also an unfeyned love of our brother 2 Cor. 5.14 1 Ioh. 4.21 1 Pet. 1.22 From both which commands writ in the hart aptly springs up all contained in the particular precepts of the Gospell as is before shewne Ioh. 4.13 and 7 38 39. And walking in this faith and love in minding the precepts and veiw of the opportunities the motiones to go according to the mind of Christ will aptly spring up so as one may go one serving in newnesse of Spirit and not in oldnesse of letter Pro. 6.20 21 22 23. Ioh. 3.16 17. Rom. 12.2 and 7 6 25 and 8 1 2. So that from this whole consideration that the commands of Christ to his disciples are such commands as are contained and expressed in the Gospell and put with the Gospell by Christ into the hart of the believer and do naturally and aptly spring up in the believe of the Gospell it appeares that believing in Iesus Christ and loving our brother are the commands of Christ heere ment Consider III. The commandments of Ghrist to his disciples are such as are suitable to the commendements himselfe hath performed for them Pro. 3.1.13 Heb. 3.8.9 1 Cor. 6.20 Now hee in fulfilling the commandements hee received of the Father for us having taken away our sinnes and dyed our death and soe purchased us and wrought salvation for us and by his Gospell and Spirit sent forth having made knowne this salvation to us and in aplying it evidenced himselfe to bee our righteousnesse and life and ready and able eternally to save us 2 Tim. 1.10 1 Ioh. 3.5 Heb. 5.9 Suitable heerto it is that wee abhoring our sinnes and denying our selves our wisedome righteousnesse strength with all that is ours and all fleshly delights and considences to accept of him for all and so to believe in trust too and depend on him for all grace righteousnesse life and safety 1 Cor. 1.30 31. Phil. 3.3.4.7 8 9.10 1 Pet. 1.13.14 Gall 1.20 And hee having so loved us suitable it is that wee should so love one another 1 Ioh. 3.16 Eph. 5.2 So that in this consideration it also apeares That believing in Iesus Christ and loving our Brother are the commandments of Christ heere ment Consider IV. The commandements of Christ to his disciples are such commandements as he hath given into their harts and cannot nor are otherwise required to bee kept then as they are in the hart whence believers confesse that they have received the command from him 1 Ioh. 4.21 And hee is said to write them in their harts Heb. 8.10 And the commandement is true in him and in them 1 Ioh. 2.8 The law without was engraven in tables of stone and writ in leaves but the Epistle of Christ is writ by his Spirit in the hart 2 Cor. 3.3.7 The law without leaves under sinno and death but Christs law within affords life 2 Cor. 3.6.7.8 9 10. Whence Christ saith hee that hath my command ments and keepeth them hee it is that loveth mee Ioh. 14.21 In which consideration it apeareth that faith and love Which all Christs disciples have Coll. 1 4. and are to keepe and walke in Heb. 3.14 Are the commandments heere ment And yet that this may bee moore evident some proofes heerof may be considered Proofe I. These two commandements of faith and love as they are contained in the Gospell and spring from the Gospel believed so they contayne the whole summe of the patterne or forme of healthfull and sound words which the Gospel requireth of us 2 Tim. 1.14 And of all that which the Gospell believed springeth up in the hart 1 Ioh. 5.13 Ioh. 20.31 1 Ioh. 3.1.3 and 4 19 21. Whence the commandment is called the word of the Gospell it selfe believed 1 Ioh. 2 7. And the Gospell is called the commandment which in hart believed that which is said before of Christ his keeping his Fathers commandements is by believers found true in him and that which is said in consideration the second of faith and love springing up in the hart the believers find true in them because the darknesse is past and the true light now shineth 1 Ioh. 2.8 And so in respect of the Gospell put in the hart it is called the old command and that which was at first heard and received from Christ and which quickeneth and in respect of its Spirituall entrance receipte and abiding and the faith and love springing up therefrom it is called the new commandement being allwayes greene and flourishing so that the believer may thereby bring out of the good treasurie of his hart things new and old Mat. 13.52 Which according to all the considerationes proveth faith and love to bee the commandements heere ment Proofe II. These two commandements of faith and love are the commendements which God giveth unto and putteth in the hart of his children Ier. 31.33 Phill. 2.29 Eph. 2.8.10 They are the commandements of God the Father when he calleth and uniteth men to his son Jesus Christ causing them to beliefe on the name of his son Jesus Christ and to love one another as his son hath given commandement 1 Ioh. 3.23 and 4 21. And they are the commandements expresly given by Iesus Christ to all his disciples when he makes knowne his Father to them to believe on him for eternall life Ioh. 12.36 and 14 1. And to love one an other as hee hath loved us Ioh. 13.34 and 15 12. And these are also the very commandements which the Holy Ghost putteth into the harts of believers 1 Pet. 1.21.22 1 Ioh. 3.21.24 So that these two commandements of faïth and love are evident to be the commandements heere ment Proofe III. All labouring to attaine and fulfill in performance any or all other particular preceipts of law or Gospell which flowes not from and is not acted through this believing in the name of Iesus and love of the brethren whatsoever endeavours and services they bee and how and to what end soever otherwise done whether To please God and get boldnesse with him or to get therethrough the righteousnesse of God and so Christ and faith in him and love to brethren or to assure themselves by such attainments and observances of a peculiar interest in Christ even all whatsoever so done to comfort themselves therewith all of it I say as the scripture shewes I. It is but a serving of God according to the oldnesse of the letter and so leaves the doores thereof under sin and curse and the feare of both Rom. 7.6 25 and 8 2 7. Gall. 3.10 Tit. 1.9.10.15 Ioh. 3.5.6 II. The doers thereof do therein and thereby deprive themselves of and hold themselves out from enjoyment of Christ and unfeyned faith in him and love of brethren Rom. 9 32. and 10.3.4.1 Sam. 2 9. Zach. 4.6 Psal 107.11.12 Ecclez 15.16 and 16.15 III. They deceive themselves and are deceived in all that which by such observances and ataynments they judge themselves by to bee in Christ and to have peculiar interest in
him and unfeyned faith and love so measuring themselves by themselves and trusting to their own harts for their testimony which is folly 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18 and 11.3.4 13. Luk. 18.11.12 Ier. 17.5 10. Pro. 28.26 Whereas Those that in the beliefe of the Gospel are emptyed of themselves and all relyance on any righteousnesse wisedome or strength of their owne or that is humane and through the beliefe of the grace reported in the Gospell brought to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for beeing saved by his life and through that believing to love the Brethren shall in abiding in his faith and love and walking therein find the motiones to all that is contained in particular precepts in fit seasons stirring in them Ioh. 7.37.38 Hose 14.8 Gall. 5.22.23 Rom. 8.2 14. 2 Cor. 5.14 As is before shewne in the second consideration and so yeilding up theretoo and walking therein I. They serve God acceptably and in newnesse of Spirit Rom. 12 1 2 3 and 7.6 II. They are ceasing from their own works and so accepting and entring into his rest Heb. 4 3 11. 2 Pet. 1 5 11. III. They yeild forth a justification and testimony of the truth and livelynesse of their faith in Christ and love of brethren Iam. 2 to the end In which believers are not under the law but under grace and so walke after the Spirit and keepe the ommandements of Christ in Faith and love which are the commandements heere ment Gall. 5.6 16 18 23. Proofe IV. Walking in this faith and love put in the hart is before shewne in all the former considerationes to leade to the right fulfilling of all righteous affectiones and services required both in the law and the Gospell so as whosoever hath these commandements in his hart and keepeth and walketh in them both receiveth all good from God and yeeldeth forth all exceptable service to him and to brethren Ioh. 14.21.23 Rom. 5.1.5 and 12 1 3 and 13 8 9 10. So at this also evidenceth these to be the commandements heere ment Proofe V. Those that through beliefe of the grace reported in the Gospell do believe in the name of Christ and in that beliefe love their brethren and so walke in this faith and love have their faith imputed to them for righteousnesse and their love accepted as that which shall be visited with more loves and through both experiments of grace met with Rom. 4.22 25 and 5 1 5 and 8 1 2. 2 Cor. 3 3.18 Ioh. 14.21.23 And by the testimonie of God and Christ himself they do righteousnesse and fulfill the law and al righteousnesse 1 Ioh. 2.29 and 3 7 9. Rom. 13.8 9 10. I. They fullfill the end of the law in accepting Christ for righteousnesse and loving their brother Rom. 10.3 4. Mat. 22.39 40. II. They obey the Gospell and word and doctrine of God and Iesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6.17.18 2 Thess 1.8.10 III. They honour obey and follow God Eph. 5.1.2 Even the Father and the son Ioh. 5.23 37 46 and 14 23 and 16 27. And the Holy Ghost that commeth from the Father and the son and witnesseth of Christ and teacheth Ioh. 14.26 and 15 26. 1 Ioh. 5.6 12. Rom. 8.14 IV. They have eternall life 1 Ioh. 5.11 12. Gall. 6.8 And so keepe the commandements that they find them not grievous but delightfull 1 Ioh. 2.3 10. So that it every way appeareth that faith and love put in the hart are the commands ment II. For the second thing in this point what it is to keepe his commandements it may be answered briefly in two words namelie first to keepe or retaine them in the very hart in the mind will and affectiones Pro. 3.1 and 4.21 And Secondly to observe them in the life in giving up all the members as servants to walke according thereunto Pro. 4.25 26 27. Rom. 12.1 2. 1 Cor. 6.20 But to give a more full and ample answer it might be said the keeping his commandements is I. To retaine and hold fast the Gospell or word of grace that hee hath enlightened our harts with and so put in our harts that he hath begotten faith and love in our harts thereby let this word dwell in our harts in the beliefe and apprehention of the goodnesse of the report and of all the reproofes requirings and promises of it let it be kept in the love desire estimate wherein it was first received and there through Christ in it exalt it and tye it about thy hart and bow the neck too it and this will watch for us teach lead and counsell and be a light to us Rev. 3.3 Coll. 3.16 Pro. 4.8 9 and 6 20 21 22 23. Joh. 15 5.7 II. To hold fast and nourish in our harts that confidence in Christ for life sanctification preservation and guidance and protextion through all sufferings and services of love to the enheritance Gall. 5 5 6. Heb. 3.6 14 and 10 35. And that love member like to brethren and compassionate to the sons of men which in putting in his gracious word hee by his Spirit discovering his grace begot in our hart Heb. 13 1 Ioh. 3 18 and 4 10 12. III. To suffer the word of grace and the faith and love begot thereby to have its perfect worke in us to putt no stoppage by carnall reasonnings too it but yeild up all our members theretoo and to all the motiones of the Spirit that spring there-from and there-through and according theretoo Rom. 12.1 2 3. Phill. 2.1 2. Iam. 1 4. To the denying of all fleshly affectiones and lusts and the obeying all the fruites of the Spirit Gall. 5.16 17 18 22 25. 1 Thess 5.19 IV. To doe all wee have to doe in all the sufferings and services of love in the remembrance of and according to the word of grace and in and with the exercise of the faith and love begot thereby Psal 1 2. Heb. 11 and 12. 1 2. 1 Ioh. 4. to the end And so as is before amplyfied in opening what it is to continue in his love that and this meeting in one V. Seeing it was peculiar to Christ that in all his walking in this world hee never sinned yea if wee consider his humane nature he had no sin if we consider his life he did no sin if wee looke on the law of nature or works under which wee were borne and under which hee became for us hee kept and fulfilled it all to the ful if wee look on those commands and that worke the Father gave him to doe in respect of us he fully finished it yea one may say if wee looke on the commands of faith and love hee left for us to walke in hee also hath given us example and gone before us and walked without failing in both and if besides his nature personall conversation and example and besides his propitiation wee looke on his ministration of the Gospell and care for the continuance thereof after his departure lo he was perfectly faithful
Fathers commands Secondly For the things expressed they are fully and plainly affirmed which should bee to us proofe sufficient yet for better usefulnesse wee may veiw them that wee may the more profitably believe them I. The first of them is that Jesus Christ hath kept his Fathers commands not only those that apertained to his own person as hee had taken our nature and had a soule and body like us and was made under the law for us which law hee also perfectly kept and fulfilled and so in that respect was altogether without sin and perfectly righteous Which is greatly for our benefit 2 Cor. 5.21 1 Pet. 2.22 and 3.18 Heb. 7.26.27 But also as that heere specially ment and which wee are heere especially to heed he hath kept those commands which the Father gave him in respect of his office and mediatorship for which hee so fitted him and which were so peculiar to him and needfull for us that hee should performe 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. Heb. 10.7.19 In respect whereof hee is also the just one and faithfull and perfectly righteous in fulfilling them 1 Ioh. 2.1.2 and 1.9 And that hee hath kept these commands is evident I. By the plain affirmation of Scripture In respect of the first command that he gave himself a ransome for all men by the grace of God tasted death for every man 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 Hee humbled himself and became obedient to the death even the death of the crosse Phill. 2.8 Died for our sins and was buried and rose againe the third day according to the scriptures 1 Cor. 15 3.4 In respect of the other command a testimony in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 Hee is the true light which lighteth every man that commeth into the world Ioh. 1.9 He taught in their sinagogues c. Luk. 4.14 15 22. He taught and advocated for his disciples and gave his Fathers words to them and sent and sendeth forth Spirit from his Fathers right hand Act. 2.33 Eph. 4.7 8 12. And was and is faithful to him that appointed him as a son over his owne house to edify preserve consolate and glorify them Heb. 3.1 6. Isa 61.1.4 II. By his own testimonie both by words and deedes by word he said I will give my flesh for the life of the world I lay downe my life that I might take it againe this commandment have I received c. The Father gave mee a commandment what I should fay and what I should speake therefore even as the Father said unto mee so I speake I have saith hee to his Father sinished the work which thou gavest mee to doe I have manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest mee Ioh. 6.51 and 10.17 and 12 49.50 and 17 4 6. By deed lie went out of the house and over the brooke and into the garden and offered himself to those that came to apprehended him and died and rose and ascended and sent forth of the Holy Ghost c. Ioh. 14.31 and 18 1 4 c. Act. 1 and 2. III. By the testimony of his Father that Jesus is his son in and with whom hee is well-pleased bidding all to looke to him and heare him and assureth that hee is full of Spirit and will not faile in whatever appertaineth to him to doe Mat. 3.17 and 17 5. Isa 42.1.8 IV. By the evidence and witnesse of the Holy Ghost of whom it is said the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father hee shall testifie of mee Ioh. 15.26 And so is the Holy Ghost a witnesse of these things whom God hath given to them that obey him Act. 5.32 God also bearing witnesse with signes and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his owne will Heb. 2.4 Yea the Holy Ghost will so evidence the righteousnesse of Christ in his perfect keeping of these commands that he will reprove the world of sin because they believed not on Christ that had ransomed them and received Spirit and sent forth light to bring them to believe And he will enable such as are turned in his reproofes to believe on Christ 1 Pet. 1.21.22 And will farther glorify Christ in the harts of believers and guide them into all truth Ioh. 16.13.15 That they may know him in respect of his faithfulnesse in these commands to be all wisedome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption for and to them an all life and good in them 1 Cor. 1.30 Coll. 1.27 and 2 3 9 10 and 3.11 V. By the experiments of those that are taught of God who in the knowledge and beliefe of this grace met with in Christ his keeping these commands for us have seene and experimented that through his obedience and faithfulnesse in the first command having offered himselfe in sacrifice for the sin of the world It is that the earth is preferved that life is reprived that Gods patience and long-suffering is extended and that mercies and bownty are dayly renewed and the foundation of repentance laid and the doore of hope and life opened to them Psal 75.3 Act. 17.28 Rom. 1.16 With. 2.4 Lam. 3.22.23 2 Tim. 1.10 1 Tim. 4.10 And that through his faithfulnesse in the other command making known and aplying by his Spirit the vertue of his bloud to them and working by his Spirit in them it is that they believe in him and love him that they enjoy remission of sins peace with God joye in the Holy Ghost knowledge of their sonship support in tryalls refreshing in ordinances fellowship with God and brethren hope of glory c. Rom. 4.24 25. and 5.1 11. Phill. 1.29 1 Pet. 1.21.22 Rom. 14.17 18. 1 Ioh. 1.1 2.3 4 7. Psal 36.8 65.4 So that from their experments they can set too their seale that hee is true Ioh. 3 32.33 Rom. 8.1 2 3 4. VI. By the witnesse of all those faithfull ministers of the word that have this gracious testimony inspired to their hart who beare record of this Gospel that declareth this which Christ hath done and is at his Fathers right hand ready to do knowing they declare no fable and that where this is faithfully declared they are witnesses and in such witnesse bearing Christ sends forth the Holy Ghost to enlighten and beare witnesse to others that they may believe 2 Cor. 5.18.19 Act. 5.31 32 and 10 44. 1 Pet. 1.12 Mat. 28.20 1 Ioh. 1.4.6 So that it clearly and many wayes appeares that Iesus Christ hath kept his Fathers commandments this being encluded in that great misterie 1 Tim. 3.16 II. The second thing expressed is that Iesus Christ in keeping his Fathers commandments did abide in his Fathers love So that I. In keeping these commandments even while he was made low and under law for our sakes and did humble himself to be made pore and to die for us yea in all his sufferings he went through whose love soever he lost and of whatsoever he was deprived and whosoever hated and persecuted him yet in all his Fathers love and
A brief declaration OF JESUS CHRIST His peculiar Love to BELEEVERS And how they may abide in it IN A MEDITATION On Ioh. 15.1 to 10. By THO. MOORE Printed at Delff by MICHIEL STAEL 1647. CHRISTIAN READER I Have heer onely briefely given thee this Meditation as an addition or step forward in the love of God to mankind to see his speciall love to Beleevers and how they may walk in it which thou and I attaining our groweth to the harvest and perfection in the harvest will be certain which being my desire I Rest Thy well-willer in and for Iesus Christ THO. MOORE A MEDITATION Of Ioh. 15.9.10 and occationly from 1. to 10. Ioh. 15.9 As the Father hath loved mee soe have I loved you continue yea in my love Ioh. 15.10 If yea kyepe my commandments yea shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commandments and abide in his love THE coherence of these words with the former shew them to be a farther encouragement exoitation and direction to Christs disciples for abiding in Christ and that he by his word and Spirit may abide in them for he had before beene instructing admonishing and encouraging them to abide in him and he in them Vers 1.5 I am saith Christ the Vine the True Vine a vine was known to them to be one of the trees of Gods Creation and provision for man such a one as brought forth such fruite as did testify the goodnes of God to man Zack 8.12 such a one as in the promise or giving of which was implyed plenty peace and safet ye Deut. 8.7.8 9. Ier. 31.4.5.8 I. King 4.25 Such as the fruite thereof did cheare both God and man because being filled with his goodnesse they offered of it to God and drank thereof in their sacrifices with thanks to God which he accepted and confidence in God in which they were refreshed Psal 116.11 to 19. Now that Jesus Christ is the Vine the True Vine is for such as they noe hard saying to understand according to the letter which is the sence the words import seeing the Scripture menciones two men or two Adams the first man who is the first Adam and the second man who is the last Adam 1. Cor. 15.45.47 And suitably two creationes the first Creation Gen. 1. 2. And a new creation Rev. 21.5 The first Adam being natural and earthye and soe the old creation that is supported for him 1. Cor. 15.46 Psal 75.3 The second or last man being spiritual and heavenly and soe the new creation compleated in and through him 1 Cor. 15.46 Isa 65.18.19 Soe as when in Scripture wee reade of vine fig-tree dore c. as it speakes off and is aplyableto the first man with the first creation for him and things pertaineing thereto wee may understand it suitably whether naturally or metaphorically yet ever as the words in that sentence and buysinesse import which is the litteral sence or as it speakes of the second man with the new creation compleated in and through him and things pertayning thereto wee may understand it spiritually whether in more general or more peculiar sence yet ever as the words in that sentence and buysinesse import which is also the litteral sence and so according to the letter or words written in this buysinesse I am the vine being spoken by and of Jesus Christ the spiritual man and the things of him it sheweth plainly that verily I. Hee is the vine the tree of life Rev 2.7 22.1.14 The greene Olive-tree in the house of God Psal 52.8 Their green fir-tree from whom their fruit is found Hos 14.8 And soe the vine as heere Vers 1.5 II. Hee is the vine or fruitful tree of Gods provision and preparation for man for the good of man 1. Pet. 1.2 Isa 42.1 1. Ioh. 4.14 In and through whom is testified the goodnesse and love of God to mankind Isa 55.1.4 Ioh. 3.16.17 And his peculiar love to his chosen Rom. 8.32 Joh. 9.3.6 III. Hee is the vine whose fruit cheareth both God and man hee hath in mans nature and stead soe dyed for mans sinnes and risen for mans justification and offered up himself such a perfect and acceptable sacrifice to God for man that in him mercy and truth are met Psal 85.10 And it is as iâ— all had dyed 2. Cor. 5.14 And with him yea in him God is well-pleased Mat. 3.17 17.5 And through him light mercy is extended to men filling them with good Joh. 1.4.5.9 Act. 14.17 So as in beholding and receiving his love heeâ— through testified they may give thanks to God and be comforted in God Psal 107.21.22.42.43 IV. Hee is the vine in which is all fulnesse of liveing and quickening sap that effecteth-life and fruitfulnesse it pleaseth the Father that in him should all fulnesse dwel Col. 1.19 All fulnesse of grace and truth Ioh. 1.14 Grace is powred into his lips Psal 45.2 Hee is immeasureably anointed and filled with the Spirit Psal 45. Isa 42. 61.1 In him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and understanding in him dwels al the fulnesse of the God-head bodily Coll. 2.3.9 V. He is the vine in promising of whom God promiseth and in giving of whom God giveth and in receiving of whom believers receive plenty of durable riches Pro. 3.13.18 Wisedome righteousnesse c. 1. Cor. 1.30 Enheritance Eph. 1.11 Kinred Mar. 3.35 Pleasures Psal 16. Utt. Also peace even peace with God in conscience with brethren and towards men peace passing understanding that wil keep the hart and mind in Christ and joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 5.1.2.5 14.17 Phill 4.4.5 And safety for suport preservation and eternall salvation Joh. 10.28.29 VI. Hee is the vine in and through whom al spirituall and quickening sap and powre of the devine nature flowes that brings forth good grapes or fruites that are acceptable that will either satisfie or be gathered of his Father and him Psal 52.8 Hose 14.5.8 1. Pet. 2.5.9 1. Joh. 5.12 Joh. 3.6 Cant. 4.1.14 and 5.1 Thus is Iesus Christ the vine endeed and not only allegorically and metaphorically but minding the buysinesse spiritually hee is soe truly and really and other natural and earthy yea or metaphoricall vines are so called in respect of that which they resemble and shew forth of some small goodnesse of his in whom the true good is vers 1 I am saith hee the True Vine And this may bee understood in oposition too or respect of others that are so called or in soom sort are vines I. The naturall vines the trees soe called that bring forth such fruites as aforesaid truth these vines are vines endeed as Creatures that have theire being support fruitfulnesse and operation of their fruits from God through Christ Ioh. 1.4.11 Psal 75.3 Coll. 1.17 Without whose word or forth-putting of his blessing those vines languish and bring forth noe fruite or bringing forth fruits yet cannot nourish nor are accompanied with those blessings of plenty
of his servants still to be a continued worke and that not only that they may continue being the salt of the earth and the light of the world and by their light shining to win in men to glorify God Mat. 5.13.16 But olso for such as God hath blessed their ministration unto and made them instruments by which the spirit hath brought them to Christ enabled them to believe on him and writ his mind in their hart they are not then to cease their ministration towards them but then to follow one and more abundantly to care for watch over pray for instruct admonish and encourage them for their father building up and preservation in the faith and provocation to love and good works 2. Cor. 3.2 to 17. and 11.2.3 Iud. 1.5 Act. 20.28 II. That those who are through grace brought into believe and so made cleane by the word of Christ applied to them and so in Christ and hee in them it is meete needful profitable and safe for them to be still attending the ministration of Christ in the Gospell and to be further instructed admonished exhorted and encouraged and that againe and againe while they are in these clay tabernacles 1. Cor. 13.10.12 Yea though they bee sinceere and fruitfull Phil. 1.7 and 2.1.13 and 3.1.2.10 And know and are established in the present truth 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Yea though their faith love and hope be stedfast and opperative and their election of God so testified as may be knowne 1. Thess 1.3.5 and 3.2 Yet stil the ministration of the Gospell is meete needful and safe even for them because of oppositiones in flesh and weaknesse and wants that yet may yet be found in the usefulnesse of their faith and love and orderly walking 1. Thess 3.2.3.10 And good ends and reasons for both these points are given in the scripture it self as to instance briefly a fewe I. To stit up and keepe mindfull and waking the harts of the believers 2. Pet. 1.13 and 3.1 That so they may not suffer that lose in opportunities which forgetfulnesse sleepinesse endangers too Cant. 5.2.3.6 II. To prevent and save from seducements by false doctrine which enstrange from God and Christ 1. Cor. 15. to the end 2. Cor. 11.1.2.3.11 1. Ioh. 2.19 III. To prevent and save from the intisements and deceitfulnesse of sinfull and worldly lusts that withdraw from God Heb. 3.1.12.13 1. Ioh. 2.16 IV. To edify in faith love hope 1 Thess 5.11 Iud. 20.21.22 V. To provoke to fruitfulnesse in love and good works Tit. 3.8 Heb. 10.24 VI. To help forward to fulnesse of joye and comfort that may abide and hold in times of tribulation 1. Ioh. 1.4 1. Thess 3.2.3 So that in the truth of these two observationes in Christ practise and teaching it appeares that it comes not from the spirit of Christ for any dispensour of the Gospell to think that when any are by their ministration brought to Christ that they may then leave their care over them and cease their ministration towards them all the scriptures of the Apostles shew the contrarie Nor is it from the spirit of Christ for any that in believing know themselves in Christ and hee in them to conceite they now need no more to attend the ministration of the Gospell the whole scripture sheweth the contrarie and this might also be an exhortation to us both to the use of and attendance to the continual ministration of the Gospell 2. Tim. 4.2 Heb. 13.7.8 c. Now in the 9. and 10. Verses For the better and more full understanding of that which is therein held forth to us it is meete first to consider some circumstances about the words and then that which is set forth in the words themselves First For the Circumstances these three are considerable I. Who it is that assirmeth soe great Love II. To and off whom so great love is affirmed III. To what end the saying is recorded I. For the first whose affirmation this is of so great and peculiar love It is evident from the chapters before and vers 1. of this chapter that it is the affirmation of Iesus Christ who is the Son of God Rom. 1.4 Joh. 11.27 And the Saviour of the world Ioh. 4.42 1. Ioh. 4.14 And head and husband of his Church Eph. 5.25.32 Who is the truth it selfe Ioh. 14.6 All whose words are truth and nothing false or wreathed in them Pro. 8.7 8. Hee of whom the Father hath born testimony Mat. 3.17 Ioh. 5.37 He of and to whom the Holy Spirit of truth hath bo ne and doth beare testimony Ioh. 15.26 1. Ioh. 5.6 Hee whose lips are full of grace Psal 45.2 And in whose mouth was never any guile found 1. Pet. 2.22 So that of the truth and verity of this affirmation how great soever it were great sin to doubt at all and needfull it is that wee be firme in beliefe of this greatnesse power love and truth of our saviour his one-nesse with God and his onenesse with us his love to mankind and his peculiar love to the church that so wee may firmely believe the truth of this affirmation of so great love c. Ioh. 3.31.32.33 and 11.25 II. For the second who they are to and of whom so great and peculiar love is affirmed and invitation and direction for abiding therein given it is evident to be the disciples of Christ Ioh. 13. And though they were the eleven Apostles Iudas Iscariot being gone out and their could be no more at that time because it would have beene above a competent number for eating the passeover together yet this affirmation was to them as they were his disciples and did beleeve on him and love him and so concerned all that did believe on him and love him as well as it did themselves that were present to heare and this appeares by the tearmes and titles by which they were called as His owne which were in the world Ch. 13.1 Which also were al given and brought to him by the heavenly call Ioh. 6.39.44.45 and 17.2.8 And disciples Ch. 13.5.22.35 As all were that did believe on him and love him Mat. 5.1.13.14.15.16 And little children chap. 13.33 appliable to all that believe on him and love him Ioh. 14.1 1. Ioh. 2.12.13 And it appeares likewise by the new commandment given them chap. 13.34 Which is given to all that unfeinedly believe on him 1. Ioh. 3.23.24 and 4.21 And it also appeares by the promise of the spirit to them Ioh. 14.16.17 Which promise belongs also to all that believe on him Ioh. 7.38.39 Act. 2.38.39 And it appeares also by the metaphor and expressiones used in this 15. chap. In which al that it said of being Branches in him Vers 2.4.5 Of being cleane through the redemption and propitiation in him by his preaching the Gospell spiritually applied to them Vers 3. Of abiding in him Vers 4. Of impossibillity of bringing forth any spirituall and acceptable fruite without abiding in him Vers 4.5 Of the withering
on him and love him that so they might come to partake of this peculiar love Ioh. 11.42 and 17.21.22.23 and 20.31 As Iesus Christ set forth the privilledges of his disciples in the hearing of the multitude Mat. 5.3.8 That the multitude hearing the same might bee alured to become his disciples that so they might also come to partake of such priviledges II. More speciall and peculiar for such as by the spirit of grace are enabled through the Gospell in the knowledge of the propitiation made by Christ and the eternall life that is in him and the love of God in the gift of his son to believe the truth and goodnesse of the report of the Gospell so as there through they are convinced and emptied of their former delight and considences and alured and overcome to submit and come into Christ Rom. 6.17 Isa 55.4.5 Ioh. 6.44.45 And in believing receive from God through Christ remission of sins peace in conscience and accesse to God Act. 10.43 Rom. 5.1.2 Eph. 2.17.18 So as heerby they are enabled to believe both the redemption and reconciliation wrought in and by Christ with God which is in him and hee is and that reconciliation that by his spirit he worketh in men to God and the eternall life that is in him to bestow and in this believing to depend on him for the same and in that dependance to love both him and their brethren Rom. 5.6.7.8.11 and 4.22.25 1. Pet. 1.8.21.22.23 These though yet accumbred with such like infirmities as these disciples were are yet true believers in end lovers of Christ and built upon him and in the same condition and so loved even as they were as is evident by comparing our saviours profession to Peter and Peters aplication of the same to all unfeyned believers and lovers of Christ Mat. 16.16.17.18 With 1. Pet. 2.3.4.5.9 And our saviours promise to all so believing in and loving of him Ioh. 14.21.23 And this affirmation charge and direction is recorded for their learning that through patience and comfort of the scriptures they may have hope Rom. 15.4 And so not only know they are beloved but even so beloved of Iesus Christ even as the Apostle writ to those that believed and knew they had life that they might farther know this eternall life and their having of it and so believe more and more and have their joy full 1. Ioh. 5.10.11.12.13 and 1.4 with Ioh. 15.11 Object It seemes as if believers now could not have like assurance of such peculiar love and so such consolation in it as the e had to whom Christ spake it because they had it from Christ his owne mouth which none now can have because he is in heaven Ans This is a great mistake and wrong conception confuted by our saviour himself who before he lift the world did testifie that he would send another advocate and comforter even the Holy Spirit of truth in his stead and place to be with the believers for ever and that his Spirit should bring his words to their remembrance and teach them al things Ioh. 14.16.17.18.21.23.26 Yea soe as it should be noe dammage to them that he left the world and went to his Father but more gainfull to them then if he had not gone in bodily presence from them Joh. 16.7.8.15 And this Holy Spirit gives to believers a twofold knowledge of this peculiar love though not both alwayes at once and this he doth I. By making a man a believer glorifying Christ so in his hart as hee not only brings him to believe the propitiation made by him but in believing that love and goodnesse to depend on God in Christ for farther saving and for that eternall life that is in him 1. Pet. 1.21 Rom. 3.24 25. and 4.23 25. and 5.8 9 11. And therein effects love and a Christ-like disposition 2 Cor. 3.3 In which believing he gives them interest in Christ and in al that is Christ 1 Cor. 1.30 and 3.22 23. And such in their believing veiw of this affimation and invitation may know themselves so beloved and envited of Christ and have the same assurance and consolation thereof that these had to whom Christ spake If not somthing more then they had till after his assencion that they received the promise of the more abundant portion of the Holy Ghost compare Rom. 15.4.5 1 Joh. 5.10.13 with Joh. 16.7 15. and 30.31 II. By a more peculiar witnessing such love as this into their believing hart Rom. 8.15 16 17. By a supernaturall illumination and inspiration of his gracious word and promise into the hart in which hee cleares up and sheads abroad even this peculiar love more abundantly therein Ioh. 14.26 Rom. 5.5 Tit. 3.5 6. By which Spirit Christ doth manifest his presence with them acquaint them with the things of the Father and himselfe which gives more abundant consolation to the beleevers as it did to these when they received the same Joh. 14.21 23. and 16 13 14 15.7 Act. 2. Cant. 1.2 And to this end was this recorded that believers might know certainly their interest in this peculiar love and have the consolation of it waite therein for the more full peculiar testimony therof so great their consolation thereby From these three things thus observed Viz. That it is Jesus Christ that hath affirmed so great love c. And that it was affirmed to believers and that it is recorded for believers that they may know how they are beloved I. Al that reade and heare the same should be stirred up to obey and embrace the Gospell of Christ in which not only deliverance from sin and death is declared and tendered but also for such as doe believe such peculiar love and eternall life to be farther found in Christ and the greater grace it tenders the greater the sin and the more woful the condition of al that doe slight and disobey the cal thereof Act. 8.38.39.41 Hose 11 7. Heb. 2.3 and 12.25 2 Thes 1 8. Oh that men would believe and turne II. Believers have good cause to praise and glorify God for recording the affirmationes of and invitationes to such grace in the Gospell Rev. 22.16 17. And also to give the more ernest heed to this great love and to the invitation and direction for continuance therein seeing it is from Christ to them Heb. 2.1 4. And according to this threefold consideration vew the words themselves now in the words themselves are three things considerable I. Our Saviour serious affirmation of his love and the manner of it to his disciples As the Father hath loved me soe have I loved you II. His gracious exortation invitation or charge Continue yee in my love III. His sweet and safe direction how to continue in his love including a promise in it If yee keepe my commandments yee shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers commands and abide in his love I. The first thing to be vewed in our Saviour serious
of continuing in his love First For the things to be enquired into that wee may know them the first is what were the Fathers commandments concerning Jesus Christ and in the scripture they appeare to bee these two commandments I. That he should save all men by giving himself a ransome and offering up himself a sacrifice for them to make propitiation for their sins so as to make them saveable and to open the door for a speciall and eternal saluation for al those that submit to him and believe on him 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. Heb. 10.7 And this command encludes in it his taking the nature of mankind subject to humane infirmities Rom. 6.3 His being made under the law for them that were under the law Gall. 4.4.5 His bearing the sins of the world Ioh. 1.29 2 Cor. 5.19 His dying the death for every man 2 Cor. 5.14 Heb. 2.9 His rising againe acquit of all the sins imputed to him and a victorer over all the curse and death imposed on him and over all the enemies he conflicted with 1 Cor. 15.4 1 Pet. 3.22 And so by the eternall Spirit offering himself with out spot to God sealing the new Testament with his precious bloud and with the vertue thereof entred the holy of holies to make reconciliation for the sins of the people and appeares in heaven before God for them Heb. 9.11.12.14 15 16 17 23.24 All this is in the first commandment II. That he should bring all men to the knowledge of the truth and so enlighten and convince them that the Lord may dwell among them and how ever that they may be brought to acknowledge Jesus the Lord to the glory of God 1 Tim. 2.4.6 Rom. 14.9.11.12 And more especially such as are in the day of grace submitted to the acknowledgment of the truth to guide them into all truth and to unite and conforme them to himself making them meete for and in due season partakers of the inheritance with himself Ioh. 16.13 14 15. Isa 55.4 5 2 Cor. 3.3 18. Coll. 1.12.13 1 Pet. 2.3.9 And this commandment containes in it His declaration of the Gospell His communication of Spirit His enliving the dead His opening the eyes of the blind and the eares of the deaf his bringing the prisoners out of prison his comforting cloathing and bewtifying them with grace and glory Isa 61.1.2 3. Luk. 4.18 21. Isa 42.1 8 and 49 6 9. And that these two commandments the one to work and accomplish in himself as the publick person in the roome and place a perfect salvation for mankind with God by giving himself a ransome for them and so purchasing them into his owne dispose as their Lord and so making them saveable Rom. 14.9.10.11.12 The other to offer the knowledge and tenders of this grace to them that they may come to the knowledge of the truth Ioh. 1.9 And that such as are submitted to the acknowledgment of the truth in the day of grace and abide therein hee to confer upon them and work in them eternall saluation Ioh. 8.31.36 That these bee the commandments of the Father concerning Jesus Christ our Lord is evident I. By the expresse and plaine affirmation of the scriptures speaking of the mind and will of God concerning the Man Jesus Christ the mediator betweene God and men what God willeth concerning him that he would have done by him It saith of the first God will have all men to be saved And of the second And come to the knowledge of the truth And speaking of the answerable performance by Christ it saith of the first hee gave himself a ransome for all and of the second a testimony or to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2.4.5.6 Both which are expresly said in other places also to bee his will to be done by Christ and which he came and undertooke to doc and having sinished the one part that respecteth the one commandment and beene performing and stil is performing the other part of his wil which respecteth the other commandment Psal 40.7 8 9 10 Heb. 10.7 9 10 12 15 16. Isa 61.1.2.3 II. By the plaine testimony and confession of Jesus Christ himself who as he was abased and died for our sins and rose for our justification and so offered himself as the ransome to God and became the propitiation for the sins of the world so he comprehendeth his humilation death and resurrection under the first part of the will of his Father and calleth it his commandment saying I have powre to lay downe my life and I have powre to take it again this commandment have I received of my Father Ioh. 10.18 And of this part of Gods will its most probable he spake Ioh. 6.38.39 I came down from heaven not to doe mine owne will but the will of him that sent mee and this is the Fathers will which hath sent mee that of all that he hath given mee I should loose none but should raise it up againe at the last day Agreeable to that is said els-where As in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15.22 Agreeable to that which he after saith The bread which I will give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world Ioh. 6.51 And this to be heere-ment appeares I. In that this said Vers 38.39 Is made the ground of his faithfulnesse and powre for that he said before Vers 37. and after Vers 40. II. In that the phrase is altered Heere is said hath given as intimating to purchase but in Vers 37. It is said giveth as intimating by the heavenly call III. And in that the other part of his will is exprest as distinct and in other tearmes Vers 40. And to manifest his love and obedience to his Father in this command in laying downe his life and offering himself as the sacrifice for the sin of the world Ioh. 1.29 That the world might know it when he was in the house where those that sought to apprehend him could not have come to take him he said that the world may know that I love the Father and as the Father gave mee commandment even so I doe arise let us go hence Joh. 14.31 And thus have wee the first commandment given to Christ set forth by his owne testimony And for the other commandements hee saith expresly This is the will of him that sent mee that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last daye Ioh. 6.40 intimating To glory for all shall rise and speaking of the Gospel and the ministration thereof through which he sendeth forth Spirit to enlighten and convince and to bring the convinced to believe and the believer to partake of eternall life in which respect the Gospell is a light and a judge Ioh. 12.46 47 48 49.50 He said I have not spoken of my selfe but the Father which sent mee hee gave mee a commandement what I should say