now taken away sinne and abolished death 1 Joh. 3.5 2 Tim. 1.10 And is now at the right hand of God the Father who hath released and given over all into his dispose and made him Lord of all 1 Pet. 3.18.22 Act. 10.24.36 And this is the salvation which Jesus Christ hath wrought in his owne body with God for men which all creatures in heaven and earth could not have done but Jesus Christ hath done it and so hath answered that part of Gods will who will have all men saved 1 Tim. 2.4 in that hee hath given himself a ransome for all Yet if there be not a Salvation also wrought in men they will yet perish in a second death having no power in themselves to come to Christ 2. There is a Reconciliation Redemption and Salvation which Jesus Christ effecteth by his Spirit in men to God of which is spoken when in affirming the former wrought men are thereupon intreated to suffer the Spirit in the newes thereof to effect this latter in them Wee pray you in Christs stead be yee reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.20 and receive not this grace of God in vaine 2 Cor. 6.1 Whence the confession of the Saints is Thou hast Redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every c. Revel 5.9 The former was by Blood-sheading This by blood-sprinking or washing Revel 5.9 and 1.5 with Heb. 9.19.24 and 12.24 Whence these are said To be Elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father through Sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1.2 and so it is said It is the Spirit that quickneth Joh. 6.63 The Spirit giveth life and writeth the Epistle of Christ in the heart and conformeth to Christ 2 Cor. 323.6.17 18. The law of the Spirit of Lafe in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sinne and of death Rom. 8.2 and so such are said to be washed and sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.11 delivered from the power of darknesse and translated into the Kingdome of his deere Sonne Col. 1.13 called out of darknesse into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2.9 Who have eternall life and shall be perfected therein 1 Joh. 5.12 13. and 3.2 and this is said to be in them Col. 1.29 Ephe. 1.19 Phil. 2.1.12 13. For effecting of which Redemption Reconciliation and Salvation Jesus Christ is exalted at Gods right hand Act. 2.33 him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgivenesse of sinnes Acts 5.31 And there this is also put in as the ground of our hope for this Salvation that Hee is set at the right hand of the throne of the Majestie in the heavens Hebr. 8.1 And there he is fully furnished for the making knowne and tendring the Salvation wrought in his owne body and the vertue thereof in this Salvation by his Spirit applying the fruits of that to men and to effect aeternall salvation in them that obey his call in beleeving Isai 45.22 Hebr. 5.9 1. In that he hath received all Authority who is gone into heaven and is on the right hand of God Angells and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3.22 so as all shall bow to him and he is the head of the Church and Lord of all Phil. 2.9 10. Ephes 1.20 23. Acts. 2.33 36. having life in himself and quickning whom he will men as the Father Joh. 5.21 26. 2. In that hee hath there received and is filled with the holy Ghost immeasurably in the humane nature glorifyed and that to send forth to men both to the rebellious that the Lord might dwell among them Psal 68.18 and all men come to the Knowledge of the truth in due season 1. Tim. 2.4.6 And moreover to such as in the day of grace so receive the knowledge of the truth That they are brought to beleeve on him To put his words in them and teach them all things Ioh. 14.26 To indue them with spirituall and usefull gifts Acts 2.33 Ephes 4.7.13 and to lead them into all Truth Joh. 16.13 and conforme them to himself 2 Cor. 3.18 3. In that he is there advanced in his peculiar Office The great High Priest over the House of God The Prophet and King of his Church and peculiar People Hebr. 3.3.6 and 5. and 7. Acts 3.22 26. 4. In that he is there exercising in all Love and faithfulnesse in in the businesse for which he ascended thither and appeareth before God Heb. 9.24 In some sort Interceeding or putting in for Transgressours even the sonnes of men yet in and of the world And that Spirit may so fill unite and blesse those that beleeve on him and so goe forth in their Confession and Conversation and in the Ministration of his Gospel by his servants That those among whom they dwell and converse might be convinced and brought to beleeve the report of the Gospel Isa 53.12 as once Luke 23.24 even as himself left the pattern hereof with us praying to his Father so to blesse his peculiar ones That the world may beleeve that thou hast sent mee and that the world may know that thou hast sent mee and host loved them beleevers as thou hast loved mee Joh. 17.21.23 That so the men of the world might be convinced and the convinced allured to come to Christ and to God in him Matth. 5.14 15 16. yea so as that hee doth also in some measure enlighten every man that commeth into the world Joh. 1.9 But in more speciall manner doth he enterceede being the Advocate for his chosen ones that by the heavenly Call are brought in to him and doe through his grace submit to him and beleeve on him Hebr. 3.1 6. 1 Joh. 2.1 And presenteth them in himself to his Father and himself holy and spotlesse Col. 1.22 Ephe. 5.27 according to what he hath done and is for them that they may be accounted not according to what they have done and are in themselves but according to what hee hath done and is for them and is to them and in them and what they are in and through him Psal 103.10 11 12. 2 Cor. 1.30 Phil. 3.3 8 9. And thus through his Eternall Spirit and by vertue of his blood once shed And in his owne body that once dyed and is now glorifyed for them wherein also dwells the fulnesse of the Godhead bodily in whom they also are compleat doth he appeare presenting them and advoceating for them at the right hand of God in heaven Hebr. 9.12.13.24 and 4.14 and 6.20 and 10.21 Revel 1.18 Col. 2.3.9 10. And so doth hee I. Take away from before his Father and himself and procure to them remission of all their sinnes against and since grace received and procures sanctifying and timely removall of the corrections in faithfulnesse imposed on them and healing of their
odious and hatefull to God That no Sacrifices no Ransome nor Workes no Blood nor anything lesse then the Precious Blood of the Sonne of God could pâ—ease his wrath and satisfie his Justice and that the Punishment and Curse suffered for thy sinne was so great as to make such a Mighty One to be in an Agony and to sweat great drops of Blood and to cry out upon the Crosse because of the wrath that was executed on him yea to Die also and even thy sinnes also with the rest of us the Thornes the Speares the Nailes that pierced him the Mallady that caused him to sweat such drops of Blood and the very cause for which he suffered all these Stripes Behold what a share thou hast what a hand thou hast had in the shedding of the Blood of the Sonne of God In which Sufferings hee yet willingly did die and so gave himself a Ransome to God for thee to save and deliver thee from the Wrath of God and the Snare of the Devill and that himself might be thy Lord And shall neither the Blood he hath shed nor the Love hee hath Testifyed thereby melt and gaine in thy heart towards him Did he shed his Blood to satisfie for thy sinnes and wilt thou still goe on in sinne Canst thou delight and allow thy self in those sinnes for which the Lord Jesus was so wounded and suffered so much Did hee become under the Law for thee and for thy Debt Die and Rise that thou might'st come under his Government and wilt thou still yeeld to continue in servitude of sinne and Satan Is there through his blood so much Patience and Bounty vouchsafed to lead thee to Repentance and wilt thou still persist in impenitency wilt thou slight the meanes hee by his blood hath Procured to invite thee to Repentance Wilt thou make thy members which he by his blood hath purchased the Servants of sinne that drew forth his blood Wilt thou oppresse or defraud People purchased by his Blood Wilt thou abuse to gluttony Drunkennesse Wantonnesse or Pride those Creatures the liberty of Sober and moderate use whereof was purchased by his blood Wilt thou still passe on thy time securely without seeing the Peace and Life that is in him and was procured by his blood Is all the Sufferings and Death and Blood-shed of JESUS CHRIST of no more esteeme with thee Canst thou so contemne and tread under foot and cast as farthest off and least in thy thoughts the Precious blood of JESUS CHRIST shed for thy sinnes And wilt thou not suffer the application and beliefe thereof to rest and worke upon thy heart to melt thee and wash thee from thy sinnes to fill thy heart with sorrow for and loathing of thy sinnes to Crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof and to turne thee in to Christ whose blood would speak Peace to thee and purify thee Wilt thou so Persist Oh what wilt thou say or how wilt thou be able to endure when thou shalt be brought before this thy Lord that so dyed for thee and have his Precious Blood and all his Sufferings with all the Mercies extended therethrough to thee and all thy contempt and abuse thereof laid to thy Charge and then to be Judged by him that so dearly bought thee and thou would'st none of his Government but set light by all his Sufferings and Councells Oh that thou wert wise and wouldest consider thy latter End and who it is that Calleth thee to Repentance And is it not hee that dyed for thee and paid thy Debt That hath waited for thee and forborne thee so long that hee might be gracious to thee That hath Pardon and Peace and Life to bestow upon thee and that by all his mercies given thee and meanes he used toward thee and calleth on thee to forsake thy owne way and thoughts and turne to him and hee will have mercy on thee and aboundantly Pardon Isai 35.6 7. doth hee not complaine of it as that which is a new Piercing to him that thou wilt goe on still Pressing him with thy sinnes and not come in to him that thou mightst have Life Isa 43.24 Ioh. 5.39 40. Surely he came to save sinners hee dyed for the ungodly Say not therefore There is no hope in him for thee and therefore thou wilt doe as thou hast done and so refuse his Call Jer. 2.25 Neither say thou Seeing hee dyed for mee I shall have Peace Though I walke after the stubbornnesse of my owne heart for though he dyed for the Sinners Vnjust Vngodly and his enemies yet such shall not inherit his kingdome and have Eternall Life with him they that would enjoy this Life must suffer his Blood through his Word and Spirit to cleanse renew and bring them in and conforme them to himself therefore be not deceived God will not be mocked 1 Cor. 6.9 Ephes 5 6. his word is already gone forth that he that so turneth his Grace into wantonnesse and will persist in his evill way and still say hee shall have Peace notwithstanding The Lord will not be mercifull to such a one but all the Plagues written in his Book shall light upon such a man Deut. 29.19 20 21. and the Lord Jesus is a Righteous Judge and will wound the head of such as when this grace of his is made knowne will goe on still in their Trespasses Psal 63.21 Wherefore I beseech thee let the blood of Christ shed for thee and his love testified therein plevaile with thee to soften thy heart and to turne thee from all thy evill wayes into JESVS CHRIST And seek the Lord while he may be found turne and live for there is Mercy in him for thee It is no lying fable that is tould thee 2 Pet. 1.16 Hee hath sworne hee hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that the wicked turne from his way and Live Ezek. 33.11 and 18.23.32 Oh turne thee turne thee and Live why wilt thou die when hee delighteth not to have it so Behold hee hath given himself a Ransome for thee and received Spirit to send forth in the meanes Hee hath procueed Salvation and made thee saveable and calleth thee to Repentance and faith that thou mightest be saved And all this Treatise hath been to Prove the doore of Life open for thee How long wilt thou now deferre and stand out against so great grace wilt thou not be made cleane When shall it once be Jere. 13.27 Follow not lying vanities to the losse of thy owne mercies Jonah 2.8 Loose not thy owne soule now he hath Purchased it Doe not destroy thy selfe now hee hath wrought Redemption for thee Oh refuse not to accept his grace and submit to his government that hath so deerly bought thee Doe not denie him or despise his Councell Doe no longer persist in thy ownewayes least thou Provoke him to give thee up and so an irrecoverable downfall come upon thee 2 Pet. 2.1 2. which yet may be
not require of thee and offer to worke conformity to him in death in being as dead to sinne and to all the life and glory in humane and worldly parts righteousnesse fame riches pleasures friendship and life and submission to be deprived of any of them as Hee and the Gospel shall require That thou mightest finde and receive all thy wisedome righteousnesse and life in and from him Matth. 16.24 25. Phil. 3.3.7 8 9. and doth it not likewise promise in this submission to him and dependance on him Romission of sinnes Peace Righteousnesse and life Acts 10.43 and 13.36 38. and doth not the great love of God testified in his blood-shed sometime move at thy heart to yeeld to all this and let all â—oe to come to him who in this thy obedience to the blood of Christ will by his Spirit sprinckle the same blood in thy heart and thereby speake Peace to thee and purify thee and consolate thy heart and shed abroad his love in thee by his Spirit and so acquint thee with heavenly hope and riches Heb. 12.14 1 Pet. 1.2 Tit. 3.4.7 Rom. 5.15 and till this be Though Christ dyed for thee and life be in him for thee yet thou hast not Life Therefore I pray thee be not deceived say not Thou art rich when thou art yet poor Revel 3.17 but rather seek that which is true riches indeed and seek it of Christ in whom it is and rest not till thou be submitted to him and that he by his Spirit take knowledge of thee enable thee to beleeve and justifie thee Joh. 10.27 1 Pet. 1.21 22. Rom. 3.26 So as thou in some measure experiment that in Rom. 5.1 2. It will bee to thee-ward but a heavy knowledge to stand before him one Day and know that be shed his blood for thee and Redeemed thee that hee might be thy Lord and that true Gospel was Preached to thee when all that blood shed for thee and all the Gospel with all the entreaties of his Servants and motions of his Spirit and all his Patience and Bounty shall be laid to thy charge and come in as witnesse against thee because thou hast not come in to his Regiment and submitted to his Death set forth in his Gospel Rom. 14.9 12. Matth. 11.20.24 Now is the time in which hee is to be found and submitted too and Spirit received from him Hee now offers thee grace 2 Cor. 5.19 20. 6.2 Matth. 25 1 13. Doe not fore-slow till it be too late till the door be shutt for then it will not availe thee to say LORD open unto us wee have eate and drurke in thy Presence and thou hast taught in our streets Remember the Five foolish Virgins Luke 13.2 5 26. Matth. 25.1.13 And deferre not till it be too late which GOD in Mercy prevent but seek in this time of finding which God in mercy grant thee USE III. If thou be one that holdest That Christ dyed and wrought Redemption for All Men and dost desire to Partake of the benifit of his Death and to have Eternall Life with him and for that end makest Images to thy self to put thee in mind of him and makest interceeding Mediatours of Angels and Saints departed to entreat his love for thee and devisest Penitentiall abasements and mortifications as wareing haire garments lying on bare boards or chopt straw going barefoot on Pilgrimage willfull Poverty and usest dilligence in use of humane devises and mens Precepts to Worship God withall and are at labour and cost and usest and dost many Workes of Devotion and of Mercy and Equity to make thy self worthy of Christ and life by him and through all these to make up a Confidence of life to thy selfe I pray thee what wrong should be done thee if one shall charge thee with the sinne of the Heathen in a higher degree then those Rom. 1.18 22. for dost not thou herein hold the Truth in unrighteousnesse and professing to know GOD thou dost not glorifie him as GOD but becommest vaine in thy immaginations and professing thy self to be wise thou becomest most foolish for even in this way wherein thou thinkest to serve and honour him and to have life by him thou dost directly disobey and dishonour him and provokest him to curse thee I pray thee consider and let thy heart answer without stop is this obedience or disobedience to the death and bloodshed of Jesus Christ To be so alive to thy owne wisedome thoughts wayes and workes to choose thy own wayes and put confidence therein See and consider what is said before to such as are not gone a whoring in thy way and what is written Jer. 9.23 24. 1 Cor. 1.29 30 31. 2 Cor. 10.17 18. 1 Joh. 5.20 21. Isai 66.1 2 3. and thou shalt see thy way sinfull is this to honour him or to dishonour him To advance thy self in a Will-worship and in Observation of things that Perish in thousing Coll. 3.18.23 Doth not his blood spiritually applyed to the heart humble and melt mortifie sinne appease the Conscience and purify the heart Zach. 12.10 1 Pet. 1 2. Hebr. 9.14 Why seekest thou this in other things devised by thy self or other men Is not hee full of Spirit to imprint his Word in thy heart and is not his Spirit of devine force and doe not his Words doe good to them that walke uprightly Isai 68.18 Acts 2.32 Heb. 8.1 2 6 10. Jam. 4.5 Mal. 2.7 Joh. 1.14 16 17. Why seekest thou to be minded of him and to serve him by humane devises Is not hee the brightnesse of his Fathers glory and the expresse Image of his Fathers Person Even the Hee that upholds all things by the Word of his Power who when he had by himself purged our sinnes sate downe on the right band of the Majesty on high Hebr. 1.3 Who beareth and seeth all things Hebr. 4.12 13. Whose lippes are full of grace being also the most Excellent in Beauty Psalm 45.2 Cant. 5.10 and who breatheth forth Spirit to reprove to comfort to teach and help to Pray and returne answeres of Prayers Joh. 14.26 and 15.26 and 16.13 15. Romanes 8.26 Psalm 85.8 Why dotest thou then on dead things Images of mens making that can neither heare nor see nor taste nor smell nor speake nor goe nor doe good nor evill but must be borne and so makest thy self in respect of spirituall life like them Psal 115.4 8. If thou say no thou wilt have no Image of God the Father whose Image Christ is but of Christ himselfe as he was Man to mind thee of him sure Thou knowest thou hast no Word of his so to doe and what dishonour doest thou to him who hath promised by his Word and Spirit to be with his to the Worlds end and to manifest himself to such as in beleeving dâ—e honour and love him and walke in that love Matth. 28.20 Joh. 14.21 22 23. and if thou wilt have Images of him hee hath pointed such as can live and breathe
Scripture and if the words doe not beare the sense they import who shall tell us what the sense is and what a gap is here to all wickednesse Yet those generall words All men Every Man and the World are not so often found in Scripture in affirmation of any of the forementiontioned particulars As in affirming the death of Christ as the Ransome And surely hee that will not beleeve the same for the testimony the Scripture giveth of it doth not beleeve any of the former for the testimony of Scripture but for some other cause that is moveable If any say what need of Interpreters if the Scriptures have the sense the words thereof import I Answer they are very needfull not to Straighten or take away the sense the words import or to devise another But to open and explaine That sense the words beares and to cleerand evidence out of the words themselves and confirm it by other-like places and so to presse it on us and apply it to us for admonition Instruction Dehortation Exhortation Consolation and so to root out this evill estimate of the Scriptures and evill dealing with it from the hearts and mouthes of all Christians that the Scripture may be esteemed meet to answer words of truth with as is said Prov. 22.21 CHAP. XV. Of Answering a second OBJECTION Objection II. SAint JOHN makes it an infallible marke of the love of CHRIST to them for whom he laid down his life 1 Joh. 3.16 But God hath not loved every man in the World For he hated Esau Rom. 9.13 but his Church and his owne whom he loves to the end Ephes 5.25 Joh. 13.1 Therefore Christ dyed not for Every man ANSWER 1 Joh. 3.1 Being spoken in the first Person and applicatively of perception of love in the Death of Christ propounded for example and motive It is much abused in being cited to this end as may be seen Chap. 3. and 4. and 5. and so the Proposition is of no force for it is a proof of the Love of God to the World That hee sent his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World Joh. 3.16 and 1 Joh. 4.14 and so of the Love of Christ to mankind To give himself a Ransome for all men 1 Tim. 2.6 and yet a proof of more especiall Love To choose and bring any in the perception of this Love to Union and Fellowship with himself Joh. 15.15 16. and Tit. 3.4 7. as in our Types the bringing out of Egypt was a proof of his Love to all so brought out but yet more especiall love to those that hearkened to his Judgements and did them Deut. 7.8 12 13 14. Besides the Apostles doe not there propound the Death of Christ to shew how many he dyed for or as the foundation to bring in unbelievers to beleeve or to shew how many God loves but onely speaking of the perception of Love by Beleevers He sheweth wherein they perceived it and that was in that he laid down his life for us and this was sure when wee were his enemies and so found when he called us also Rom. 5.8 10. Ephes 1.2 4. And that to this end to move us even so to love our Brother who without question is beloved whereas this Objection shuts the door of loving any till or farther then we know his Election Though the Gospel this Objection opposeth giveth a certaine ground for loving all men with Love of Compassion 2 Cor. 5.14 15. Tit. 3.2 3 4. and for Loving Beleevers with Love of delight Psalm 16.2 Coloss 1.4 5. Phil. 1.3 4 5 8 9. This Assumption is full of infidelity and Blasphemy If it had been that God doth not love every man in the World It might have been granted and proved But to say God hath not loved any but his Church and chosen whom he loves to the end is a blasphemy so great that the same may be said of it which is spoken of that Apostacy Jere. 2.10 11 12. For this with one breath both blasphemeth and contradicteth our Saviours affirmation of Gods love of the World some part whereof will notwithstanding perish Joh. 3.16 17 18 19. The Prophets affirmation That the Lord is good to All and his tender mercies are over all his Workes Psalm 145.8 9. and 136.25 Yea the truth and force of all Gods earnest Expostulation Intimation of Love Exhortations and Call to such as refused Deutr. 5.29 Hosea 5. and 7.1 Isa 5.4 Prov. 1.23 24. Luke 19.42 Matth. 23.37 Hos 13.19 Yea the truth and force of our Saviours Exhortation to his Disciples for being like their heavenly Father in Love and mercy to enemies Matth. 5.44.48 The Testimony of Gods goodnesse in all his Works Act. 14.17 Rom. 2.4 Yea this Assumption goeth yet further in that it doth not onely say God doth not now love them while they walk in sin But God hath not loved every man in the World no not any time since Adams fall So as to give any Ransome for them and so denyeth Heb. 2.9 Nay it stops not here except his Elect whom he loves for ever It saith Hee hath not loved any other of mankind no not when he made and beheld them all righteous in Adam as the Publick Person and blessed them and avouched all his workes good Eccl. 7.29 Gen. 1.27 31. It saith God hath not loved but hated them oh fearfull To say that God hateth the Righteous Psal 45.7 and so they could not fall from the love of God in the fall of Adam since his Love was never towards them nor could they fall under the hatred of God by sinne either Originall or Actuall since they were under it before if this Assumption were true for it saith hee hath not loved them and if any should tell them Their sinnes are very great for offending so loving a God for despising so rich a Ransome and refusing the grace offered them in the meanes and giving way to serve sinne that cost Christ Jesus his blood to satisfie for them And that they forsake their owne mercies by following lying vanities And so warne them of the great condemnation that will befall them for the same if they perish in their evills and entreat them by all the Mercies of God and sufferings of Christ for them To hearken to the Gospel Repent and beleeve and turne unto Christ This assumption holds them back and saith It is all Lyes for God hath not loved them Oh whether will this blasphemy reach But to give some satisfying Answer to this Objection Let the Scripture be viewed what it saith of Love or Hatred which there appeares two-fold First the Scripture mentions a divers kind or degree of Love in God towards men shewne in the fruits thereof as to say 1. A Love of Compassion Pitty and Mercy Psal 136.25 and 145.8 9. Such a Love as extendeth it self so farre for the good of man loved in good things afforded That a man is made saveable and so much is done for him and to him That in
the Death and Ransome of Christ is their unbelief Not simply because they were sinners but because by Repentance and faith they come not in to him that hath made Satisfaction for their sinnes Joh. 3.18.36 and 8.12 and this is Just and according to Gods mind Joh. 3.16 And so to Answer the Objection All men were bound by vertue of the grace of God in the Creation to Love God with all their heart minde soule and strength and their Neighbours as themselves and to walke in that love and the least variation or short comming thereof leaves them under sinne curse and death and helplesse they having no power to fulfill this Law having lost it in the fall and so hopelesse And by vertue of the grace of God in the Redemption wrought by Christ all men are againe farther bound to this former love and walking in it and short-comming thereof leaves them also under sinne curse and death Gal. 3.10 And power thereto they yet have none yet notwithout hope in that the Propitiation is made by him for them Joh. 1.29 1 Joh. 2.2 and hee it filled with Spirit to send forth to them and will enlighten every of them Psal 68.18 By vertue of that common Salvation extended to all men by Christ the doore to repentance and faith is opened and they in the meanes and in some sort by Spirit at one time or other called to Repentance and howsoever God seems to winck it their follies till then yet then hee warneth them to repent that so repenting and comming in to beleeve in Christ they may through him receive remission of sinnes and be enabled to love God in Christ and one another as Christ hath loved them and to walke in that Faith and Love Act. 14.17 and 17.30 31. and for want of this they remaine under sinne and wrath and in danger of a Second Death Joh. 3.17 18 19. and this is a new Debt Now if Jesus Christ send forth more light and meanes and strive farther with them and they be found hardning themselves and rebelling against him It increaseth still their debt Rom. 2.4 5. And if he visite with punishments he is just and Righteous and there is mercy also in it Joh. 33.14.23 And if hee still strive and they still refuse both instruction and correction and will not submit and come in to their lawfull Lord that bought them and called them if hee give them up to Sathan and destruction Is not this just Joh. 3.19 Jere. 6.16.28 30. And thus wee find in Scripture set forth That All smarting corrections on Beleevers are for sinne against Grace Goodnesse and Spirit in the means vouchsafed Levit. 26.11.14 All heavy judgements on others for imprisoning the knowne truth in unrighteousnesse Rom. 1.16 17. and refusing to be gathered by Christ Mat. 23.37 the great condemning evills are set downe Heb. 6.4 5. and 10.29 By our Saviours Affirmation Joh. 3.18 19. and the Spirits convincements Joh. 16 8 11. Unbelief is the main sinne and the cause why so many abide under the guilt of sinne and the cause that sinne hath such Power and brings forth so many evill fruits in men and it is the root and nurse of more grievous sinnes that they fall into and all may be concluded in one word Not obeying the Gospel of God and this is the debt which God requires and for which men shall suffer in everlasting fire 2 Thes 1.8 So that here is not two payments of one debt but a new debt in spising the Goodnesse of GOD in the Remedy provided including the old Debt in a new manner of guiltinesse for despising the Remedy not seeking nor accepting the Release procured by Christ Joh. 5.40 And here is another even a Second death when all are raised out of the first even that which was not primely prepared for mankind but for the Devill and his Angells Matth. 25.41 And it is justice with God to give over all into the hands of his Sonne who will judge them All according to the Gospel in which he was set forth to them and they would not that he should Reign over them Joh. 12.48 Rom. 2.16 Luke 19.14 22 27. And is not God and Christ just in all this Surely among men this would be understood If some Subjects had committed Treason against their King and offered indignity to his Crowne and had wasted his treasure and were for this banished from the Court deprived of their Estates confined to darke Prison among slaves and enjoyned to suffer stripes every day and at a certaine time to suffer a shamefull and tormenting death If the Kings soul longed to shew them mercy and his Justice not permitting and the Kings Sonne with his Fathers consent would undertake for these Traitors to bring them before the King againe and should for them lay downe his Crowne suffer the punishment due to them and give a sufficient Ransome to the King for them all that hee may have the Pardon for them all and have them all released to him that Hee may bee their Lord and bring them out of Prison at his Pleasure and bestow the Inheritance on as many of them as would accept his grace and willingly come under his Government and judge the rest And that hee might have Liberty to ease them of so much of their daily paines in the Prison and shew them what favours and use what meanes hee pleased to perswade and allure them to come under his Government And the King professes himselfe to bee fully satisfyed with his Sonnes Ransome and setts him on his Throne and gives all this into his hands and sends word of this new Treaty to the Imprisoned Traytors and bids them to hearken and submit to his Sonne And the Kings Sonne begins to take Order for them so that the greatest of their daily Torments and Paines is taken away many sweet refreshings and Liberties afforded them in the Prison to winne them to good estimate of the Prince who sends his Ambassadours amongst them with the Proclamation of the Pardon and invitation to come in to the Government of the Prince and Promise that whosoever so did should both have the Pardon given him and be made an Heire with the Prince If any of these preferre their Fellowship with the Slaves and Liberties given them in Prison before these offers of the Prince and refuse to come under his gracious Government And then at the appointed time hee call them all out of Prison and adjudge them a Double Punishment and a more grievous death then that he delivered them from and aggravate their Rebellions against him By all the Evills they were found in when hee undertook for them and all the cost hee was at for them and all the meanes hee used towards them and all the Circumstances of their Rebellion against him and so judge them to Punishment accordingly Will any reasonable man say now That this were injustice now in the King or the Kings Sonne or two payments of one debt
it 3. The Word or Doctrine that these did heare and in hearing were glad of and did glorify and praise it in their hearts for the truth and goodnesse of it and for the love of God and the Salvation in Christ manifested therein It was not that part of the Gospel which sets forth Gods Election of some to Life and his peculiar Love to them as this doubt pretends But even that part of the Gospel whereof the doubt is made it being the same Prophecyed in Isai 49.6 I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles That thou mayst be my Salvation to the ends of the Earth Where all the ends of the Earth called to look to him and be saved Isa 45.22 which is evident to be all men Prov. 8.45 In all the ends of the Earth Isai 4.28 Joh. 1.3 4 5 9. and so as large as 1 Tim. 2.6 Hebr. 2.9 So that this place well considered would have prevented or removed the doubt CHAP. XXIII Of some mention of the Benefit of this Doctrine held forth SOme not being able to gainsay the truth so plainly affirmed in Scripture but that it is plainly recorded That Jesus Christ did by the grace of God taste death for Every Man and gave himself a Ransome for All Men came into the World to be the Saviour of the World and is the Propitiation for the sinnes of the whole World yet are pleased to demand What profit is there in maintaining this so Plainly and in such a generall and large Sense as the Scripture expresseth it in To which this Answer might be given that as man beleeveth with the heart unto Righteousness So with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation and so I might say it is one part of the service of our Lord Jesus To hold forth the Word of life and to confesse him and not to be ashamed of his Words before men Rom. 10.9 10. Phil. 2.16 Matt. 10.27 Mar. 8.38 But farre be it that any of us should say What is the Almmighty that wee should serve him and what profit shall wee have Job 21.15 But hoping that this Question is moved with a more Christian mind I Answer to it ANSWER I. This is that Doctrine which our Saviour Jesus Christ in such generall words did himself Preach unto men to bring them to Repentance and faith Ioh. 3.16 17. 6.51 12.46 47 48. And which his Forerunner had also to that end declared Joh. 1.3 4 7 9 29. 2. The same doctrine in the same largenesse did hee put in the hearts of the Apostles and committed the ministration thereof to them to declare 2 Cor. 3.16.12 Acts. 13.47 48. Tit. 3.4 5. 3. The Confession of this Gospel in such generall words hath been an approved Confession of Beleevers Joh. 4.42 It is therefore unquestionable very profitable and if we should reject this Word of the Lord as unprofitable what wisedome would be in us Jere. 8.8 9. yea would not that heavie sentence be verified in us Isai 29.10 11. 28.12 13. 4. This Doctrine so held forth is very profitable for all men And that both first to convince them of the vilenesse of their sinne in which they have been the Crucifiers of Christ the emptinesse of their Righteousnesse the greatnesse of Gods love to them the horriblenesse of their Rebellion against so loving a God as is shewne in nine Particulars Chap. 17. in Answer of Objection 4. Secondly to allure and move them to Repentance of their sinnes and from dead Workes to belief of the Gospel and Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and so to attend his Sayings and receive his reproofs and Councell as that which indeed appertaines to them So as his Death applyed to these ends may be said to be for All for us for you for me for thee and so left to every mans Conscience without peradventure Act. 2.3 Heb. 6.1 2. 2 Cor. 3. and 4.1.6 5.10 14 15 19. And one doubt put in about the truth of Christ's death and Ransome for all men layes a barre to keep them from being convinced indeed of the vilenesse of their sinnes and shuts the doore against them for comming in to Repentance and faith leaving them in the darke to muse upon Election or driving them with the Pharisee to seek some fleshly righteousnesse in which they may be better then others to claime Christ by 5. This Doctrine so beleeved is Profitable for Beleevers to keep them humble and Patient Rom. 3.9 Tit. 3.3 4. to move them with Love and Pitty towards others 2 Cor. 5.14 15. To preserve their Confidence in God for speciall favours Rom. 5.1 5 6 11. yea it teacheth to denie all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live Soberly Righteously and Godly in this present Life Titus 2.11 12. 6. It is Profitable to the servants of Christ in respect of themselves and others in preserving a good estimate of Scripture and freeing from those fleshly reasonings and those false affirmations That all Christ dyed for shall be eternally saved and that hee shall justify by his knowledge as many as he dyed for And those rash Furies of confounding what the Scripture makes distinct yea it is profitable for Doctrine reproof correction instruction in righteousnesse 2 Tim. 3.16 But desiring it rather may be found Profitable then said so to be I intreat all that will vouchsafe the reading hereof to minde the Application in a few Uses in which especially in the Last this Question will be further answered And so give me leave to speake to thee Reader whosoever thou maist be as to one who I am sure Christ did indeed die and give himself a Ransome to God for CHAP. XXIV Of Vses of the Affirmation in 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 As the Proposition at first affirmed USE I. IF thou be one that as thou hast heard of the Death of JESUS CHRIST for All men so thou hast neither opposed the Doctrine nor yet set thy heart seriously to attend what grace is offered thee therein and what is required of thee but still livest in and allowest thy self to goe on in and serve divers lusts and Pleasures in Profanation of Gods holy Word Worship Name Sabbath or in abuse of thy members to cruelty uncleannesse fraud or of the Creatures of God to gluttony drunkennes wantonnes pride or any such like known sinnes surely in these days and this Nation thou canst not but know that these such like evills are the breaches of the holy and righteous law of God which even from thy Creation thou art bound to keep and so great is every sinne in the breach of that Law That all the Creatures in the World are insufficient to satisfy for So that if Jesus Christ had not in thy Nature and Place become under the Law and so borne thy sinnes and suffered the Curse for them Thou must have perished for ever but this hath Jesus Christ done to Redeem and Ransome thee Now I pray thee consider Was sinne so
Prevented The LORD in Mercy give thee so to beleeve minde and acknowledge the Death and Lordship of JESUS CHRIST that this with all such warnings and entreaty may timely take place in thy heart USE II. If thou be one that hast more attentively heeded the report of the Gospel and hast so framed thy self that thou art not onely free from walking in such open and manifest evill wayes as the former but art also more dilligent in frequenting the Church Assemblies and sometimes reading the Scriptures and using some Prayers and shewest some mercy to the Poore and livest justly and peaceably amongst thy Neighbours and herein concludest Peace to thy self and trustest hereby to come to Eternall Life Not yet having received any supernaturall light and motion of the Spirit in the Gospel applying the precious Blood of Christ to thy heart and so speaking Peace to thy soul and purifying thy nature thereby and bringing thee in to God to take comfort in him and seek the things of him that are above But that thou dost yet minde the things that are below and art inwardly most busied and carefull to keep and preserve to thy self a Name or Riches or Promotion amongst men and so taken up with cares thoughts and exercise this way That there is not room enough for the Word of the Gospel to take place and root in thee nor for thee so to heed and give up to it that thou mightest receive from the holy Spirit in the Word the forceable application and effecacy of the Blood of JESUS CHRIST so that by reason of this thy neglect thou art not yet through the Grace discovered in his blood made penitent and so united to CHRIST nor hath received of the Spirit of Christ to fasten thy confidence in him alone that hee might be all in all to thee I pray thee also mind the scope of this Treatise and especially Chap. 1. 2. and what the Scripture saith of this businesse It is a truth that God hath given us Eternall life and that this Life is in his Sonne But if thou have not this his Sonne and be not by an unfained faith united to him thou hast not yet that Eternall Life that is in him Joh. 1.11 12 13. and 3.18 1 Joh. 5.11 12. It is a truth That Jesus Christ hath shed his blood for thee but if by his Spirit thou be not sprinkled and washed therewith thou hast no part with him in his speciall Priviledges 1 Pet. 1.2 Truth it is hee by his blood hath bought thee and procured Life for thee and meanes to use and seek life and so hee is Lord over thee Acts 10.36 But if thou have not his Spirit to keep thee to him and in his Government thou art yet none of his Peculiar Ones Rom. 2.5.9 10 14. I pray thee set thy heart to this businesse it is no vaine word nor falshood that hath been told thee That Iesus Christ did Die for thee and hath life in himselfe to bestow on thee and in him is all fulnesse of heavenly Treasures and riches of Everlasting life freely to bestow on all that come in to submit to and beleeve on him Deut. 30.11.12 20. Rom. 10.7.11 doe not therefore suffer thy self to be detained and kept off from these heavenly riches by seeking worldly and fading things It will be no rejoycing Profit to thee if thou shouldest winne the whole World and loose thy owne Soul Mat. 16.26 be not so unwise as by following lying vanities the goodliest flourishings of the World being no better To forsake thy owne Mercies Joh. 2.8 nor feed on ashes till a deceived heart turne thee aside Isai 44.20 Remember that there is a way that seemeth right to a man and yet the Issues thereof are the issues of Death Prov. 16.25 There is a generation that are Pure in their owne eyes and yet are not washed from their filthinesse Prov. 30.12 Doe not thou therefore by any of thy doings speake Peace and conceive Etaernall Life to thy self before Christ by his Spirit in the Word of Grace make his blood effectuall in thee and thereby speak Peace to thee and so by Spirit give into thy heart the beliefe of his goodnesse and the hope of eternall life renewing thee and seeing there is such Mercy and Hope and Life in him that Dyed for thee Beware thou doe not faile nor come short thereof Let the Love of Christ and his Precious blood he shed for thee and the hope Procured therethrough and in the Gospel set forth for thee bee of more account and force with thee then so But seek him and rest not till hee by his Spirit hath applyed his blood to thee and washed and sealed thee therewith Heb. 4.1 and 12.15 Remember I pray thee that wholsome warning of him that Dyed for thee Matth. 7.21 Nvt every on that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdome of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven and is it not the will of our heavenly Father that wee should heare his Sonne and beleeve on him Matth. 3.17 Joh. 6.20 and is not JESUS CHRIST the Authour of Salvation to them that obey him Heb. 5.9 and is not this Obedience to obey his Gospel 2 Thess 1.8 Rom. 6.17 and is that all Obedience to heare it Preached often and to read it and to live honestly amongst men and so to hope for Eternall life Surely no This Obedience is in beleeving on him and submission to him and it beginnes in obedience to his death and bloodshed both in acceptance of it and of what it requires and Promiseth and submission thereto and to be conformed to him in it 1 Pet. 1 2. Phil. 2.5.8 Now I pray thee hath not the Gospel affirmed that Christ dyed and gave himself a Ransome for thee and is he not set forth in the Gospel as the Propitiation for thy sinnes through faith in his blood 1 Joh. 2.2 Rom. 3.25 Now doth not this blood of his so shed for thee if ever it were Spiritually hinted to thy heart require of thee and offer to worke in thee a sight and acknowledgement of the multitude and heynousnesse of thy sinnes that were laid on Christ Isai 53.2.6 Joh. 1.9 with a sensible sorrow and a piercing heart for them Zath 12.10 and killing the very Life and delight in them Gal. 5.24 Rom. 6.6 with an abasing and loathing thy self as that cursed one for whom he was made a Curse Gal. 3.10 13. and doth not the Spirit by this blood require and offer to worke in thee a renouncing of trust or reliance in or thinking to come before God in any Changes Righteousnesse or workes of thy owne which is of the Law Gal. 2.20 Phil. 3.7 8 9. And doth it not likewise require and offer to work in thee a contempt and disrespect of all the glory and appearing Excellency of the Fame Riches Pleasures and Promotions of this World Gal. 6.14 Phil. 3.6.8 and doth it
held amongst all professed Christians and denied only by a very few of some sort of Familists againe that Jesus Christ is very God is held generally in our Nation and I hope but very few Arrians and Socinians that hold the contrary Againe That Jesus Christ is true and very man is also generally held among us and very few that denie it and so that Christ is God and Man in one Person Againe That Repentance and faith in Christ are the meanes to partake of Life by Christ and that this Repentance and Faith have Love and good-workes joyned therewith That Idolatry Perjury Theft Murder Adultery Lying are verily sinne and deserve death are generally held and very few I hope of any other mind Also That all shall die or be changed and all rise againe to Judgement and that there is a Heaven and Everlasting Joyes for the Righteous and a Hell and everlasting Paine for the wicked is generally held and very few in comparison of them that hold the same are those that denie it All these fundamentalls are held not only by true Beleevers and godly men but have a kind of credence in the heart and are Professed by Papists Arminians Anabaptists many sorts of zealous Sectaries yea many profane and wicked men And are these Parts of Truth the worse and to be shunned or lesse esteemed because they are holden and professed by so many and of such sorts I verily beleeve thou wilt say No and the same I say for this That hee gave himself a Ransome for All men But if thou say That the Teaching of this Opinion That Christ died for All men is imbraced and followed by many Common People loose men and Sinners and few zealous ones regard it I pray thee remember what was said of him that dyed for all men and of his Preaching Job 7.48 Have any of the Rulers or Pharisees beleeved on him but this common People who know not the Law is Cursed Joh. 12.19 The world is gone after him were this a good reason to refuse his doctrin But if thou say many that affect this opinion are still loose and carelesse Remember what thou hast read Mat. 13.47 The Kingdome of Heaven is like unto a Net that was cast into the Sea and gathered of every kinde Surely there is that in the report of the Gospel that is very fit to affect many But the triall is where in the Call the application of the Blood of Christ comes to reprove convince cast downe hould and submit to Christ in which whoso is made obedient is received and this number is yet but few in comparison of the many that in this respect turne aside besides of the contrary opinion too too many are found very headdy feirce high-minded false loose so that there is no ground for this stumble wherefore though thou canst not be of the same minde with me in this branch of Truth yet count me not thy enemy for speaking the Truth neither partake of other mens sinnes in receiving the false Accusations of such as have only some Morall Conversions and are yet strangers to the grace thou hast received That so wee may live and love as Brethren and not be set in contentions one against another least by biting and devouring one another it come to passe that we be consumed one of another Gal. 5.15 Meddle not with the Tale-bearer that flattereth with his lippes Prov. 20.19 For where there is no Tale-bearer the strife ceaseth Prov. 26.20 And so let our contendings be against them that turne the Grace of God into wantonnesse and labour to overthrow the Faith Jude 1 2 3 4. and let us live in Peace and I doubt not but the God of Peace will be with us and wee shall in due Season agree in this part of Truth also Vse 9. If thou beest one that hast not onely in perception of the grace of God in Christ been drawne into him as the former but through Spirituall and Supernaturall light given in the Gospel hast seen in some measure both the fulnesse and largenesse of the Propitiation made by Christ with God and the fulnesse of Grace and Truth that is in Christ So as it hath drawne thee off all other Excellencies and brought thee to see and find in him that which answeres all thy needs removes every doubt and feare and is enough to fill and satisfie every desire So as hee is in thee all and in all the desire of thy heart and the content and wel-pleasednesse of thy soul thy whole stay on whom thou dependest Thy Treasury in whom thou enjoyest thy fountaine whence thou lookest for and receivest all Wisedome Righteousnesse Holinesse Freedome Consolation and Life I have no other thing I will now say to thee But as thou hast received CHRIST JESUS the Lord so walk in him Col. 3.6 By the same Spirit with the same Faith and Love in the same low Estimate of thy self and high Estimate of and desires after him with the same content in and with him and the same readinesse to doe and suffer for his sake and according to the knowledge faith and grace vouchsafed thee letting his word he hath put in thy heart and therethrough acquainted thee with himselfe dwell in thee richly and teachingly Coll. 3.16 Ever keeping it in the beleeving Remembrance of his Death for our sinnes and Resurrection for our justification and Assention to send forth Spirit to us with his Wisdom Power Love and Faithfulnesse already begun to be manifest in us and with this remembrance a constant Dependance on him for Wisedome Strength Preservation and Perfection with yeelding to the grace that proceedeth from him Rom. 4.24 25. 5.1.11 12.12 Phil. 2.1 2. and thus walking in Faith and Love and keeping this word of grace in beleeving remembrance thou shalt be saved 1 Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. from Idolatry Superstition Profanenes Pride Vaine-glory hypocrisy from earthly-mindednesse uncleannesse malice falshood from intemperancy in meats drinke apparrell from coldnesse deadnesse murmurring impatience back sliding from barrennesse in good and though Tempted yet kept from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh Jam. 1.21.25 1 Pet. 2.1 2 3. Psal 119.9.103 104. Gal. 5.16.18 and not onely so but this word of grace kept and walked in will be a fruitfull spring in the heart of child-like affections to God and member-like to Brethren and compassionate to those that are out of the way streaming forth motions in love joy patience goodnesse and to all services of Love according to opportunity given to God men or Brethren Psal 1.2 3. Hos 14.8 Joh. 7.38 39. and 15.1.8 2 Pet. 1.4.11 Wherefore I still entreat that in that gracious word thou hast received and according thereto and according to thy receit so let us walke in all our Conversation as for those higher visits imbraces and communication of his peculiar Love to be waited for by us it is not meet to treate thereof in this Treatise thus occasioned Vse 10. And to come
To run to Christ and waite and rest on seek and cleave to him desirously 3. To submit the will and all the Powers to Christ to be disposed directed and appointed by him in every thing Seeing he dyed for us to ransome us and is accepted of the Father and filled with love life and Spirit for us Ioh. 16.7.11 Phil. 3.7 8 9. Esai 64.3 8. Cant. 1 2 3. 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 2.19 20. Ro. 12.1 2. 14.8 9. 8.28 III. It is a sweet and healing medicine that will both Purge and restore and comfort our Spirits Isai 55.1.4 Yea healthfull food that begets and strengthens us to and in a good frame Ioh. 6.51 Yea so living and powerfull it is that 1. It quieteth the heart and Conscience from the terrours of the Law and feare of wrath and hell and breeds sweet healthfull Peace Rom. 2.8 7.8 5.1 2. Col. 1.21.2.14 2. It breakes the hardnesse of the heart and breeds sweet meltings and Godly sorrow that makes the Heart and all the Powers flexable to Christ Zach. 12.10 Act. 2.37 16 32 33. 3. It inclines the heart to a true and thorough hatred of every sinne for which Christ dyed and of all dishonours and Disobedience to him Rom. 7.15.24 Psal 119.103 104. 1 Cor. 16.22 4 It killeth the Power of Corruption so as it can neither hould a man from God nor command and governe by its Law Gal. 5.24 Rom. 8.2 6.16.22 Heb. 9.14 5. It taketh the affections from the world and things thereof and Crucifieth them thereto and maketh the World a Crucified thing to them Gal. 6.14 1 John 2.15 16 17. 6. It quickneth up child-like affections to God with readiness to pray to him praise and serve him 1 John 4.10 16.19 Rev. 5.9 10. and compassionate affections to men for whom Christ dyed with readiness to pitty them and seek their good 2 Cor. 5.11 14 15 19 20. and delightfull love to Brethren Partakers of the same grace and fellowship with them and services of Love for them Phil. 1.3.9 1 Iohn 3.4 7. 7 It breeds Patience and Constancie and Victory in Sufferings Heb. 12.2 7. Prov. 8.36 Rev. 12.11 8 It strengthens to Confidence in God for all good things in every condition and service of him therein Rom. 5.5 11. 8.32 and so makes strong Phil. 4.13 and in some degree Partakers of the Divine Nature c. 2 Pet. 1.3 4. IV. It is the right Season of all things to us when by faith we view them through Christ crucified for us as the Gospell sets him forth in which it will enable us 1. To see sinne foule and Pardonable and to look on it with loathing and hope 1 Ioh. 2.1 2. 9. 2. To receive favours both Spirituall and Temperall with high prizeing of his Love that purchased them with blood for us with low esteem of our selves and care of right use and returne of Praises to God Rev. 5.9 10. and 1 Chron. 17.17 3. To receive afflictions as turned from being Curses and signes of hatred to be instruments of blessing fruits of love and fatherly corrections to conforme to Christ who is acquainted with them and knoweth how to helpe being filled with Spirit and having been in soorer trialls himself Jam. 1.2.12 Heb. 12.7 2.18 4. To behold unbeleevers as obiects of Pitty and Compassion and to minde us of that wee once were and from what God hath freely delivered and what humility in our selves what thanks to God what mercy and Patience towards them and what acknowledgement of all this is in such spectacles required of us 2 Cor. 5. Tit. 3.3 4. 5. To behold beleevers as fit to be delightfulls loved tendred helped served entertained into fellowship being not onely purchased with the blood of Christ but there through partakers of his grace Act. 20.28 Ro. 14. Ep. 4.2 4. 6. To esteem highly and use reverently and confidently Prayer hearing the Word all spirituall Ordinances and fellowship with Brethren therein as things purchased for us given us and approach through them to God afforded us even through the Sufferings and Blood-shed of Jesus Christ Hebr. 9.10.19 26. 4.15 16. V. It is the opening of the doore and gate to the claiming Attainment and Possession of all the Priviledges of Sonnes Joh. 10.9 14.6 1.12 as first to receive remission of sinnes Act. 10.43 1 Joh. 1.9 and 2.1 2 Accesse to God Rom. 5.1 2. Eph. 2.18 3 To lay hold on the Promises 2 Cor. 1.20 5.20 21. 4 To receive the Spirit Joh. 7.38 39. Ephe. 1.13 Gal. 3.14 5 To newness and holiness of Life and Nature 2 Cor. 5.17 Eph. 4.20 24. Col. 3.10 11. 6 To pray with Confidence and assurance Heb. 10 19 22.7 To attaine to all things belonging to Eternall Life fully in Christ our head in a measure in our selves 2 Pet. 1.2 3 4. Eph. 1.4 7. VI. It is a sure cleere and perfect patterne for us to immitate Eph. 5.1 â— Of obedience to God Phil. 2.8 9. 2 Of love to Brethren Jo. 15.12 13. Eph. 5.2 1 Joh. 4.10 11. 3 Of humbling and abasing our selves Phil. 2.6 7. 4 Of loving Enemies and doing good to such as wrong us 1 Pet. 2.18 5 Of meekness and confidence and constancy in all Sufferings Temptations and Services and so of all holy walking with God Heb. 5.7 8. Eph. 5.1 2. VII It is a sure Refuge to fly unto Fort and Castle to hide ones self and dwell in a Rock 〈…〉 against which no Power of hell can 〈◊〉 It all so 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with all supplies of 〈◊〉 and Assistance Isa 32.1 2 3 4 Hebr. 7.25 Rev. 12.11 Ephes 6. 〈…〉 8. Is 〈…〉 to cheere and guide us Psal 119.130.105 Clothing to cover our nakednesse and make 〈◊〉 comely Gal. 3.27 Esai 61.2 3. a Foutaine to 〈…〉 defilements Zach. 13.1 Râ—â— â—5 and 7.14 water of life to make and lively and fruitfull Râ—â— 22.19 and all that is good to make us safe and beautifull 2 Pet. 1.3 9. It brings us into a heavenly union and Fellowship with God and all his Holy Ones and all heavenly and durable Riches Eph. 2.17 22. Heb. 12.22.24 1 Pet. 2.3.5.6.9 That I say nothing of the discovery hope and dispensation of 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 Love to them their farre brought 1 Joh 3.1 2 3. But oh my childishnesse to darken Glory by striving to set it forth for beyond our conception is the Excellency of the Gospel enlightned to the heart and beleeved 1 Cor. 2.9 12. a Word of life of Grace and salvation indeed happy they who have it in their heart and walke therein and thereafter for this will evidence mysterie unto them and shew them the glory of God in the face of Christ and purge and heal them Allure feeâ— and strengthen them safe guard and guide them and being them to the Inheritance 2 Cor. 4.6 Joh. 15 1 10. And the very key of this knowledge the opening the doore to it the instrument in which the