Heb. 9.14 15. Yea he is their King and Teacher and the high Priest of their Profession and to them wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Heb. 3. and 7. and 8. 1 Cor. 1 30. 3 That which by vertue of the sormer he now doth and will do and that both in generall for all men as the extension of his procured patience mercies and means to bring them to the knowledg of the truth Prov 1.23 and 8.4 c. Psalm 75.3 Act 14 17. And such as refuse light when it cometh he will one day bring them to acknowledgment of the truth and then judge them Jsa 45 23. Phil 2.10.11 Rom 2.16 And also in special for those that through the acknowledgment of truth in the day of grace believe on him how he presents them in himself spotlesse before God Col. 1.22 interceding for them Heb 7 25. and will send forth his Spirit to teach comfort and sanctifie uphold lead and preserve them to the Inheritance c. John 14.1 2 3 26. and 15 25 and 16.13 14 15. 1 Pet. 1.4 5. Psalm 138 8. 4 The great and rich love of God through all this discovered Ephes 2.4 5. His generall love of compassion to all men Iohn 3 16.17 Tit 2 11 12. and 3.4 and his peculiar and speciall love of delight to those in the heavenly Call united to Christ Ephes 5 25 26. Psalm 149.1 5. The great terrour and heavy inexcusable condemnation for all that when light comes set light by and will none of Christ to raign over them Hebr. 2 2 and 10 29. Luk 19 27. 2 Cor 5.10 11. And in this enlightning they receive a right judgment concerning God and Christ and Man and sinne and righteoesnesse life and death c Phil 3.3 9. and so it s said we have the mind of Christ 1 Cor 2 16. 3 In receiving this divine testimony and information is received also an encouragement of the grace it self testified in Christ Rom 1.5 as remission of sins c. as fore-shewn and the spirit of adoption with divine power c. Gal 3.2 Rom 8 15. as before 2 The second use is for springing up as in believing-minding these things are received so from this received in the same believing-mindfulnesse of Christ springeth up 1 A high estimate of Christ and the things of Christ and desire of him with a low estimate of ones self and all one 's owne things Phil 3.7 8 9. 2 An inward sorrow for all ones evill thoughts of God and Christ and sins against so gracious and loving a God and Saviour Act 2.37 Zach 12 10. 3 A fervent love of God and Jesus Christ our Lord with peace towards God and joy in God 1 Pet 1 7 8. Rom 5.2 5 11. 4 Love of brethren and compassion towards men 1 Iohn 3.23 4 21. and 5.1 2 Cor 5.14 5 Desires of Gods glory the Churches prosperity and Mens conversion and the coming again of Christ 6 Detestation of evill with love of God and so patience meeknesse c. Gal 5-17 22 23. And these and such like spring up in believing-remembrance of the sacrifice and mediation of Christ according to that Iohn 7.38 3 The third use is for streaming forth for as in believing-remembrance of the sacrifice and mediation of Christ there are such receivings and such springs as fore-shewn so in the same believing-remembrance the springs arising from the receites doe move and stream to flow and vent forth and is called a shewing forth the vertues of him that called c. 1 Pet 2 9. bringing forth good things Matth. 12.35 A working cut the salvation that is a mans own in and with him Phil 2 12 13. which is from the force of the spirit grace and love of Christ received springing up in the inwards fruits of zeale charity c. fore-mentioned streaming and boyling to flow forth in motions and bowels stirring thereto And this according to the channels opened and occasions given Iob. 32 8 18 19 20. 2 Cor 5 14 15 19 20. And grace received 1 John 1 2 3. Act. 4.20 1 To deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts Tit 2.11 12. Gal 2.16 17 21. 2 To oppose false doctrines and wayes Revel 2.2 Gal. 2.11.14 3 To attend the Ordinances of God and seek his face therein Psalm 27.4 and 23.6 To pray to him and give him thanks Psal 116.2 10 13. Recount his favours and sing his praises Psalm 145.1 11. 4 To confesse Christ Jesus the Lord and Saviour in holding forth the word of life exalting Christ and yeelding themselves servants for Christ his sake Rom. 10.10.2 Cor. 4 5 13. Phil. 2.12.16 5 To use equity and mercy to give to every one his due for the Lords sake and to doe good to all especially them of the houshold of faith Rom. 13.10 Tit. 3 1-4.8 Gal. 6.8.9 10. whence for all these the exhortations to beleevers run in such a strain suitable to the law of grace Rom. 12.1.2 Phil. 2.1.2 6. To confesse it their finne wherein soever they have shut up these bowels undervalued the grace beleeved deaded the springs or stopt the streames either by forgerfulnesse or neglect of yeelding to its motions or turning aside to any other motions and seeking pardon and healing of the same in returning to Christ c. 1 John 3.17 1.9 Mat. 26.75 Psal 32.15 7. In some at some time to some miraculous operations in respect of that which is ordinary Mat. 17.20 Luk 17.6 Mar. 16.17.18 And these and such like are the flowings forth of the springs from the grace received in the beleeving-Remembrance of the vertuous Blood Sacrifice and mediation of Christ 4. The fourth use is for Patience for as in believing-Remembrance of the vertuous Blood Sacrifice and mediation of Christ and Gods rich love therein such grace is received such fruits doe spring and such streames flow forth so also it being some time after believing and walking in faith before all that is set in hope be received and in that time many thoughts trials and temptations to be gone through so that there is need of Patience Heb. 10.36 1 Pet 1 6 7. In this believing remembrance of the Sacrifice and mediation of Christ patience is stirred up and effected in exercise and preserved so as from that beheld in received from Christ ariseth a sweet confident expectation and patient abiding and waiting through all Tryals Sufferings and services for his performance of all his righteous Promises in his own season and so for his preserving us to the inheritance and for his owne visible coming again and receiving
Doctrine which the Apostles confessed to have received of Jesus Christ Gal. 1.11 12. 2 Cor. 5 19. 1 Iohn 1.5 To be sent to preach 1 Cor. 1.17 And for the preaching whereof a necessity was laid upon them 1 Cor. 9.16 4. This Gospel is that Doctrine which the Apostles did preach to all men every where Luke 9.6 Acts 2. 3. 4 5. 10. 13. c. and professed themselves to have preached 1 Cor. 15 1-5 and to determine to know no other doctrine 1 Cor. 2.1 4. and have denounced the curse on all that shall preach any other doctrine Gal 1.8.9 5. Yea the fulnesse sufficiency and compleatnesse of this doctrine of the Gospel doth yet further appeare many wayes 1. In the Name of it the Gospel that is a joyfull message of good newes or glad tidings from heaven Isai 52.7 with Rom. 10.15 It is good newes indeed in that it is truth Prov. 8.4.8 from God of peace and good will to men Nahum 1.15 Luke 2.10 for mankind of salvation 1 Tim. 2.4.5 6. which is in Christ Isa 46.9 and shall be given to all that in beleeving come in to him Joh. 3.16 1 John 5.10 11 12. 2. In the Titles of it which are all full of truth the Gospel of God Rom. 15.16 the Gospel of Christ Rom. 1.16 the Gospel of the grace of God Acts 20.24 the Gospel of Salvation Ephes 1.13 the Gospel of the Kingdome Matth. 4.23 the glorious Gospel 2 Cor. 4.4 the everlasting Gospel Rev. 14.6 the Gospel of peace Ephes 6.15 the word of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 of life c. 3. In the sum of it both in the narration and affirmation shewing the Sonne of God to be come and what he became suffered and did for us and what hee is and doth and what hee will do in and for all that beleeve in him as this whole Treatise hath declared 4 In the holy Spirit that is promised to be sent forth in the ministration of this Gospel by which Christ will continue his owne presence with his servants ministring the same John 14.16 17. 15.26 27. 16.7 15. Matth. 28.19 20. 5 The effects of the Spirit in the Gospel forementioned both witnessed to be effected thereby and examples of its efficacies set forth therein as Tit. 3.4 And to conclude all in one word In respect of the Medium or Doctrine the Gospel is the Foundation to be built on Eph. 2.20 1 Cor. 3.10.11 the way to walk in Col. 2.6 2 Joh. 9. and the Schoolmaster to guide and lead in the way Tit. 2.11 12 c. and how full and prevalent this whole treatise hath shewn in particular And as God hath given us foundation so likewise one way Jer. 32.39 and as Jesus Christ is the foundation the way the truth the life and the Prophet and Leader 1 Cor. 3.11 John 14.6 Acts 3.22 26. and his Spirit that by which hee discovereth testifieth draweth to and buildeth on himselfe comforteth sanctifieth teacheth and leadeth his children Iohn 14.26 15.26 16.13 14 15. Rom. 8.2.14 even so the Doctrine of the Gospel is the Medium or instrument through which Christ by his doth all this 2 Cor. 3.18 4.4 6. whence all such as abide in the Doctrine of Christ are affirmed to have both the Father and the Son 2 Iohn 9. Objection But some are ready to object this magnifying the Doctrine of the Gospel makes void the Law and taketh away all use thereof Answer The truth is It establisheth the Law and leadeth to the right usefulness therof which is met with not in law-teaching pressing but in the right teaching the doctrine of the Gospel as may be seen by comparing Rom. 3.21 31. with 1 Tim. 1.5 11. For by the Doctrine of the Gospell setting forth Christ understood and believed the holynesse righteousnesse goodnesse spirituality and perfection of the Law is known and seen not abolished but ratified and fulfilled in and by Jesus Christ the Son of God In that 1. He came and fulfilled all the righteous affections and services to the utmost that it requireth 2 He as the publike man for us suffered the curse it sentenceth it too for all the sins it can charge us with 3 He rose justified and presented himself righteous before God in the behalf of us 4 Hee received spirit to send forth in the Declaration hereof that men might believe on him and in believing on him have him for their righteousnesse before God and be freed from being under the obligation of the Law to be under the obligation of grace to depend on him and so receive spirit from him to conform them to himself so raise up from a better principle The righteous affections and services law called for and gave no strength whereby they might be produced and to give the life law promised and could not give Rom. 3 10-27 and 8.2 3 4. Gal 5.16 18 22 23. and 6.8 as may be seen in that before said in the 6. and 14. Chapters In receit of which grace in the doctrine of the Gospell as the believer is freed from the obligation of the Law so hee enjoyeth the goodnesse thereof in the right ends and uses of it in that 1 They own themselves as in and of themselves the sinners and cursed ones for whom Christ was made sinne and a curse and so are dead to themselves their own strength wisdome and righteousnesse Gal. 5.24 and 2.19 Rom 10.3 4. 2 They see the mercy of God in giving the law for such ends and freeing them from the obligation of it Rom 7 9-25 and 8.2 3. They are in every thought of this Law kept from turning to it again for life of justification sanctification or glory and so occasioned to stick closer still to Christ for all Rom 7 9-25 Phil. 3.7 8. 4 They in remembring any good that law bound them to count themselves much more obliged for the grace of Christ to doe it 1 Cor 8.8 16. Ephes 6 1-4 5 They have the commands as coming from the Gospell not to get life but to testifie and exercise charity 1 Tim. 1.5 6 They can in Christ see all the commands turned into Promises so as in hearkning to him he will effect all in them Psalm 81.8 9. and 138.8 So that the Doctrine of the Gospell containes all that is meet to be taught and doth not abolish but establish the Law Observation 2. 2 That the Doctrine of the Gospell containeth both the Word of the beginning of Christ setting forth what he hath done and received and is for all and hath to bestow on them when they believe And all the everlasting Covenant and new Testament setting forth what he is to and will in due season doe for those that in believing are made one with him Heb 6 1-4 and 8 9 as is shewn throughout this Treatise The first of these is to be preached to all men as the foundation to repentance faith c Heb. 6 1-9 The second is to be opened to Believers for the encouragement of their hope and for their edification c. Obser 3. 3 That the grace of God discovered by the Spirit of Christ in this Gospell and put in the heart of the Believer is through the same Spirit a sufficient Prop and School-master for and to the Believer to witnesse peace to comfort renew teach lead and preserve in wayting for the coming of Christ Tit 2.11 12. Gal 5.5 16 18. Obser 4. 4 That the believing-remembrance of this grace of Christ is the way of Believers drawing frō Christ all receites springs streams of consolation and fruitfulnesse in themselves and for others as is fore-shewn it being the drift of this whole Treatise CHAP. 15. A pointing to some Applicatory usefulnesse 1 IN this fore-discovery of the Gospell setting forth Christ is Ground of Reproof of 1. Those that slander the Gospell of Christ and of the grace of Christ and the doctrine thereof as insufficient to prepare men for Christ or to sanctifie Believers or as if it were Antinomianisme and a doctrine of fleshly liberty 2 Those that confound things that are distinct and make them one and of like large extent which the Gospell distinguisheth setting forth the one as more generall the other as speciall As the Reconciliation wrought by Christ in himself with God for men And the Reconciliation which by Spirit applying the former hee worketh in men to God His mission to make propitiation and offer sacrifice And His mission to preach the Gospell And to His laying down his life to satisfie Justice And To confirme the New Testament And To seale his ministration and testifie love and therein give us example 3 Those that put all receit of eternall life upon the very Act of Christs suffering rising and offering himself a sacrifice to his Father whereas all this did but procure it into his hands to bestow and it is the spirituall application to the heart in which the receite is 4 Those that take faith only for a perswasion raised by consequence and arguments from Scripture and frames or that thinke faith to be nothing else but a believing to be saved by Christ or that one stands spotlesse before God All which follies and mistakes are discovered in this Treatise 2. Here is ground of Admonition and Exhortation to all that through grace believe in Christ diligently and constantly at all times and in all things To heed the Gospels Declaration of Christ and his grace there-through made known And To abide and walk in the acknowledgment and faith thereof And To suffer the grace there-through moving and teaching to have its perfect work in us and to yeeld up thereto And how it will work in us save sanctifie renew comfort and lead us is already shewn The experiment of the truth whereof the Lord fill us with As prayeth The unworthiest of all he hath shewn mercy to Tho. Moore FINIS