Spirit dwells in Believers and whatsoever is required of Believers the Spirit hath undertaken to do in them I will put my Spirit in you and cause you to walk in my Statutes Ezek. 36.27 That Covenant which is confirmed unto you by immutable things hath this Promise in it He is a Spirit of Faith Love Meekness and of Light to lead into all Truth to make the heart willing to follow Christ as King to deny self This Spirit is the earnest of Heaven and perfect Glory The Father hath made a bargain confirmed by his Word and Oath and by giving earnest This bargain he Seals and the Seal is the Spirit Eph. 1.13 This is a Seal that is sufficient to confirm Believers that Glory shall be perfected because they have the Spirit of Grace That Spirit that dwells in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom. 8.11 2. As the Salvation of Believers is in it self most sure so it may be made sure to them 1. Some have attained it Job 19. I know that my Redeemer liveth c. David Paul Rom. 8.38 I am perswaded c. He includes himself and this was not a singular pâ—iviledge given to some Saints more eminent then others or an extraordinary gift But 2. That which ordinarily God was pleased to bestow on the Saints Rom. 8.15 Ye have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby ye cry Abba Father This is true of all Believers and the Spirit beareth witness The Spirit where he is a Spirit of Adoption is usually a witnessing Spirit sealing up their hearts sealing up and treasuring Salvation in the heart The assurance of Salvation is a precious Jewel which ordinarily the Spirit doth treasure and seal up in the hearts of Believers giving the first Fruits of Heaven to their hearts And as Moses on Nebo had a view of the Land of Canaan so 't is not unusual for the Spirit to carry up the hearts of Believers above the World into the third Heavens and give a sight and taste of that most Excellent Glory 3. A way is shewn in the Gospel in which it may be attained Rom. 10.9 Say not who shall ascend into Heaven c. Do you doubt of Salvation Are you in fears about it Consider Christ hath been in the deep Christ is in Heaven Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with thine heart and thou shalt be saved As Christ coming into the Ship when tossed and almost full of water there was a great calm an end put to the Disciples feaâ—s So Christ coming into the heart rebuking fears revealing himself as dying rising and sitting at the Right hand of God there shall then be a great calm in the heart Christ the Peace Joy hope of Glory in the heart 3. Salvation ought to be made sure it is the Duty of all that look towards Heaven to make their Salvation sure this is that which should be in your aims and desires Rejoyce that your names are written in Heaven saith Christ Luke 10.20 This should be the matter of the Saints Joy this implies that we ought to seek after the assurance of this that our names are written in Heaven Heb. 10.22 Let us draw near with a true heart that is ye that look on God as the Life of your heart God in Christ reconciled loving embracing us the Peace Joy Delight Contentment and Rest of the Heart A true heart is a heart that says concerning God as the Rich Man concerning Riches Soul take thine ease in God and with full assurance of favour and acceptation with God And then shews how it may be attained for the Gospel as it requires things to be done so it shews us the way how The Gospel requires not impossibilities but makes all its Precepts possible The Law did not thus it did not make its Precepts possible but the Gospel doth it leads to Christ by whom whatever is required is or shall be accomplished as to Believers Now look to Christ and so your hearts shall be sprinkled fear and guilt shall be purged out of the Conscience and Peace Joy and full Assurance brought in 2 Pet. 1.10 Give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure And if Election then Salvation there is a Golden Chain mention'd Rom. 8.29 30. if you get hold of one link of it then you have hold of all this reaches from Eternity to Eternity from Eternity of Election to Eternity of Glorification Now our care should be to fasten on this Golden Chain this Golden Chain is fixed in Heaven let it also be fixed in your hearts so shall you have hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven and so Heaven shall have fast hold in you and you shall have fast hold in Heaven Heaven shall not loose you nor you shall not loose Heaven 4. Nothing besides Salvation can be made sure The Life of your Bodies cannot be made sure the Life of your Souls may 2 Cor. 5.1 For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved we have a Building of God an House nâ—t made with hands Eternal in the Heavens Earth cannot be made sure Heaven may be made sure So lay not up for your selves treasures on Earth but in Heaven The favour of Man cannot be made sure the favour of God may Riches on Earth cannot be made sure they will fly from you or you shall fly from them Riches of Glory may be made sure worldly prosperity and happiness cannot be made sure Earthly Men in their best estate of prosperity stand but in slippery places But everlasting happiness in Heaven may be made sure Honour amongst Men can't be made sure Honour with God may Creatures can't he made sure Christ may Comforts flowing from Creatures cannot be made sure Consolations abounding by Christ may be made sure So for other things those that have them should be as if they had them not Those that buy as if they possessed not those that have Wives should be as if they had none those that have Riches as though they had not and those that labour in the World as if they did not because nothing of them can be made sure So then take heed of spending your selves for them Salvation alone Christ Heaven the favour of God alone can be made sure so labour to make that sure and nothing else Judge the making Salvation sure the one thing that 's necessary because that alone can be made sure 5. Salvation and nothing besides Salvation is worth the making sure If you have Riches worldly prosperity and abundance if you have health and Houses to dwell in Children Men Servants Women Servants Sheep Oxen Shops full of Wares c Hearts full of contentment in enjoying of these things what shall all this avail you Riches cannot profit you in the day of wrath all these things can't redeem your Souls yet in bondage still going to condemnation What shall it profit you to gain the whole World and loose the Soul Math. 16.26 Creatures are
and the heart of Cyrus to make Proclamation of Liberty for the Jews return to Jerusalem and hence this is an Expression to set forth the Power of God Isa 44.24 Thus saith the Lord that stretcheth out the Heavens v. 27.28 that saith to the Deep be dry that saith to Cyrus he is my Shepherd he shall perform all my Pleasure What comfort is this when Saints see what bad hearts they have they know that Christ hath power to make them better and what malicious hearts wicked men have Christ can either destroy or incline them to shew kindness as he did the heart of Esau to Jacob. Gen. 23. 6. Christ hath power over all Creatures to do with them as he pleases and to do what he will by them they go and come move or not move live or dye they are or are not at his will He sends forth his Spirits they are created he takes away thâ—ir breath thâ—y dy He hath power of nothing to make something of darkness to make light of evill to turn it to good of death to bring out life from it it 's the Prerogative of God he calls the things that are not as though they were 1. Cor. 1.28 and commands them to be and much more can he confound that which is of Babylon he can say of it Babylon the great is fallen is fallen This is matter of abundant consolation to the Sainis thy Redeemer is strong the Lord of Host is his Name 2. Tim. 2.12 I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep me c. Believers know whom they have chosen believed in whom they love and serve how full of might he is and when the power of Hell and of the World lying in wickedness is against them they may comfort themselves in this the power of the Lord is for them God made Nebuchadnezzar to know that the Heavens do Rule Dan. 4.25 26. that is the three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit which Spirit is in the hearts of Saints also of which the Apostle says Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the World 1. John 4.4 the holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Church Satan is the Spirit of the World the Saints comfort is they have the greater Spirit and if their Spirit be greater than the Spirit of the World much more is it greater than the Flesh of the World Particularly 1. Christ's Riches of Power are to be excercised for the good of the Heirs of Salvation Psa 89.19 I have laid help on one that is mighty the Father hath laid it on Christ with his power to help Unbelief to help Infirmities to help the Spirit against the Flesh the law of the Mind against the law of the Members None will stand by me in these things but Michael your Prince Dan. 10.21 .12.1 Let the weak then say I am strong Joel 3.10 In the Lord have I Righteousness and Strength Isa 45.24 In the Lord it is and in the Lord I have it 2. Christ's Riches of Power is a Fountain of Power to the Saints 1. In Regeneration he propagates his Power he begets and maintains a Power of Godliness in the new nature 2 Tim. 1.7 A Power to serve God a Power to confess his Name to take up a Cross and follow him Joseph's bow abode in strength when the Archers shot at him being made strong by the mighty God of Jacob Gen. 49.24 So are Saints strenghtened by the mighty Power of Christ resting on them Sin is from weakness how weak is thine heart seeing thou dost these things Ezek. 16.30 Vertue is a Power to do good which is from Christ 2. In the Resurrection Christ will give great Power to the glorified Bodies of the Saints 1 Cor. 15.43 It 's raised in Power the Power of raised and glorified Bodies shall be exceeding great there is not such power in any thing in the World as will be in them if God should give commission one glorified Saint might be able to destroy a World of ungodly men 3. In the World to come all weakness shall be swallowed up in Power there will not be cause to complain of the Power of Sin and weakness of Grace Heb. 6.5 there is mention of the Powers of the World to come there is no weakness but power in that World the power of Godliness the power of Love the power of an Endless Life Heb. 7.16 of Endless Holiness of Endless Joy Josh 14.11 As my Strength was then so it is now herein was Joshua a Type of the perfect and abiding strength of the Saints in the World to come And there being such Power in Christ learn 1. To Trust in him Isa 26.4 because in him is everlasting Strength Isa 3.15 O my Soul thou hast troden down Strength Judg. 5.21 Deborah's Soul having strong Faith and being poured out in Prayer did most in that Victory Deborah's Soul with Barah's Sword overcame the Host of Sisera Saints do most with the strength of their Souls and in this have great advantage of their Enemies and with this they shall tread down Satan and the Man of sin when a Saint hath no power in himself he may say as John there is one mightier than I and mightier than all my Enemies Jer. 31.22 A Woman shall compass a Man that is the weak shall overcome the strong as Deborah and Jael did one trod down the strength of the Host with her confidence and the other slew Sisera the Captain of it the Woman clothed with the Sun having the Moon under her feet though driven into the Wilderness yet at last must compass and conquer the Man of sin and then her Wilderness shall be as Eden and her desert as the Garden of the Lord and Babylon's fruitful Field shall become a Forrest 2. Fear him who hath Riches of Power he can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell Who art thou that art afraid of a Man that shall dye and forgettest thy Maker Fear him that hath made Heavens and the Earth the Sea and the Fountains of Water 3. Praise his Power Psal 21.13 Be thou exalted Lord in thine own Strength so will we Sing and Praise thy Power The Saints shall have abundant matter ministred unto them in the last days of praising the Power of Christ and of saying Salvation and Strength to our God and to him that sits upon the Throne Psal 145.11 12. They shall speak of the Glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy Power 4. Be in subjection to Christ and serve him if we ought to be in subjection to the higher Powers then much more to him that hath the highest Power and take heed that we be not found in opposition to him Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy are we stronger than he Job 9.4 5 6. He is wise in Heart and mighty in Strength which removeth Mountains and they know not Who hath hardened himself against him and prospered
that sins should grieve and but grieve the Godly they should not doubt of Love and fear Wrath if once the Soul trusts in the Name of the Lord and stay upon God If once ye be founded on the Rock Christ then your sins should work grief for God dishonoured not fear of God's Wrath Grief for God dishonoured and Joy in God well pleased by Christ may consist together This is the way oâ— the Gospel but indeed a narrow way too hard to keep in it if ye joy in God notwithstanding sin then not to turn to the left hand of making light of sin or if ye grieve then not to turn to the right hand of questioning the love of God and so remitting joy 7. God may afflict yet not hate he may afflict and that grievously as he did Job and yet be well pleased whom I love I rebuke and chasten c. Rev. 3.19 8. For a Believer to doubt of Salvation that takes hold of Christ and is founded on him is his sin For 1. The Spirit of God doth not witness that he is not a Gâ—ild of God If the Spirit of God doth convince a natural Man that 's out of Christ of his carnal and cursed Estate and then he say he cannot lay claim to the Promises of the Gospel to the Benefits of Christ this is not his Sin because it may be that the Spirit is a Spirit of bondage in him and witnesseth this to him and so 't is true But for such as believe in Christ and look for Salvation no other way such never receive the Spirit of Bondage again to fear Rom. 8.15 that is the Spirit doth not bring them into bondage The Spirit doth not witness that they are not the Children of God for he should witness untruth then but their doubting Hearts bring them into bondage 2. 'T is through wanâ— oâ— Fâ—ith that such doubt of Salvaâ—ion 't is for not believing as they ought and that is their Sin and Christ may repâ—ove them as he did Peter O thou of little Faith wherefore did it thou doubt As God hath made the Salvation of Believers sure in Christ c. so they ought to believe it to be sureâ— and 't is their Sin to doubt of it not to believe is to make God a Liar 1 Joh. 5.10 Section 7. 2. How Believers ought to carry themselves in the want of Assurance 1. Desire it thirâ—â— and long for it account it a Mercy worth the enjoying better than all the World can afford and God hath promised to satisfy the hungry with good things and not to send them empty away so then breath after it as the Hart panteth after the water-brooks 3. Wait with patience of God till he return with joy and peace into the Soul I will wait on God that hideth his Face from the House of Israel Isa 8.17 3. Exercise Faith of adherence when you want the Faith of evidence this is the advice of the Prophet Isa 50.10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant that is Christ Iâ—a 42.1 That fears the Lord and serve him in Christ being acquainted with the great Mystery of Godliness here 's Faith of adherence which Judges Christ worthy of Glory and walketh in darkness and sees no light here 's want of Faith of Evidence now what should be done in this case Still trust still hold fast Christ look for Salvation in him and none else trust in the name of the Lord trust to the mercy of God his abundant Grace manifested in giving Christ as sufficient to â—ave you and stay on his God God iâ— his God though he knows it not stay upon him let the Soul he fixed on him and say as Job though he kill me I will trust in him If I perish it shall be at the feet of Mercy and then though you may walk in darkness for a time yet the Lord shall be a light unto you Sâ—ction 8 From the second sense of these words work out that is desire and endeavour this that Salvâ—tion begun to be wrought out may be perfected so much the word signifies Rom. 7.18 How to perform that which is good I find not Doct. 2. The perfecting of Salvation that is begun should be the great desire of all Believers when 't is begun to be wrought they should desire that Salvation may be wrought out a Person begun to be saved should long to be saved to the utmost Here consider a few things 1. The Salvation of Believers shall be perfected This is a work that shall be finished As in the fiâ—st Creation of the World things were imperfect at first but God did not cease Creating till Heaven and Earth were finished and all the Host of them so at the first Conversion when Salvation fiâ—st comes to the Soul it may be it is very imperfect a little Faith a little Love but weak and faint breathings of Spirit but smoking Flax a bruised Reed But God will go on in this work till every Saint be made perfect and all the Host of them Phil. 1.6 He that hath begun a good work will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ He wi l keep Believers till the day of Christ and perfect their Happiness in that day which shall endure for ever Christ dying said it is finished that is the types of the Law are fulfilled what Christ had to do towards the obtaining Man's Redemption was finished for Satisfaction Reconciliation Merit all are fiâ—ished and nothing remains but the application of Christ to the Soul and bestowing the Benefits purchased for the Elect by Christ that Christ lives to finish he died to finish the work of Satisfaction and Reconciliation he lives to finish the work of Sanctification and Glorification He died to finish the work hâ— had to do respecting God's paying the price 〈◊〉 Redemption recompencing him for the d shonoâ—r that was done him by Sin and he lives to finish the work he hath to do respecting the Elect which is to pour out hâ—s Spirit into their â—â—â—â—ts and to form them for himsâ—â—l and to fashion Soul and Body like to himself this is the meaning of that place Rom. 5.10 For if when were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life He died to finish a work with the Father for Men making peace for them he lives to finish a work in them which is to make them Holy aâ—d Happy and whatever Enemies there are to the happiness of the Saints Christ shall subdue them 1 Cor. 15.25 He must Reign till he hath put all his Enemies under his Feet and till all his Members be conformed in glory to him and placed in Glory with him Joh. 17.22.24 The Glory that thou hast given me I have given them Now Believers have a right to but they shall also have the possession of it they shall partake in Christ's Glory in all his
know perfectly Brethren I count not my self to have apprehended I follow after I do not sit down satisfied with that I have but I follow after that which I have not that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of God God apprehends the Elect in Love he apprehends by his Spirit to bring nigh to himself to make Vessels of Mercy and Glory and they desire to apprehend God and to be nigh him and to be filled brim full with Mercy and Glory they that are full already are most empty Luk. 1.53 Use 2. To stir up the Saints with more diligence to labour to work out their Salvation as Peter exhorts Believers 2 Pet. 1.5 Giving all diligence add to your Faith Vertue to Vertue Knowledge c. So to add Faith to Faith Vertue to Vertue Knowledge to Knowledge Holiness to Holiness Hos 6.3 Then shall we know if we follow on to know the Lord. You that know any thing of Christ should follow on to know more and you shall know more if you hear if you search the Scriptures if you ask more Wisdom and Knowledge 2 Pet. 3.18 Grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of the Lord. Grow in all Graces in Faith Humility Heavenly mindedness and as a great furtherance hereto grow in Knowledge That Salvation may be perfected Consider what it is The Apostle describes it by two parts 1. Wee shall see him as he is 2. We shall be like him To see Christ as the Express Image of the Fathers Person to know God in Christ and to enjoy him as your God and to bear the Image of Christ perfectly in your Soul and Body this is compleat Salvation To see him in whom all fulness dwels and to be like him that is the brightness of the Fathers Glory is Glory enough So these are two great things that ought to be your mark 1. Grow in the Knowledge of Christ Math. 13.11 To you it is given to know the Mystery of Christ To know the great Mystery of Godliness to you a Spirit is given to lead you into all Truth to you the Promises are made of being taught of God Desire Knowledge and believe this Promise so more and more still of the Fulness Excellency and Glory of Christ shall be revealed to you 2. Grow in a conformity to Christ Christ is perfectly Holy labour to be more like him in Holiness let the same mind be in you as in Christ the same Meekness Compassion Heavenly mindedness and Zeal for the Glory of the Father Fashion not your selves to the World but fashion your selves according to the Pattern of Christ and believe that your vile Bodies shall be fashioned like to his Glorious Body and let this Hope he your Happiness till you actually enjoy this Happiness Use 3. Direction about this great work of working out our Salvation 1. Propose right ends to your selves Intermediate and Mediate 1. Intermediate ends that you may have perfect Happiness perfect Redemption from all Evils and that an end may be put to Sin and Sorrow that there may be no more sinning nor no more sorrowing The desire of your own good is not unlawful if you desire Heaven as your Happiness Christ as your Life the presence of God as your best portion this you ought to desire as your happiness the enjoyment of God as your chief good and perfect likeness to Christ as the most perfection that you can be made partakers of Thus did Paul desire his own happiness and good 2 Cor. 6. We which are in this Tabernacle do groan c To be cloathed upon that immortality may be swallowed up of life that Vanitv may be swallowed up of fulness Earthly things of Heavenly Temporal of Eternal that is you must not make it your Business to be Rich Great Renowned and Happy in the World but to be Rich Glorious and Happy in Heaven Lay not up for your selves Treasure on Earth but in Heaven say not to your Souls there are Goods laid up on Earth but much Glory in Heaven Treasures which Moth and Rust cannot corrupt nor Thief break through and steal 2. Your own Happiness must not be your chief and ultimate end but the Glory of God Desire that perfection of Glory may be given you that God may have all that Glory which he expects from you Mark that Petition Father glorify thy Son that thy Son also may glorify thee Joh. 17.1 Desire your own Glory for the Glory of God Desire perfect Knowledge and perfect Holiness that you may do nothing besides Glorifying God that you may not come short of any degree of Glory that he expects from you It is the Everlasting Exercise of the Saints in Heaven to sing Hallelujahs 2. Lay aside every Weight As those that run in a Race will not load themselves with unnecessary weights and he that strives for Masteries is temperate in all things 1 Cor. 9.15 He will take heed of Surfeiting and Drunkeness so in running this Spiritual Race towards Heaven lay aside every weight whatever may be a clog to your hearts to slacken your diligence from endeavouring after the encrease of Heavenly perfections whatever may draw down your hearts from Heaven what may remit your desire of Christ's appearing and of being in his presence As 1. The Love of the World This will be a heavy weight on hearts to hinder their ascending to Heaven If the Mountains should fall upon your Bodies these would be such a weight that you would not be able to stir in the least motion under them the love of the World in the heart is as great weight upon the Spirit it suppresses breathings of Spirit after Heaven it quenches thirstings after Heavenly Glory Take heed of loading your hearts with this weight do not load your selves with thick clay So much immoderate love as there is to the World so much weight is in your Spirits pressing them down from Heaven 2. The cares of the World These are a weight they beget Heaviness in your Spirits and deadness unto Spiritual things Luke 20.34 Take heed of surfeiting and drunkeness and the cares of the World Provident cave is not forbidden but immoderate carâ—king cares take heed of being drunken with cares these cares are choaking things Spiritual desires joys motions and breathings are in danger to be choak'd by worldly cares This our Saviour shews in that parable of the Sower Some Seed shall fall among Thorns and the Thorns sprang up with it and choaked it Luke 8.7 By this is meant such hearers as hear the word and go forth and are choaked with the cares riches and pleasures of the World and bring no fruit to perfection ver 14. If you give up your selves to these this will hinder the bringing Fruit to perfection Worldly Men bar Fruit but not Fruits to perfection no Faith no Love Repentance Reformation so if Saints be overtaken with these this will hinder much their growing onwards to perfection in Knowledge in Grace 3. Worldly Sorrow
must not Buy Sell Plow c. so we must not talk of these things on the Sabbath 't is prophane and prophaning talk This is the negative part shewing what is forbidden Next is the affirmative part 1. Call the Sabbath a delight The Jews did bear burdens on the Sabbath and thereby prophaned it many there are who if they bear no burden on their backs yet when they are engag'd in Sabbath-work bear burdens on their Hearts The Sabbath it self is a burden these do but prophane the Sabbath to whom Sabbath-Duties are a burden This is Evangelical True Spiritual keeping a Sabbath to call it a delight Psa 43.4 I will go to the Altar of God unto God my exceeding Joy So when you go about Sabbath-work and come to Ordinances your aim should be to have Communion with God and to meet with him to worship him and to receive Blessings from him that you may be able to say I will go to God my exceeding Joy Call Sabbath-work as well as Sabbath-blessings Sabbath-profit Sabbath-advantages a delight Delight to do the Will of God as well as delight in the Mercies he bestows upon you If you will remember the Sabbath to keep it Holy you must remember it and call it a delight and not only call it a delight but let it be so indeed and then your keeping of the Sabbath is the delight of God 2. The Holy of the Lord. 1. Made Holy by the Lord's Institution If you obserâ—â— a Sabbath as Commanded by Men only or as â— ving but the stamp of Humane Authority that â—s buâ— the Holy of Men but see the stamp of Divine Authâ—rity and look on the Sabbath as being from Heaven and not of Men. Honour Christ as Lord of 〈◊〉 Sabbath 2. And made Holy to the Lord to his Praise and Glory made for Holy Work and that for this High and Holy End to Glorify God 3. Honourable It hath been dishonoured and made contemptible by Men that have denied the Divine Right thereof and Men have been made Lords of it and many make themselves Lords of it doing and finding their own Pleasure and so make void this Law to themselves But as God will have a time to magnify his whole Law and make it Honourable so this of the Sabbath Isa 42.21 Thus you see with how much strictness and spirituality the Sabbath ought to be kept As there was an outward strictness required of the Jews for its observation beyond what is now as for not kindling a Fire c. so this was a type of that spiritual strictness here foretold which should be under the Gospel in the observation of it God forbad the kindling a fire on the Hearth That was a Type to shew that we should not kindle a fire of worldly Lusts in your Hearts nor warm your selves with any delightful thoughts of any matter of Profit or Pleasure c. and this reason may be given why God should forbid the kindling of Fire to the Jews God dealt with the Jews as a Soveraign and many things that were commanded was to declare his Soveraignty and to prove them whether they would be obedient to him So was the multitude of the Sacrifices and Oblations and so this command for not kindling a fire must be to declare his Soveraignty But under the Gospel 't is a time to declare his Kindness and Love his abundant Grace after that the Kindness and love of God appeared towards Man Tit. 3.4 Now God will have Mercy and not Sacrifice In this sense that he will declare his Soveraignty but will deal in a more gracious and merciful way as all Providences So all Ordinances and Commands are full of Grace Observe when God proclaims his Name before Moses Exod. 34.6 't is thus The Lord the Lord God gracious and merciful c. And that will not clear the Guilty We may take notice of three branches of this Name of God which have respect to three different times for the more convenient manifestation of them not but that all of them are manifested enough at all times 1. The Lord. So the time of the Law was for the manifestation of this branch of God's Name 2. The Lord gracious and merciful long-suffering abundant in goodness so the accepted time and day of Salvation under the Gospel is the time for the manifestation hereof 3. 3. That will not clear the guilty Now the day of Judgment will be the time for the manifestation of this part of God's Name Those that come in their guilt before him shall feel the power of that wrath which now perhaps they little fear Quest. If the Sabbath be to be kept with so much strictness Who then can keep a Sabbath Answ 1. This is the Law and thus it ought to be though we cannot come up to that strictness and spirituality which we ought to do 2. The Will and Desire should be as exact as is commanded and should beget in you your utmost endeavour and care and then shall you be accepted 3. Call it Holy and Honourable a delight Be sound in your Principles set your Seal to the truth of it 1. Call it so in your Judgment and inward Conviction or Assent and Consent 2. Call it so in word Justify it as the Holy of the Lord speak Honorably of it and for it 3. Call it so in your works do that which may honour the day and the Lord in keeping it When we consider the high degree of exactness and spirituality which there ought to be in keeping a Sabbath which is here laid down it much confirms the Interpretation of extending this to Gospel times and to the last and best times of the Gospel in which as God will liberally fulfil promises so he will in such a measure give his Spirit that the Saints shall more liberally fulfil this and other Commands when as all the Law so this of the Sabbath shall be written in the Heart God will have a time to make Men more Holy and obedient more agreeable to his Laws both for substance and circumstance matter and manner and it shall bear much more proportion and run more parallel with his Laws then hitherto Thus much I can boldly affirm haply more Consider Psal 102.18 This shall be written for the Generations to come and the People that shall be created shall praise the Lord or the new ercated People c. As this strict injunction binds always and makes it our Duty to keep a Sabbath so the new created People the Saints of the new Heaven and Earth shall praise the Lord they shall observe it in this manner c. when the Divine Nature shall deeply overspread all their Faculties when the Saints in Duties shall fly on the wings of the Spirit and shew the vigour of the new Nature which is part of that day of Reformation then will something be done to purpose as in all other Christian Duties so in this of turning away thy Foot c. Rev. 22.3
He will esteem thy Reproaches c. and thy parting with wealth for his sake 2. Better Riches in regard of better gain by them the gain of Grace Spiritual consolation of a Kingdom c. If sufferings for Christ abound consolations abound more 6. The love of Christ is every thing we need this is the Gold that will make us rich Money answers all things but 't is most true concerning the love of Christ 1 Cor. 15.28 That God may be all in all so he is in himself and by love he is all things to the Saints Christ's love is Grace and Glory and every good thing Jacob might well say to Esau I have all Gen. 33.11 So 't is in the Original because God said Jacob have I loved 7. The love of Christ is such that it will make him when glorified serve the Saints As their Duty is to serve one another in love so Christ doth this he did in his state of humiliation but how much more to be admired is this Luke 12.37 Blessed are those Servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching verily I say unto you he shall gird himself and come forth and serve them Here we may say as the Disciples when Christ said a little while and ye shall not see me and then a little while and you shall see me we know not what he saith we are not to understand it after a carnal manner Christ did serve his Disciples at his last Supper he feasted them with himself as Crucified and with the benefits of his Death In his Kingdom he shall feast them with his Glory and with himself as glorified in that he feasted them now with signs of himself in this with himself in sight shewing all his Riches and Glory to them John 16.14 Christ promising the Spirit said he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you this he doth in the conversion of a sinner shewing the Righteousness Merits Power and Wisdom and Love to his Saints but when Christ himself shall appear then he himself shall shew them all that he is and hath here is my righteousness the price and value of my Blood her 's my Love and Grace her 's my Glory He kept the Passover with his Disciples feasting them with the benefits of his Death in a large upper-room furnished c. Heaven is indeed the large upper-room furnished there Christ is feasting the Spirits of just men made perfect with the Glory of his Life he shall shew his Glory as having the fulness of the Godhead in him as the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth as a Prince and Saviour as a Bridegroom Joseph said to his Brethren ye shall tell my Father of my Glory in Egypt Christ shall when he appears tell the Saints of all his Glory in Heaven and let them see and hear that which Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard c. as Hezekiah shewed to the Ambassadors of the King of Babylon the House of his precious things and there was nothing of worth which he shewed not unto them This is the Entertainment that Christ will give c. What encouragement is this to be found in those duties to which this Promise is made That is Seek the Kingdom of God give Alms lay up Treasures in Heaven let your Loins be girt Lamps burning be like men waiting for their Lord This is farther set forth Math. 26.29 I will drink no more of the fruit of the Vine until I drink it new with you c. Quest What is that Wine Answ Contraries illustrate one another now in Rev. 14.10 there is mention of the Wine of Wrath without mixture as the portion of the wicked on the other side then the Wine of Love without mixture is the portion of the Saints Pure Wrath is the portion of the Ungodly pure love the portion of the Godly Evil without mixture of good is the portion of the Wicked Good without mixture of Evil shall be given to the Saints Wicked men shall not have so much as a drop of Water to cool their Tongues Saints not so much as a spark of Fire to torment them Thus we see what Riches of Love there are in Christ which we should be careful not to despise nor abuse by indulging our selves in any evil way because we hear of such Riches of Love If any shall turn Grace into Lasciviousness they may know that there is fury that shall smoke against such Behold the goodness and severity of God goodness to such as continue in his goodness but severity to such as abuse his goodness as who knows the Power of his Love so who knows the Power of his Wrath His Love is above our Faith and his Wrath above our Fear Learn then to love Christ because he loves to live to him because he loves please him serve him deny our selves take his Yoke because he loves and take heed we do not that abominable thing which he hates take heed of that abominable thing Covetousness of that abominable thing Pride Lying Deceit Hypocrisy Lukewarmness and remember that he that loves Saints so much hates sin as much and he looks that those whom he loves should love him and hate the thing that is Evil. CHAP. IV. 2. THere are in Christ Riches of Righteousness Rom. 5.17 They which receive abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness Abundance relates to both there is abundance of Grace giving and abundance of Righteousness given there is uncreated Righteousness in Christ as God which is Infinite Perfect Unchangeable so there is Riches of it and no Iniquity in him Christ may challenge all as God did the Jews what Iniquity have your Fathers found in me Jer. 2.5 There is also the Righteousness of Christ as Mediator which is twofold 1. In his works for Men. 2. In his works towards Men. First In his works for Men being a surety and representative undertaking to fulfil that Righteousness for them which they could not for themselves that hereby he might reconcile them to God and make them stand as just in his sight Here consider 1. Christ's Righteousness fulfilled for the Elect is a full and compleat Righteousness Christ taking the form of a Servant did fulfil the Law both for matter and manner substance and circumstances The Law requires not more active and passive Obedience than Christ yielded The Law is exceeding broad Christ's Righteousness as broad as that The Law was Spiritual so was Christ's Obedience Sin was infinite in Evil because committed against an infinite Person Christ's Righteousness had infinite good in it infinite Glory because fulfilled by an infinite Person who obeying was Equal with the Person commanding Obedience and demanding satisfaction for man's disobedience so that here are Riches of Righteousness Paul had good reason to be found in it What a glorious change is wrought by its imputation it makes a sinner a righteous Person By the Obedience of one many shall be made Righteous 2. It 's
such a Righteousness that true Believers thereby are made the Righteousness of God 2 Cor. 5.21 which is an expression that lifts up the Creature as much as any in Scripture shewing that it is 1. A most excellent glorious and transcendent Righteousness that Believers have the Hebreâ— useth to set forth exeellent things by adding the name of God to them as the Mountains of God the Cedars of God c. So they are made the righteousness of God that is in having the highest and best Righteousness imputed to them 2. There is highest likeness and nearest conformity to God in this Inherent Righteousness being wrought in us and that which is wrought by us is a part of God's Image for the new man is after God in Righteousness but this Righteousness which is adherent and imputed is a more glorious part of God's likeness for this is perfect the other here being but in part and if we could be perfect in our works of Righteousness yet must they be far short of Christ's works or his Righteousness imputed 3. Believers are Righteous before God in the Righteousness of God for Christ is not only man but God but when we have said all we have reason to reckon this among the unutterable things which Paul saw when he was caught up into the third Heavens 3. The Riches of Christ's Righteousness appears in this that hereby we have Justification of Life Rom 5.18 The free gift came upon all men to the Justification of Life Christ's Righteousness is Righteousness unto Life as Hezekiah said in these things is the life of my Spirit so in Christ's Righteousness is the life of our Spirits when sinners that remain without Christ shall dye in their sins when those that trust in their own Righteousness shall dye therein those that desire to be found in Christ having his Righteousness shall live by him and his Righteousness 4. They that have Christ's Righteousness do not only live thereby but Reign in Life Rom. 5.17 They which receive the gift of Righteousness Reign in Life c. which notes thus much That true Believers are not in subjection to any persons or things which may take their life from them 't is one thing to live another thing to Reign in Life we live a bodily life but do not reign in that life but are in subjection to a Divine decree it being appâ—inted to all men once to dye we are in subjection to many infirmities and sicknesses c. and to men that have Power to kill the body Adam in Paradice did live more then a bodily life but did not reign in life Sin entred and Death by Sin but what a better Estate is here A Believer being in Chriâ—â— lives and reigns in life being lifted up far above any power that may take it away above the power of sin the Law and second death above the Power of Satan he hunts after the precious life but it is hid with Christ in God Col. 3.3 Prov. 30.31 one of the things that is comely in going is a King against whom there is no rising up The like may we say of Believers they reign in life so as there is no rising up against their life who shall lay any thing to their charge or condemn seeing it 's Christ that dyed c. II. There is Christ's Righteousness in his works towards men in the dispensation of that power which he hath in Heaven and Earth as a King he reigns in Righteousness as Priest he makes Intercession in Righteousness and as Prophet he Teaches in Righteousness Isa 63.1 I the Lord that speak in Righteousness His love led him into these Offices and not only love but Righteousness leads him through them and engages him to full and a faithful discharge of them concerning this take these Considerations 1. Saints may fly for refuge not only to the love but to the Righteousness of Christ Prov. 18.11 The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower the Righteous run thereto and are safe Not only as he is Gracious and Merciful but as he is Just Righteous Servants may run to a Righteous Lord for refuge and shall find his Righteousness a covert and hiding place Isa 32.1 He is Just to forgive sin 1 Joh. 1.9 Just to Justify Just to Sanctify to give Grace and Peace Just to hear Prayers Just to deliver out of the Enemies hand and to bring many Sons to Glory but remember that not our works but God's free Grace it is that makes all this to be Just Being a Surety he is a Just Surety being a Saviour a Just Saviour Just to give the Oyl of Joy c. And having betrothed any to himself he will take them to nearest communion Hos 2.19 20. I will betroth thee unto me in Righteousness Loving Kindness Judgment and Faithfulness Christ â—akes a Spoâ—se among the Captives and when any Israelite would do so Deut. 21.10 He was to briâ—g her to his House she was to shave her Head pare her nails put off the Raiment of her captivity and to bewail her Father and Mother a full Month so such as are taken from amongst the Captives to Sin and Satan to be bethrothed to Christ must put off the old man and lay aside all superfluity of naughtiness that is all sin for eveâ—y sin is a superfluity and â—ewail Father and Mother i. e. that they are Conceived and Boâ—n in Sin and be in Christ's House so he betroths in Righteousness c. and will not be like â—he hard hearted Jews that give a Bill of Divorce for the Lord hâ—tes puttiâ—g away and â—eeing he betroths in Righteousnes Juâ—gâ—ent and Fâ—â—thfulness therefoâ—e a time of the Maâ—riage of â—he Lamb must come and his Wifâ— shall be â—ade ready Thus Saints may fly for refuge to and take comfort in the Righteoâ—sneâ—s of Christ 2. The Râ—ghteousness of Christ makes him râ—ady to fulfil all Promises ready to act for the Saints and to put forth his Power on their beâ—alf Isa 11.5 there being a Prophecy of the K ngdom of Christ it 's said Righteousness shall be the girdâ—e of his Loins which shall make him â—eady tâ— reprove and argue for the me k of the Earth He shall argue out the Saints Innocency and â—he wickâ—dness of the World in persecâ—tiâ—g for Righteoâ—sness sake he shall debate the business with them that all may see what Reasâ—n â—e hath to smite the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth and to slay the Wicked with the Breath of his Lips and to save the meek of the Earth Christ is well pleased for his Rightousness sake Isa 41.21 And when there are in the Saints so many failings when cause to say who is blind but my Servant and deaf as my Mâ—ssenger who is Pâ—â—ud Covetous Earthly c. and there is so much among them that is displeasing when divisions sâ—riâ—e and contention among Brethren yet for his Righteousness sake he is well pleased to do them good If we believe not as
He shaketh the Earth and doth great things past finding out ond Wonders without number And as the consideration of Christ's Power should make us ready to serve him so to serve him with our might Eccles 9.10 What thou do'st do with thy might be not heartless cold lukewarm in the service of so powerful a Lord. The works which he doth for Saints he doth them with his might The Eyes of the Lord run to and fro in the Earth to shew himself strong c. 2 Cbron. 16.9 As he is strong so he delights to shew himself strong on behalf of those whose Hearts are perfect with him CHAP. VII THere are in Christ the Riches of Glory Job 40.9.10 Hast thou an Arm likâ— God Deck thy self now with Majesty and Excellency this is the Glo y of Christ he hath the Arm of God and like God he is decked with Majesty and arrays himself with Glory and Beauty he is clothed with Majesty and Honour and decked himself with light as with a Garment If the King's Daughter be all Glorious within much more is the King himself who is the Lord and King of Glory who is most Glorious in himself and hath the command of his Glory being able to maintain and communicate it as he pleases Christ hath the Glory of being every way the chiefest that is in Dominion Strength Wisdom c. being altogether Lovely therefore altogether Glorious There is an Hâ—brew word for Glory which signifies Weight true Glory arises out of that which is of VVeight and VVorth the World's Glory is but a shadow which flies away as a Bird Hos 9.11 and is but as the Grass of the Field Christ is the substance If Saints shall have an exceeding weight of Glory how much more then hath Christ If their's be Glory from an Hyperbole to an Hyperbole as 2 Cor. 4.17 then how many Hyperboles are there in Christ's Glory Christ is the gathering together of all Glory as the Sea was the gathering of the Waters as the scatter'd light created the first day was on the fourth day gathered into the Body of that great light the Sun which rules the day so the scattered Glory which was here a little and there a little amongst creatures is gathered in Christ into a fulness of Glory which makes him the beginning or Head of the Creation of God Col. 1.17 18. If Sion be the perfection of Beauty how much more is Christ And these Riches of Glory are Unsearchable we may well say here we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness i. e. the darkness in which his Glory dwells in relation to us and by reason of the darkness of our Minds Job 26.14 How little a portion is heard of him When we have thought or spoken out our all we may conclude these are but part of his ways and of his Glory Now to speak what we can of his Glory let 's consider how he himself describes it Luke 9.26 The Son of Man shall come in his own Glory in his Fathers Glory and with the Angels that is the Glory he shall have given him of the Creatures for the Creation which is in bondage to men's lusts and those abuses which it's weary of shall serve to set forth the Glory of Christ which is its earnest expectatiâ—n Rom. 8. 1. There is his own glory his eternal essential glory which he had with the Father before the world and still hath being in the form of God and it is no Robbery to think so when the man of Sin shews himself that he is God that is robbery but not so when Christ is equallized with God The best description of his Glory is to say he is above all Eph. 4.6 the face of his Glory we can't see only the back parts thereof in his word and works c. whence we may conclude as the Psalmist He that made the Eye shall not he not see c. Psa 94.9 He that made all was not he before all and is not he above all so far above all in power that he is the Almighty In Knowledge that he is Omniscient in Duration that he is Eternal he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and Express Image of his Person That is his own Glory which he shall come in Heb. 1 3. 2. There is his Fathers glory which he shall come in that is Glory which he had and shall have from his Father and Glory becoming so glorious a Father Labans Son spoke it enviously of Jacob of that which was our Father's hath he gotten him all this glory we may say it wel of Christ of that which was his Fathers hath he gotten him all his Glory There is 1. The Glory he had from the Father in his humble Estate for in that he had much Glory which was manifested forth in his Miracles in which he had a Witness from the Father When John's Disciples asked Christ art thou he that should come Math. 11.5 he answers go tell John the blind see the Lame walk c. and those works will tell what I am Joh. 9.30 herein is a marvellous thing he hath opened mine Eyes and yet ye know not whence he is Cbrist in his humble Estate had Glory under a Vail and there was a Cloud upon the face of his Glory Under the Law God made a Cloud to be the Sign of his Presence which was then his Pavilion this was a Type of that Cloud of Flesh and humane Infirmities wherein Christ in his Dâ—vine Glory was covered in his humble State although under his Feet then there was a paved work of Saphire stone like the body of Heaven in clearness Exod. 24.10 which was a figure of those Beams of Divine Glory which did shine from Christ's works and goings when he was in the World declaring him to be the Lord from Heaven much of his Glory came forth in his Speech never Man spake like this Man he spake like one having Authority in this State he had the Glory of Grace and Vertue of perfect Righteousness Zeal Power Patience Humility Holiness and Love c. and these were his Glory we are changed into the same Image from Glory to Glory that is as John 1.16 we receive of his Fulness Grace for Grace Grace is Glory 2. There is the Glory of his Exalted State and if so much of his Glory did shine forth from under his Sufferings in his low Estate what then is the glory of his Exalted State there is the glory of his Soul and Spirit which in the kind of Spirits is most Excellent being far above Angels There is the glory of his Body which of all bodily things is most Excellent having a brightness above the brightness of the Sun and above the strength of all Creatures If we consider him in his Person as God man so he hath the glory of being the Father's King whom he hath set over all the works of his hands having given him all power in Heaven and Earth and
becomes ours Rom. 6. If we have been planted together with him c. The Death of Christ hath a Vertue to destroy Sin as it makes way for the Spirit of Christ to enter into a Sinner to destroy Sin The Death of Christ opens a way to the Throne of Grace for a Sinner he hath boldness by the Blood of Christ c. Because hereby Justice is satisfied and a Sinner is brought into favour with God and by this taking away of the guilt of Sin that which did seperate betwixt God and us is taken away that which did hinder the Spirit from entring into a Man is removed and so as by the death of Christ a way is made into Heaven for a Sinner so by it a way is made for the Spirit of God into the Heart to reign and rule there Rom. 6.6 2. There is a Vertue of the Death of Christ going downward which draws Believers into a Fellowship with Christ in his Sufferings The Death of Christ is a cause of a double mortification 1. Inward that is of Sin 2. Outward in regard of Sufferings called Deaths 2 Cor 11.23 This is by being planted with Christ in the likeness of his Death that is to dye to Sin as he died for Sin and to suffer Afflictions and Persecutions with him Christ being the Head Believers his Members by dying he draws his Members into a conformity with himself to suffer with him so that all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer Persecution 'T is as it were essential to them their Suffering arise from Christ's Death Now although Sufferings in themselves be bitter yet considering them as arising from his Death whence there is a Vertue that makes us to have Fellowship with him in Sufferings so is there sweetness in Sufferings In respect of this Paul did account all things Loss and Dung so he might win Christ and be found in Christ and know the Vertue of Christ's Resurrection and Fellowship of his Sufferings being made conformable unto his Death Phil. 3.10 Because he could look on his Sufferings as having in them Fellowship with Christ's Sufferings as being made conformable to Christ's Death Now the comfort and sweetness arises from two Grounds 1. The cause of Christ 's and his Members Sufferings therein they have Fellowship and Conformity 'T was for Christ's good works that the Jews Persecuted him so wicked men Persecute the Saints because their own works are evil theirs good It was because Christ preached and proclaimed himself to be the Son of God and Redeemer that he was Persecuted so because his Members believe in Christ and obey him as the Son of God and Saviour of the World because they set him up as Lord and King wicked men oppose them His Accusation written on the Cross was This is the King of the Jews like unto which is yours who follow him 2. The end of Christ's and his Members Sufferings are the same therein is a Fellowship Christ was made perfect through Sufferings Heb. 2.10 And it as well behoves these Sons he brings into Glory as Christ himself to be made perfect through Sufferings Christ by suffering of Death was Crowned with Glory and Honour so are his Members Suffering with him they Reign with him 2. There is a Vertue in Christ's Death to overcome all his own and his Churches Enemies 1. Death the last Enemy is overcome by Death Hos 13.14 O Death I will be thy Death that was by dying By his Death Believers are delivered from Death this is a Mystery indeed that Death overcomes Death 2 The Devil Heb. 2.14 By Death he overcame him that had the power of Death By that he overcame the Devil by which the Devil thought he had overcome him In overcoming he was overcome This was by Death he ransomed the Elect payed a price and rising again actually put Satan to the worst Use 1. Reproof 1. Of those that are Enemies to the Cross of Christ And that 1. In Opinion Who look on Christ on the Cross as the Jews a Malefactor that think he was justly hanged on the Cross but it may be only those that are open and profest Enemies of Christ are guilty of this not any that bare the Name of Christians but many such to be reproved for slighting and contemning the Cross of Christ like those Greeks 1 Cor. 1.23 to whom the preaching of Christ crucified was but foolishness They are Ignorant of the Mystery they discern not the Wisdom of God and the Love of Christ the infinite Vertue of his Death But as those Heb. 10.29 The Apostle speaks of that count the Blood of the Covenant an unholy thing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 common blood no other than the Blood of an ordinary man not precious Blood not Sin-destroying Satan-conquering Soul-saving Blood not Hell shutting Heaven opening Blood I fear such are the private esteems and secret undervaluing of the Blood of Christ by too many whatever outward Profession they make And indeed it is too evident to be so 1. When men esteem no more the Preaching of the Cross c. when that word by which Christ Crucified is set forth meets not with Faith to mix with it with obedient Hearts to submit to it Certainly they are most unworthy of the great benefits of the death of Christ that have unworthy thoughts of Christ crucified 2. In Practice some in a higher degree more open and manifest as those the Apostle complains of Phil. 3.18 Many walk of whom I tell you weeping 't is a most sad thing which pierces a Godly Heart that they are Enemies to the Cross of Christ to Christ crucified How are they described 1 Whose God is their Belly That is that make it all their business to satisfy their fleshly desires to take their fill of Earthly Pleasures that serve not the Lord Christ but their own Bellies Rom. 16.18 Such as are Voluptuous Persons that take care only to satisfy carnal Appetites Drunkards that abuse the Creature to riot and excess these are like prophane Esau that for one morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right So these for one Earthly Pleasure for wine or strong drink sell the precious Blood of Christ. If thou art such a one if a Drunkard c. I must tell thee thou art an Enemy to the Cross of Christ. 2. Whose Glory is their shame who glory in that which is their greatest shame that is who boast themselves to do wickedly are ashamed of the Cross of Christ but not ashamed to commit Sin Some are grown to such a height in Sinning as to be shameless and Impudent they are open and profest Enemies to the Cross of Christ 3. Who mind Earthly things Those to whom earthly thing are great things the desire of their Souls and delight of their Eye that could be contented with the World for their Portion and would remain on this side Jordan in a word who mind Earthly things more than Heavenly Ah! wretched men are such they are Enemies
some this is our Manna Bread fâ—om Heaven to sustain us whilst we inhabit the Wilderness Truth 3. To make all these Arguments demonstrative and convincing is required an inward work of the Spirit upon the Heart to this external light of Arguments must be added the internal light of the Spirit For the things of God knoweth no Man but the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.11 so says Christ to Laodicea that she might see I counsel thee to buy of me Eye-salve that is beg of me my Spirit The Spirit inwardly inlightâ—ing the Heart is the Eye-salve Rev 3.18 1 Joh. 2.27 the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and teacheth you all things and is Truth The anointing that is the Spirit wherewith you are anointed He is Truth so as that he cannot lye and he must give Testimony to the Truth in our Hearts else we shall not believe it by a divine Faith and he is Truth so as that 't is an Office he hath undertaken in the New Covenant to lead into all Truth as he was promised by Christ Joh. 16.13 The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all Truth Joh. 15.26 The Spirit of Truth shall testify of me and so of the Scripture he shall say to the Soul that Christ who is spoken of in the Gospel is the Son of God that the Scripture is the word of God he shall ascertain the Heart of this and this two ways 1. By a moral work as the opening and expounding the word in the Ministry of it by exhortations perswasions Therein Truth is held forth and propounded to be embraced and believed as the word of God and this work of God may be resisted as the Jews did resist the Holy Ghost Act. 7.51 2. By a Physical work upon the heart working a change in the Faculty renewing us in the Spirit of our Minds bringing in a spiritual light into the Soul to enable it to discern the things of God when this is done then we shall know the word of God with as great yea greater certainty than that the Sun shines when we see it for certainty of Faith is greater than certainty of Sense Then we shall see the Authority of God in his word when thus we have the Spirit of Truth then shall we receive the word as it is in Truth the word of God so that we may attain the full assurance of Faith in this particular we must wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost as Act. 1.4 14. we cannot believe the word as it is outwardly propounded to us unless it be inwardly revealed to our Hearts now the Spirit of Truth who of necessity must be received by us before we can believe is the Spirit of Promise Eph. 1.13 that is a Spirit promised ask him so and he shall be given to us 2. The knowledge of the Scripture to be the word of God containing the Mysteries of Salvation is necessary to Salvation Joh. 17.3 This is Life Eternal to know God and Christ the distinct knowledge of God as Creator as Omnipotent most holy is necessary and as most good and that Man's happiness consists in the enjoyment of God and that Man is fallen from God and hath lost his Image in Holiness and his presence which is Life this is evident that we in our natural condition are alienated from the life of God and are ignorant of him Eph. 4.18 now the Scripture makes God known and shews how we fell from Gâ—d and the principal scope of it is to dâ—scover Christ to the World as a Saviour and Mediator by whom Sinners are reconciled to God and restored to Communion with him now then that we may be saved its necessary that we search the Scriptures for these only are able to make us wiâ—e to Salvation so we shall know God our Selves and a Saviour 2 Tim. 3.16 there is knowledge of God by his Creatures 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are known by the things that are made Rom. 1 2â— and there is Scripture-knowledge of God there God is known in his Son the fulness of the Godhead is in him he is the express Image of the Father 3. The knowledge of what the Scripture reveals is sufficient to Salvation this is enough to make the Man of God perfect there is no need of Mens additions there 's nothing more that 's needful to be done this furnishes to all good works nothing more to be believed Joh. 20.31 Many more Signs Jesus did but these are written that ye might believe what the Scripture reveals is Gold and Silver fit to help towards raising up a spiritâ—al building what is added by Men is Wood Hay and Stubble 1 Cor. 3.12 we say in matters that appertain to the worship of God and our Salvation as our Saviour of Communication Math. 5.37 let your Communication be yea yea nay nay for whatever is more than these cometh of Evil so whatever more than the word is urged or practised in matters of Religion cometh of Evil i. e. from the Devil principally and from our own corrupt and proud hearts immediately as if they were wiser than God and could teach him how he may be served and we saved God hath sealed up his word in such a manner as that no addition may be made to it See the Law Deut. 4.2 Ye shall not add to the word which I command nor diminâ—sh from it by that the Jewish Talmud is excluded and for Prophets we may observe that the Gospel is begun with what the Prophets are concluded as Malachy the last Prophet concludes Mal. 4.5 with this Behold I will send you Elija the Prophet and Mark begins with this Chap. 1.1 2. The beginning of the Gospel as it is written in the Prophets behold I send my M ssenger By this those Books justly called Apocrypha are excluded and the last book of the New Testament Rev. 22.18 is concluded thus Whoever shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written therein Consider two things first that there must be no detracting and secondly no adding c. 4. The Scripture is clear in those things which are absolutely necessary to Salvation it shews plainly what is to be believed Three Persons One God what is to be done the word is nigh in thy mouth and in thy heart if thou shalt believe in thine heart and confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus thou shalt be saved that word doth most plainly deliver things necessary to Salvation true indeed some things are hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3.16 yet enough to Salvation is plainly discovered so that if any do perish through Ignorance their Ignorance shall not excuse them the Scripture is clear in this that we are lost and undone Creatures by nature that all we like Sheep have gone astray and that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners and that only such as believe in him renouncing their own Righteousness or abilities to do any thing in
but broken Cisterns these are not worth the making sure but the Fountain of living waters is worth the making sure The Father who is the Father of Lights his Love is worth tho making sure Christ in whom is Righteousness Merits Glory in whom all fulness dwells The Spirit who shall be a Well of Water springing up to everlasting life who shall be in the heart as flowing Rivers of Grace Comforts Joy Fullness of Joy Pleasures for evermore these are worth the making sure Sect. 3. For the further clearing of this consider 1. What Salvation is 2. And what the Assurance of it is 1. Now Salvation is the restoring of an undone Creature from fulness of misery to fulness of Glory 1. Salvation begun in this life is a Translation of a Sinner from a state of Guilt Unrighteousness Condemnation to a state of Righteousness and Justificaâ—ion from Polution to Purity from Prophaness to Piety from Wrath to Grace from a state of Emptiness and Poverty into a state of Fulness in Christ from the Power of darkness into the Kingdom of Christ 2. Salvation perfected is the bringing of a Creature into the presence of God making it partaker of the Glory of Christ God shining to the Soul in all his Glory Christ in his infinite Excellency God shining on the Soul in perfect likeness and suitableness to him We shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 John 3.3 This is that which is worth the making sure II. What assurance of Salvation is Now that is when that is done in the heart which the Apostle speaks of 2 Cor. 4.6 God that commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our hearts giving the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ unto the Soul then the Soul is at rest God appearing in the Glory of his Love reconciled in Christ in the Glory of his All-sufficiency Power and Wisdom God appearing as your God to your Souls the seeing of your selves to be partakers of the Divine Nature with Christ that as Christ hath the Divine Nature so you partake with him in it this is assurance of Salvation Now is not this a Pearl worth the selling all to purchase it Sect. 4. Use 1. Fxhort To perswade you that amidst the multitude of your Affairs and Imployments in the World this may not be neglected but with the greatest diligence prosecuted the making your Salvation sure to your selves As Solomon says above all keeping keep the Heart so above all working work out your own Salvation make sure that which may be made sure and is indeed worth the making sure You are made for ever if once your Salvation be made sure and whatever you are you are most miserable if the Salvation of your Souls be not made sure Be not like Martha troubled about many things cumbred with much serving with serving your Lusts serving of Men serving of the Body Take heed of loosing your Lives in seeking to save your Lives Take heed of loosing your Souls in seeking the things appertaining to the Body of coming short of Heaven in your toiling in Earth but chuse with Mary that better part She sate at Jesus his Feet and heard his word Luke 10.39 Look on this as the one thing needful as the best part that you can choose to hear the word of Christ to search the Gospel of Christ to study that Salvation that is in Christ And wrought out in their hearts that come to Christ behold that life and immortality that is brought to light in him To provoke hereto consider 1. The Father makes it his great work to save Souls a greater work than the Creation of the World wherein more of his Glory is manifested the greatest of God's works next to the Incarnation of the Son of God Now as God makes it his great work so next to the glorifying of that God in Christ this should be your greatest work to get an assurance of your Salvation 2. Jesus Christ died to make Salvation sure to the Elect to the Children of Promise 't is so glorious a work that Christ valued it above his own Life he delighted not so much in his own Life as in the Salvation of Sinners The Son of God pleased not himself that he might do whatsoever pleased him He denied himself that might do what he pleased He humbled himself that was Lord of Glory that he might save poor lost Souls He put himself into the miserable condition of Sinners that they might be translated into his estate of Happiness and Glory so this is a most glorious work for to take Salvation from Christ or make Christ sure or the favour of God Eternal Life in him should be your great work and such a work as you should not leave though you may be reproached and persecuted in it we should be contented to loose Temporals to make sure of Eternals to loose Life to save Life If you were in a Ship at Sea that was full of Gold and in danger of drowning you would cast out all to save your Life so let all things stoop to this work of saving of your Souls yet it is not always so you may make Salvation sure and keep your Riches haply enjoy Peace and not endanger your temporal lives 3. Salvation assured shall be an Anchor sure and stedfast to your Souls you shall see Christ holding you fast and hereby you shall hold fast Christ. And hereby you shall have Hope and Joy in the greatest troubles there 's no Tempest of afflictions shall carry away your hearts from Peace Your Joy is sure Joy your Comforts sure Comforts if you have this sure and stedfast Anchor nay there 's no sin shall trip up your heels of Joy and Peace in Christ with the Father in Christ's Righteousness to cover your Sin in Christ's satisfaction for Sin it should work in you Godly sorrow for doing any thing repugnant to his Glory but it should not disturb a Believers Joy in God And hereby you shall be kept stedfast in the Faith and in the profession of Godliness and in following the Lord Jesus you shall be armed against all trials and oppositions Eph. 6.13 Take the whole Armour of God v. 14. Have on the Breast-plate of Righteousness make that sure and that shall be the Armour of proof on your hearts and nothing shall kill the heart of your Peace and Joy whilst you keep that as a Breast-plate v. 15. Have your Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace By Feet are understood also Legs It was a custom antiently to wear a kind of Brazen Boots on the Legs 1 Sam. 17. Goliah had such greaves of Brass on his Legs to defend him against darts c. And they that have such may walk on Thorns and Briars and not be hurt Now have your Feet shod that is walk in Gospel-ways have the Gospel of Peace in your hearts believe the Gospel Promises Gospel
Glory As the Son of God hath the Divine Nature so they are Sons of God and partakers of the Divine Nature As Christ is at the right hand of God so they sit with him Christ is King they Kings c. There 's no Glory that Christ hath but they that are Saints shall partake in see Eph. 4.12 13. He gave Apostles for the perfecting of the Saints till we all come to the unity of Faith and Knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect Man to the Stature of the fulness of Christ Christ had a two-fold State first of Humiliation subject to Infirmitâ—s inward as Hungâ—ings Weariness Grief c. and outward as the Reproaches of Men Contradâ—ction of Sinners c. But in this State he was the Son of God though he did not outwardly appear in the Glory of the Son of God and he did the will and work of him that sent him he went about his Father's business and he had the Father with him because he did always those things that pleased him this was Christ's Stature that he did grow to on Earth Now Believers in this World grow to this measure of the Stature of Christ or this age of his whilst he was in the World Secondly His Glorious State of Exaltation This is a state of fulness Christ being advanced to fulness of Glory In his first estate he had the fulness of the Godhead bodily In this latter the fulness of the Godhead clearly manifested forth in him And he had as much Glory in his humane Nature as the fulness of the Godhead in him can bring into him this is Christ's measure and portion of Glory Now the Saints shall come to the measure of the statute or age oâ— Christ's fulness that is which Christ hath as Man be like to Christ in state of Knowledge and of Glory as in his growing estate so in his perfect estate Christ had as much Glory as he is capable of from the fulness of the Godhead in him So they shall have as much Glory as they are capable of from Christ dwelling in them as the Father in Christ as 't is John 17.23 I in them thou in me that they might be made perfect in one This is the Saints measure 2. There are several degrees by which the Salvation of Believers is carried on to perfection 'T is much disputed amongst some whether there are degrees of Glory in Heaven whether one Saint differ from another in Glory but this is besides the business I have in hand nor need it to be spoken unto Somewhat may be gathered against that Opinion of different degrees of Glory from the place last cited till all come to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ All shall have such a measure as they are capable of from Christ. But this is evident that it is by several steps and degrees that Saints attain to that measure of Glory As 't is said of those that did come from the remote parts of Judea to worship at Jerusalem Ps 84.7 They go from strength to strength to appear in Sion They encrease in strength and courage till they they come to Sion So Believers encrease in strength in Faith Love Knowledge Holiness till they come to Heaven Believers go from strength to strength The Righteousness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith Rom. 1.17 that is there are degrees of Revelation We are changed from Glory to Glory The Glory of Saints is peâ—fected by degrees 2 Cor. 3.18 The Saintâ— are first Babâ—s then Men in understanding they know first in part after as they are known first darkly as through a Glass and then Face to Face Now is our Salvation nearer c. Rom. 13.11 Saints at their first conversion are further off from Salvation then they come nearer and nearer to it daily Christ reveals himself gradually as Cant. 2.8 Christ coming towards the Spouse did reveal himself gradually She first hears his Voice The Voice of my Beloved and then hath some sight of him Behold he cometh leaping on the Mountains and skipping upon the Hills overcoming difficulties leaping over all so as that nothing hinders access And he cometh swiftly verse 9. Behold he standeth behind our Wall and looketh forth or in at the Window yet without doors not so near as he will be yet nearer now then he was before The Spouse first hears his Voice and then sees him coming and then at last enjoys his presence I have many things to say but ye cannot bear them now John 16.12 In that condition they were not capable of bearing more In this mortal estate Believers canâ—ot bear all that they shall hear oâ— Christ they must dye and this mortal must put on immortality and so shall they see and enjoy Christ perfectly And as Christ reveals himself so the Spirit is poured out gradually perfecting knowledge perfecting holiness by degrees As the ways of God manifesting himself to the World have been by degrees proceeding from less perfect to a more perfect way of manifesting himself as first in Creatures made then in Christ and in Christ first set forth by carnal things Types and Shadows representing him then through Christ coming in the Flesh raised up to Glory and ruling the World by him till all his Enemies are subdued and the Elect perfected then the Son shall be subject that God may be All in All Then the Godhead shall most gloriously appear So it is by degrees that God manifests himself in the hearts of the Elect and by degrees that they are brought nearer and nearer to him Here they enjoy him by Faith in Heaven by Vision here by Fellowship with the Spirit having the Spirit bringing in Light Grace and Comforts into the Soul in Heaven they shall see God to be All in All and be in his presence 3. The great Desire of Believers and Endeavour ought to be that their Salvation may be perfected When God hath begun to save them they should desire to be saved to the utmost As God did require of the Jews three times a year every Male to appear at the place which God did set apart for worship and leave their Wives and Estates to the Protection of God who promised that the Enemy should not so much as desire their Land at that time This is to shew that Believers ought above all to desire to appear before God and to be in his presence and should be content to leave all worldly enjoyments There 's nothing to be so much desir'd so much priz'd as to be with Christ This you may see both in Precepts and Examples Heb. 12.1 Let us run with patience the Race that is set before us The business of a Christian should be to run towards Heaven As the Jews going out of Egypt their business was to go to Canaan so the great business of a Christian is to travel towards Heaven and this should be their great desire As those that run in a Race strive to be at
The Sorrow of the World worketh Death 2 Cor. 7.10 The sorrow of the World that is grieving more for Suffering than for Sin growing under the want of Temporals more than of Spirituals this is a weight it hinders desire after a Heavenly Life pressing on to Salvation this depresses the Spirit Godly Sorrow what carefulness it wrought what zeal what vehement desires c. Lay aside the weight of worldly sorrow 4. Sin Especially the easily besetting Sin Heb. 12.1 Who shall deliver me from the body of Death This is a weight in Paul's Spirit when I would do good evil is present there 's a Law in my Members c. Desire that Sin may be subdued look to the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ to free you from the Law of Sin and Death especially the Lusts that are most prevalent that do most easily prevail that the Soul is usually overtaken with your Dalilah Herodias your Right Hand your Right Eye The following a Lust takes off the Heart from following after Knowledge c. 3. Run your Race with Patience that is first be not angry if the Blessing longed for be not presently bestowed be not like those that ask where is the promise of his coming Hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of God Lam. 3.26 All my appointed time will I wait till my change come Secondly Be not angry at the Crosses you meet with in the way of Salvation c. This was Israel's prevailing Sin whereby they vext the Spirit c. They could not with patience bear any Cross in the way to the Land flowing with Milk and Honey Satan and the World set themselves against the Heirs of Salvation that labour to work it out and with patience endure their buffetting There 's great reason for it for our light Afflictions which are but for a moment work for us a far more Exceeding and an Eternal weight of Glory Afflistion is not worthy to be compared with the Glory that is to be revealed Rom. 8.18 and 2 Cor. 4.17 Skin for Skin all that a Man hath will he give for his Life endures any thing parts with any thing rather than part with his Life He that will loose his Life shall find it loose Earth to find Heaven c. Psa 84. Going through the Vally of Baca a dry place make a Well this is a Well they going to God can satisfy themselves with his Law c. Thirdly Look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of Faith and Love c. The Author and Finisher of Grace and Glory Believe that he who is mighty to save will carry on the work to perfection The Jews had the Angel of God's presence with them to keep them and to drive out the Canaanites c. In a Wilderness he fed them with Bread from Heaven when they were ready to perish with tâ—irst he brought Honey out of the Rock c. When Sihon King of the Amorites and Og opposed them he slew those mighty Kings and he made a way through the Sea and Jordan Isa 63.9 The Angel of his presence saved them and in his Love and Pity redeemed them and bare them c. even thus Believers have the Angel of God's presence Christ Jesus c. He will bear in his Love and Pity as by his power as the tender hearted Mother bears her Child in her Arms Believers they have Christ to overcome their Spiritual Enemies Christ to feed them and supply them with Spiritual Nourishment Bread from Heaven and with water of Life giving by his Spirit so look to Christ as the Author and Finisher of Salvation As the Cloud and Smoak by day and the flaming fire by night c. was a sign of God's presence so God promises Isa 4.5 I will create on Mount Sion and her Assemblies a Cloud c. the shining of a flaming Fire Shining for Light to the Saints Flaming for Terror to the Enemies Christ will be as careful of Believers now as of the Jews of old believe that you have the Angel of his presence to conduct you to his presence and so hold fast your Confidence firm unto the end and you shall receive the end of your Faith the Salvation of your Souls Heb. 11.14 Christ is passed into Heaven as Priest he bare Sin on Earth but now he is entred without Sin Jesus the Son of God So hold fast your Profession Here 's an encouragement there 's no infirmities but Christ hath felt the like So then come boldly to the Throne of Grace by Faith go to the Throne of Grace in Heaven for Grace to help you to Heaven have Hope as an Anchor fixed in Heaven on a Throne of Grace fixed in Christ so shall you be drawn nearer and nearer to Heaven Section 10. With fear and trembling As the Gospel requires Men to set about a work of following Christ and of saving their Souls so it gives directions for the way and shews where strength is to be had c. Here you have a manifestation of the way and manner in which Salvation is to be wrought out Whence the Doctrine is Doct. 3. Salvation is to be wrought out with fear and trembling Whereas in the former Exhortation somewhat seemed to be ascribed to the Will and Power of Man as if he could do somewhat towards the perfecting of his Salvation This that the Apostle adds in these and the following words takes away all colour and ground of attributing any thing to Nature in this great work But shews it to be the sole work of God's Grace and Power in Christ And there being a glorious manifestation of God in this work revealed in the Hearts of Believers that 's a ground of fear and trembling Now for the opening of this point I shall shew what is not meant by Fear and Trembling 1. Not a slavish fear of Judgment The fear of Christians should be filial i. e. fear of dishonouring God should restrain from Sin not fear of being destroyed but an earnest desire of being accepted Not a dread of Vengeance should move you to walk in Holy and Gospel ways Christians should not be driven to seek Heaven meerly out of fear of Hell but drawn by the Glory of Heaven and Pleasures for evermore in the presence of God Not driven by fear of the wrath of the Lamb but drawn by the Cords of the Love of the Lamb. The fear of Christians should not be the fear of Slaves but the fear of Sons Not the fear of Cain Every one that findeth me shall slay me but the fear of Joseph Gen. 42.18 I fear God Exod. 20.20 When Israel feared because of the thunderings c. Moses said Fear not for God is come to prove you that his fear may be before your faces that you sin not Fear of Evils God doth not account his Fear his fear is not Sin Believers are set beyond the fears of Evil they have no ground to fear wrath and vengeance 'T is an Infirmity to do it
and proceeds from weakness of Faith Psa 23 24. 4. Eâ—ery Believer ought to say as David I will fear no Evil. But they may rejoyce in Love and expect good and count that all things shall work for good to them In Christ they are carried above all fears of Evil for their Hearts should not fall down in them so that fear of Evil is not the thing here required this is forbidden elsewhere as by Moses fear not so not enjoined here 2. Fear of Doubting and Distrust Trembling opposed to Confidence and full Assurance is not here meant Men in a natural condition out of Christ may well be under the tortures and rackings of this fear they may be in bondage through fear of Death They may be tossed with fear and doubting and say as Rom. 10.5 Who shall ascend into Heaven Who shall descend into the Deep Or who can tell whether we shall go to Heaven or Hell But for Believers that are in the way of Salvation they ought not thus to fear 't is for such that have no other Spirit but the Spirit of Bondage which Believers do not receive If they are in bondage 't is not the Spirit of God but the unbelief of their own Spirit is the cause of it We have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby we may cry Abba Father They are Sons having the Spirit of Sons Now as Christ says the Servant abideth not in the House for ever Joh. 8.35 He may be cast forth and so is subject to fears So Men in a natural estate are in danger to be cast forth into outer darkness But the Son abideth ever he is beyond fear so Believers are Sons they are always in Lâ—ve The Apostle Exhorts Let us draw near with a true Heart in full assurance of Faith c. Heb. 10.22 Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace Now if he should exhort to fear and trembling because of doubtings of Salvation he should conclude it to himself and make void his other Exhortations Again Believers are exhorted to be in a constant frame of rejoycing Rejoyce in the Lord always Phil. 4.4 We rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God Rom. 5.1 But fear of doubting is directly contrary to this joy Of it the Apostle says 1 Joh. 4.18 Fear hath torment But against this that place may be objected Heb. 4.1 Let us fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest any of us should fall short Where he seems to exhort to fear of doubting of coming short of Heaven For answer Consider Because some there are that put their Hand to the Plow and look back again some that have Lamps and not Oyl a form and not the power of Godliness a Faith that is not saving but vain so they may seem to stand and walk in the way of Life but because they have no more not true Faith in Christ noâ— real Interest in nor Union with him they come short or come too late as 't is said of the foolish Virgins They came when the Door was shut So the Apostle Exhorts all to fear that is to look well to themselves and to be searching for Salvation and not content themselves with a form with shews and shadows so as to think that their Profession and the performance of some Duties is enough to bring Men to Heaven But they should labour to see themselves stated in Grace interested in Christ that so they may know that they shall not come short The ground of this Exhortation is the Examples of the Jews they had the Promises the Gospel was Preached unto them that is Promises of rest in Canaan But many came short Why They did not believe Now there are Promises of a rest a better rest in Heaven Heb. 10.34 We have in Heaven c. Now fear c. that is look well to your selves take heed you be not deceived lest your Hopes prove vain Believe the Gospel the promises of Life made in Christ and let the word of hearing be mixt with Faith Take heed of an evil heart of Unbelief if the Gospel be not mixt with Faith the Promises of the Gospel will not profit you Christ is of none effect to you if you believe not in him so that this is an Exhortation to those that have not yet received Christ in their Hearts and entertained the Gospel Promises and fear is to be taken for heed-fulness wariness and utmost Diligence If once they believe and are interested in Christ they may be sure then that they shall not come short 2. What is to be understood by Fear and trembling For this consider the Apostle is Exhorting you to work out your Salvation that is make it sure to your selves see God in Christ reconciling and saving and desire that it may be carried on to perfection Now amidst the beholding of God in Christ and desires of perfect enjoyment there being so much of God declared in this business in giving Christ and so much of his Glory shining forth you must fear i. e. admire and stand amaz'd at the love of God giving Christ himself to a wretched polluted Creature full of Enmity Tremble at the infinite greatness of Divine Love be humble and trust not to your own strength but to that infinite Grace and Love in which God comprehends poor Creatures for carrying on Salvation to perfection Sâ—ction 11. That this may be the better understood consider these particulars 1. The Salvation of Sinners is the work of the whole Trinity Of Father Son and Holy Ghost God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself God in Christ through his Spirit saves the Elect and will make them perfectly happy The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by ordination he predestinates them to be conform'd to the Image of his Son he chuses to Salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thess 2.13 'T is Christ's work by Mediation he makes their case his own they being under Sin under a Curse he represents their Persons in undergoing Punishment suffering Death Rising and Entring into Glory Believers in him died rose c. Rom. 6.3 to 11. It 's the Spirit 's work by renovation God will have a change of Carnal to Spiritual of Sinful to Holy of Enemies to be made Obedient to the Lord Jesus In a word to be conformed to the Image of Christ Christ's work is to make Peace and to reconcile to God The Spirit 's is to conform to Christ in Grace and Glory to fashion Soul and Body like to him Not that the three Persons are divided in their Operations that one doth what another doth not but this is to be understood by way of Appropriation The Scripture doth Appropriate to each Person one work The Salvation of Sinners is the Father's work by purpose Christ's work by price Redeeming out of Misery the Spirit 's work by performance shedding abroad God's Infinite Love in the Heart shewing God in Christ God giving Christ Christ giving himself to