if they were not accepted in and for Christ. Nothing can be acceptable to infinite Purity but what is pure Habbak 1.13 Thou art of purer Eyes than to behold Evil and canst not look on Iniquity We should not have one good look from God were it not for Christ. To salve this Attribute was Jesus Christ sent into the World We think that Christ was only sent to satisfy Justice God hateth Sin out of Holiness punisheth it out of Justice and executeth that Punishment by his Majesty and Power so that we dread God for his Wrath Power and Justice but all these are awakened by his Holiness there is the Root of all So that consideration of God's Holiness maketh us to prize Christ. Alas what should vile Creatures do before an Holy God out of Christ 3. It is God's principal Glory Exod. 15.11 Thou art glorious in Holiness God is mighty in Power rich in Grace glorious in Holiness It is good to mark the distinctness of Expression in all the Attributes God that he might shew us how much we should prize Grace would be glorious in nothing so much as in Holiness This is Seraphical Divinity the Angels would teach us no other Divinity and Notions of God but Holy holy holy Lord God of Hosts Isa. 6.3 this is most pleasing to God profitable to Men. Christ taught us to pray first of all Hallowed by thy Name This should be the chiefest thing that we should think of in our Addresses to God So when the Angel Gabriel came to give notice of Christ Luke 1.35 That Holy Thing that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Priùs sanctum quà m Dei Filium nominavit saith one of the Fathers You cannot call God nor Christ by a better Title it is his darling Attribute So the Saints in Heaven Rev. 4.8 They rest not day and night saying Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty it is nine times in Plantius's Edition as if they were delighted with the mention of it they take a sweet content in the Work Holy Father Holy Son Holy Spirit In Heaven they bless and praise God praise him for his Excellencies bless him for his Benefits We praise him for his Holiness we bless him for his Mercy in Christ this will be our Employment in Heaven Psal. 99.5 Exalt ye the Lord our God and worship at his Footstool for he is Holy God counteth it his chiefest Glory that he might teach the Creature that Moral Perfections are to be preferred before Natural it is better to be Wise than Strong to be Holy than Wise. III. Why especially must we thus look upon him when we deal with him for Grace and Sanctification 1. Because it is a Relief to Faith when we represent God to our selves as the Fountain of Holiness He is the Holy One of Israel and Christ calls him Holy Father Jude 1. To them that are sanctified by God the Father There is enough in God when we come for Pardon he is rich in Mercy when we come for Holiness he is glorious in Holiness he is the God of Grace you may have enough if you be not wanting to your selves Men are willing to spare out of their Fulness the Holy God is as able as willing to sanctify you it is a Work that he delighteth in Joab interceded for Absalom when he perceived the King's Heart was towards Absalom 2 Sam. 14.1 2. It may be a means to enlarge your Spiritual Desires You are to be holy as he is holy 1 Pet. 1.15 The Children if they be of the right Stock they should have some Resemblance of their Father Now you ask Holiness of God that you may be as God in some degree of Conformity tho not in exact Equality Assequi non possuâ—â—â— saltem nanquam sequi desinamus we cannot overtake God but we should never cease to follow him We have an high Patern that we might not be content with any low measures of Grace When you are asking it is good to be thinking of your Patern that you may inlarge your Spiritual Desires Lord wash me throughly Lord make me holy as thou art holy I forget the things that are behind it is nothing that I have already Vse 1. Information It informeth us 1. How greatly they sin that deride Men for their Holiness which is the express Image of the glorious God God is glorious in Holiness therefore they that despise Holiness they despise God himself Holy Brethren should no more be a Disgrace than Holy Father That is your Scorn which is the Divine Glory one of the chiefest Excellencies in the Godhead You hate God more than you do the Saints Holiness in them shineth with a faint Lustre 2. How much we should prize Holiness It is the Glory of God and the Glory of holy Angels the Devils also excel in Strength and the Glory of the Saints Ephes. 5.27 That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having Spot or Wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without Blemish This is the Glory of the Church the Church that are are a distinct People from all the World should have a distinct Excellency Other Societies are made glorious by their Policy their Pomp their Trade the Church is a Society for Holiness and therefore it is called The fairest among Women the best of all Societies though it hath little of worldly Pomp and Splendor Psalm 93. ult Holiness becometh thy House O Lord for ever Some Ordinances became God's House for a time Ceremonies and Sprinklings and the Vail and the covering of Badgers Skins c. but Holiness is a standing Ordinance So private Christians are changed from Glory to Glory 2. Cor. 3.18 it is from Grace to Grace for the Apostle speaketh of our being changed into the Likeness of Christ. The World counteth Purity and Strictness a base thing Religio ignobilem facit but the Word is quit with the World and calls a wicked Man a vile Person Psal. 15.4 and the basest of Men Dan. 4.17 Vse 2. It presseth us to draw nigh to God as unto an Holy Father Worship must always be proportioned to the Object of it Conformity maketh way for Communion John 4.24 God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth As he is a God of Peace he will not be worshipped with wrathful Affections 1 Tim. 2.8 I will that Men pray every where lifting up holy Hands without Wrath and Doubting A living God must have a lively Service so a holy God should have a holy Worship this doth make us fit to enjoy God in the way of a sweet and gracious Communion 1. We must be in an holy State If we be accepted by God we must be like him holy as he is holy Partakers of a Divine Nature The Majesty and Glory of God we are not capable of God would not have us to imitate his Power and Majesty but his Holiness We enjoy him
I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ All is nothing to this 3. It weaneth the heart from outward observances and bodily exercises to solid Godliness or looking after the life and power of them The Ordinances of the Law though of God's own Institution are called Carnal Heb. 7.16 Not after the law of a carnal commandment the Worship of the Gospel Spirit and Truth John 4.23 24. The hour is coming and now is when the true Worshippers shall Worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth for the Father seeketh such to Worship him God is a Spirit and they that Worship him must Worship him in Spirit and in Truth The more true knowledge of the Gospel the more of this As the Apostle distinguisheth the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. 3.2 3. and the Apostle speaketh of the Jew Rom. 2.28 29. For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flesh but he is a Jew which is one inwardly and Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit and not in the letter whose praise is not of men but of God So it is with better reason true of the Christian the Worship of the Gospel consisting little of Externals but being Rational Spiritual Worship 1 Pet. 3.21 The like figure whereunto even Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Col. 2.6 As ye have received the Lord Jesus Christ so walk ye in him We receive his Spirit That is a sorry zeal and hath little of a Christian Spirit that runneth altogether upon outward things Christianity first degenerated by this means and the life and power of it was extinguished when it began to run out altogether in Form and men out of a natural Devotion grew excessive that way A Christian in obedience to God is to use his instituted Externals but his Heart is upon the Spirit and Soul of Duties Multiplying Rites and Ceremonies has eat out the life and heart of Religion The more spiritual and substantial Worship is the better if there be humble and affectionate reverence a ready subjection and submission to him flowing from grace engaging the heart to God and animated by the influence and breathing of his Spirit SERMON XXXII 2 Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new THis is an inference out of the former Doctrine Two things the Apostle had said Henceforth we no more live to our selves verse 15th And Henceforth know we him no more verse 16th There is a change wrought in us a change of life and a change of Judgment a new Life because there is a new Judgment Now in the Text he sheweth a reason why he changed his Judgment and Life and lived and judged otherwise than he did before because there is such a change wrought in all that belong to Christ that they are as it were other persons than they were As when Saul prophesied 1 Kings 10.6 The Spirit of the Lord shall come upon thee and thou shalt be turned into another man Not in respect of person or in regard of substance but some gifts and graces So these should be as other creatures as new creatures Now these things should only be in esteem with Christians which belong to the new creature or regeneration Therefore if any man be in Christ c. In the words we have a Proposition 1. Asserted 2. Explained 1. The Proposition asserted is hypothetical in which there is 1. An hypothesis or Proposition If any man be in Christ. 2. The assertion built thereon He is a new Creature 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A new creation The act of creation is signified by this form of speech as well as the thing created 2. The Proposition explained For there is First A destructive work or a pulling down of the old house Old things are passed away 2dly An adstructive work or raising of the new fabrick All things are become new The words are originally taken out of Isa. 65.17 and Isa. 66.22 Where God promiseth a new Heaven and a new Earth That is a new World or a new state of things Which promises had a threefold accomplishment 1. These promises should have some accomplishment at their return from Babylon which was a new World to the ruined and exiled state of the Church of the Jews 2. These promises were fulfilled to all believers in their regeneration which is as a new World to sinners 3. They shall be accomplished most fully in the life to come for the Apostle telleth us 2 Pet. 3.19 We look for new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Here it signifieth then that all things which belong to the old man shall be abolished and the new man and its interests and inclinations cherished Doct. All those that are united to Christ are and ought to be new creatures Here I shall enquire 1. What it is to be new creatures 2. In what sense we are said to be united to Christ. 3. How the new creation floweth from our union with Christ. 1. What it is to be new creatures It implieth 1. That there must be a change wrought in us so that we are as it were other Men and Women than we were before As if another Soul came to dwell in our Body This change is represented in such terms in Scriptures as do imply such a broad and sensible difference as is between light and darkness Eph. 5.8 Life and Death 1 John 3.14 The new man and the old Eph. 4.22 and 24. The vitious Qualities must be subdued and mortified and contrary Qualities and graces planted in their stead A man is so changed in his nature as if a Lion were turned into a lamb as the Prophet says when he sets forth the strange effects of Christs powerful government over the Souls of those who by the Ministry of the Word are subdued to him Isa. 11.6 7 8. The Wolf also shall dwell with the Lamb and the Leopard shall lye down with the Kid and the Calf and the young Lion and the Fatling together and a young Child shall lead them And the Cow and the Bear shall feed their young ones shall lye down together and the Lion shall eat straw with the Ox. And the sucking Child shall play on the hole of the Asp and the weaned Child shall put his hand on the Cockatrice Den. They shall be so inwardly and thoroughly changed that they shall seem new creatures transformed out of Beasts into men and instead of an hurtful they should have an innocent and harmless disposition Without a Metaphor this is represented 1 Cor 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are
for their present use without looking further and the Wisdom of the other that their Vessels were furnished as well as their Lamps Grace must flow forth but withall it must have a bottom within As a Fountain or Spring sendeth forth streams to water the ground about it or the heart sendeth forth Life and Spirits to every faculty and member so the Graces of the Spirit in Believers flow forth in their Carriage and Behaviour to make their Tongue drop that which is savoury their Actions orderly and even their Carriage in all relations and affairs grave and serious 'T is well when all this hath a bottom that there is a principle of Life within to diffuse this vertue into every part of their Conversations and to keep them mindful and respective to all the Commands of God Now this is required 1. Partly because this glorious Profession and Practice will not serve the turn for the present For God looks not to outward appearance but regards the frame of the heart 't is internal Holiness that is lovely in his eyes Psa. 51.6 and without which the external is loathsome to him Math. 23.17 A Christian hath more in the Vessel than in the Lampâ— Psa. 45.13 The Kings Daughter is all glorious within That which is outwardly professed is inwardly rooted and cherished by them who worship and serve God in Spirit and Truth Knowledge Faith Love Hope Zeal Courage Patience these adorn the Heart as well as the Fruits of them appear in the Life and this maketh us beautiful in the eyes of him that seeth in secret It would help us to discover our mistakes if we did make God our Witness Approver and Judge for the present studying to approve him in the frame of our hearts which is hidden from all others And 2. Partly because the Lamp will not long hold burning unless there be a stock of Oyl to feed it so that if it could suffice for the present yet without Grace in the Heart for the future we shall miscarry when the slender Provision and store is spent A Christian is to provide for the time to come such Grace as my endure and hold out in all tryals and bear weight in the day of Judgment We are often pressed to set our selves in such a state and put our selves into such a frame as will endure the glory of Christs presence and to think of that time and what we shall doe or how we shall be found when he appeareth He only believeth aright in Christ that will not be ashamed at his appearance Luk. 21.36 That ye may stand before the Son of Man And 1 Joh. 4.17 That we may have boldness at the day of Judgment And 1 John 2.29 When he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed of him at his coming 3. A saving work of Grace is an inward Principle of Life and that in such a degree and measure which the unsound though the most glorious Professors of the Gospel do not attain unto Some sleight and insufficient touches upon their hearts many Professors may attain unto that yet never had this rooted Principle of Grace which may properly be called Oyl in the Vessel It differeth in Radication and Efficacy as I shewed before They are inlightened but the day-star doth not arise in their hearts 2 Pet. 1.19 And Eph. 5.8 A flash of light they may have but are not light in the Lord. Are affected with the Truths of the Gospel but not changed or transformed by it 2 Cor. 3.18 Sin may be restrained or benummed but 't is not subdued and mortified Gal. 5.24 we cannot say 't is crucified They are half loosed but are still in bonds make some shew of escape from Sathan but are surprized by him again worse hampered than before Matth. 12.45 urged excited to some good but not enabled and inclined to love God with all the heart and seriously and constantly to set about the things that please him and to avoyd the contrary They have not the Grace the Apostle prayeth for Heb. 13.12 That Grace that may make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ. Have you this Grace to be alwayes working that which is pleasing in his sight Their Fire is like a straw-sire soon in and soon out so that there is a difference The common Grace that they have is real but not of an abiding and everlasting nature not secured by Gods Covenant and promise there is not that solid rooted Piety Therefore 't is not enough for Christians to see that the Lamp burneth but to look what there is in the Vessel to feed the Flame 'T is not suddain affections on our part nor the transient motions of the Spirit on Gods part that will amount to a constant principle of Life 4. This constant abiding state of Grace or Principle of Life may be known partly by the Terms by which it is set forth in Scripture and partly by the Effects of it First By the Terms by which 't is expressed in Scripture 1. 'T is expressed sometimes with respect to the Original Author Pattern and Fountain of it which is God And so it is called the divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 whereby is not meant the Infinite Essence of God which can neither be divided or communicated to any Creature but of those holy and heavenly qualities and dispositions whereby we resemble God The heart of this Christian is so stamped with Gods own Image and Character that he beginneth to look like God for wisdom holiness purity pity So sometimes 't is called the life of God Eph. 4.18 that spiritual Life that is begun in Regeneration is so called not as God is the first original Author of Life natural but the Pattern of it From both these places it appeareth we must first be partakers of such a Nature as God hath before we can live such a Life as God doth 2. 'T is sometimes expressed with respect to the meritorious and procuring Cause or the immediate Head and Fountain of it and so Christ is said to live in us Gal. 2.20 to dwell in us Eph. 3.17 to remain in us as the hope of Glory Col. 1.27 That Christians may live the Life of Grace they must first be united to Christ for he liveth in us as the Head in the Members or the Root in the Branches We must be united to Christ and receive influence from him as Branches from the Root Through Faith Christ is perpetually present in Vertue Grace and Spirit We must first partake of Christ himself being most strictly united to him as Members to the Head from whence they receive sense and motion He taketh up a fixed and unmoveable habitation in our hearts Joh. 14.23 not for a Visit and away but keepeth a perpetual residence in the heart 3. With respect to the immediate Authour and Fountain which is the Spirit given to us to dwell in us by
thou hast given me to do Have you been adding one Grace to another so that now you have nothing to do but to wait for the Crowning of all III. We should Improve it as to Christs general Coming If it be so that the Bridegroom will certainly come but at his own time 1. Then be not of the Number of those Scoffers and Mockers that either deny or doubt of his coming The most part of men expect no such matter the Prophane scoff at it and would fain shake off this bridle and restraint upon their Lusts 2 Pet. 3.3 Therefore take heed of the whispers of Atheism which would tempt us to turn unto the World and present things and give over our hopes Most mens Faith about the eternal Recompenses is but pretended at best but too cold and speculative an Opinion rather than a sound Belief as appeareth by the little fruit and effect it hath upon them for if we had such a belief of them as we have of other things we should be other manner of Persons in all Holy Conversation and Godliness Two things are to be wondred at viz. That any man should doubt of the Christian Faith that is acquainted with it and that having embraced it should live sinfully and carelesly Therefore believe it as if you saw it Rev. 20.12 I saw the dead c. 2. Take heed of apprehending it as a thing afar off look upon it as sure and near to hasten your Preparation It cannot be long to the end of Time If we compare the remainder with what is past and the whole with Eternity Psa. 90.4 A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when 't is past alas 't is nothing to the true measure of things He that shall come will come and will not tarry Therefore we should have more quick and lively thoughts and apprehensions about it such as will awaken us out of our security 3. Take heed of a cold and ineffectual thinking of it There is a certain time appointed and when that appointed time is come he will certainly appear therefore look for it and long for it The Saints are described by their looking for it Titus 2.13 Looking for the blessed hope Phil. 3.20 From whence we look for a Saviour and Heb. 9.28 Actual expectation enliveneth all our actions Rebecka espied Isaac a great way off Faith and Hope standeth ready to embrace him And also by their longing for it 2 Tim. 4.8 Revel 22.17 Come Lord Jesus come quickly Long for it for Christs sake and your own sakes For Christs sake his Interest is concerned in it that the glory of his Person may be cleared His first coming was obscure but now he will come in great splendor accompanied with his holy Hosts ten thousands of Saints and Angels 1 Pet. 4.13 That when his glory shall be revealed ye may be glad with exceeding joy His Justice will then be demonstrated Acts 17.31 He hath appointed a day in which he will Judge the World in Righteousness And 2 Thes. 1.6 7. 'T is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you and to you that are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed with his mighty Angels And long for it for your own sake 't is a day of the manifestation of the Sons of God Rom. 8.19 Then you shall receive your reward to the full 1 Pet. 1.13 Hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought to you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Then is the fullest manifestation of the Love of God Now we are pressed with the remainders of Corruption within and Temptations and Persecutions without wait for his coming The People tarryed without for the High Priest 'till he came forth to bless them so must we look for his return when he will come to bless us SERMON VI. MATTH XXV v. 7 8. Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps And the foolish said unto the wise Give us of your Oyl for our Lamps are gone out THe meaning of this part of the Parable is that the Virgins being roused by the Cry made went to trim their Lamps and fit themselves for their March while they were so doing some of them had Oyl left but others had spent all their store and their Lamps were going or gone out Three things are remarkable in these Parabolical Expressions 1. That which is common to them all All those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps which must be differently interpreted of the wise and the foolish The arising and trimming their Lamps noteth in the wise their actual preparation for the Lords coming in the foolish it noteth the strength of their Confidence and Self-conceit The foolish think they are as prepared and ready for Christs coming as the wise they arise and Address themselves to meet the Bridegroom 2. On the part of the foolish they found their Oyl spent 3. That they go to the wise for a supply give us of your Oyl First The Effect of the Cry that is common to them all They arose and trimmed their Lamps Which is first to be considered on the wise Virgins part and so it will teach us this Note Doct That the Faithful as often as they think of the coming of the Lord should more rouze up themselves and prepare themselves to meet him with Ioy and Comfort For the trimming of the Lamps on their part it noteth the rousing up of themselves out of their negligence and security and a serious preparation for his coming To evidence this to you we shall consider 1. How the Scripture presseth this upon us 2. What reasons there are in the thing it self to awaken us to this serious Preparation First How the Scripture presseth this upon us In the Word of God we have not only the Doctrine of Christs coming to Judgment but the Uses and Inferences built thereupon I shall instance in two places in one Chapter 2 Pet. 3.11 and 14. v. 11. What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness Where Observe 1. That 't is not enough to believe the Doctrine of Christs coming but we must improve it to the use of holy Living The Improvement is pressed in Scripture as well as the Doctrine is revealed In Gods account no Faith will go for Faith but the working Faith all else is but Opinion and cold Speculation whatever Truths we believe we must bring forth to practice Therefore if we believe stedfastly we must live accordingly live as men that look for such things A bare apprehension or assent to the truth is nothing worth unless it be accompanied with that care and diligence which belongeth to the truth so apprehended The Christian Religion consisteth not in word but in deed And our belief of it is not tried by a speculative assent especially in the absence of temptations but by a constant and diligent practice of those duties whereunto this belief bindeth us
changed his Garments and shaved himself When the Children of Israel came to hear the Law they were sanctified and washed their Cloaths Exod. 19.14 Under the Law there was a Laver stood near the Altar and they were to wash before Sacrifice therefore David saith Psal. 26.6 I will wash my Hands in Innocency and so will I compass thine Altar O Lord. So James 4.8 Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you cleanse your Hands ye Sinners and purify your Hearts ye double minded These washings were frequent among the Heathens before they went to Worship so there must be a special Purgation and Exoneration and disburdening of the Soul of those Sins which we have committed 3. We must converse with him in a holy manner Levit. 10.3 I will be sanctified in all that draw nigh unto me God will be sanctified upon us or by us here we are to sanctify him in our Hearts with special Reverence and Holiness of Mind Those that served before the Heathen Gods were cloathed in White an Emblem of Purity and Innocency And our Communion with God in Heaven is thus expressed Rev. 3.4 They shall walk with me in White So should we here as much as we can walk with God in White with heavenly pure Souls put up holy Prayers in an holy manner And in the time of Worship be at the greatest distance and Elongation from Sin Many Men out of a natural Conscience will be devout in time of Duty You would be ashamed if an holy Man should know what Thoughts you have in time of Worship and darest thou conceive them in the presence of an Holy God what odious Creatures should we be if our Thoughts were as audible and as liable to publick notice as our Words Alas God knoweth Thoughts as well as Words all your carnal unclean vain Thoughts are known to him therefore take heed how will your holy Father brook this 4. We should go away the more holy from Worship You have been with an holy God what of his Holiness do you carry away in your Hearts They that have looked on the Sun go away with a glaring in their Eyes and they seem to see the Sun in all that they look upon You should carry away the Inlightnings of Worship along with you When Moses came from God his Face shone he had been conversing with the God of Glory and he went away with some Rayes of Glory in his Face We should not be as the Beasts in Noah's Ark to go in unclean and come out unclean God's People are most full of Indignation against Sin when they come from God Exod. 32.19 When Moses had talked with God in the Mount at his return seeing them sacrifice to the Calf he brake the Tables The more Communion we have with God the more shall we hate what is contrary to God When Isaiah saw God in his Glory he began to loath himself Isa. 6.5 Wo is me for I am undone because I am a Man of unclean Lips and I dwell among a People of unclean Lips and mine Eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts And those who have effectually conversed with God in Meditation and Prayer they come away from him with a perfect hatred of Sin for a sight of God worketh an Abomination of what is contrary to him In a Shop of Perfumes you carry away the Scent in your Cloaths You wonder that a Man should come away cold from the Fire and it is as great a wonder to come away from the holy God with vile Affections Here you come to make Experiments whether God be an holy One yea or no whether he be originally effectually holy The Syrians that were Strangers to God's Dispensations could speak of him only by hear-say We have heard that the God of Israel is a merciful God but the Israelites that were acquainted with him could speak of him by Experience we know it As a Man that hath never been acquainted with the use of Fire may say I have heard that the Fire will warm but he that hath been at the Fire he knows and feels it So others can only discourse notionally of God's Holiness In Duty we come to him for real Experiences Lord we know that thou art an holy God SERMON XVII JOHN XVII 11 And now I am no more in the World but these are in the World and I come to thee Holy Father keep through thine own Name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are Thirdly THE matter of the Prayer for Perseverance in Grace Keep through thine own Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be rendred in thy Name or by thy Name or for thy Names sake 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 among the Hebrews may be thus rendred By thy Name Heb. 11.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by which the Elders obtained a good Report For thy Name Ephes. 4.32 As God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so Rom. 16.2 Receive her in the Lord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is for the Lord's sake 1. If it be in thy Name then the meaning is in the Knowledg of thy Truth for by the Name of God is meant any thing by which he is made known The Doctrine of the Gospel in this Chapter is called his Name Vers. 6. I have manifested thy Name to them meaning the whole Doctrine of Godliness So Christ prayeth Keep them in thy Name that is in the constant Profession of the Truth let them not be cheated out of it by Satan nor affrighted out of it by Persecutions but let them constantly hold it forth defend and propagate it to the World 2. By thy Name so God's Name is Himself and Himself is his Name So Exod. 23.21 My Name is in him that is he is of the same Essence and Glory with me So By thy Name is by thy Self thy Power Mercy Goodness Truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysostom by thy gracious Assistance 3. For thy Names sake to shew forth thy Mercy Truth Faithfulness These Expositions may be compounded keep them in thy Truth or the Worship and Profession of thy Name by thy Power for thy Names sake to discover thy Mercy and Truth thy Mercy in taking them into a state of Grace thy Truth in preserving them in the state of Grace The Points are two 1. That the Perseverance of the Saints or their Conservation in the State of Graece is sure and certain 2. That we are kept in the state of Grace by God's Name by his Power for his Glory Doct. 1. That the Perseverance of the Saints or their Conservation in a state of Grace is sure and certain I. I shall shew how I build the certainty of Perseverance on this place II. I shall handle the Doctrine confirming it by other Grounds I. How this Doctrine of the Certainty of the Saints Perseverance is built on this place Christ hath begged it and he beggeth it for all
to them that is keep close to it they must expect troubles Christ's Subjects are the World's Rebels and if they will not forfeit their Allegiance to Christ the World will fall upon them You must not expect Friends in the World your great Friend and Patron is in Heaven John 16.33 In me ye shall have Peace in the World ye shall have Tribulation he propoundeth it disjunctively we have seldom both together Christ leaveth his Subjects in Satan's Territories and Dominions that he might try their Allegiance 2 Tim. 3.12 All that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer Persecution he doth not say that profess Christ but that will live godly in Christ that are strict holy true to their Principles And it is not an Observation proper to that Age As long as the Enmity lasts between the two Seeds Opposition will continue Satan never wanted a Party to support his Empire The Persecution of the Church began in Abel and will not be finished till the Day of Judgment and it is a wonder to see an Abel without a Cain Afterwards in Abraham's Family Gal. 4.25 As then he that was born after the Flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit So it is now and still we may say So it is now So it hath been and so it will be So afterward Jacob and Esau strugled together in the Belly and the Quarrel began before the Birth And so it is in all Ages Satan hath not changed his Nature nor the World left its Wont Emperors and Kings have become Christian but Satan never yet became Christian and there never wanteth a strong Faction in the World to abet him against the Church In our Times we had great Hopes but still the Spirit of Enmity continueth tho under other Forms and Appearances We see there is a quick Conversion from a Malignant to a Sectary the Term is changed but not the Person I would not be mistaken by a Malignant I mean that which the Scripture meaneth not one that dissents from others in Civil Matters but one that is an Enemy to the Power of Godliness And by a Sectary I mean one that is so in the Scripture Notion a Party-maker in the Church a Carnal Man under a plausible Form opposing the holy and strict Ways of God I tell you this Conversion is easy A piece of soft Wax that was but now stamped with the Shape of the Devil may be easily stamped again with the Seal that is carved into the Shape of an Angel the Wax is the same but the Impression is different It is no new thing for the Saints of God to be in peril of false Brethren as well as of open Enemies nay rather than sit out the Devil can make use of one Saint to persecute another as Asa a good Prince put the Prophet in the Stocks and Christ calleth Peter Satan The Devil may abuse their Zeal and this is strange that a Lamb should act the Wolves part Usually indeed he maketh use of the World it is the Providence of God that the Wicked hate Christ and his Messengers Christ doth usually reveal his Ways to the World by the Quality of the Men that rise against them it must needs be good what such Men hate their very Respect would be a Suspicion and their Approbation a Contumely and Disgrace a Man would have some cause to suspect himself if he had their Favour Thus you see Christians tho in a private Sphere that would live godly in Christ must expect their share in the World's hatred Now the Lord permits it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a Testimony for a Testimony to his Servants for a Testimony against his Adversaries for a Testimony to the Ways of God all these will be gathered out of the same Expression as it is recited by several Evangelists Mark 13.9 They shall deliver ye up to Councils and in the Synagogues ye shall be beaten and ye shall be brought before Kings and Rulers for my sake for a Testimony against them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that by your zealous Defence they may have a sufficient knowledg of the Ways of God and so be convinced or confounded by them Luke 21.13 It shall turn to you for a Testimony 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is a Proof of your Loyalty And Mat. 24.14 it is only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the World for a Witness implying to the Truth God chuseth his eminent Servants to be his Champions that the World may know that there is somewhat excellent in their Principles worth the suffering for God will not have his Servants to go to Heaven without a Testimony nor his Enemies to go to Hell without a Testimony and a Sting in their Consciences nor any Age to pass away without a Testimony 2. Ministers This is usually their Portion few of the Apostles and Prophets came to a natural Death As their Calling is eminent so are their Sufferings James 5.10 Take my Brethren the Prophets who have suffered in the Name of the Lord for an Example of suffering Affliction and of Patience He doth not say Take them for an Example of Holiness but of Suffering and Patience They were the Worthies of God eminent for Holiness yet chiefly for Sufferings The Prophets that were God's own Mouth sheltered under the Buckler of their special Commission and the singular Innocency and Holiness of their Lives and yet they suffered what Recompence did they receive for all their Pains but Saws and Swords and Dungeons Now the Ministers of all Ages are mustered and enrolled for the same War with the Prophets and Apostles we maintain the same Cause tho with less vigor and strength and we expect the same Crown why should we grudge to drink of the same Cup In these latter Times God hath reserved the Ministry for all the Contempt and Scorn that Villany and Outrage can heap upon their Persons But why should we look for better Entertainment You would think the World should hate false Teachers surely they have most cause but if they slight us and neglect to provide for us remember it is a wonder that they do not persecute us But this falleth out partly by the Malice of Men partly by the Providence of God 1. By the Malice of Men. To preach is to bait the World Praedicare nihil aliud est quà m derivare in se furorem Mundi We are to cross carnal Interests to wrestle with vile Affections to pull the Beast out of Mens Hearts and we are like to be bruised in the Conflict 1 Cor. 15.32 I have fought with Beasts at Ephesus most probably the rude Multitude that were ready to tear him in pieces when he cried down the Worship of Diana Carnal Interests are very touchy worse than vile Affections The Doctrine of the Gospel cannot be preached in power but it draweth hatred upon the Person that preacheth it John 7.7 The World cannot hate you but me
good Work it is not of your selves but of God Every Act every Degree of Holiness is from God III. For whom he prayeth the Apostles I. That were already holy John 13.10 Ye are clean and in the Verse immediately preceding They are not of the World yet now Sanctify them let their Hearts be more heavenly and their Lives more pure every day Observe Those that are sanctified need to be sanctified more and more Rev. 22 1â— He that is righteous let him be righteous still he that is holy let him be holy still 1. Our inward Sanctification must increase because of the weakness of present Grace and the relicts of Corruption 2 Cor. 4.16 Tho our outward Man perish yet the inward Man is renewed day by day It is not a Work to be done at once 1 Thess. 5.23 And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly and I pray God your whole Spirit Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is perfect in parts at first the New Creature doth not come out maimed but not in degrees there is need of more Sanctification in Spirit in Soul in Body the Kingdom of Heaven increaseth by degrees 2. Our outward Man must be cleansed day by day because of new defilements John 13.10 He that is washed needeth not but to wash his Feet but is clean every whit It is an Allusion to a Man coming from the Bath his Feet contract Soil in the Passage Your Persons are sanctified by the Spirit but when you are never so holy there are new Defilements Vse 1. Be not satisfied with any present degrees of Grace There is an holy Covetousness I count not my self to have attained Phil. 3.14 Christ is so full that we cannot receive all at once 2. It is a strange Conceit in any to think they may be too good When we begin to be unwilling to grow better we begin to wax worse it is a good degree of Grace to know our Defects 3. Therefore let us use Means to persist in Holiness to increase in Holiness especially Prayer which is the Breath which God hath appointed to keep in the Flame II. For the Persons once more They were to preach the Word as a Preparative he prayeth for Sanctification Observe Holiness is a good Preparative to the Ministry and they are inwardly consecrated by the Spirit sanctifying them 1. That they may have experience of the Truth of the Doctrine upon their own Hearts The Apostles were to preach the Truth to others now saith he Sanctify them through thy Truth I believed and therefore have I spoken Psal. 116.10 We speak best when we speak by experience This is the right way of getting Sermons by Heart We are God's Witnesses now we should have sound Experience 1 John 1.1 That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our Eyes which we have looked upon and our Hands have handled of the Word of Life That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you Ezekiel was first to eat the Roll Ezek. 3. 1 2 3. not only to see it and to hear it but to eat it Ministers must first eat themselves then feed others We are not to speak by hear-say to deliver God's Message as a meer Narration but out of a deep Impression on the Heart What cometh from the Heart and from Experience is quick and lively 2. For the Honour of God Carnal Ministers bring a Reproach upon the Ordinances 1 Sam. 2.17 The Sin of the young Men was very great before the Lord for Men abhorred the Offering of the Lord. Who will take Meat out of a Leprous Hand 3. To answer the Types of the Law Aaron and his Sons were sanctified for the Levitical Priesthood Exod. 29.4 To be washed with Blood and Oil to be washed in the great Laver sprinkled with Blood anointed with Oil which denotes Remission of Sins Regeneration the Gifts of the Spirit 1 John 5.8 There are three that bear Witness in Earth the Spirit the Water and the Blood Every Office should have a solemn Consecration Vse 1. Ministers should look to their inward Call They that are designed to serve God in a special manner must look after special Purity It breedeth Atheism when we do not live up to our Doctrine People will say they must say something for their Living 2. Let People look to their choice of Ministers There is a great deal of difference between an Eloquent and an Experienced Pastor Secondly We now come to the Means or Manner how Christ's Request is to be accomplished by thy Truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be rendred in thy Truth or by thy Truth oâ— through thy Truth as Vers. 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without an Article that they may be sanctified through the Truth or as in the Margeâ—t truly sanctified but we better render it by the Truth there is an Article 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not in Truth but in the Truth and it is presently added thy Word is Truth So that it noteth not the kind of their Sanctification but the Instrument and Means Now these words by thy Truth may be understood either of God's Faithfulness or his revealed Will both which are called his Truth Of God's Faithfulness as Vers. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as keep them by thy Power so sanctify them by or according to thy Truth and Faithfulness But this Exposition tho plausible yet is not so proper because it is presently added thy Word is Truth By Truth then is meant not his Faithfulness but his revealed Will. Now God hath revealed his Will by the Light of Nature or by the Light of his Word That Will of God which is revealed by the Light of Nature is called Truth so the Gentiles are charged Rom. 1.8 With-holding the Truth in Vnrighteousness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that which may be known of God Vers. 19. is called Truth How came the Gentiles by the Truth who are strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Apostle answereth much of God was known to them But this Truth that is here spoken of is the Will of God made known in his Word or the Knowledg of things necessary to Salvation concerning God and his Worship first delivered by the Prophets afterwards explained by Christ himself to the Apostles and by them consigned to the Church Now the Truths delivered in the Word may be referred to two Heads Law and Gospel The distinction in Christ's Time was Law and Prophets In this place Christ chiefly intendeth the Gospel the Truth which they were sent to preach to others Christ would have them to have an experience of it themselves And it is notable that in many places of Scripture the Gospel is called Truth not only in opposition to humane Writings but also with respect to the Law and other parts of Scripture because it is the Truth by way of eminency as we call the Plague
Signs and Wonders were not ordained for the Stage and Scene to cause admiration and pastime for every wanton Spectator Again I observe that generally these Miracles were Actions of Relief and Succour not meerly of Pomp and Glory and tended to deliver from the Miseries of Soul and Body as Blindness Sickness and Devils I remember but two of Christ's Miracles that were destructive blasting the Fig-tree and drowning the Herd of Swine in other Miracles he was exercised in curing the Sick raising the Dead casting out Satan c. Object 1. Ay but we have none now Answ. It is not necessary because the same Doctrine and Rule is continued to us without change That which is extraordinary must be proved by extraordinary Means Miracles wrought where there is no necessity are liable to suspicion When Christ's Doctrine was new and the Calling and Function that he exercised in the Church new then were Miracles wrought to confirm them The Lord's manner hath always been when he erects any new Worship and Service to give testimony to it from Heaven as Trees newly set need watering which afterwards we discontinue Upon the delivery of any new Law or Truth to the World natural and ordinary means of Conviction are wanting None now pretendeth to be an extraordinary Messenger from God the Doctrine is ordinary and the Call ordinary and why should we expect extraordinary Confirmation the Old sufficeth And by the consent and experience of many Ages and its own Reasonableness Christianity hath gotten a just Title to humane Belief and there we must submit John 20.30 31. And many other Signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his Disciples which are not written in this Book But these were written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God God hath given us the Report and Record of the old Miracles which is enough to beget Faith in them that have a mind to believe rather than wrangle We think it had been better if God had continued this sensible Confirmation but we must not give Laws to Heaven Because we have so much Light and other Inducements of Faith God will govern us by Wisdom and not by Power It is true Men are less apprehensive of his Wisdom than of the sensible effects of his Power but because we have otherwise Confirmation sufficient now doth God try us whether we will turn Atheists and Antiscripturists and upon light suspicion misbelieve Object 2. How shall we know that those Miracles were done since we saw them not we have but Fame and Report which oftentimes is no Friend to Truth Answ. We have the Report of Men that lived in that Age who were only fit Witnesses in this Case and were Persons of singular Holiness and Credit and they were those that sealed it with their Blood and therefore their Report is of as great Authority and Certainty as if we had seen them our selves And besides the Report is ancient constant not contradicted by the vigilant Adversaries of that Age with them which would be a madness if they were false and counterfeit since they might so easily enquire into the Truth of the Report Foreign Histories testify that such things were done tho they seek to deprave the Actions as if done by the Power of Satan And hitherto the Church hath maintained the Truth of them against all Opposers But of this hereafter Vse To press us to reverence the Word of God since God hath owned it by Miracles and sealed up Instruction as the Expression is Job 33.16 that is ratified it by extraordinary Dispensations The Apostle proveth that the Despisers of the Gospel will have a sorer Judgment than the Despisers of the Law Heb. 2.2 3 4. For if the Word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every Transgression and Disobedience received a just Recompence of Reward How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him God also bearing them witness both with Signs and Wonders and with divers Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own Will The Transgressors of the Law tho they did not see God giving it upon the Mount were punished and so will the Disregarders of the Gospel tho they did not see the Miracles It is better to believe than to make trial there are no Atheists and Antiscripturists in Hell they feel the Truth of what they would not fear Nay when God hath owned it if you neglect it or receive it carelesly or do not study it tho you do not openly oppose or secretly question the Authority of it if you neglect it God will deal severely with you The Miracles were then wrought and the Doctrine needeth not often Confirmation Thirdly The Accomplishment of Prophecies Threatnings Promises as if God had made the Word a Rule of proceeding and the whole Government of the World were managed in a conformity to the Scriptures for his whole Providence is but a Comment upon it 1. Prophecies How have they always been accomplished as set down in the Word Isa. 41.23 Shew the things that are to come hereafter that we may know that ye are Gods A Man may foretel things that depend on Natural Causes as Snow Rain Heat Cold Eclipses but things meerly contingent depending upon the Free Grace of God or Free Will of Man are foretold in the Word as the Rejection of the Jews and the Calling of the Gentiles are clearly spoken of and clearly accomplished The Scripture is not only an Authentick Register of what is past but an infallible Prognostication of what is to come nothing good or bad befel but that which was foretold 2. So for Threatnings God governeth the World by this Rule Threatnings have been accomplished Hosea 7.12 I will chastise them as their Congregation hath heard A Man might have the History of the Jews from Time to Time out of the Threatnings of Moses and prophetical Predictions and extract the Life of Christ out of the Writings of the Prophets Object But Threatnings many Times are not accomplished Answ. The Prerogative of Free-Grace many times doth interpose and God worketh extra ordinem God hath reserved this Liberty to himself he is not bound tho we are It is for his Honour that it should be so as all humane Laws allow the chief Magistrate a liberty of Pardoning There is difference between Laws and Decrees the Threatnings are the Sanction of the Law 3. Then for Promises We never waited upon God and put forth Hope according to a Promise but it was made good to a tittle Joshua 23.14 Behold this day I am going the way of all the Earth and ye know in all your Hearts and in all your Souls that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof He was about to die and therefore
and universally opposed the Doctrine of God and always have been afflicting the Church and seeking to oppose the People of God because of their professing the Truth Mark it before Christianity began to be generally propagated in the World the Jews were the Mark and Butt of Malice whereat all Nations did shoot their envenomed Arrows of Malice and Rage and therefore it is very notable that the Romans tho they conquered many Nations yet they never put down the Idolatry of the Nations as they put down the Religion of the Jews and sought to oppose that and molested that And when the Christians began to be discovered then all their Malice was turned off from the Jews to Christians Certainly it was not meerly because of the Difference of Worship for they tolerated the Epicureans but took away all the Worship of God yea they burnt the Christians and made them to be Torches to give light to Rome in a dark Night Therefore there was so special a spight at the Ways of God Secondly I am now to prove the Truth or Divine Authority of the Word by Intrinsick Arguments or such Arguments as are taken from the Scriptures themselves Either I. From the Manner and Form of these Writings Or else II. From the Matter of them I. In the Manner and Form of these Writings you may observe these things 1. The Majesty of the Style Look as there was a difference between Christ's teaching and the teaching of the Pharisees Mat. 7.29 He taught them as one having Authority and not as the Scribes Such a Soveraign Majesty is there in the Scriptures They speak not as conscious of any weakness and so begging Assent but as commanding it Thus saith the Lord it is the great Argument in Scripture hear it or you are lost for ever Pray mark it is not said Not as the Prophets but not as the Scribes they had nothing but what was humane out of the Jewish Rabbies but Christ speaketh like an extraordinary Messenger as one that came to increase the Canon and Rule of Faith with such an awe that the High Priest's Officers were afraid to meddle with him John 7.45 46. Why have ye not brought him The Officers said Never Man spake like this Man with such an infallible Spirit Ye have heard saith Christ but I say and his great Argument is I say unto you Mat. 5.21 22. Ye have heard that it hath been said of old Time Thou shalt not kill c. But I say unto you That whosoever is angry with his Brother without a cause c. So Verses 27 28 33 34 38 39 43 44. There is such a Majesty breathing forth from one end of the Scriptures to another Men can only beg assent not command it by their own Authority and therefore in all Matters which they would inforce they use Insinuaâ—â—on and Argument but the Prophets say Thus saith the Lord and Christ who had Original Authority in the Church I say unto you With what a Majestick Contempt doth Christ scorn his Opposers He that hath Ears to hear let him hear He that is filthy let him be filthy still God will not regard the loss of such that do not regard to understand and obey his Word Longinus an Heathen admired the Majesty of Moses his Writings 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Let it be done and it was done the Style of mighty Princes and Emperors 2. The Simplicity of the Style Tho it be full of Majesty and Authority yet the naked Truth is represented in a plain manner to the capacity of the meanest Psal. 19.7 The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the Soul the Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the Simple As there are deep Mysteries which may exercise the greatest Wits so in Points necessary the Scriptures are so plain and clear that they may be understood by those of the dullest Understanding Such Simplicity with such Majesty is a Character of their Divine Original they speak in such a manner as to feed the greatest and instruct the meanest a Child may wade and an Elephant may swim But this is not all I mean by Simplicity the plainness of the Style but the native Beauty of it Things are nakedly reported but yet in an affective manner as if we had been actually present to see them done Look to the Histories of the Word certainly they cannot be Fictions for Fictions must either be to delight the Fancy as Poetry or to win asâ—ent for politick Ends. There is no such thing in the Scriptures not Poetry things are delivered in a plain manner not Policy to gain a repute to themselves they still seek to cast the Honour upon God as I shall prove by and by by the faithfulness of their Relations It is not imitable by Art such a plain genuine Narration For Mysteries there were Sophists in the Apostle's Times Nihil tam horrendum quod non dicendo fiat probabile The fashion was to make absurd horrid Things seem probable by the paint and artifice of Words as to prove a Gnat better than the Sun or a Worm than a Man by plausible Arguments But saith the Apostle 1 Cor. 2.4 My Speech and my Preaching was not with inticing words of Man's Wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power nor in ostentation of parts but in Simplicity and Power plain words have a mighty Efficacy Those Sophists and Orators did only tickle the Fancy their Aim was not to win Assent 3. The Fidelity of their Reports The Penmen of the Scripture report their own Failings which Men will not do If they must write of themselves they will be sure to write the best and not the worst but these spared not their own Faults Men naturally labour to cover their own Faults to hide them to speak well of themselves especially they are careful not to leave an ill Character of themselves to Posterity nor of their Party and Faction Now you shall see Moses spareth not to relate his own Weaknesses and Miscarriages his resistance of his Call Exod. 4. nor what a great deal of do God had to bring him into Egypt to perform his Duty to his Country his false Pleas shew his carnal Fear Vers. 19. The Lord said unto Moses in Midian Go return into Egypt for all the Men are dead which sought thy Life His murmuring against God and speaking unadvisedly with his Lips the Idolatry of Aaron the murmuring of Miriam his Sister God shutting him out of the Land of Canaan and not believing after many Miracles Numb 20.12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron Because ye believed not to sanctify me in the Eyes of the Children of Israel therefore ye shall not bring this Congregation into the Land which I have given them Many such Instances may be given how the Penmen of Scripture relate things to their own disparagement Deut. 32.51 Because ye trespassed against me among the Children of Israel at the Waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness of
about our interest Thirdly What reasons there are why we should attend upon this work with all diligence that we may come to a full confidence 1. What are the qualifications of those who shall have this Blessed Estate 'T is the most Important Question which we can put to our Souls Psal. 24. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord And who shall stand in his Holy Place Who shall be admitted into the place of his special residence I anwer 1. Sometimes they are described by their faith in Christ As Joh. 11.25 26. He that believeth and liveth in me though he were dead yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never dye or not dye for ever as the word may be rendred The true believer that so believeth in Christ that he liveth in him that is who hath accepted of Gods Covenant and is become Christs disciple observing his strict spiritual laws and running all hazards for his sake united to Christ so as to live in him Bodily death shall not extinguish the life which is begun and maintained by faith in Christ Joh. 6.40 This is the will of him that sent me that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day This is Gods express will The poor sinner needeth not doubt of it if you do see the Son and believe on him that is see him and know him Spiritually see him in the light of the Spirit Heretofore men saw him bodily and had no benefit And now many see him in the Common report and Tradition by the light of humane credulity that have no benefit by him But those that see him in the Promise have a Right and Title that see him so as to see beauty in him that they can trample upon all things as Dung and Dross renounce themselves and all worldly and fleshly lusts and flee to him as their All-sufficient Saviour and can venture their Souls in his hand and give up themselves to keep his Commandments and abide in his Love In short those who so believe in him as to live in him and to him 2dly They are described to be new Creatures or the sanctified Joh. 3.3 5. Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God And again v. 5. Cannot enter into the Kingdom of God Heaven is the Inheritance of Saints Col. 1.12 Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light And Acts 26.18 That they may receive Forgiveness of Sin and Inheritance among them which are Sanctified by Faith that is in me Heb. 10.14 By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified No unclean thing shall enter there If thou hast the Heavenly Birth will he deprive thee of thy Birth-right to which he himself begot thee of incorruptible seed 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead If Holy he will place thee among his Holy ones These are the Terms to which we must unalterably stand If we be not born again it is but self flattery that filleth us with vain conceits like the Mad-man in Athens who Challenged all the ships which came into the harbour to be his own 3dly They are described by their Heavenly mind affections and conversations Mat. 6.19.20 21. They who make it their work to lay up treasure in Heaven have chosen Heaven for their Portion That seek it in the first place Matth. 6.33 That groan long wait for it In the verses next the Text whose conversation is in Heaven Phil. 3.20 Deus nihil facit frustra If he hath given thee an Heavenly mind and affections he will give thee Heaven its self He would not stir up these desires in vain set his servants a longing after that which he never meaneth to give them or bestow upon them when there is a suitableness between the person and the state when our affections are weaned from the world and set upon Heavenly things This House is fitted for us if we are fitted for it Rom. 9.23 That he might make known the riches of his Glory on the Vessels of Mercy which he had afore prepared unto Glory There is a meetness Col. 1.12 Assoon as we are new born and do believe in Christ we have a Right and Title In short If your whole lives be a continual motion and nearer approach towards this state of rest 4thly They are described by their fruitfulness in good works and acts of self denying obedience Matth. 25.34 35. c. 1 Tim. 6.18 19. That they do good that they be rich in goodworks ready to distribâ—te willing to Communicate laying up in store for themselves a good Foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life 1 Joh. 3.19 Hereby we know that we are of the Truth and shall assure our Hearts before him Hereby By what If we love not in word and tongue only but in deed and in Truth Heaven is esteemed but a fancy to them that men will venture nothing for the hopes of it What have you done to shew your thankfulness for so great a mercy tendred to you A Religion that costs nothing is worth nothing I am sure it will yield you no comfort and hope good words are not dear and a Cold profession costs little or nothing Do you think Religion lyeth only in Hearing Sermons or a few Cursory Prayers or drowsy Devotions We should mind those things about which we shall be questioned at the day of Judgment have you visited have you cloathed owned the Servants of God when the Laws frown upon them comforted them in their distresses Wherein really have you denyed your selves for the hope of Glory 2dly The several dispositions and perswasions in point of certainty as to their Interest in this state of Blessedness To some 't is but a bare possibility To others there is a probability A third sort have gotten so far as a Conditional certainty Others have an actual certainty or firm perswasion of their Interest 1. To some the hope of Heaven is but a bare possibility As to the careless Christian who is yet intangled in his lusts but God continueth to him the offer of Salvation by Christ. These may be saved if they will accept this offer 'T is impossible in the state wherein they are but their Hearts may be changed by the Lords grace Mark 10.27 With men it is impossible but not with God for with God all things are possible He can make the filthy Heart to become Clean and Holy the sensual Heart to become Spiritual and Heavenly There are many bars in the way but grace can break through and remove them 'T is night with them for the present but we cannot say it