Instruction to the Living FROM THE Consideration of the future State OF THE DEAD OR The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the DEAD and of Eternal Judgment by CHRIST as the sum of it was delivered at the Funerall of Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison in Boston Jan. 1657 8 By Tho. Moore Junior If any man will come after me saith Christ let him denie himselfe and take up his Cross and follow me For whosoever will save his life shall loose it And whosever will loose his life for my sake shall find it and keep it unto life eternall Joh. 12. 25. for what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole World loose his own soule or what shall a man give in exchange for his soule For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his holy Angells And then shall he reward every man according to his works Math. 16. 24-27 Wherefore saith the Apostle we labour that whether present namely in the body or absent from it we may be accepted with him knowing that we must all appeare before the Judgment-seate of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his Body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 9 10. For to this end Christ both Dyed Rose and Revived that he might be Lord Both of the Dead and Living Rom. 14. 9-11 To him therefore shall men come And all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed Isa 45. 24. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we perswade men LONDON Printed by E. Brudenell for John Allen at the Sun-Rising in St. Pauls Church-yard 1659. To The READER AT the importunity of the late Husband of the Deceased I promised some notes of what was delivered at his said Wives Funerall Intending only a Breviary of the heads of that But when I set on the performance of my promise not knowing how publique it might be made I thought it expedient to speak more fully and explicatively to many of the things herein discoursed then I could have done in such a Breviary or had opportunity to doe at the first Delivery of it which work requiring more time then I could redeeme to it for a good while by reason of many unexpected occasions It hath lyen the longer by me I hope also God might order it so that it might come forth to thy greater advantage I shall here add but this word That the things chiefly treated of are of the great things of the Law or Doctrine of God very needfull to be well knowne and earnestly heeded by us The good Lord graciously pardoning my weaknesse and brokennesse in putting them to remembrance give us all a more clear understanding of them then is made over in my rude expressions and so direct us to a hearty reception and profitable usefullnesse of the things themselves as contained in the Scriptures is the desire of the most unworthy of all that have received mercy From my house at LYNN Novemb. 4. 1658. Tho. Moore Junior THE Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead And of Eternall Judgment by CHRIST as Evidenced in the Testimony of Christ spoken too in some explication of those words of our Saviour Job 5. 28 29. as considered with the foregoing Verses and compared with other Scriptures Joh. 5. 28 29. Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the Graves shall hear his voice And shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life and they that have done evill unto the resurrection of damnation OUR Saviour having healed an impotent man that had an Infirmity 38 yeares by his word in which also he bad him rise take up his bed and walk and done these things on the Sabbath day as we read in the beginning of the chapter The Jewes as soon as they heard it did the efore persecute and seek to slay him because he had done these things on the Sabbath day vers 15 16. Our Saviour that he might also heal their minds and so allay the heat of their ignorant zeale and sury graciously instructs them My Father saith he worketh hitherto and I work his Father did work in this work by his word to the making the man whole shewing that to be a good Sabbath days work as also the like Mark 3. 1 5. And therefore he ought not to be blamed seeing he therein did not nor doth he any thing at any time but the works of the Father and in the Counsell Name Power and Authority of the Father that did work by him all that he did having also made him Lord of the Sabbath as Mark 2. 27 28. At this the Iewes conceived yet further displeasure and sought the more to kill him not only because he had broken the Sabbath as they still imagined not minding his gracious instruction But also because he said that God was his Father Immediatly and in such wise as therein to their apprehension he made himselfe equall with God which indeed to him was no. robbery Phil. 2. 6. Our Saviour takes occasion still from their ignorant fury and malicious opposition farther to instruct them into the excellency of his person and works and the glory the Father had given him to possesse in that body in mans nature and for mans good as also that glory that should after be more gloriously actually conferred on him and he cloathed with it in that body and it manifested in and through him That in and by him men might know honour and beleive in God This instruction he carryes on in all the following discourse to the verses we have pitcht on shewing in all that to him it was no robbery to be equall with God Instructing and admonishing them by all to reverence him and seek to know and worship God in and by him So infinite are his Compassions and gentlenesse towards even such rebellious sinners he was not yet provoked by all their malicious forwardnesse to rise up in fury against them or hide himselfe and with hold his gracious instructions from them But as one that hath received gifts even for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them is still ladeing them with heavenly instructions teaching sinners in the way blessing them that curse him doing good to them that despitefully use him and persecute him giving us herein an example that we should follow his steps according to that instruction The Servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle to all men apt to teach in meeknesse instructing them that are ignorant and oppose themselves c. 2 Tim. 2. 24 25 26. not frowardly or unfaithfully withholding from them for fear or shame or revenge any of those things that may tend to commend Christ as the Son of God and Saviour of the World and render him precious nor being selfe-willed or soon angry but speaking the truth in love while we have opportunity This discovery of the
excellency of his Person and works he makes 1 In shewing his one-nesse with the Father in all his Counsels and works vers 19 20 21. In all which its evident that he is one with the Father in mind and will and in glorious wisdome and power for doing whatever he will in Heaven and Earth and so equall with the Father in nature and glorious attributes and works he and the Father are one Ioh. 10. 30. And yet also clearly distinct in respect of the manner of their Beeing in the God-head and so in respect of the manner of their working in every work And as so considered in their distinct Relations the Father is greater then Hee Joh. 14. 28. For though the Son as the Eternall Son of God is of the same Essence or Beeing with the Father yet he is the Son of the Father yea though he hath life in himselfe as the Father hath life-in himselfe and that now in Mans nature for fallen men yet so as of the Father Joh. 5. 26. Though he doth whatsoever the Father doth yet so as by and in the Counsell Name and Authority of the Father who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ The Son saith he can do nothing of himselfe but what he seeth the Father doe yet he can doe what ever he will but he cannot will any thing that the Father willeth not he is of one mind with the Father and in his bosome Counsell and doth nothing but what he knowes and sees the Father wills and does And so he could not have healed that impotent man if he had not seen and known the Father willing and working in the same work And so if he had not received commandment from the Father As also he faith he laid down his life that he might take it again and did it of himselfe yet so as he received commandment of his Father Joh. 10. 17 18. And so he hath not otherwise spoken of himselfe but so as the Father that sent him gave him commandment Joh. 12. 49 50. He could not have tasted death for every man if it had not been in the mind will Counsell and grace of his Father whence 't is said to be by the grace of God nor could he give forth any discovery of his Fathers goodnesse or revelation of his name and therein tenders of his grace to sinners If being in the bofome of the Father he did not perfectly know it to be in his mind counsell purpose and grace And that he is working in the selfe same thing and to the same end And hath given him commandment so to speak and so to doe And this our Saviour gives as the reason why his word shall judge the rebellious Refusers in the last day because he hath not spoken of himselfe otherwise then as the Father gave him commandment Joh. 12. 48 49 50. Verily verily the Son can do nothing of himselfe but what he seeth the Father doe for what things soever he namely the Father doth these also doth the Son likewise they work together in every work and though distinctly in respect of the manner of working yet the same thing by the same his owne power and to the same end As he wrought with and in the name of the Father in all the works of Creation so now as the Son of man he worketh with and in the name of the Father in all his works of preservation and so by him all things consist and in all his providentiall Government and spirituall opperations For the Father loveth the Son namely with such manner of love and in such wise with that manner of love as he loves no other even now in mans nature he loveth him therefore because he laid down his life that he might take it again joh 10. 17 18. even as he received commandment of his Father The Father therefore hath taken up his whole delight and welpleasednesse in him as the son of man chosen him to be his fellow his equall the man of his right hand and in that love sheweth him all things that himselfe doth makes him of his counsell in every matter and in his own wisdome and name strengthens him to all that himselfe doth so that he even Christ crucified is wisdome and strength The wisdome of God and the power of God And he will shew him greater works then these namely of healing bodily Infirmities and diseases that yee may marvail That beholding the Father in him yee may admire and reverence him and fear before him that is the end of all that the Father hath given him commandment to do for and amongst men And as a discovery of those greater works then these which the Father to this end would shew him he tells them As the Father raiseth the dead and quickeneth them even so the Son quickens whom he will In such wise as the Father doth any work of that nature now in this day so doth the Son And so he did raise up some that were dead to life again in the days of his flesh and by his Apostles after as the Father also did the like works vertually through and by him before Hebr. 11. 35. even so he now did them in the name of his Father And those were greater works then the healing the bodily Infirmities of the Living Yea he quickens by his Word whom he will And that is all that receive it from their death in sins and trespasses spiritually now which also are greater works then those forementioned And so he promises that his servants should do those greater works then these they in his name and so he by them because he went to the Father 2 He farther makes discovery of the excellency of his Person and works in declaring himselfe to be the only mean and way by whom the Father judgeth and disposeth of men and doth whatsoever he doth in his Government of the World Giving this also as a farther Reason and Demonstration of his one-nesse with the Father in all his Counsels and works vers 22 27. For the Father judgeth no man that is immediately or otherwise then so as by the Son he doth not otherwise dispose of them or their wayes or order any thing to them or about them in his Government of them or passe sentence of Justification or Condemnation on them but hath committed all judgment to the Son because he was judged for them or had already undertaken to bear their judgment the curse of the Law as they fell under it through the first departure of the nature from God Joh. 12. 31 32. Because he humbled himselfe even to the death of the Cross in which he was made a curse for us And hath thereby redeemed us from the curse of the Law in which we must all have been for ever banished and separated from God Therefore all men are released to him and the whole judgment and dispose of them committed to him And in order thereto all power in Heaven and in Earth given
because he went to his Father Joh. 14. 12. with Act. 26. 18. Greater works then those visible and sencible demonstrations of his power which they saw made by him on mens bodies amongst which also was his raising Lâzarus though that more singular and as a discovery of his mighty power for raising the dead as it should be more gloriously manifested in due time yet that was not a totall Redemption from death and the power of the grave and therefore might be rockoned among those works that are inferiour to the making alive the spirit for righteousnesse sake while yet the body is dead because of sin if then the quickening and saving operations of his word on the spirits of men now be greater then any of these works forementioned and yet the efficacy of the same voyce spoken of in the text as to come be another and distinct work and greater then that as t is clearly signified to be It s evident from thence it can be no Iesse nor other then that resurrection of the dead bodies of men in which they shall be wholly redeemed from the first death and from the power of the Grave And so the Apostle Paul speaking of the first Resurrection which is more properly then the other called a quickening of the mortall body or raising it unto life mentions it as another distinct and following work And such only as is greater then the making the spirit alive now while yet the body is dead Rom. 8. 10 11. And if Christ be in you the body is dead that is it is yet so because of sin though Christ be in you but the spirit is made alive for righteousnesse sake But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortall body or raise up that also in a state of life and unto life by the same spirit that now dwels in you quickening your spirit Yea our Saviour also otherwhere speakes of the generall resurrection at the last day as another distinct work and greater then any spirituall efficacy of his voyce or word now in drawing men or strengthening and quickening the commers which yet also are there signified to be so great and of such a nature that nothing short of that his raising them up at the last day is greater see Joh. 6. 40 44. The Father hath sent him now in the light and power of his word or doctrine to draw men to him that otherwise could not come And to give eternall life through his name to all comers even in the knowledge and faith of it in him and in some first fruits of spirituall enjoyment and in the hope of the harvest To each of these he addes and I will raise him up at the last day signifying nothing short of that is greater then these and clearly mentioning that as another work and greater then any of these which yet also he saith he will do both unto those that come in his drawings to see and believe on him and to those also that break his bands asunder and will not come to him for life And then shall be fulfilled that which is written all that the Father hath given him shall come to him even those that now will not come in his drawings see verse 37 39. with Isa 45. 23 24. Psal 2. 7 8 9. And so in this place The resurrection of the dead is distinguished from and mentioned as a far greater work then any spirituall efficacy of his word or voyce on Mens spirits now And therein signified to be a mighty and wonderfull efficacy of the same voyce on their dead bodies that sleep in the dust of the Earth even such as in which they shall be wholly redâ—emed from the first death and from the power of the Grave Yea 2 So much is plain and full in the expressions 1 In that it s called the resurrection of them 2 It s said to be such as in which all that are in the Graves shall come forth 1 In that it s called the resurrection of them both some to life and others to damnation now there is no work in Scripture called the resurrection of the dead But that in which the whole man is wholly redeemed ouâ— and brought forth of the first death that came in and passed on all men at first by sin nor can be properly so called no not that quickening of the spirit that is now effected in hearing the voyce of the Son of God by what meanes soever preached though that as we have shewed already in respect of the nature and greatnesse of it is the neerest to this yet that is but such a quickening or making alive of the spirit in part or in a first fruites as may and doth stand together with their body being still dead as the fruit of sin Rom. 8. 10 23. yea of those of whom the Apostle supposes they were risen with Christ yet he affirmes of them that they were still dead and their life hid with Christ in God And when he who is our life shall appear then not before shall they also appear with him in glory Coll. 3. 1-5 And of himselfe the same Apostle plainly affirmes that he had not yet attained the resurrection of the dead but was pressing on to it ayming at it even at the first resurrection in which is such blessednesse yet so as looking for it both after the changing this vile body and at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven when he shall bring with him all that sleep in Jesus and not before see Phill. 3. 11-14 20 21. True it is In that gracious or spirituall work in which the spirit is quickened or made alive for righteousnesse sake now through the beliefe of the truth as it is in Jesus Therein also the Believer is said to be risen with Christ Coll. 3. 1. with ch 2. 12. But that is explicated to be not in or by a like act wrought upon our Persons as was wrought upon his when he was raised from the dead But through faith of the operation of God and so effected in the doctrinall and spirituall baptisme as also they are said in the same baptisme in a like sence to be buried with him He is the Person that was dead and buried and was raised again for us and with reference to that his personall buryall and resurrection the Apostle speakes there as also in Rom. 6. 3 4 8 11. shewing that in the spirituall washing of that doctrine of his death and resurrection we are through faith washed from the errors and polutions of the World into the acknowledgment grace and consolation of that his death and resurrection And so in that Baptisme or washing of the spirit which is in the beliefe of the truth we are taught and strengthened to reckon our selves dead and buried in his death and buriall there dead indeed unto sin and so risen with him through
that the Father is by whom and for whom all things were made that were made yea all Thrones Dominions Principallities and Powers and so he the proper Lord and Heyre of all the Kingdome and Glory and of all things and Persons that were made by his Divine and eternall Generation Joh. 1. 1 2 3. Coll 1. 15 16. Prov 8. 22 c. which shewes the excellency of his person and so his abillity for all he undertook by the appointment of the Father for our help and escape And argues the vilenesse of our sin and the wretchedness of our condition by reason of sin seeing righteousnesse help and escape for us could not be had or found in any lesse price or ransome or by any other meanes or way attained But by the so deep abasement and suffering of so excellent a Person Gods only begotten Son The Lord from Heaven As likewise it infinitely commends the unspeakable love of God of the Father and of Christ In the Fathers free devizeing appointing and not sparing but sending forth his own and only Son and Heire to be so abased and delivering Him to such a death And in the Sons so willing and ready giving Himselfe in and through such abasement and sufferings to be a ransome or price of redemption for our sins Notwithstanding he was in the form of God and we wholly sinfull weake ungodly and enemies Further in this acknowledgment and profession of Jesus to be the Lord that is in this word of faith is contained That he is now actually made and become the same in that body prepared for him in mans nature in which he suffered and bore our sins to the Tree the same that he was as the eternall and only begotten Son of God before being through sufferings entred into his glory And glorified with the Fathers own selfe even with the same glory he had with him before the World was Phill. 2. 6 9. 10 11. Luk. 24. 26. Joh. 17. 4 5. Hebr. 2. 9 10. The Man Christ Jesus even that Jesus of Nazareth whom they crucified not an other thing or person God hath made him the Lord and Christ Act. 2. 36. He is the Son of God the Saviour of the World exalted with Gods right hand a Prince and Saviour for to give repentance and forgivenesse of sins 1 Joh. 4. 14. Act. 5. 31. yea he is the Lord and Judge of all by purchase and that in the name of the Father Rom. 14. 9 10 11 12. Act. 10. 36 42. The word was made flesh and the glory with which God hath cloathed him in that flesh or body which he prepared for him is the glory of the only begotten Son of God full of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14. He it is by whom the Father judgeth all men and executeth judgment also because he is the Son of Man Joh. 5. 22 27. And so he by in and through whom he justifieth the ungodly Act. 10. 43 with ch 5. 31. 13. 38 39. yea he will judge the World in righteousnesse by that Man whom he hath ordained whereof he hath given assurance to all men in that he hath raised him from the dead of which in the next place Act. 17 31. Nor is there any other name given under Heaven whereby we may be saved or shall be judged But the name of that Jesus of Nazareth This is the stone c. Act. 4. 10 11 12. Every spirit therefore what ever they may seem to speak of Gods love to manward or of his justifying the ungodly or judging the World That confesseth not that same Jesus of Nazareth That is already comed in the flesh and hath finished the works the Father gave him to do on Earth and is raised from the dead for our justification That confesseth him not as so to be the Lord by whom the Father judgeth all men and doth and will execute judgment because he is the son of man And so the Fountain and Well-spring of all justification and of all grace to Manward that through him they might be saved That spirit is not of God But of that spirit of Antichrist whereof we have heard that it should come into the World and even now already is it in the World For in this word of faith which is of the holy Ghost the true spirit The Son of Man even that Jesus of Nazareth is acknowledged and lifted up As the Lord of all Grace and Glory the Author and finisher of our Faith 1 Cor. 12. 3. 1 Joh. 4. 2. 5. 1. 5 Hebr. 12. 2. Ioh. 16. 14. with ch 5. 14. Iam. 2. 1. 2 There is likewise in it a testification of him That God hath raised him up from the dead who was delivered and dyed for our sins 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. 12-15 with Rom. 4. 24 25. 10. 9. That God hath raised up from the dead Jesus Christ our Lord who is the same Person that was delivered for our offences That God hath raised and exalted him after a like consideration of his Person after which he was delivered for our offences which renders his resurrection to be in an answerable sence for our justification as his being delivered was for our offences Now then for our understanding what is contained in this testimony It s considerable 1. Who it is That was Delivered and after what Consideration of him he was delivered for our offences 2. For whose offences he was delivered And 3. For what offences or for what severall sorts or kinds of offences and on what termes or how for them of each sort or kind In the understanding of which we shall also perceive what the Resurrection of Christ is that is testifyed off in this voyce of the Son of man the Word of faith And how that Resurrection is for our justification 1. It is Jesus the Lord The word that was made flesh even that only begotten Son of God whom he sent forth in the fulnesse of time made of a woman of the seed of David after the flesh That Jesus of Nazareth that was borne of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judeah in the Dayes of Cesar Augustus He it is that was delivered for our offences and in that his own personall Body which the Father prepared for him by the Immediate and wonderfull work of the holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin For though the Father did make his soul an offering for our sin yet that was in that his owne body in which also he bore them to the tree and gave himselfe for our sins and when he gave up the Ghost The suffering work was finished Compare Isa 53. 4 -10. with 1 Pet. 2. 24. and Joh. 19. 30. He suffered the just for the unjust being put to death in or after the flesh 1 Pet. 3. 18. If then the flesh or Body of Christ for as much as therein he bore our sins to the tree and was delivered to the Judgment and to the prison for our offences if therefore I say that
them together with or add them unto Christ as a better ground of assurance and hope of the promise of eternall life then they had in him before or yet have simply in what he is hath done and is become in himselfe for us Though these efficacies of the graciousnesse of the Lord tasted by them were his works yet their thus putting them out of their place and in the place of Christ and seeking to deck their Idols with his Ornaments as Ezek. 16. 19-20 These are their works For the Law of faith excludes boasting every where or rejoycing in any thing even in what we have received through grace otherwise then so as the rejoycing be only in the Lord. Rom. 3. 27. 1 Cor. ult 4. 7. And instructs alwayes when we have done all these things to acknowledge our selves therein unprofitable Servants that have done no more then our duty from the grace already bestowed Luk. 17. 10. Yea to be sensible of and acknowledge our short coming of that so much found with us in all things That still we may take shame to our selves and seek to have all our rejoyceing in and feeding on him and not in any of those things And truly this work of our own in this abuseing and misplaceing the works of God cannot stand with our abideing in him as we have received him But doth weaken and draw away the heart from him and also occasion the decay and withering of the good things so rejoyced in and fed upon But he that doth good or that doth truth alwayes comes to the light that he may alwayes see all his works wrought in God in emmanuell That so he may have his rejoyceing in him evermore And as one that hath enough there he comes to that Fountain that he may be filled with the knowledge enjoyment and fruites of that in and with Christ And he that so eatest me saith our Saviour shall live by me They trusting in resting satisfied with and staying upon that perfect righteousnesse perfected in his resurrection And the glorious name of God in him as a full and sufficient ground of rejoyceing and hopeing and matter of feeding for justification sanctification and all things pertaining to life and godlinesse they are therein II. From the fullnesse and riches of grace perceived and tasted in him instructed and strengthened to seek righteousnesse and strength in the Lord so as by an exercise of faith in Jesus to depend on him for and expect from him and with him the hope of his righteousnesse in the perfecting what concerns them According to the promise of eternall life given us in Christ which containes in it both the promise of this life and that to come They believe in Christ that they may be justified by the faith of Christ Gall. 2. 16. Acknowledging themselves as discovered in the light of his testimony as of themselves and from Adam to be sinners and altogether filthy and under curse by the Law and without strength They expect not nor seek that way to help themselves as to the attaining righteousnesse but seek and follow one to know what he hath done and is become for sinners to understand and perceive the perfection of his work and sacrifice its fullnesse and answe ablenesse to all their needs And the infinite riches of the grace of God in him to such sinners seeking and expecting through the knowledge of him to have their hearts and mindes stayed on him preserved in him yea more brought into him And in him to finde acceptance with God and to receive the remission of their sins and so the cleansing of their mind and conscience through his name and in the further and continuall openings of it They likewise believe on him stay upon and trust in his name for all righteousnesse even for sactifying washing and saving them to the utmost Knowing his rich furniture and abillity to save to the utmost all that come to God by him which also they know in knowing what he hath done and is become for us while we were yet sinners and enemies as Rom. 8. 32. Hebr. 7. 25. 9. 15. with Rom. 5. tot In which likewise they are assured that the Gospell of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth For therein is the righteousnesse of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shall live by faith being also therein made sensible of their own weaknesse insufficiency and deadnesse they are perswaded and strengthened in the light and strength of those instructions to disowne and goe out of themselves cease from their own thoughts reasonings and works and exercise themselves in the light and power of his grace to a diligent beholding and mindfullnesse of him in what he hath done and is become for them and the end and fruit of it and the grace and glory appearing in and through it They run to that and stay in and upon it seeking and expecting in it the light and power of God to conforme them to him and so to strengthen them to purge themselves from all filthinesse of flesh and spirit They through the spirit do waite for the hope of his righteousnesse by faith for giving them victory through the bloud of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and for perfecting what concerns them to the perfect Day They seek not righteousnesse by works but seek the works and fruit of his righteousnesse to be wrought and found in them through faith in him who was made sin for them that they might be made the righteousnesse of God in him We have here occasion to mention a double or twofold difference between him that worketh for righteousnesse And him that worketh not but believeth for it on him that justifies the ungodly 1. The one works for a ground of faith that he may believe the other believeth and resteth on a certain ground of faith that he may work the works of God The first seeks for frames and quallifications as the ground of his faith namely that from thence he may gather conclusions of Gods love and good will to him in Christ and of his good condition before God The other believing Gods love and good will to Manward and so to himselfe in Christ while an enemy that through Christ and by his name he might be saved His readinesse to accept any sinner coming in his drawings by Christ and to wash them from their sins in his bloud from hence is encouraged and provoked to seek and expect the framing and quallifying his heart to love and good works in the believing mindfullnesse of this grace And as the end and fruit of his faith 2. The one seekes to work up and frame his heart to love God and men by observing such and such Rules which the wisedome of man teacheth or the precepts of the Law in the wisedome and strength of man And in the same strength of the flesh on which he depends for it may do many
outword works and services after the oldnesse of the letter which yet happily he will attribute to Gods grace in Christ and say with the Pharisee God I thank thee c. But that they are not the productions of that grace believed nor have they their dependance on that for them is evident from the former consideration which shewes that they have no beliefe or perswasion of that or of the truth of it to them But what depends on and alwayes springs up from such frames and quallifications towards God and men first found in them or if they have some other ground together with them as some particular promise or assurance that they are children of God yet usually these are one main ground of their application of those and however these are of the ground of their perswasion of any grace or good will in God towards them as to eternall life and therefore not the fruites of it or begotten by it but of the wisedome and strength of the flesh The other the true Believer of Gods Testimony being in the light of that Testimony of Gods glorious grace in Christ to sinners therein made sensible of his own weaknesse and the emptinesse of all other wayes of attaining righteousnesse as also of the great obligations to love from Gods first loving us and sending his Son the propitiation for our sins that we might live through him In which likewise he is instructed into and perswaded of the certainty of the way of attaining righteousnesse even to have the righteousnesse of the Law fullfilled in him that it is by minding the things of and walking in the light and power of the spirit that is in that testimony he hath already given of Christ and of Gods glory in him and not in the flesh Rom. 8. 3 4 5 c. He therefore goes out of himself and from his own thoughts reasonings and works to mind and consider the things of the spirit that he hath testified of Gods grace in Christ there seeking and expecting in the standing still to behold that grace and through the light and power of its instructions to love to have his heart begotten and purified to unfeigned love of God of men of brethren such as in which is the fullfilling of the Law And so for mortifying the deeds of the body They waite through the spirit for the hope of Gods righteousnesse by faith as for example To subdue the riseings of envy revenge mallice or bitternesse They consult not with flesh and bloud nor expect help from humane prudentiall considerations nor seek to mortify it in any wisedome or strength of theirs exercised in the consideration or observance of their duty But running out of themselves and from all other reasonings and works they run into his name to consider and remember his graciousnesse in forbearing and so giving them for Christs sake and how they have heard and tasted of it in and througâ— the word of the truth of the Gospell and what instruction that affords to the purpose There seeking and expecting help Eph. 4. 31 32. 5. 1 2. 1 Pet. 2. 1 -3. So likewise for subduing the riseings of uncleannesse They sensible of their own weaknesse to get victory run out of themselves and from consulting with flesh and bloud unto this name of God in Christ trusting in and staying upon it expecting strength against the lust in the believing consideration of his right to the body by purchase yea by double purchase the excellency of the pâ—ice wherewith he hath redeemed them both of the Father and from under the curse of the Law and of themselves and from the World and their vain conversation to be his and at his dispose his present care of the body in his mediation for it and gracious providence and eye over it for the good of the whole man his righteous judgment according to the Gospell before which ye must all appear to receive in the body the things done in it whether they be good or bad so for subduing the inclinations to convetousnesse pride or any manner of uncleannesse see 1 Cor. 6. 13 14 15 19 20. with 1 Pet. 1. 13 18 19. 2 Cor. 5 9 10 14 15 19 20. with ch 6. 1 2 17 18 7 1. This is the doing good mentioned in the Text. The hearing the word or voyce of Christ and through and according to it believing on him that sent him and hath raised him from the dead and given him glory that our faith and hope might be in God And such are reckoned doers of good doers of truth 1. Because they herein cease from their own works and do the work of God even that work which he through the power of his truth is doing in them for it is God that workes in them through the discovery of his works and his salvation in Christ for them Both the will and the deed of all this faith in all the acts and fruites of it whence 't is called faith of the opperation of God who hath raised Christ from the dead Coll. 2. 12. 1 Pet. 1. 20. Joh. 6. 29. And they are said to be saved by grace through faith and that not of themselves it is the gift of God Eph. 2. He that doth good is of God Joh. 3. 11. And yet this also is counted to them for righteousnesse reckoned to them as their doing good because though all is of God yet he worketh in them both to will and to doe of good pleasure of him they are made willing and strong in the day of his power to doe what the goodnesse and truth of God is doing in them without murmuring and disputeings to cease from their own Imaginations and works that they may rejoyce in his works and seek righteousnesse and strength in the Lord by faith in him they come to him as to a living stone even in the vertue and force of his drawings allureing and strengthening them through the tasts of his graciousnesse And yet therein they are truly reckoned and indeed made comers they in the light and power of his drawings standing still from their own thoughts and works are made volluntary consenters and doe owne and close with him and as lively stones that are quickened by him to choose him for their foundation are built upon him 1 Pet. 2. 3 4 5. 2. Because herein they do that in the light and strength of the Lord which is in it selfe good righteous and just In acknowledging the emptinesse and lyingnesse of their own Imaginations and of every thought that exalteth it selfe against the obedience of Christ And God to be true in all his sayings as in that glorious testimony he hath given of Christ and by him so in all its discoveries and reproofes of instruction Themselves sinners and voyd of righteousnesse yea without strength And him righteous and faithfull according to that standing witnesse and glorious revelation of himselfe in his Son And his everlasting righteousnesse brought in in and by Christ
only perfect and worthy to be sought after and submitted too They honour the Son and so the Father in him they ascribe righteousnesse to their Maker as more largely we have shewed in our lamentation over the dead in Christ published on the death of Henry Rixe 3. Because they herein do that which is good and profitable as to the attaining righteousnesse And so is confirmed to be good in the good fruit of it all works of darknesse are unfruitfull the workers of them reap no profit or good fruit of them Eph. 5. 11. Rom. 6 21. Job 33. 27. Hence they are called dead works which have not profited those that have been occupyed in them Hebr 9. 14. 13. 9. But the work of righteousnesse shall be peace and the fruit of righteousnesse quietnesse and assurance for ever Isa 32. 17. Yea it is so now in a first fruites of the spirit The God of hope filles with all joy and peace in this believing that they may abound in hope through the power of the holy Ghost Rom. 15. 13. This faith is so counted to them for righteousnesse that they are therein made partakers in a first fruites of the spirit of what they believe on him for even the fruit of his righteousnesse with which faith closeth in the forgivenesse of their sins acceptance of their persons into favour and fellowship with God dayly washing sanctifying justifying and changing into his Image in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsell of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornfull But his delight is in the Law or Doctrine of the Lord and therein doth meditate or exercise himselfe day and night And so through and according to that Doctrine trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is He shall be as a Tree planted by the waters and that spreadeth forth her rootes by the River and shall not see when heat comes but be always fragrant and fruitfull The ungodly not so c. see and compare Psal 1. with Jer. 17. 7 8. He that abideth in him sinneth not misseth not his mark failes not of the end of his faith the saving of his soul attaines righteousnesse 1 Joh. 3. 6 1 Pet. 1. 8 9. Rom. 9. 30-32 1. In that they are made accepted with God in the beloved even in and according to that perfect righteousnesse that he hath compleated for them on which their parts and mindes are stayed In him they are compleat it being the office of the righteous one so to present them in himselfe so that as he is righteous and faithfull in his office And the Father righteous in his promise and covenant confirmed in him so he that doth righteousnesse believes in him for righteousnesse in which also he doth that which the righteousnesse of God discovered in Christ works in him both to will and to doe is righteous yea his righteousnesse that is imputed to him by him that imputes righteousnesse without works even the righteousnesse of God not of man made theirs through faith in Jesus and in which through saith in it he is accepted It is perfect and answerable to the holinesse of God such as in which his truth is fulfilled his justice satisfied so that they are made the righteousnesse of God in him that was made sin for them And in an answerable sence viz. by imputation as well as also by making them partakers of the fruit and blessednesse of it as he was made a curse for them of which more in the next considerations For as being accepted in Christ their iniquities are pardoned in Heaven not remembred or retained there against them So 2. They are made partakers of that forgivenesse of their sins in their mindes and consciences through his name and in the opening of it filling them with joy and peace in believing that also they may abound in the hope of his righteousnesse for further washing and saving to the utmost and perfecting what concernes them By him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses This blessednesse comes upon them in believing through his name Act. 10. 43. 13. 39 Rom. 8. 2 3. 3. 25 26. 4. tot Gal. 3. 9-14 Heb. 9. 14. 10. 22. The Law of the spirit of life in Christ even the Gospell of Christ declaring his righteousnesse in suffering and redeeming us from the curse of the Law is the power of God to save them that believe making them free from the Law of sin and death and quickening them to a new and living hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead that truth believed in the opening of it makes free from sin from the guilt accusation and bondage that they may serve him without fear in righteousnesse and holinesse all the dayes of their life Yea 3. They are also created in Christ in the light and power of his grace believed and believed in unto good works which God hath before ordained that they believers should walk in them And so also as well as in the sence forementioned he that abideth in him sinneth not that is he doth not commit sin he saith not he hath no sin but he doth it not he is kept from committing or serving it There is sin in them still dwelling and more stirring and warring in the members then formerly But he that abideth in him is dayly strengthened through his name against it that he doth not consent to or serve it or let it reigne in his mortall body and so he that is boâ—n of God or that is led of the spirit of God which alwayes leedes or carryes out of a mans selfe into Christ for satisfaction righteousnesse and strength he doth not commit or serve sin nor can he for the seed of God the word of truth abides in him And wheresoever that is suffered to dwell in the heart it will preserve and deliver from every evill work The power of God which is in it to that purpose being greater then the power of sin and Satan Therefore sayes David thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee If therefore sin prevaile over any of us so as we are thereby brought into bondage it must needs be acknowledged we are not then or therein born of God not led of the spirit of God not carryed out or brought forth of our selves into Christ for teaching and strength but leaning to our own understanding and retaining in our heart some Worldly principle or inclination and secretly consulting with that minding the things of it walking in the flesh and not in the spirit we reape corruption For that grace of God that brings salvation to all men Teacheth us that denying ungodlinesse and Worldly lusts we shâ—uld live soberly righteously and godly in this present World looking for the blessed hope