the Children to be another Faith see Vers 23. 24. Now it was not Written for his Sake alone that it was imputed to him but for us also to whom â—â— shall be imputed if we believe on him who raised up Christ our Lord from the Dead Object This with other Scriptures mentions Object 1 Believing in God as well as Believing of God 1 Pet. 1. 21. John 14. 1. so that it seems it is not enough to Believe God but we must Believe in God and in Christ Answ It 's all one in substance to believe in God and in Christ is to believe his Faithfulness and All-sufficiency that he is as good and as true and able as the Scripture reports him to be to perform his Word you Believe in him that he will not fail c. But to return the Faith of Justification is to Believe the Truth of the Gospel Record concerning the Justification and Life therein promised to those that do Believe by Jesus Christ Crâ—cified Rom. 5. 9. Much more being now justified by his Blood we shall be saved from Wrath through him Eph. 1 7. Col. 1. 14. To Believe this truly being accompanied with the Concomitants of saving Faith i. e. Love and sincerity of Obedience is the justifying saving Faith of the Gospel to which the Promise of Life is made Mark 16. 16. He that Believeth and is Baptized shall be saved that is he that Believeth and Obeyeth the Lord shall be saved That of Baptisme being the first Initiating Ordinance iâ—to the viâ—ible Constituted Church of Christ includes the whole of Obedience Object But What must we Believe Answ The Gospel that which was to be preached Preach the Gospel c. The Gospel is the Glad â—idings of Pardon Peace and Life by Jesus Christ Mark 1. 15. Repent yea and Believe the Gospel was Christ's own Doctrine for further Confirmation of this Truth see John 8. 24. and 20. 31. Rom. 10. 9 10. 1 John 5. 10 11. All which Scriptures if well weighed with many others bear testimony to this Truth that Faith is to believe God to believe the Truth of the Doctrine of the Gospel Object This is accounted and called a Object 2 Historical Faith which though necessary to True and Sâ—ving Faith yet it 's common to Wicked Men and Devils and therefore cannot be the justifying saving-Faith of the Gospel Answ Notwithstanding it may be the Answ Faith of Wicked Men and Hypocrites and of Devils too Yet it is the justifying Faith of the Gospel for the Difference lyeth not in the Matter believed but in the Manner of believing Wicked Men and Hypocrites may believe it meerly as a History assent to it but they do not believe as Justified Persons doe We must distinguish in this Case not in the Matter believed but in the Manner of believing Quest Wherein lyeth the Difference Quest Answ The one from either common Illumination Answ Education Custom or Tradition believes the same things with a head-Assent to the Truth of the Gospel But the other believes it with the Heart Rom. 10. 10. For with the Heart Man believeth unto Righteousness Acts 8. 37. If thou believest with all thine Heart thou maiest Psal 37. 31. The Law of God is in his Heart none of his Steps shall slide It 's the Promise of the New Covenant that God will write his Law in the Hearts of his People that is implant a Holy sincere Disposition of Faith and Love and the Fear of his Name the Heart is wrought after God but Hypocrites have it at most and best but in the Head in the Understanding from common Illumination c. There is a great deal of Head-Faith in the World of Customary-Faith that will come to nothing But where it is in Truth in the Heart it effects a Heart-Change with a Change in the whole Conversation Heart-believing Heart-Love to God and his things Heart-hatred of sin and Heart-obedience to the Will of Christ and thus He that is in Christ is a New Creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. And he that Believeth hath the Witness in himself 1 Joâ— 5. 10. and do or might know that he hath this Heart-Faith in him So that the Truth remains that that which Men call a History call Faith i. e. believing the History the Truth of the Doctrine of the Gospel truly as hath been demonstrated is the justifying Faith of the Gospel And as for Devils if Christ had Dyed â—or them and God had in the Gospel promised Life to them on the Terms he hath to Mâ—n Liâ—e might be preached to Devils on the same terms as to Men But God having in Justice left them without the reach oâ— this Gospel-Grace whatever they believe about it let not Man quarrel about the easie way of Man's obtaining i. e. Believe Repent and Obey the Gospel and be justified and saved Quest But how shall I come to believe mine own Interest in Justification and Life which hath been accounted with some the Faith of Justification Answ True it hath so with many and I believe that want of Spiritual skill hath done wrong to many tender Souls and hath caused them to go with Sorrow to their Graves and that either 1. In teaching that the Faith of Justification and Life must be the Faith of Application or assurance of Interest which is not the Truth of the Gospel but this of Interest must grow from that of Justification Or 2. In not laying the right Foundation of Assurance so Souls have been kept much in the Dark in this matter For the Faith of Interest must be Founded on the Promise of Life if right as well as the Faith of Justification for it is to believe God as I said before all Faith if right must be Founded on the Word of God So that the right Gospel-way for Believers to Read their own Interest and to Read their Names in the Book of Life is to make a Resultancy or Conclusion from the Premises thus God hath promised Justification and Life to them that do Believe and Obey the Gospel I do so Believe therefore I shall be saved and this is the Gospel-Ground or Reason of our Hope of Interest in Gospel-Grace and Life and thus our Interest will be grounded on the Promise of God in the Gospel If I have the Faith of the Gospel and abide therein I am Justified and shall be Saved There are three Things that it behoves Three Things considerable Christians to be Instructed in in this Matter for their Support and Peace in this Mortal and Imperfect Estate 1. To understand and know that to believe the Truth of the Glad-tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ crucified according to the Gospel is the Terms and Condition of our Justification and Salvation and that who doth so Believe shall be Saved 2. That who so doth believe hath the Promise of Life from the Law and Covenant of God in the Gospel and from hence must claim his Interest in Grace and Life and if he claim
Yet 3. We ought to believe that God will pardon our sins on the Terms mentioned after they are committed Quest Is not this Legal Doctrine Quest It is the Judgment of some that a Believer ought to believe the Pardon of all sins past present and to come and that to pray for the Pardon of sin is Legal Answ It 's true it is Legal i. e. according Answ to the Law of the New-Covenant and is Gospel all Mercy and Pardon after the Fall is Gospel and a Fruit of the New-Covenant and the Truth is that they that Darken this lose the Life of the Grace of the Gospel and savours much of Ignorance and Pride It 's infinite Mercy that God hath opened a Door of Hope and Way of Mercy and Pardon of the sins of his People after Conversion as before and if they walk humbly with God in this way of his Ordaining they shall not miss of obtaining Mercy Heb. 4. 16. We ought to believe that God will continue the Grace of Faith and give us Repentance for sin and will Pardon our sins in this way of Repentance and this is according to the Law of the New-Covenant The Great day of Mercy and Pardon will be at the Great day of Judgment when we must all appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ Act. 3. 19. 2 Tim. 1. 18. Jude vers 21. Looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus unto Eternal Life And this I understand to be the glorious Ministration of the New-Covenant Heb. 8. 12. For I will be Merciful to their Unrighteousness and their Sins and Iniquities will I Remember no more Though Believers are interested in this Covenant and God pardoneth their Iniquities here in the Order and Way prescribed that they shall not prove their Eternal Ruin if we are not yet under the perfect and glorious Ministration thereof for the New-Covenant in the Perfection of it's Ministration is the Covenant of the perfect Restauration and Glory God do now remember the sins of his People so as to correct them by various Ways according to his own Will Psal 89. 30 31 32. 1 Cor. 11. 30 31 32. But then he will so Pardon the Iniquities of all his People as not to Remember them so as to Correct or Punish them Isa 33. 24. Mich. 7. 18 19 20. Quest Whether the Faith unto Quest which Justification is imputed be an Act of the Old or of the New-Man Answ True and Saving Faith is an Answ Act of the Soul renewed by Grace of the Law of God written in the Heart the New-Covenant admits of no Old thing it 's New Wine is not put into Old Bottles 2 Cor. 5. 17. Old things are past away behold all things are become New It 's the Act of the New Man from a principle of Life wrought in the Soul by the Gospel flowing from the Second Man the Lord from Heaven who is a quickning Spirit Note 1. That there is or may be a Faith without Life John 2. 23 24 25. and 8. 30 31. Mat. 13. 20 21. Luke 8. 13. 1 John 2. 19. 2. That that Faith to which Life is promised is an effect if Life Joh. 11. 26. Whosoever Liveth and Believeth in me shall never Die that is the Faith of Life that is an Effect of Life 2 Cor. 4. 13. Having therefore the same Spirit of Faith c. There is a Spirit of Faith that is the Spirit of the Gospel that begets Life and Faith in Men by the Word of Faith called by our Lord The Birth from above and a Begetting again by the Word of Truth Jam. 1. 18. and a being Born of God 1 John 3. 9. and 5. 18. The New-Covenant or Law in the Heart Heb. 8. 10. Quest If the Case be thus How shall Quest I know that my Faith is Right I shall be left still in Doubt and at a Loss in this Matter Answ I must say to this as Christ Answ said in another case By their Fruits you shall know them Mat. 7. 16 20. If thy Faith be the Effect of the Spirits Working and Work of the New Man then see 2 Cor. 15. 17. If any Man be in Christ he is a New Creature Old things are past away behold all things are become New New Light and new Life new Affections new Objects of Love new Delights sutable to the new Birth and new Man Which is created after God in Righteousness and true Holiness Eph. 4. 24. Gal. 5. 22 23. Where the Fruits of the Spirit are described as effected in the true Believer The Fruit of the Spirit is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance c. Where these Fruits of the Spirit are in Truth there the Faith is Right and Saving But more particularly 1. Where Truth of Faith is there is Humility this is a special distinguishing Character of New Covenant Faith when the Soul is truly Humbled it 's the Property of the Effectual Working of the New Covenant-Spirit in the Gospel to lay the Creature low Rom. 3. 27. Where is Boasting then It is excluded by what Law Of Works Nay but by the Law of Faith So that Faith takes off all Boasting where it is in Truth and the Reason is because the true Believer seeth and knoweth that he is a poor Nothing wretched Creature in himself and that he must have all both Pardon Peace and Life from the Mercy of God in Christ Jesus and that all he doth or can do is no Meritorious Cause of Grace or Life of Pardon or Peace but that when he hath done all that he can he is an Unprofitable Servant And that his best Services are Defiled with sin and sinful Imperfections of Nature and this makes the Soul humble and low in it self to abhor it self and this declares it evidently to be under the Blessing pronounced by our Saviour Mat. 5. 3. Blessed are the Poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Revel 2. 9. and 3. 8. This is the Man to whom God will look Isa 66. 2. and with whom He will dwell Chap. 57. 15. and that shall dwell with him for ever Zeph. 3. 12. to 18. For this groweth not upon the Old stock of Nature that is Proud and Self-conceited and if any New-Covenant Gifts come into such a Soul it is but as the Putting of New Wine into Old Bottles that will make them swell and burst first or last 2. Where Truth of Faith is there is Truth of Love and therefore it behoves every one to prove the sincerity of their Love that great New-Covenant Virtue and Heaven-born Grace to love God and Christ above all Mat. 22. 37. Eph. 6. 24. Mat. 10. 37. To love his Word and Will and to Delight in it and prize it above all Worldly Treasure Psal 119. 97 103 127. To love his People for his Sake because they are his and bear his Image and Likeness 1 John 3. 14. and 4 12. 3. Where Truth of Faith and Love is there will be
and Christ it is the most God-like and Christ-like Virtue would you be more like your Father and more like your Head and Lord O then grow more in this Grace love God and Christ more love one another more and love all men more when our Lord Christ sets his Disciples in the high-way of being like their Father it is in this of love Mat. 5. 44. and 1 Job 4. 7. Beloved let us love one another for love is of God and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God ver 8. For he that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love Love is an heavenly and God-like Virtue and the more you live in it the more are you like God and the more persons live without love the more do they live without God and look how much they live in malice and enmity so much are they like the Devil 10. And finally that your souls may 10. And finally live much in the love of Christ grow in this Grace which will prove to be the growth in all Grace and of every Virtue live much in the meditation of the preciousness of Jesus Christ of his Person of his Virtues of his Love and the design of good to your souls in all that he hath done and suffered for you 1 Pet. 2. 7. Vnto you therefore which belâ—eve he is precious his Person his Blood his Virtues his Love is precious He is altogether lovely 1 Joâ— 4. 19. We love him because he first loved us The thoughts of this first and free love this great and marvellous love is precious 1 Joâ— 3. 1. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God I say if souls did live more in the consideration of this marvellous love how would it transform them into the likeness of Christ 2 Cor. 3. 18. O therefore if you would grow in this Grace dwell deep here live much in the meditation of the mystery of the love of Christ to your souls in the new Covenant Eph. 3. 17 18 19. You must be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ and endeavor to comprehend more of this unsearchable mystery and this is the way to be filled with all the fulness of God the fulness of understanding and knowledg Col. 2. 2. The fulness of conformity to him in Love and in every Divine Virtue CHAP. XX. Of the Gospel-fear of God THE fear of God is one and not the least of the Divine and saving Virtues of the new Covenant and planted in every gracious heart it is a part of the new Covenant Law written in the heart absolutely necessary to Salvation as other new Covenant Virtues are and is included in that Faith to which the promise is made The fear of God is of that worth and weight that it is impossible for a truly gracious soul to be without it it is a special character of a graceless person that is without it Rom. 3. 18. There is no fear of God before their eyes In speaking to this I shall mind three things 1. That it is a Virtue of the new Covenant and necessary to be in the hearts of all Believers 2. What it is 3. The usefulness and profitableness thereof 1. That it is a Virtue of the new Covenant 1. It is a Virtue of the new Covenant and necessary to be written in the hearts of all true Believers And this will appear if we consider 1. That it is a promise of the new Covenant Jer. 32. 39. And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me ver 40. I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me Which is a promise of the new and everlasting Covenant the same as is exprest Chap. 31. 31 to 34 And is applied to the Gospel by the Apostle Heb. 8. 8. Where God promiseth to write his Law in the heart that is to season the heart with a disposition to believe love fear and obey the Lord. 2. It is that Virtue with which Christ our Lord was eminently filled and therefore certainly it is necessary for his members to be seasoned therewith Isa 11. 2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upâ—n him the spirit of Wisdom and Vnderstanding the spirit of Counsel and Might the spirit of Knowledg and the fear of the Lord which was exceeding proper to the holy Son of God and if Christ the Lord must have this spirit of the fear of God then surely it must needs be necessary for all his to be partakers of the same Spirit and Virtue for from his fulness we all receive 3. It is the praise-worthy Virtue of the Saints commended throughout all Generations 1 Kings 18. 3. It 's said that Obadiah feared the Lord greatly the effects thereof follows ver 4. Neh. 7. 2. It 's said that Hanani feared God above many for which Nehemiah gave him the charge over Jerusalem Job is described to have this Virtue Job 1. 8. To be an upright man and one that feared God and ver 1. One that feared God and eschewed evil Mal. 2. 4 5. God made his Covenant with Levy of Life and Peace for the fear wherewith he feared me and he was afraid before my Name It is the commendation of the Churches in a time of liberty that they walked in the fear of the Lord Acts 9. 31. 4. This is that the Lords people are frequently exhorted to both in the old and new Testament by which it appears that it is a duty as well as a Virtue Lev. 19. 14. But shalt fear thy God I am the Lord and 25. 17. But thou shalt fear thy God for I am the Lord thy God Deut. 13. 4. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him Eccl. 12. 13. Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man Deut. 6. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and serve him and swear by his Name Luke 12. 4 5. And I say unto you my friendâ— be not afraid of them that kill the body c. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear fear him that after he hath killed hath power to cast into Hell yea I say unto you fear him 2 Cor. 7. 1. The Apostle exhorteth the Saints to be perfecting holiness in the fear of God By all which it abundantly appears that to fear God is the special duty of every true Christian 1 Pet. 2. 17. Rev. 14. 7. Heb. 12. 28. Let us have Grace that we may serve God with Reverence and Godly fear 5. It 's that Virtue which includes part yea a great part of the Gospel because where the fear of the Lord is there is Faith Love Humility and Obedience even the whole terms of Gospel-interest Rev. 14. 6. 7. When the Angel preached the everlasting Gospel to them that dwell on earth the substance or great part thereof was Fear God and give Glory to him
and practised throughout all Ages the Precepts and Promises comes under this Law and hence it is that not only the Law given by Moses is called the Law that was the Law of Commands but the Psalms is called the Law John 10. 34. Which relates to Psal 82. 6. and Psal 78. 1. Give ear O people to my Law c. And the Prophets are called the Law 1 Cor. 14. 21. In the Law it 's writen c. Which relates to Isa 28. 11. All the promises of God in his Word may come under this of Law 1. As it concerneth us to believe them this is the Law of Faith and it 's our duty to believe God in all his Word 2. As it concerneth God because he hath tied himself to us therein that as his Precepts tieth us to obedience to him in matters of Faith and Practice so his promises is the Law by which he walks towards his people and he would have his people to know that as he hath brought them under the Law of the new Covenant to him and they ought to be obedient to him in all things Acts 3. 22. So he hath obliged himself to his people in the Law of the new Covenant to him and they ought to be obedient to him in all things Acts 3. 22. So he hath obliged himself to his people in the Law of the new Covenant to perform all the good things promised therein to his people that keep Faith to him in that Covenant and that if we fail not in our duty he will not cannot fail in his Word having bound himself by his own Law and Covenant of Promise in this matter and he cannot lie he cannot break his own Law Covenant Rom. 3. 3 4. 2 Tit. 2. 11 12 13. Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 17 18. And not only so but he hath bound himself by promise to supply the hearts of his people with Grace till they come to Glory Jer. 32. 40. 2 Thes 3. 3. 1 Pet. 1. 5. Joh. 10. 28 29. 2. Sometimes and most frequently in 2. The Law given by Moses Scripture by Law is intended the ten Precepts given by Moses in tables of Stone from Mount Sinai Rom. 7. 7 c. and 13. 8 9. Gal. 3. 17 to 22. Sometimes it intends the whole Law Moral Ceremonial and Judicial Eph. 2. 14 15. Gal. 5. 2 3 4. And the Prophet Ps 119. So frequently speaking of Law Statutes and Judgments c. Intends thereby the whole of the Law 3. The making known of the Will of 3. The Will of God before the Law God before this Law was given from Mount Sinai and in some sense without it is impliedly called the Law Rom. 5. 13. For untill the Law sin was in the World but sin is not imputed when there is no Law and 4. 15. Where no Law is there is no transgression Thereby clearly implying that there was no time from the Creation in which man was left without Law though God have had his differing waies of bringing it forth 4. The Will of God made known in the 4. The Will of God in the Gospel Gospel by Jesus Christ is called Law and is indeed the only Law Covenant on record for Believers called The Law of Faith Rom. 3. 27. The Law of Liberty Jam. 1. 25. The Royal or Kingly Law Jam. 2. 8. Given to us by the Lord Jesus Heb. 1. 1 2. Joâ— 12. 49 50. Unto whom we ought to submit in every thing Acts 3. 22 23. The Doctrine of the Gospel relating to Faith and Obedience is the Law of Christ His Royal Law to Believers 5. The new Covenant promised and 5. The Law written in the heart written in the heart that is an holy disposition and power of Grace to do what God in his Law-Doctrine of the Gospel requireth is called the Law Heb. 8. 10. Rom. 2. 14 15. This is the Law of God in the heart Ps 37. 31. The Law of God is in his heart his steps shall not slide 2. How the Law of God hath been at 2. How it hath been delivered 1. To Adam several times and in several waies and methods delivered Heb. 1. 1. The first was given to Adam in his state of Innocency Gen. 2. 17. Who by nature was the original or root of all mankind though it be not in them called Law yet it was a Law Covenant of Command with the penalty on the breach thereof Of the tree of the Knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die or in dying thou shalt die Which Law he transgressed and brought in death on himself and all mankind 2. After this fall of man God had his Law in the World condemning sin till the Law was given by Moses though not so clear and plain else there had been no sin for Where no Law is there is no transgression and yet before the Law or untill the Law given by Moses sin was in the World yet not so clear a Law For the Law was added because of transgression that sin might appear to be out of measure sinful It was sinful before but it did not appear to be so sinful before as it did after by the Law they that sinned before the Law did not sin after the similitude of Adam ' s transgression Rom. 5. 14. That is against a plain Precept with a threat as those since the Law who received it and lived under it as their Law Covenant and voluntarily brake it and in that respect did sin after the similitude of Adam's transgression though it 's true in some respects none can sin after the similitude of his transgression And that first as he in a state of innocency and yet sinned 2. As a publick person and so let in sin and death upon all so none but himself personally could sin yet sin was in the World till the Law which argueth that there must be some Law So then the question is what that Law Quest was and how it was given and administred Answ It is the opinion of some that it Answ was the Law of Nature written in the hearts of all men which is the Moral Law or substance of the Law given by Moses Now though I shall not altogether deny this position yet I think it hath need to be inquired into and to be considered with other concurring circumstances without which it will not hold true for 1. There is no such thing as a Law written in the hearts of men by nature to teach them that God is and is to be worshipped and to convince of sin against him distinct from all means without him And this will appear if we consider 1. That all Nations in the World know and worship according to the traditions and customs received and judg that to be sin which by custom and account is so taken to be and hence it is that the World generally in many things call good evil and evil good
and make conscience of so doing having no Law written in their hearts that convinces them thereof 2. This appears from the Word of Truth Rom. 1. 20. For the invisible things of him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and Godhead Where the Apostle states the way and means of knowing God where neither Law nor Gospel is that is not singly by any Law in the heart but by the Works and Law of Creation that preacheth forth God to all Nations Ps 19. 1 2 3. Obj. The Apostle Rom. 2. 14 15. Speaking Objection of the Gentiles in plain terms saith That they do by nature the things contained in the Law which sheweth the work of the Law written in their hearts c. Answ It 's true but this Scripture is very Answer much mis-understood for it 's evident the Apostle intends not the common and unbelieving Gentiles of them he had spoken in the first Chapter but here he speaks of believing Gentiles thereby to reprove the Jews who boasted of the Law and thence opposed the Gospel and the believing Gentiles that obeyed the Gospel and is the same in substance as that Rom. 9. 30 31 32. and did not walk under the Law as a ministration as the Jews did and the Apostle to stop the Jews opposite boasting endeavors to convince them that the Gentiles who believed though they had not the Law neither were circumcised yet being circumcised in their hearts to God they were safe and should judg them that bosted so much of the Law That this is the true sense and meaning of that Scripture is evident 1. From the occasion of the words It 's such a doing of or living to the Law as is attended with Glory Honour Immortality c. Honour Glory and Peace ver 7. 10. And it 's the same doing intended throughout the Discourse 2. It 's such a doing of the Law as will justifie before God ver 13. 3. It 's such a doing of the Law as may stand with a good conscience in the day of need that is in the day of Judgment ver 15 16. 4. It is such a doing as flows from an heart spiritually circumcised to God and shall have praise of him ver 28 29. It 's the same Gentiles he was speaking of before and is the result drawn up from the former promises so that by the Law written in the heart we must understand the Law of the new Covenant inclining to believe and obey the Gospel or that the Apostle held forth another way of Salvation than by Jesus Christ and the new Covenant which we may in no case imagine I shall return to shew the waies of God in making known himself to men since the fall And 1. I grant that there is a capacity left in man by nature in the use of means in some measure to know God and to know many things to be sinful but not without the concurrency of the use of means I deny not what God might work miraculously he could make the Asse to speak to convince the madness of Balaam but his ordinary way hath been in the use of means It is with the soul of man as it is with the body the eye is called the light of the body not that there is any light in the eye more than in any other part of the body but a capacity of seeing or a seeing faculty when the light shineth the eye seeth no more than the hand if there be no light without So it is in the souls of men there is the eyes of the understanding but it must have something propounded from without before it understands or apprehends if it were possible to keep men from all means of light either by seeing or hearing the understanding which is the eye of the soul would remain dark as the eye of the body without light Now the Law or Will of God might very probably 1. Descend something by tradition from Adam who had converse with God not only before but after the fall and could not but retain much of the knowledg of God and so commend it to Posterity 2. The discoveries of the Will of God in the matters of Worship and the manner thereof in offering of sacrifices which could not ordinarily come by nature but by some way of institution Some discoveries of his Will by Divine Inspiration in way of Prophecy as is plain Jude ver 14. Enoch the seventh from Adam prophecied c. And God spake sometimes immediately to the Fathers and those discoveries of God were propagated to Posterity though much corrupted and doubtless there is at this day much of tradition among some of the Heathens about circumstances and ceremonies corruptly practised by tradition as offering sacrifice circumcision offering their first-born to God and owning only one God their Priests and Prayers c. The fourth and most common way of God's teaching mankind throughout all Ages especially where other means hath failed hath been by his works of Creation and Preservation in which was and is a sufficiency to teach the knowledg of God as to his being and from hence that capacity left in man might learn the substance of the Moral Law but not without this means that the Creation was a sufficient means to teach the knowledg of God i. e. That there was a God infinite in his being and glorious the former of all things and that this was God's way of teaching the Apostle plainly asserts Rom. 1. 19 20. And the Prophet Psal 19. 1 2 3. There was and is a capacity in man by this means and help 1. To conclude that there is a God the Creator and Preserver of all that he must be infinite in Power Wisdom and Goodness And 2. From reason conclude that there is but one God not a plurality in Essence Will and Work but that there must be unity in so great and glorious a Work And then 3. That it 's a duty to be subject to this Creator and that he must be honoured and worshipped according to his own will as far as understood that this Invisible Powerful Wise God that made all things must needs be Holy as Great and Wise and his Will must be the Law to the Creature and that the transgression thereof must needs be sinful and from hence must necessarily understand what was for common good and society of mankind being capacitated with reason exercised thus in in the use of means might and did attain much and I dare not but to think that in this means God hath from the beginning wrought many souls savingly to himself And thus it appears that there was a Law i. e. a means to know God and in some measure to know duty and to know sin before the Law was given and the same means do the World yet injoy where the Gospel is not preached 2. God made known himself and Will to his Servants both before and
our God with all our hearts and our neighbours as our selves Mat. 22. 37 38 39. And this must needs be the Law of the Gospel if we will have any Law at all it 's true the Law required it but the Gospel effects it it effects what the Law required 2 Cor. 5. 14. The love of Christ constrains us that is it maketh us willing to love and obey the Lord. 4. The Law in the matter thereof is perpetual therefore not to be done away in the matter or substance but in the manner of administring as administred in the old Testament that called the Moral Law was the foundation of the Ceremonial and Judicial they were both drawn out of the Moral the Moral in the first part thereof required the worshipping of the one true God the Ceremonial shews how this one God would be worshipped the second part relates to the duties of men each to other the Judicial opens those duties with the penalty of the breach thereof relating both to God and men And as it is in the hand of Christ it is the same still the Moral Law substantially is the foundation of all duty as to the ordering of the conversation for the duty of it was never taken away as it tends to holiness and as it is in the hand of Christ it calls for Faith in him and obedience to him for the rise of all duty was from the Law which had its rise from the holy God and sutable to its being opened was to be obeyed And the perfection required in the holy and just Law of God will be the perfection of Saints in Glory perfection in love and holiness will be the glorious state of Saints and indeed it was the great design of God in the Gospel by Jesus Christ to bring up a people to the spiritual perfection required in the Law which is begun here by Faith and Holiness and shall be perfected in Glory So then this being the spiritual and perfect rule of Holiness drawn by God Himself and presented to men as a character of that perfection he designed to bring up his people to by Jesus Christ it remains in his hand as the foundation of all Law and Spirit working in the heart for the gradual perfecting of the Saints therein To make this clear that it is as to the matter thereof the same and must be the same in the substance thereof for it requires the owning and worshipping the one true God in Holiness which is the duty of the Gospel and will be the eternal duty and work of Saints in Glory And Jesus Christ the Lord of this Gospel-ministration and Mediator of the Gospel-covenant gives us rules as to the manner how God will and must be worshipped and to him are we bound to submit in all his Ordinances and Institutions about the manner and matter of his instituted Worship and not turn back to the Mosaical Institutions but now Christ gives rules in the Gospel as the Ceremonial Law did under that ministration and if we refuse Christs Institutions and go back to Moses we must lose our part and interest in Christ and the Gospel Gal. 5. 2 3 4. And the Judicial Law we have from Christ to curb sin and transgression and to keep order in his Kingdom in this imperfect state that is the Order Offices and Government in his Church his House his Kingdom and both rules of Worship and Discipline flows originally from the right of the Moral Law as the Ceremonial and Judicial did though now as a part of the new Covenant in the â—and of Christ our Law-giver or Statute 〈…〉 er who writes it in the hearts of his 〈◊〉 as in the Word of the Gospel â—he â—ourth thing mentioned to be con 〈…〉 d is what Law it was that Christ fulâ—â—lled in his active and passive obedience and for what sins it was that he suffered To this I answer 1. That it was the Law given by the hand of Moses and written in Tables of Stone that Christ fulfilled in his active and passive obedience for and in behalf of sinners and then it was for the sins committed against that Law the truth hereof appears from Scripture the Scripture speaks not of any other Law that was the Law which Christ came to fulfil Mat. 5. 18. That was the Covenant and Law God made with his people called the first Covenant and as a Covenant and Ministration was to be done away Jer. 31. 31 32 33. Whether this Law was given to Adam before the fall or written in him I shall not dispute It 's that in which the Scripture is silent if we suppose that it was written in him we must likewise suppose it to be much inferior to the writing of the Law in the hearts of Believers in the new Covenant for he fell from his estate and all we in him but the Law of the new Covenant is so written in the heart as that they shall never depart from him it shall be their eternal perfection in Glory and the design of God herein is not to bring us back to Adam's first estate who in his first and best estate was of the earth earthly 1 Cor. 15. 47. But to the second man which is the Lord from Heaven Yet I shall not question but that the whole Law might be included in that one instituted Ordinance Gen. 2. 17. As it was in that instituted Ordinance of Circumcision given to Abraham Gen. 17. 10 c. Compared with Gal. 5. 3. And in the Gospel the instituted Ordinance of Baptism includes the whole Law of the Gospel Mar. 16. 15 16. Gal. 3. 27. And so that instituted Ordinance being broken the Law might be the flaming Sword in the hand of the Angel to keep the way of the tree of Life that none could enter but by the Mediator for the Law it was which stopped all entrance again to God but by the Mediator the Law it was that did curse for sin and was the fiery administration of death and this is the Law that Christ did bear the curse thereof for sinners 2. And then it must necessarily follow that Christ died for the transgressions that was against this Law ever since the fall of man and not so properly in a meritorious way for Adam's transgression against that instituted Ordinance in eating the forbidden fruit for which death came in upon him and his posterity and we are all under the execution of that sentence which was especially the nihilating of the body with the miseries attending that sentence in order thereunto and an usher though not the cause to eternal misery For the eternal state of man is brought in by Jesus Christ but that sentence past no further than this Gen. 3. 19. Dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return There is not a word of eternal death in misery but the undoing of what God had done and the eternal estate came in by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ eternal Life and
and conversation for it abundantly preacheth forth their reproof and condemnation I need not to mention Scripture for this it 's so abundantly known so that none can rationally think that it should be the work of wicked men 2. Nor can it be a device of great men or the Princes of the Earth to keep men in awe as some imagine though some such were imployed by the Lord therein as Moses David and Solomon c. That it could not be the device of great men is evident 1. Because the truth contained therein is a Mystery and above their reach to understand it onely as men the Grace and Glory held forth therein is a Mystery to them 1 Cor. 2. 7 8. 2. It cannot be of great men and the Princes of the Earth for they throughout all Ages have been the great Persecutors of those who have owned it and in truth of heart have cleaved to it there needs no proof for this therefore no man of reason can imagine it to be their device 3. It cannot be of them for it discovers their sin and judgment as much as of any sort of men Psal 82. Jer. 5. 5 6. Isa 30. 33. Rev. 6. 15 16. Nor 3dly Can it be the Word of the Wise men of the World Because 1. It condemns the Wisdom of the World as Folly and lets such to know that they must be Fools if ever they will be wise in the Wisdom of the Scriptures 1 Cor. 3. 18 19. 2. The wise men of the World are most averse to the Wisdom therein contained and as few of them as of any sort of men attain to the saving knowledge thereof and conformity thereunto Luk. 10. 21. 1 Cor. 1. 20. 26. Nor 4thly Can it be the Word of Fools or Madmen as sometimes Festus charged Paul Acts 26. 24. and as wicked men still account the People of God who own it and live according to it but the Scripture discovers them to be the Fools and Madmen that do not believe it nor walk according to it and they shall one day confess it Psal 64. 8. Wisd 5. 4. Nor 5thly Is it the Word of Worldly Rich Men For 1. It preacheth their doom and judgment Psal 49. 16. Mat. 19. 23 24. Luk 6. 24. 2. It sets Rich Men on Works which they themselves are averse unto 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. And well it were if Christians that are rich in this World were more set at liberty in this VVork than they are Nor 6thly Was it given by Poor Men as such for it holds their misery without Christ to be worse in some sence than the misery of the Rich miserable both here and hereafter for all wicked men both Poor and Rich without Repentance must perish Luke 13. 3 5. and that he that believeth not must be damned whether Rich or Poor Mark 16. 16. And that the Cause of the Poor must not be favoured because they are poor more than the Rich Lev. 19. 15. Exod. 23. 3. Nor 7thly Was it the Word of Hypocrites or self-righteous Persons for it condemns Hypocrites with a witness Mat. 23. throughout and 24. 51. Luk. 11. 44. and for self-righteous Persons who think to be saved by their own works it shuts them out both of the Grace and Glory thereof Mat. 5. 20. Luk. 18. 9. to 14. Rom. 10. 3. Nor 8thly Was it the Word of Proud Persons For 1. It generally requires Humility it prefers and works Humility Humility and Self-abasing is the very spirit of the Gospel Mat. 5. 3. 2. And on the contrary it discovers the sin and judgment of all proud persons I wish it were more laid to heart Prov. 16. 5. Isa 2. 11 17. Mal. 4. 1. 9thly Neither was it Godly Men of themselves who writ it although it 's true it was written by Holy Men of God as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit 2 Pet. 1. 21. But onely as Godly men it came not from them and that 1. Because none could be so good of themselves as to reach into those Divine Mysteries of God and Christ of Grace and Glory as are so abundantly and divinely opened unto us therein even the manifold Wisdom of God 2. Because none truly gracious durst belie the Lord and say The Lord spake and Thus saith the Lord and that these things are the Commandments of the Lord and yet speak their own imaginations therein they must be Lyars and Deceivers which far be it from any who love the Lord to imagine For it must be the Lords Word or the Word of Lyars and Deceivers and it condemns Lyars to destruction Isa 28. 15. Rev. 21. 27. 22. 15. IV. And as a result from what hath been IV. Its Impartiallity proves it to be a divine word said in this last Argument Its Impartiality proves it to be the Word of God and not of Man It respects neither High nor Low Rich nor Poor neither Learned nor Unlearned c. It 's a wonderful Divine and God-like Word on this Account It 's impossible for any Men as Men to bring forth such a Word without being partial to themselves in something or other at one time or other But purely to Exalt God and Holiness Grace and Glory without all respect of Persons directing the way thereto condemning sin and sinners without any respect of persons one or other declares abundantly that it is of God and not of Man V. It must be of God and Divine if V. The Scripture is of God if Christ be of God Jesus Christ was of God as the Scripture witnesseth and all good men believe John 16. 27. 17. 8. Acts 9. 22. He confirmed the Scriptures and fulfilled them abundantly He came forth in the fulness of Scripture owns it and lives to it commends it to be the Truth John 17. 17. and commands the use thereof John 5. 39. So that our Lord having before us owned the Scriptures and fulfilled them commended and commanded them I say That if we believe that He was the Christ and not a Deceiver which is blasphemy to think we need no further proof of the Truth of the Scripture Dive into the weight of this Argument and it will establish you for ever And that both Christ and Scripture are of His miracles a high demonstration that he was the true Christ God and that the things relating to Christ recorded in Scripture are Truth the wonderful Works and Miracles He did in His Fathers Name is a very high Testimony of the Truth both of Christ and Scripture witnessed by the Scripture done so openly in the view of all confest by all none opposing the truth thereof no not the Jews who were His Enemies confest by Mahomet in the Turkish Alcoran received and believed by Tradition without all contradiction to this day not only of the Saints but of the World too strongly and rationally confirm the truth thereof VI. The Divine Impressions stampt on VI Sealing Testimonies by the holie Spirit the Hearts
of the Saints by the Holy Spirit suitable to the Word of Grace the Work in them answering the Word without them as the New Covenant and Law of God written in their Hearts which hath wrought in them Faith Love and the Life of the VVord which are to them sealing Testimonies of the Truth and Divinity of the Word And hence it is that they set their seal to the truth thereof in believing loving and obeying thereof and cleaving to God therein and suffering any Difficulties inflicted by men for the truth thereof adventure their Souls and Eternity upon the truth of God therein and the loss of all in the VVorld rather than lose their share in the Word of Life A high Confirmation of the Divinity thereof VII Finally As the Resultance from the VII Danâ—er of deâ—ying the Scripture â—â— be of God whole To deny the Truth and Divinity of the Scripture is to deny God Himself and Jesus Christ and all Religion to pass a black Sentence on all the VVriters thereof as Lyars and Deceivers and on all the Saints throughout all Generations who have believed obeyed and suffered for adhering to the Truth therein and on all the Effectual Workings of the Holy Spirit in the Hearts of Believers conforming them thereunto so that it 's impossible for any man that hath lived under the Instruction thereof to deny it and not to be an Atheist if not to be guilty of the unpardonable sin for the whole matter the Scripture treats on in the substance thereof is as I said before God and Christ and Holiness the Reducing of Man back again to God through Christ from whom he was gone astray And therefore what can those expect who deny this Holy Divine Word of Truth but all the Judgments and Plagues that are written therein I shall now come to Answer some Objections in relation thereunto Object Though the Scripture was given of Object 1 God and Divine Truth the Word and Will of God to the People of these times in which they were given yet it 's a great Question whether it be so to us and whether we have ought to do with it unless the same Spirit work immediately the same Truth in us we are to hearken to what God speaks in us and not without us c. Answ To this I answer That Truth is Truth still and the Word and Will of God is the same still although its true that God hath made known his Will at various times and various ways under several manifestations yet when one Ministration ended it was by the coming in of another as the substance of the former and openly declared from Heaven by the Son of God with great Power and great Witness and the Word and Ministration of the Son of God is the same till his second coming Maâ— 28. 20. unto which all are bound to take heed unto under peril of Judgment Heb. 2. 23. Act. 3. 22 23. Joh. 12. â—8 and it is the Word and Will of the Lord still whether men believe it and obey it or not whether you have the Spirit to work you to it or not and if you are not taught by the Word and wrought to God in the Word to believe the Gospel it 's an evident sign that you have not the Spirit of Christ but of Errour and Delusion which will fail you in the day of need Obj. Though they were given of God Obj. 2 and Divine Truth yet they may be corrupted by men having been in the hands of men that knew not God but sought it themselves they might corrupt it and so it might either be mixed or lose much of its Purity and Divinity Ans It 's true that it hath passed through the hands of those who wanted not wickedness enough to do it but we have undoubted grounds to believe that the Lord preserved it and kept them from corrupting of it for if they or any other had corrupted it it must have been to serve their own ends but the Scripture that was by them preserved and by them owned to be the Word of God the Scripture of Truth is so far from serving their interest that it leaves them neither Root nor Branch no Word have they from hence to warrant them in any of their ways as a Church of Christ their Dependency lay rather in the Authority of their Church keeping people in Ignorance false Translations coercive Power and the like rather than in corrupting the Scriptures in the original Languages a Divine Hand it was that it should be preserved holy and pure as it is as hath been proved Obj. The Scripture is not all the Word Obj. 3 and Will of God to Men given by Divine Inspiration for there is in it the Words of the Devil and of wicked men the Failings and Miscarriages of the Saints c. Answ When I say it 's the Word or Words of God I intend thereby that the Body and substance thereof is the Divine Mind and Will of God made known to men by the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit by such ways as he pleased and by such persons as he pleased 2. As to the Discoveries of the Words or Works of Satan or wicked men and the Sins and Failings of the Godly I easily grant that it is not the Word of God in the first sence given by Inspiration Yet 2ly As written and recorded by holy men inspired by the Lord those things with many other Historical Relations recorded are true by Divine Testimony that such things were and so are of divine and undoubted Credence whereas all other Histories that are meerly humane can have but a humane and doubtful belief 3. It was written by the Will of God for the use and advantage of his Church and people Rom. 15. 4. Whatsoever was written afore time was written for our Learning c. 1 Cor. 10. 11 12. 1. Let us hence be informed of the greatness Vse 1 of the sin and danger not to believe the Scripture he that believeth not must be damned 2. Of Exhortation 1. to believe the Vse 2 Scripture to be the Word and Will of God to be of Divine Authority and to prize the Word more and to be thankful to God that hath given it to us and given to any the saving understanding thereof and wrought them into a conformity thereunto 2. To live the life of the Scripture the life of Faith and the life of Love the life of Obedience and the life of Holiness it is a holy Word and Holiness becomes all those who profeâ—s to own it what ever Scripture Faith or profession we pretend unto if we live not the life of the Scripture it will Judg us at the last day Joh. 12. 48. 3. To be improving and applying of the Consolations of the Scripture and that it may be so acquaint your selves more therewith Rom. 15. â— 3. Of Consolation to all those who Vse 3 truly believe and obey the Wordâ— as it is the Word the Will
Christians have great work to do for God in the World in matter of service and suffering in doing good and eschewing evil in mortifying sin great burdens to bear for the sake of Christ and it is only love flowing from Faith that will make all easie and help us through every duty and every difficulty for Faith worketh by love Gal. 5. 6. Faith getteth victory over the World but it is by love for Faith can do nothing without love as it ought to be done for it is nothing but Faith and love working together makes the soul bold and valiant for God and strong able to do suffer and bear for Christ what-ever he calls us too It is the never-failing Virtue it will never fail us hear as it shall not fail us hereafter it 's the bond of perfection or the perfect bond that ties us perfectly to God in all difficulties and perfectly one to another in every duty holiness in life is the great concernment for every Christian to be pressing aften to be holy in heart and holy in life to be holy in all manner of conversation and godliness 1 Pet. 1. 15. But this we must attain in the power of the love of God in the Gospel if ever we attain it Eph. 3. 17 18 19. 1 Thes 3. 12 13. 3. Love is the fulfilling of the Law 3. It is the fulfilling of the Law yea and of the Gospel too Mat. 22. 37 39 40. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbour as thy self on these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets it all hangs upon love Rom. 13. 8. 9. He that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law so that Love to God and love to Man is the fulfilling of the Law not that any should suppose that meerly love without any thing else is intended but that where truth of love is to God and to man for God's sake it will carry on such souls chearfully to every duty both to God and Man that the Law requireth that is the Law of the new Covenant for the Law as it is holy just and good is still to be observed as administred by Christ in the new Covenant and is the rule of the Believers sanctification and he that loveth truly fulfilleth it rightly and the true cause why Believers live so little to the Law of Christ is because they love so little 4. Where this Grace of Love is in truth 4 It is an evidence of being born of God it 's an evidence that such souls are born of God and in a state of life it 's an Heaven-born Virtue and they are Heaven-born Christians in whom it is and the contrary discovers a state of death 1 Joh. 3. 14 15. And this of love in this Scripture is not intended as some imagine only a sign to others that such persons are born of God but to the persons themselves in whom it is see ver 19. And hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him It 's an high evidence to a gracious soul that he is born of God and is of the truth and that he is passed from death to life And thus much as to the excellency of this Virtue of Love 2. It may inform us of the great coming 2. It informs of the great comeing short herein short and wonderful failing of Christians in this matter every one may best find out this in his own heart as among all the choice Virtues of the new Covenant this excelleth so it is to be feared that among all Christians fail most in this of love to God to Man to the Word to the Precepts yea to the promises of the Gospel the Lord help souls to lay it to heart in time for nothing demonstrates us to our selves to others to be Christians indeed as this of love doth 3. It inform us of the true cause of all 3. Of the cause of all miscarriages miscarriages among Christians to God to Man both Saints and Sinners it is want of love love would make us willing to every duty it would set the soul upon the wheels to run the way of Gods Commandments and to make them the joy and delight of our souls We should then make God's Statutes our songs in the house of our pilgrimage we should then be free and universal in our obedience love would end very much and many of the differences among Christians and cause them to bear with and forbear one another In a word if ever there be a reformation of things amiss among Christians it must begin here 2. Use of exhortation to this great duty 2. Vse of Exhortation of Love the Excellency the Beauty the Glory thereof should quicken the hearts of Christians to a greater desire and endeavor after so holy so lovely and desirable a Virtue if it be so excellent let us approve it Phil. 1. 9 10. And this I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in all knowledg and in all judgment that you may approve things that are excellent that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Let us approve it in our hearts in our lives Let us walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and given himself for us To provoke your hearts to be more reaching after this Heavenly Virtue consider not only what hath been already said which is enough to quicken any living believing soul with an earnest desire of increase herein but further consider 1. That duty to God calls for it see the 1. Duty to God calls for it many commands in Holy Scripture to this great duty of love to God to one another and to all men Mat. 22. 37. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart c. Ps 31. 23. O love the Lord ye his Saints and whoever sincerely performs this duty is under the Blessing of Grace in order to Glory Eph. 6. 24. Grace be with all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity Amen But on the contrary if any be without this Divine disposition and so perform not this duty see 1 Cor. 16. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus let him be accursed Anathema Maranatha accursed till the Lord come and for the duty of Saints love one to another see John 13. 34. A new Câ—mmandment give I unto you that ye love one another c. 1 Joh. 4. 21. This Commandment we have from him that he who loveth God should love his Brother also 2. The Saints relation to God and one 2. Relation calls for it to another calls for it they are the children of God the Sons and Daughters of God Almighty this is their relation to God and their priviledg They are all the Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus they are all the children of one Father espoused to one Husband members of one Body 1 Cor. 12. 27. Ye are the body of
after the Flood to Noah and especially to Abraham whom he called out from the rest of the World to whom he gave great and precious promises with whom he made the Covenants and gave him circumcision in which was included the whole Law Gal. 5. 3. And after he appeared to Isaac and Jacob and most of all to Moses to and by whom he gave the Law and old Covenant to his people in which was the Covenant of Life and Peace darkly held forth 2 Cor. 3. 13. And in which was contained the duties of his people till the anointed one promised was come the great Lord and Law-giver of this new Covenant of Life unto whom we are to submit our selves in all things 3. That it was and is necessary for men to belive and obey God according to the means and ministration throughout all Generations and the sin of those who lived not up to the means and light of the time and ministration 1. As given before the Law and where Law nor Gospel never came if there be any place or people in the World where its sound hath not been heard their duty was and is to know believe and serve God according to the means afforded and they shall be thereby accordingly judged Rom. 2. 12 16. Acts 17. 31. 2. As made known in and by the Law their duty was to believe and obey God according to his Will made known in the Law and hath been and shall be judged for their disobedience and sin against the Law Rom. 2. 12 17 to 24. 3. Those that live under the Gospel it 's their duty to believe and obey God according to the Law of the Gospel and new Covenant as it 's administred and given forth by Jesus Christ the Son Heb. 1. 1 2. And such must be judged according to the Gospel and receive approbation or condemnation according to their believing and obeying or not believing and obeying of Jesus Christ in the Gospel 2 Thes 1. 7 to 10. Heb. 2. 2 3. Quest Have we not that which is called Quest the Moral Law administred to us by Christ in the Gospel as a rule of Life to Believers And if so in what manner are we then to receive it Answ 1. That we have the truth and substance Answ 1. That we have the truth and substance of the Law of the Law administred in the Gospel is without all ground or reason of question or doubt because that Law was and is Spiritual Holy Just and Good and there can be no better Law than that as a rule of holiness to the Saints but in speaking to it and opening thereof I shall offer to consideration these four following things 1. That the Law as a ministration in Yet 1. As given by Moses it is done away the hand of or as given by Moses from Mount Sinai is done away and abolished as it required righteousness unto Justification Rom. 10. 4 5. Though of it self it never justified any but was indeed the ministration of condemnation for had it not required a righteousness to Justification it could not have been the ministration of condemnation and on both these accounts it 's done away to Believers and abolished 2 Cor. 3. 7 to 11. And on this account as administred from Mount Sinai it 's done away as a rule for as it was a rule of righteousness so it became the ministration of condemnation and so Believers are dead to it by the body of Christ being espoused to him as the Wife is free from the Law of her Husband being dead Rom. 7. 4 6. Yet 2. Believers are not without the 2. Believers are not without the Law Law but it is to them the rule of Holiness as given by their Lord and Law-giver and so is no ministration of condemnation to Believers being in the hand of their Mediator he having fulfilled the righteousness thereof for us in his own person actively in living up perfectly to it and the penal part thereof for us in his sufferings but that it is to Believers as his Law and given by him a rule of Holiness is without all just ground of question but not of righteousness unto Justification but of Conversation righteousness unto Justification being alone by and for the suffering sake of Christ Reasons why the Law as in the hand of Christ is a rule of Life to Believers 1. Because it 's so stated in the new Testament 1 Tit. 1. 8 9 10 11. For we know that the Law is good if we use it lawfully c. For the Law is not made for a righteous man c. That is righteous men are not under the Law that is under the rule and condemnation thereof as given by Moses Rom. 6. 14. Because they are espoused to Jesus Christ by Faith Rom. 7. 4. And so they perform all their obedience to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Law-giver and that this is it the Apostle intends 1 Tit. 1. 8 9 10 11. is clear ver 10. If there be any thing else that is contrary to sound Doctrine that is the Law condemns what-ever is contrary to the sound Doctrine of the Gospel as ver 11. According to the glorious Gospel of the Blessed God c. That is the Law of the glorious Gospel of the blessed God condemns what-ever is contrary to it The Law is brought forth in the glorious Gospel and is become the rule of the blessed God to Believers and who-ever walks contrary to it must be condemned by our blessed Lord Jesus who is the Lord of this blessed and glorious ministration Rom. 13. 8 9. 10. and 3. 31. Do we then make void the Law through Faith God forbid yea we establish the Law God forbid that any should have such thoughts no it establisheth the Law and that 1. In its Righteousness and Justice given in the old ministration that it must be fulfilled for us that we might be through believing justified from its condemnation and so that it might be fulfilled in us and by us as our Sanctification Rom. 8. 4. That the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us c. That is in us by believing and obeying Christ therein and this the Apostle states in plain words that he was under the Law to Châ—ist 1 Cor. 9. 21. 2. The Law in it self as given by God is Spiritual Holy Just and Good Rom. 7. 12 14. And we cannot expect a better rule of life for Sanctification than a Spiritual Holy Just and Good Law It 's the manner of administring makes the difference and not the matter in the substance thereof the manner differs It 's given by Jesus Christ as Mediator he having fulfilled the righteousness thereof and born the penalty by which means it's become his Law and he hath it in his hand to give it forth as his Royal Law as an holy rule for his people to serve him by 3. It 's that Law which in the substance thereof requires that we should love the Lord
the sense thereof believing the full delivering in the end it is a gracious answer that will fill the soul with joy Rom. 7. 25. Thanks be unto God through Jesus Christ my Lord. The like may be said in many other cases Christians may seek good things of God and he may answer them in other things even cross to expectation yet best for them they may seek Riches and he may give them Poverty they may seek prosperity and he may give them adversity they may seek life and he may give them death and yet give them that which is good and best for them Or thirdly It may be thou hast not prayed in a right manner which is so necessary a requisite in Prayer as hath been before shewed as that without it we may not expect any answer from God that is to pray with the spirit understandingly believingly humbly c. but in thine own spirit if not in thine own name and then no wonder if thou hast no return of thy Prayers from God for he regardeth the manner as well as the matter of the prayers of his people he will be sought in the due manner or else he will reprove and cross his people in the service 1 Chron. 15. 13. The Lord our God made a breach for that we sought him not after the due order God hath respect to manner and order in all his worship and when his people miss thereâ—n he will meet with them in way of reproof Or 4ly it may be thou hast had wrong ends in thy Prayers and that hath hindered thy success there are two great ends to be sought in our Prayers that is the Glory of God and the good of our selves and others and if thou miss in the end of seeking thou missest of all it may be thou hast prayed for Conquest over thy Lusts for the increase of the gifts and Graces of Christ that thou mayest be accounted some body in Profession gifts of Ministery that thou maiest be Esteemed and have a Name c. if God give them it will be to thy wrong this is minded Jam. 4. 3. Ye aâ—k and receive not because ye ask amiss to bestow it upon your lusts God sees that your desires granted would â—uine you you pray for deliverance from Affliction not that you may glorifie God but that you may live at ease and see no sorrow you pray for worldly injoyments when perhaps you have enough before and more then you do well use for the Glory of God to bestow it upon your lusts like Israel of old Psal 78. 18. who ever thus misses in their ends in praying must expect to miss of obtaining or else if they have their desire it will be to their spiritual loss and dammage he granteâ— his peoples desiâ—es when they asked meat for theâ—r luâ—ts but he sent leanness into their souls I am afraid that there are many rich Christians that are grown fat and rich in the World but are grown lean in their Souls and others like the Church of Corinth grow rich in gifts but poor in Grace that he could not write to them as to spiritual but as to carnal even as to Babes in Christ and notwithstanding all their gifts had need to be instructed in that excellent vertue and way of love O all ye Churches and Ministers remember this Gifts without grace to a right use thereof is but like to a Jewel of Gold in a Swines Snout Fifth and Finally or else sin may be the cause why God doth not hear and answer your Prayers Men Pray and Sin and Sin and Pray and wonder why God doth not hear them but if men allow themselves in sin God will not hear them I intend not the common infirmities of nature watched over and warred against by the Saints that shall not hinder their Prayers Jam. 5. 17. but sins lived in and owned unrepented of surely God will not here such Psal 66. 18. If I regard iniquity in mine heart God will not hear me it is the iniquity of the heart and hands that makes a separation between God and the Soul Psal 49. 5. Why should I be afraid of evil when the iniquity of my heels do compass me about It is not the iniquity of our heels that should make us afraid but the iniquities of our hands the iniquities of ouâ— heels are such as we shun and run from such as we hate and war against but the iniquities of our hearts and hands are such as we love follow after catch it and hold it fast plead for it that is the iniquity that will stop your Prayers and the influence of Gods Grace to your Souls Isa 58. 3. They complained they had fasted and prayed and sought God but he did not hear nor take notice of them the cause see ch 59. 1 2. Behold the Lords hand is not shortned that it cannot save nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear but your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear O its sin and iniquity that puts a stop to our Prayers and causeth God to hide his face that he will not hear and this the Church was sensible of and O that we were more sensible then we are Mich. 7. 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him c. If souls once come to be sensible of sin that it is the cause of affliction and of Gods indignation against his own people and hinders the prevalency of their Prayers they would certainly search out the sins which are the cause and humble themselves and turn from their iniquities and patiently to wait and bear till he turn to them in mercy Quest. What Sins are they that ordinarily Quest causeth God to pass over the prayers of his people and to refuse to hear but rather to afflict them Answ 1. All sins of the heart and hands Answ have the same effect but I shall mention some more remarkable sins for which the people of God hath been afflicted and against which he hath manifested his displeasure 1. That sin of Covetousness and worldly mindedness the common bait by which the Devil deceiveth souls that steals away the hearts of Christians if Grace prevent not to their spiritual and effectual ruine or at best to their great loss on the spiritual account and oft times on the outward account likewise stopping and hindering their prayers and drawing down Judgment both upon themselves and others Isa 57. 17. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wrath and smote him I hid my face and was wrath and he went on frowardly in the way of his own heart c. O that we had not cause to say that this iniquity prevails at this day and though God smites and smites at this iniquity as is evident by the manner of his smiting yet whether he hath not cause to say he went on frowardly in the way of his own
need if Gods seal and theirs concur not in the matter Rom. 8. 16. The spirit it self beareth witness with or to our spirit that we are the Children of God the spirit of Christ is the alone sealing evidence to the hearts of Christians and that by his word and work in them Eph. 1. 13 14. 2 Cor. 1. 22. this is such a Sealing evidence to the hearts of Christians as that who so have it not is none of his Rom. 8. 9. and to call any of his Ordinances Seals is besides all Scripture rule as for the truth of God in his Covenant I think we cannot have more confirming Seals then his Word and Oath two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lye Heb. 6. 17 18. and the gift of his son from Heaven for Salvation of Sinners that believe and obey him What greater and surer seals these I know not of the truth of God and his Spirit working and effecting Faith in and by those Sealing evidences of his love to men is the Sealing Earnest of our inheritance The Supper of the Lord is an instituted 2. The Supper of the Lord. Ordinance of Jesus Christ to be practised by the Church till his second coming 1 Cor. 11. 26. a like Figure as Baptism very significant and of special use in the Church of Christ if Faith be rightly exercised therein and serves especially to keep in remembrance the Death and Sufferings of our Lord Jesus and the benefits we receive thereby the great love of God and Christ to men being therein discovered 1 Cor. 11. 26. and the great sin in those that partake thereof is in not discerning the Lords body that is the breaking of the Lords body and the shedding of the Lords blood for our sins and the greatness of the Lords love therein 1 Cor. 11. 29. it being an Ordinance that presenteth Jesus Christ Crucified with all his benefits to the eye that the eye may affect the heart for all good comes to the heart by the ear and by the eye the Doctrine of the Gospel comes to the heart by the ear in hearing and by the eye in seeing and reading this Ordinance is for the eye that the heart may be affected and for the taste and stomach that the sense of hunger and feeding may be of spiritual use to learn the soul to feed on Christ who is the bread of Life in which we may observe the Wisdome of God to make use of our senses for our spiritual good Gal. 3. 1. This holy Ordinance is for the holy people of God the Church his holy Nation who alone by true Faith are interested in this Crucified Jesus who ever eats and drinks thereof without interest therein eats and drinks damnation to themselves What sad and bad work then do they make that will bring in all make up a Church of multitudes of Hypocrites to damn them as if the design of God and Christ in the Gospel had been to get in multitudes into the Church on purpose to damn them such will have a sorry account in the great day who thus pervert the Lords end in his Death and corrupt and defile his Church and holy Ordinances 3. Ordinance and Institution of Christ 3. Preaching in his Church is the Preaching of the Gospel for Building up of the Church in their most Holy Faith as all the Ordinances of Christ are There is a two fold Administration of the Doctrine of the Gospel the first for conversion and gathering into the Church Mat. 28. 19. Mar. 16. 15 16. Acts 2. 37 38. and 26. 16 17 18. The 2. for building up of the Church in the holy Faith after Conversion and Gathering Mat. 28. 20. Acts 2. 41 42. this being the end of Gods giving gifts to men Eph. 4. 11 12 13. They are bad Ministers who turn the World into the Church without repentance and Faith and so build up a multitude of Hypocrites and prophane persons instead of the Body of Christ neither Jesus Christ nor deceived poor Sinners will thank them for it in the end 4. Ordinance of Christ in his Church 4. Prophecie is Prophecy much spoken of in Scripture though I fear I may say its almost lost out of the Church but of this I shall speak more distinctly when I come to speak of the Officers in the Church though I take not this of Prophesie to be performed as an Office by an Officer as such but by a gift 5. Ordinance is Prayer although its 5. Prayer true this is not for the Church alone but is the duty and property of all believers as such Col. 4. 2. 1 Thes 5. 17. yet it is a Church Ordinance Acts 2. 42. Where Doctrine breaking bread and Prayers are set together as the great and common Ordinances of the Church in which they had fellowship together in 1 Tim. 2. 1. Ephes 6. 18. Jude verse 20. which in the Church as all other of Christs Ordinances are is to be performed by men and not by women 1 Tim. 2. 8. See more about this of Prayer Chap. 22. 6. Praising God or singing Praises to 6 Praising him is an Ordinance of Christ in his Church as well as the duty of all Saints at all times See 1 Cor. 14 15 16. where both Prayer and Singing are mentioned as it ought to be performed in the Church Col. 3. 16. the manner is exprest to be such as in Prayer one to speak to the Praise of God so that the rest may joyn in with him to say Amen as in Prayer for all to sing in Meeter together is that for which there is no rule that I know in Law or Gospel In the Old Testament Singers were appointed to that service 1 Chron. 9. 33. Ezr. 2. 65. Neh. 5. 67. and did perform it by turn answering each other 1 Sam. 18. 6 7. Exod. 15. 20 21 But I judge that Old Testament Singing is ended as to the manner thereof and I am sure there is no rule in the New for that which now by most is practised Gospel Singing should be new Songs by a new People sutable to the new Covenant Psal 96. 1. and 98. 1. such Songs as none can learn but the Redeemed ones Rev. 14. 3. no marvail if such as are for Forms of Worship in Prayer and Praise be for a Formal people void of the Spirit and strangers to Spiritual Worship And as this is an Ordinance so it is a gift in the Church of Christ as Prayer is and is so to be performed a hearty giving thanks for mercies received so as that the rest may say Amen that is joyn in praysing which is exprest in saying Amen as in Prayer they are greatly mistaken who think that there is no Singing but in Meeter and with a Singing Tone 7. Ordinance of Christ in the Church is 7. Discipline Church Discipline Order and Government and the Administring Church censures according as occasion and need calls for it
and that appears 1. From the Lords forbidding of it Exod. 20. 17. Rom. 13. 9. 2. From the many cautions given against it to be ware thereof Luke 12. 15. Eph. 5. 3. Heb. 13. 5. 3. From the evil effects thereof as violence and oppression Mic. 2. 2. Stealing and theft John 7. 11. 21. Deceit and treachery as in the case of Judas Mat. 26. 14 15 16. Lying 2 Kin. 5. 22. 27. Murder as in the case of Ahab with Naboth 1 Kin. 21. Merchandise of souls 2 Pet. 2. 3. Covetousness is fit for any abomination to accomplish its design 4. In that it 's ranked with the worst of sins 1 Cor. 5. 10. and 6. 10. 5. In that it hath the term of the worst of sins put upon it it 's called Idolatry â—ph 5. 5. Jer. Col. 3. 5. which is an abominable sin 44. 4. 1 Pet. 4. 3. 6. By the difficulty for a rich covetous man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 19. 23 24. 7. By the Woes and Judgments in Scripture denounced against it Hab. 2. 9. 1 Cor. 6. 10. Eph. 5. 5 6. And this woful soul-deceiving and soul-destroying sin the Lords people are liable to be ensnared with it and that appeareth in that they are so often taxed for it and accused of it Jer 6. 13. and 8. 10. Ezek. 33. 31. 2. In that they are so often cautioned against it as I minded before Luke 12. 13. 1 Tit. 6. 8. 9 10 11 17 18. Heb. 13. 5. 3. In thâ— they pray against it Ps 119. 36. In a word to conclude Covetousness â— a sin that draws down judgments temporâ— judgments Isa 57 17. Spiritual and eternâ— judgments as other abominations do 1 Tit. 6. 9 10. Yet such is the weakness wretchedness of Christians to suffer themselves to be ensnared thereby to be dallying therewith and to keep it in their bosome as their special friend and that too against all reproofs and means of help which â—â— the end if Grace prevent not will sting like a Serpent and bite like a Cockatrice piercing them through with many sorrows drowning thâ—m in perdition and destruction Or 2. It may be for the sin of Hypocrâ—sie Isa 10. 5. 6. O Assirian the rod of miâ—â— anger c I will send him against an hypocritical Nâ—tion c. and 9. 17. Job 15. 34. The Congregation of Hypocâ—ites shall be desolate c Quest Wherein doth Hypocrisie coâ—sist Quest Aâ—â—w Generally in making a shew of Answ that which is not either relating to God or man Ezek. 33. 31 33. Matt. 15. 7 8. Love in word and in tongue only and not in dâ—ed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. It 's not in vain that Christ gives that caution Luke 12. 1. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is Hypocrisie Ps 58. 1 2. Sincerity is a lovely virtue but hypocrisie double dealing an heart and an heart the Lord abhorreth O! let all that expect to approve themselves to God abhor it grounds there are to fear that it hath gotten too much footing in the hearts of Christians at this day Or 3. It may be for the sin of Pride God may rebuke and chastise his people Isa 28 1 3. Woe to the crown of Pride ver 3. The crown of Pride the drunkards of Ephraim shall be trodden under feâ—t Hos 5. 5. The Pride of Israel doth testifie to his face therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall into their iniquity Judah also shall fall with them Pride is a sin that God will not bear with no not in his own people but he will visit them and bring them down and lay them low even in the dust Quest Wherein doth Pride consist Answ Pride is in the heart it 's an heart-sin it 's a being puffed or lifted up in the heart Prov. 16. 5. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Loâ—d Ps 131. 1. saith the Prophet Mine heart is not haughty nor mine eyes lofty there is pride of Parts Wisdom Riches Strength Beauty Honour c. Jer. 9. 2 3. Pride in falshood 1 Tit. 6. 3 4. but all comes from the heart I shall therefore endeavour to shew some of the symptoms of Pride wherein a proud heart is discovered which are as the flagâ— or ensigns thereof 1. A proud and lofty look lofty eyes and a lofty countenance and carriage is a discovery of a lofty and proud heart Psal 101. 5. Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer an high look and a proud heart ordinarily goes together and the Lord will not suffer such in his Family Ps 131. 1. My heart is not haughty nor mine eyes lofty lofty eyes bespeaks an haughty heart Prov. 6. 17. A proud look is one of the abominations the Lord hateth Chap. 21. 4. and 30. 13. There are a Generation O how lofty are their eyes and their eye-lids are lifted up And this lofty haughty heart that is discovered by a lofty and proud look will God bring down Isa 2. 11. 17. 2. A lofty tongue and that is either 1. A ruling lording tongue which discovers a proud heart Ps 12. 3 4. God will cut off the tongue that speaketh proud things c. and 73. 8. They are corrupt and speak wickedly concerning oppression they speak loftily great and proud words are the discoveries of a proud heart 2. A self-exalting and a self-boasting tongue is a symptom of a proud heart and this the Hypocrite cannot avoid Luke 18. 11 12. The proud boasting Pharisee by it discovered the pride of his heart for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh thus Jehu boasts of the rightness of his heart when it was but a discovery of his Pride and Hypocrisie 2 Kâ—n. 10. 15. Self-praise and self-commendation is a special character of folly and pride Prov. 27. 2. Let another praise thee and not thine own mouth a stranger and not thine own lips it 's much better for a mans works to praise him than his tongue Prov. 31. 31. 3. Lofty habit gay cloathings fleshly adornings is a special symptom of a proud heart Quest Is there any such thing as pride in apparel or any such thing condemned in the Scripture as pride in apparel Answ I propose this question and the same to that of covetousness because I perceive Christians run to excess in these things without all care or fear as if there were no such sins in the World a dangerous evil of our times Christians rush into it as if riches gay clothes and following the fashions of the times were the only preparations for another World or if not as if they expected no part therein but to have their portion only in this life But surely it is a sin condemned by the Lord not only in the old but in the new Testament in the old Isa 3. 16 17. Because the daughters of Sion are haughty and walk with stretched out necks and wanton eyes and therefore the Lord will smite