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
brake in pieces the Image and cut down the Groves and defiled their Places with the bones of Men. Infants were burnt there with horrible Cries And Screeches and sound of Drums and Tabrets and other Instruments to drown the Noise And those that were condemned were burnt in that Valley as also the Bones of Malefactors Now to the Piles of Wood and the Piles continually burning there doth the Prophet allude This was represented in Sodom's Burning as a Type as the Drowning of the World was a Figure of Christ's coming to Judgment The Burning of the Sacrifice which in the Interpretation of the Law was the Sinner himself was the Figure of it 2. Now come we to the New-Testament There are Places without number 'T is sometimes represented by Fire where we read of a Furnace of Fire Matth. 13.42 And shall cast them into a Furnace of Fire there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth God's Wrath is compared in the Old-Testament to a fiery Oven where the contracted Flame appeareth most dreadful Sometimes to a Lake of Fire Revel 19.20 And the Beast was taken and with him the false Prophet that wrought Miracles before him with which he deceived them that had received the Mark of the Beast and them that worshipped his Image both these were cast into a Lake of Fire burning with Brimstone At other times 't is compared to a Prison 1 Pet. 3.19 By which also be â—â—nt and preached to the Spirits that are in Prison Or to a Bottomless Pit Revel 9.11 And they had a King over them which is the Angel of the Bottomless-Pit There is Darkness and Chains and Gaoler and Judge The Chains of Invincible Providence and their own horrible Despair There is no making an Escape But of this more hereafter So that unless we will count God a Liar there is such a Place of Torment provided 2. Ask Men. The blind Nations had a Sense of Eternity and Fancies of an Heaven and Hell Elizian Fields and obscure Mansions and Places of Torment There are some Relicks of his Truth in the corrupt Doctrine of the Gentiles But we need not go so far back as Tradition look to Conscience Wicked Men find in themselves an apprehension of Immortality and Punishment after Death Râ—â— 1.32 Who knowing the Judgment of God that they which commit such things are worthy of Death Reason sheweth that he that perfectly hateth sin will perfectly punish it not in this life for abominable sinners are many times prosperous here Justice is not discovered to the utmost therefore guilty Conscience presageth there is more evil to come There is much in these presages of Conscience especially when we are more serious however they dissemble the matter when well Heb. 2.15 And deliver them from the fear of death who all their life-time were subject to bondage Yet when they come to die when they are entring upon the confines of Eternity then they cannot hide their fears any longer Oh! the horrours and terrours of wicked men when they lie a dying if ever men may be believed 't is then 3. The Devils are Orthodox in this point for Jyudges There are no Atheists in Hell Matth. 8.29 And behold they cryed out saying What have we to do with thee Jesus thou Son of God art thou come to torment us before the time They know there is a time when they shall be in greater torment than now they are therefore if we will take Gods Word or Authentick Record for it or Mans word when he is not in a case to Dissemble or the Devils word there is a Hell or everlasting Torments prepared for the wicked Obj. 1. But is it not an everlasting abode under Death and to make it the more terrible to vulgar capacities expressed by Eternal Fire I Answer This were to make Christ a Deceiver indeed and to publish his Doctrine with a lye or an handsome fraud But clearly 1. There is a state of Torment as well as a state of Death 'T is true 't is called the Second Death because deprived of Eternal Life which is the only true Life and because 't is worse than the temporal Death better never been born Matth. 26.24 It had been good for that man he had never been born He doth not say It had been good but it had been good for that man If only Death and Annihilation were in it what sense would there be in this Speech Therefore there is a lively and effectual sense of the Wrath of God Besides the Consciences of wicked men feareth and presageth other kind of Punishment from Gods Wrath or else why are they most troubled when they come to dye why is it so dreadful a thing to fall into the hands of the Living God Heb. 10.31 We are mortal Creatures but God is a living God why should the Eternity of God make his Wrath terrible but that there is a fear of an eternal subsistence on our part also we read of many and fewer stripes Luk. 12.47 48. Math. 11.22 It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of Judgment than for you If it be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you torments are measured out by proportion according to our sins and means of Grace that we have enjoyed but not improved 2. There is a place of Torment a local Hell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 16.28 This place of torment And Judas went to his own place Acts 1.25 As in all Common-wealths the Prince hath not only his Palace but his Prison it must be somewhere for the wicked are somewhere God keepeth it secret with wise Councel because he will exercise our Faith and not our Sense Job 38.17 Have the gates of Death been opened to thâ—e or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of Death This is one of the secrets of Providence Obj. 2. But how can it stand with Gods Love and Mercy to punish his Creature for ever Our Bowels are troubled if we should hear the howling of a Dog in a fiery Furnace for a small space of time Now God is Love its self 1 Joh. 4.8 therefore surely he will not damn his Creature to everlasting torments I Answer Man is not fit to fix the bounds of Gods Mercy but the Lord himself therefore take these considerations 1. Gods Punishments may stand with his Mercy 'T is very notable in one place 't is said Heb. 10.31 'T is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God But in another place 't is said 2 Sam. 24.14 I am in a great strait let us fall now into the hands of the Lord for his Mercies are great The one noteth God Angry the other God Appeased When God hath been long upon a treaty of Love Patience abused is turned into Fury The one sheweth what God is in himself Love Sweetness Mercy the other what he is when provoked The Sea in its self is smooth and calm but when the Winds and Tempests arise how dreadfully
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
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
Abba father Wherefore thou art no more a servant but a son and if a son then an heir of God through Christ. Which teacheth us how to come to a conclusion in soul debates Have I a child-like inclination and sense and confidence that God hath adopted me into his favour and have the sanctifying of the spirit upon my heart I may be bold then to enter my claim 3. It Informeth us That the priviledges of believers are so linked together that where one of them is there are all the rest Therefore if we injoy one then we must collect and infer that the rest do belong to us also If sons we must not rest there then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. One link of the golden chain draweth on another there is a great deal of profit in these collections and inferences our minds are usually taken up with trifles and childish toys surely the priviledges of a Christian are not so much considered as they should be The benefit of it is this partly it keepeth our hearts in a way of praising God and constant rejoicing in God if we did more consider the excellency of our Inheritanne 1 Pet. 1.3 4. Blessed be God who hath begotten us to a lively hope to an inheritance incorruptible undefiled Our thoughts are too dead and cold till we revive the memory of our excellent priviledges by Christ. Partly as it keepeth us in a constant and cheerful adherence to the truth what ever it cost us we slight all temporal things how grievous or troublesome so ever they be Rom. 8.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us Rom. 5.3 We glory in tribulation as knowing that tribulation worketh patience Partly To help us to despise the pleasures of sin which are but for a season while eternal things are in view 2 Cor. 4.18 While we look not to the things which are seen but to the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal And Partly To digest the labours of duty and obedience all the pains of the Holy Life 2 Cor. 5.9 Wherefore we labour whether present or absent that we may be accepted of the Lord. What shall we not do for such a Father that hath provided such an inheritance for us that we may injoy him and be accepted with him Therefore we should stock our minds with these thoughts 4. That we should not question our estate because we are under grievous pressures and afflictions For the words are an anticipation of an objection If Sons of God and Heirs of Glory why are we then so afflicted he inverteth the Argument You are so afflicted that you may have the inheritance 'T is rather an evidence of our right than an infringement of it especially if patiently endured for Gods sake seeing thereby you are conformed to the Son by nature Rom. 8.29 He hath predestinated us to be conformed to the image of his son We have communion with Christ and his Sufferings and if we be like him in his estate of Humiliation we shall be like him in his estate of Exaltation also 2. USE is Exhortation 1. To bilieve this blessed inheritance which is reserved for the children of God 'T is a great happiness but let not us therefore suspect the truth of it for 't is founded in the infinite mercy of the eternal God and the everlasting merit of a blessed Redeemer And we are prepared and qualified for it by the Almighty Operation of the conquering spirit 't is an happiness that lieth in another world and we cannot come at it but by death But is there no life beyond this Where then shall the good be rewarded and the wicked punished 'T is unseen but it is set before us in the promises of the Gospel which God hath confirmed by miracles and sanctified to the conversion and consolation of many souls throughout all successions of ages and were the best and wisest of men that ever the world saw deceived with a vain fancy Or can a lye or delusion be sanctified to such high and holy ends therefore do you believe it John 11.26 Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die believest thou this If you believe your Reconciliation with God by the death of Christ why not your salvation by his life If your adoption into his family why not the inheritance both priviledges stand by the same grace 2. Let us live always in the desire of it that desire that will quicken you to look after it Phil. 3.14 And to seek after it in the first place Matth. 6.33 That desire that will quicken you to long for the enjoyment of it Phil. 1.23 3. To comfort your selves with the hope of it Rom. 5.2 And rejoice in hope of the glory of God 't is the glory of God God giveth it God is the solid part of it and can we expect shortly to live with God and upon God and not rejoice in the hope of it Is a deed of gift from God the security of infallible promises nothing Is the Title nothing before possession When this estate is so sure and near we should more lift up our heads and revive our drooping spirits 4. Let us walk worthy of it 1. Despising Satans offers Heb. 12.16 Be not a prophane person as was Esau. 1 Kings 21.3 The Lord forbid that I should part with the inheritance of my father Be chary of your inheritance keep the hopes clear fresh and lively 2. Wean your hearts from the world Col. 3.1 2. If ye be risen with Christ seek the things that are above set your affections above and not on the earth There is your Father your Head your Christ your Patrimony 't is reserved for you in the Heavens 3. Live in all holy conversation and godliness 1 Pet. 3.7 Living as heirs of the grace of life in all duties to God love to one another fidelity in all our relations We that shall live in the clear vision and full fruition of God in Christ should be other manner or persons 4. In an heavenly manner Phil. 3.20 But our conversation is in heaven Either acting for it or living upon it or sollacing our selves with it with delightful thoughts of Heaven sweeten your pilgrimage here be willing to suffer afflictions if God call us thereunto patiently you suffer with Christ Christ takes it as done to himself Acts 9.4 Why persecutest thou me Fill up your share of the sufferings Providence hath appointed for Christ Mystical Col. 1.24 Who now rejoice in my afflictions foâ— you and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his bodies sake which is the church 2 Cor. 1.6 And whether we be afflicted it is for your consolation and salvation and Phil. 3.10 That I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship
condemned and killed the just and he doth not resist you but some if they had their wills would adjudge them to the bottom of Hell John 16.2 They will put you out of the Synagogues as well as kill you That is curse and condemn you to Hell which is the second death but their rash censures are not ratified in Heaven their cursing hurts no more than their absolution benefiteth us therefore this is not the meaning the words relate to the supream Court What fear is there of condemnation by God when he declareth his mind concerning the justification of such as believe in Christ Now God hath expresly said That he that believeth shall not come into condemnation and who dareth to contradict his sentence False Teachers may deny this comfort to the penitent believers and make their hearts sad whom God would not have made sad but God will not retract his grant and the sentence of any judge on this side God needeth not to be stood upon 'T is on their part presumption and usurpation of the Throne of God and their act cannot do us harm we stand or fall to our own proper Lord and Master 2. The ground of the challenge We are acquitted from condemnation on Christs account this blessing runneth in the channel of his Mediation four branches of it are here mentioned 1. Christs Death 2. Resurrection with an yea rather 3. His Exaltation at the right hand of God 4. His intercession for us all which would be in vain and lose their effect if any condemnation were to be feared by us From the whole observe 1. That freedom from the fears of Condemnation is one great priviledg of true and sound believers 2. That our triumph over the fears of condemnation ariseth from the several acts of Christs Mediation For the first Point That freedom from the fears of condemnation is one great priviledg of true and sound believers What a great priviledg it is will appear 1. By the dreadfulness of the sentence 2. The difficulty to get rid of these fears 3. The sure and solid grounds of a believers peace 1. The dreadfulness of the sentence To condemn is to adjudg to punishment and for God to condemn is to adjudg us to everlasting punishment the final sentence is set down Matth. 25.41 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels In the general they are pronounced cursed but in particular there is the poena damni the loss of Gods Favour and Presence and Glory they depart from God who made them at first after his Image from the Redeemer whose Grace was offered to them but slighted by them from the Holy Ghost who strove with them to sanctifie them and reduce them to God till they quenched all his motions and expelled him out of their hearts The Disciples wept when Paul said Ye shall see my face no more But what anguish will fill the hearts of the reprobate when God shall say to them Ye shall never see my face more you are now cut off from all hopes and possibility of salvation for ever Wicked men banish God out of their company now Job 21.14 Depart from us for we desire not the knowledg of thy ways God will then be even with them and banish them out of his presence not from his essential presence for that is with them to their everlasting misery but from his gracious presence which is the everlasting delight of the saints and from all possibility of acceptance with him 2. Poena sensus into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels Into fire not purifying but tormenting for so hell is a place of torment and a state of torment Luke 16.24 I am horribly tormented in this flame And v. 25. He is comforted and thou art tormented v. 29. That they come not into this place of torment 2. It is for duration everlasting fire It had a beginning but will never have an end The Saints in all their troubles can see both banks and bottom they never met with any such hard condition but it had an end but here there still remaineth a fearful looking for more fiery indignation from the Lord The glory which they refused is everlasting glory and the torments which they incur are everlasting torments 3. 'T is said prepared for the devil and his angels This sheweth the greatness of the misery of the wicked The Devil and his Angels must be their everlasting companions they who entertained his suggestions in their hearts shall then remain for ever in his company and society as Christ with his blâ—ssed Angels and Saints make one Kingdom or family living together in perpetual blessedness so the Devil and his Angels and the wicked make one society living together in perpetual misery This is the sentence of condemnation in the Christian notion of it 2. The difficulty to get rid of these fears 1. We all deserve condemnation upon many accounts both upon the account of original sin Rom. 5.18 As by the offence of one judgment came upon all to condemnation so by the righteousnese of one the free gift came upon all to justification of life Our actual offences make it more our due for the wages of sin is death Rom. 6.23 The second death as well as the first 2. In our natural estate we were actually condemned by the sentence of the law which is confirmed by the Gospel if we refuse the offered remedy John 5.18 19. He that believeth not is condemed already And v. 12. This is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil 3. Our consciences own it that where there is guilt there will be condemnation and therefore our own hearts condemn us 1 John 3.20 And unless this condemnation be reversed and that upon good grounds we can have no firm and solid peace within our selves conscience speaketh aloud this truth and is the more to be regarded partly because the fears of the guilty creature are founded in the nature of God his Holiness and Justice his pure Holiness Hab. 1.13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity 'T is a natural truth that sin is displeasing to God and maketh the sinner hateful and loathsom to him and worthy to be cast off and punished by him Gods holiness is at the bottom of all our fears we fear his wrath because 't is armed with an Almighty Power we fear his Power because 't is set a work by his Justice we fear his Justice because 't is awakened by his Holiness which cannot endure sin and sinners 1 Sam. 6.20 And the men of Bethshemesh said who is able to stand before this Holy Lord God So also on the other hand all mens security ariseth from a misprision of Gods nature as if he were not so holy Psal. 59.21 Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thy self Not much offended with sin Now for the
obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he is become the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him And was carried on with such Humility Patience and self-denyal Resignation of himself to God faith on him and charity and pity to men that such an act of love and such a piece of service or obedience cannot be done by Men or Angels Then for the penalty and curse He was made a curse for us Gal. 3.13 Our curse and condemnation is legible in what Christ endured for us The loss in his desertion Pain in his Agonies and bloody-sweat and painful and shameful death they were not light things which Christ indured but such as extorted prayers tears and strong cryes 3. The conditions of the Gospel are fulfilled First I take it for granted that the Gospel maketh sufficient provision against the condemnation of believers John 5.24 Verily verily I say unto you he that heareth my word and believeth in him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but hath passed from death to life This being the great result of the Gospel Christ prefixeth his Amen Amen implying that it is a truth worthy to be respected and credited and this is the truth that the penitent believer when God cometh to judge of men shall not fare ill in the judgment Secondly That this is done upon condition that we take Gods remedy so it is propounded Mark 16.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned The Gospel hath a sanction as well as the law both promise and threatning and all upon the condition which God hath imposed 3. That the promise doth consist of something the party is willing of and the condition of what the promiser will have but the receiver is not so ready to perform The accepting the benefit promised is not so great a matter in ordinary contracts but in Gods Covenant being not a matter of sense 't is somewhat to be willing to accept Isa. 55.1 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money come ye buy and eat yea come buy wine and milk without money and without price Rev. 22.17 And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that heareth say come and let him that is athirst come and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely But God besides the benefit of the creature respects his own glory and the recovery of the creature to himself from the Devil World and flesh which the creature is most backward unto Every man would be freed from condemnation and saved from Hell now God hath promised that which we would have that we may yeild to that which naturally we would not have we would have pardon but God will have subjection therefore 't is said Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto them that obey him We would have the second death to have no power over us but God will have us holy and that we should consent to our duty we would not be condemned but God will have us walk not after the flesh but after the spirit and so hath granted non-condemnation to such Rom. 8.1 Those that are true Christians and consent to the duty of the New Covenant the honour of God is concerned in our subjection to him and the honour of Christ who redeemed us to God Rev. 5.8 as our comfort is concerned in being exempted from the fears of condemnation 4. The more explicitely the condition is fulfilled the more is our comfort and assurance and the more may we make the bold challenge of faith that is the more clearly we obey the sanctifying motions of the spirit and mortifie the desires of the flesh 1 John 3.21 If our hearts condemn us not we have confidence towards God Gal. 5.18 If we be led by the spirit we are not under the law i. e. the condemning sentence thereof Where worldly lusts bear a sway a man is under the law not under grace He that liveth in a state of sin carrieth his sting and wound about him and hath the matter of debts and fears in his own bosom and cannot attain to the true courage and boldness of the Saints As the flesh and spirit are at war in our hearts so are Law and Grace as the spirit prevaileth against the flesh so doth grace prevail against our law-fears The same was intimated Rom. 8.14 15. Well then if we would depend on the everlasting merits of Christ we must accept the blessed Covenant wherein God hath promised to discharge the sincere and upright from condemnation and look to the sureness of our claim that we do not allow our selves in any voluntary disobedience to Christ. USE Is Information 1. It sheweth us the bad condition of wicked men who have within themselves an accusing conscience and above themselves a condemning Judge and thence it is they dare not look inward or upward they dare not look inward all their pleasures are but stoln waters and bread eaten in secret Prov. 9.17 delights gotten by stealth when they can get conscience asleep as servants feast themselves in a corner when they can get out of their Maâ—â—ers sight Nor upward they dare not entertain themselves with serious thoughâ—s of God their hearts condemn them and they look upon him as one that doth ratifie and is ready to execute the sentence and therefore every remarkable dispensation of God puts them in a fright Job 15.2 And fill his belly with the east-wind A dreadful sound is in his ears Now this is a miserable condition when we have no sound peace and quiet within our selves if they do not always feel the stings of conscience they are always subject to them for the present a stupid conscience is their disease the benumming Lethargy of the soul if they make a shift to shake off these thoughts death will revive their fears and that may surprize them in an instant 1 Cor. 15.56 The sting of death is sin Oh how much better is it with the sound and serious believer who preserveth most tenderness of conscience and yet hath most peace hath an higher sense of his duty than others have and yet can with greater satisfaction than others do depend on the merit of Christ and look for acceptance with God! 2. It sheweth us what course to take in case our heart doth condemn us What must we do Sit down in despair and die No but examine the matter seriously 1. Conscience must not be despised partly for its nearness to us 't is Gods Spy in our bosomes whom shall a man believe if not his own conscience Who knoweth us better than our selves 1 Cor. 2.11 For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man which is in him This Judge cannot be suspected of rigor or partiality or ill-will what is nearer what is dearer to us than
beseeching doth not only note Meekness in the Proposal but perseverance also notwithstanding the many delays and repulses yea rough entertainment that we meet with at the hands of Sinners 2 Tim. 2.25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if peradventure God will give them Repentance to the acknowledgment of the Truth that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil One reason why God will make use of the Ministry of Man is because they know the Heart of Man how much he is wedded to his folly how angry he is to be put out of his fools Paradise and to be disturbed in his Carnal Happiness Titus 3.2 3. Shewing meekness to all men for we our selves were sometimes foolish and disobedient serving divers lusts and pleasures And therefore we must wait exhort warn and still behave our selves with much love and gentleness that compassion to Souls may bear the chief rule in our dealing with them 4. The Matter Be reconciled to God We have heard much of the way of God's Reconciliation with us now let us speak of our Reconciliation with God What is to be done on Man's part 1. Let us accept of the Reconciliation offered by God Our great business is to receive this grace so freely tendred to us 2 Cor. 6.1 We as workers together with him beseech you not to receive this grace in vain That is by a firm assent believing the Truth of it 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a true and faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation And Eph. 1.13 For God hath set forth Christ to be a Propitiation through faith in his blood Rom. 3.25 And thankfully esteeming and prizing the benefit for our acceptance is an Election and Choice Phil. 3.8 9. I count all things to be dung and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. Matth. 13.45 46. And having found one goodly Pearl of great price he sold all and bought it depending upon the merit worth and value of it 2 Tim. 1.12 I know in whom I have believed And venturing our Souls and our Eternal Interests in this bottom sue out this Grace with this confidence Psal. 27.3 One thing have I desired of the Lord and that I will seek after that I may dwell in the House of God for ever 2. We must accept it in the way God hath appointed by performing the Duties required on our part What are they Repentance is the general word as Faith is our acceptance In it there is included 1. An humble confession of our former sinfulness and rebellion against God I have been a grievous Sinner a Rebel and an Enemy to God and this to the grief and shame of his heart Jer. 3.13 I am merciful and will not keep anger for ever only acknowledge thine iniquity which thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God and disobeyed my Voice saith the Lord. And 1 John 1.9 If we confess and forsake our sins he is just and faithful to forgive us our sins When they begged the favour of the King of Israel they came with Ropes about their necks 1 Kings 20.31 The Creature must return to his Duty to God in a posture of humiliation and unfeigned sorrow for former offences 2. We must lay aside our Enmity and resolve to abstain from all offences which may alienate God from us If we have any reserve we draw nigh to God with a treacherous heart to live like Rebels under a pretence of a friendship Heb. 10.22 Let us draw nigh with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our bodies washed with pure water And Job 33.31 32. Surely it is meet to be said unto God I have born Chastisement I will not offend any more That which I see not teach thou me If I have done iniquity I will do so no more Unless you put away the evil of your doings the anger continueth and 't is inconsistent with a gracious estate to continue in any known sin without serious endeavours against it What peace as long as the Whoredoms of thy Mother Jezabel remaineth 3. We must enter into Covenant with God and devote our selves to become his 2 Chron. 30.8 Yield your selves unto the Lord. And Rom. 6.13 But yield your selves unto God There must be an entire resignation and giving up our selves to be governed and ordered by him at his will and pleasure Acts 9.6 Lord what wilt thou have me to do Give up the keys of the heart renouncing all beloved sins We then depending upon the merit of his Sacrifice put our selves under the conduct of his Word and Spirit and resolve to use all the Appointed Means in order to our full recovery and return to God 3. Our being reconciled to God implyeth our loving God who loved us first 1 John 4.19 For the Reconciliation is never perfect till there be an hearty love to God there is a grudge still remaining with us Faith begets Love Gal. 5.6 Repentance is the first expression of our Love the sorrowing humbling part of it is mourning Love the Covenanting part either in renouncing is Love abhorring that which is contrary to our Friendship into which we are entred with God The devoting part is Love aiming at the glory of him who hath been so good All our after-carriage is Love endeavouring to please You will never have rest for your Souls till you submit to this course and be in this manner at peace with God Matth. 11.28 29. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly and you shall find rest for your Souls For my yoke is easie and my burden is light God complaineth of his People by the Prophet that they forget their resting-place Jer. 5.6 Men seek Peace where 't is not to be found try this Creature and that but still meet with vanity and vexation of Spirit like Feverish persons who seek ease in the change of their Beds SERMON XXXIX 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be reconciled to God DOct. The great business of the Ministers of the Gospel is to perswade men to reconciliation with God VSE Let me enter upon this work now 1. To sinners 2. To those reconciled already as these were to whom he wrote He presseth them further to reconcile themselves to God 1. To sinners Will you be reconciled to God sinners Here I shall shew you 1. The necessity of reconciliation 2. Gods condescension in this business 3. The value and worth of the priviledge 4. The great dishonour we do to God in refusing it 1. Motive is the necessity of being reconciled by reason of the enmity between God and us Col. 1.21 And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your minds by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled We are enemies to God and God is an enemy to us I shall prove both The