Ministration of the Spirit as well as the Mediation of the Son of God is requisite Are not Christians washed 1 Cor. 6.11 justified and sanctified as in the Name of Jesus Christ so by the Spirit of our God 2. 2 Cor. 13. ult When the Apostle prayeth that Persons may have the Communion of the Holy Ghost doth not that hint that as they have Communion with him so also that by his Influence and Efficacy they are prepared for Heaven and for having their Conversation in Heaven whilst they are on Earth For the further proving of the Position I offer If we look upwards and unto God 1. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit to reveal as his Nature and Excellencies so withal the great Mistery of Godliness and the way of exercising the Trade and Transaction that is held with him Eph. 1.17 as also the Laws Priviledges and Advantages that any way concern it Is he not stiled the Spirit of Revelation 2. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit as proceeding from God the Father and the Son to instruct and elevate the Hearts of Persons that they may not be intangled in such Employes and Affections as would hinder their Trafficking with Heaven 1 Cor. 7. And also that they may attend on the Lord and the main Business without allowed distraction And now we will a little cast our Eyes down on Man with regard to the Point in hand and under consideration propounding the following Quaere's 1. As to that part of Trade that goes under the Name of Exporting or carrying and sending to Heaven Can any Person do any Duty aright so as to exert Graces therein without the special Aids and Operations of the Holy Spirit Jude 20. Gal. 5.22 Are we not to pray in the Holy-Ghost And are not the Fruits of Faith from him 2. As to what is Imported and fetch'd from Heaven into which count falls increase of Grace and Communication of Comfort Is not his working necessary Eph. 3.16 Are any strenghened with might in the Inner Man save by the Spirit And doth not a late great Divine hold forth that Communion with him is much in Consolation Dr. Owen of Communion From what hath been said and proved I will first lay down some Inferences of Truth The 1st is All the Persons in the All-blessed and undivided Trinity are ingaged having an Hand and Heart in Mans best Good even his spiritual and eternal Welfare Joh. 14. Doth not the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father and the Son as to his Personality so as to the great Office I am pointing at Idem Who that reads this should do it without Admiration The second Inference All that call and would prove themselves Men and Women of God should be exceeding loth to do what is called grieving and demean themselves with all tenderness Eph. 4.30 and due respect to the Holy Spirit of God Should they be chargeable with what would grieve him So Dr. Spurstow and Mr. Hickman if he was as we are capable of grief Or causing him to carry strangely as we do towards those that grieve us Can we have Fellowship or as England's later great Divine would have it read Mr. Baxter Communion with the Father 1 John 3.3 and with his Son Jesus Christ except we be inspired and acted by the Holy Spirit The third Inference They shew that they are not for driving a Trade into and with Heaven whose course carrieth in it a wilful quenching of the Motions and resisting of the Ministry of God's Spirit 1 Thess 5. See on this Reverend Polwheel Boyse Alas is not the World I add Is not the Church considered at large and as to those that cry aloud The Temple of the Lord The Temple of the Lord full of such Persons Whilest some vainly pretend to the Spirit and others vilely scoff at him How many are there that sit at his Summons strive against his Strivings and will by no means be wrought or brought over to a Closure with the Person Acts 7.51 relying on the Mediation and Submission to the Government of Christ The fourth Inference The spiritual Trade shall not quite fall or fail How great soever their Numbers are who do neglect or decline it Will the Eternal Spirit whilest Time lasteth leave off to spiritualize Thousands yea Millions and so hold this Trade up Shall not the Pleasure of God the Father prosper in this Hand The fifth Inference According to the drawing near or withdrawing off the Holy Spirit the Trade into Heaven and the Management thereof doth fude and flourish Doth not the more full and plenteous pouring out of the Holy Spirit since the Ascension of Christ as to his Humane Nature Vicariam navare operam vid. Buxhorn Hist p. Cant 4. ult supply the want of his Bodily Presence Is he not said to be in his stead As this Wind wakeneth the Spices of Grace flow forth Rules of Duty are to come next The first is general All that will vouchsase this poor Paper a reading should take themselves to task and enjoyn their Consciences to give right Answers Have they ever yet experienced what it is to have Communion with the Holy Spirit and with the other Persons in the Godhead by and through him Hath he in a convincing humbling quickening and mortifying Presence and Influence come in to them Are not sundry rigid Separatists said not to have the Spirit Jude 19. The second Rule is They who have not found should humbly and earnestly seek the Effusion of the Holy Spirit should they not cry to the Holy Spirit and to the Father through the Son for the Spirit Zech. 12.10 Should they not wait at the foot of the Promise made of him If once God gives them hearts to ask will he not answer them Should not Spiritual Traffick be esteemed Luke 11.13 The third Rule is They who have the Holy Spirit should evidence it by their being spiritual and heavenly Traders and by their studying to excel therein Should they not be alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord 1 Cor. 15. ult Adding unto Faith Vertue and to Vertue Knowledge c. For being filled with the Fruits of Righteousness Phil. 1.11 and fitted for the Crown of Righteousness should their souls cry The fourth Rule They whose hearts are by the holy Spirit set on driving the spiritual Trade should take the Cordials which God offereth them Was it not the sweet Psalmist's Infirmity Did he not see Psal 77.2 that it was so to refuse to be comforted Alas many of the Excellent of the Earth labour under that weakness they put the Word of Consolation away from them Shall not all that hold converse with God by his Spirit find their Trading in Grace issuing in the gain of Glory 1 Pet. 4. Is he not the Spirit of Glory The 31st Position Spiritual Commerce and Communion between Heaven and
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philipp 3.19 that they mainly relish favour and affect the things of the Earth Have they not set their Eyes and Hearts bowing downwards 2. Is there not much of Falsehood in those Affections Psal 17.11 that make a fair shew Are they as much on God's side as they make sure of 3. Jer. 3.10 Numb 23.10 Do not their Desires pretend to Goodness when they are mere Flashes and however are lazy and not lively conditional and not absolute 4. Acts 26.11.23.15 How violently yea brutishly against all Rules of Reason and Religion are the Affections of sundry carried VVas not Paul verily mad in and for Persecution VVere not the Jews for killing him when a Preacher 5. Nitimur in veritum Is there not that Vileness in fallen Man's Affections that Sodomy and Bestiality c. pleases many The more God forbids the less they forbear I now infer Gal. 1.4 One Reason lies ready why the World carries after and with it the Epithet of Evil. Are not Affections the Spring of Actions that are sutable to ' em The 2d Inference is There is all Reason that one Affection should be much in exercise Should not godly Sorrow be set to mourn over and for what is so wrong in other Affections 2 Cor. 7.9 10 11. Hath not Corruption infected the Vitals and chief Powers of Man And is there any hope of healing where there is no humbling The 3d Inference Even good Persons should not let their Affections go or be without a Watch or guard on 'em nor are they to lay too much stress on some stirrings of 'em So Renowned Baxter Hos 6.4 seeing such goodness may pass away as the morning Clouds and Early Dew May they see and wait that their Love may be sincere their Fear filial their Hope purifying and their hatred of sin vehement universal and constant The 4th Inference Surely there 's a Power Energy and Efficacy in real godliness 2 Tim. 3.5 Doth not Grace work a very great change in and much elevate and raise the Affections Doth it not fix 'em for God and against sin Doth it not cleanse that Fountain that cannot cleanse it self O that for and after sanctifying Grace there were more and greater breathings The 5th Inference They who have holy Affections should as with so for 'em highly praise God Psa 149.6 Should not their Mouths speak out their Praises That it is so well with them is it not for the Merit and by the Spirit of Christ The Last Inference No doubt Satan's Design is no little on mens Affections Will he not attempt to disturb and disorder them 2 Cor. 2.11 Doth he not by ill Influences on their Affections blind their Judgments And is not their trading with and into Heaven thereby greatly hindred The 15th Position Except persons who live to ripe years so trade into Heaven that they hold Communion with God whilst they live there 's no hope they should be receiv'd into Heaven or live in the blessed making Enjoyment of God when they die Might it not have been said to that Noted Doctor Dr. S. who in Print scoffed at Right Worthy Persons under the Notion of God's Acquaintance Sir See Rolls on this they who are not of God's Acquaintance on Earth shall not be of his Acquaintance in Heaven The short and long is 1. Rev. New-com on Job 22.2 Rom. 2.8 9 10. They who are willingly strangers to God in this state cannot produce or prove what they have not a Right or Title to the glory that shall be revealed in the future state 2. They who are not for driving an Heavenly Trade here are no way meet to be partakers of the Heavenly Inheritance hereafter See the excellent How of Blessedness May such as are Masters of Right Reason use it 1. Shall they have possession of happiness that are not Friends to it 2. Col. 1.12 13. Shall they be possessed of it that are not prepared for it With reference to the former question be it considered 1. Till persons be born again or from above having a New Nature or Principle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 carrying 'em so that they may converse with the Lord See Dr. Wallis on this Jo. 3.3 5. they can in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Can they either obtain or enjoy it 2. Have not they their Conversation in Heaven trafflcking as Citizens thereof who do thence look for a Saviour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phil. 3.20 For 3. Though Heaven be even in the acknowledgment of Lutheran's local Vide Binchium yet is it not very much a state begun below and compleated above Do not they who well view this Doctrine see in it a display 1. Of God's glorious Wisdom who tho most liberal of his great Gift bestoweth with or before it Hearts set on setting forth his eminent Excellencies Hath he not bound his Honour and our Happiness together 2. Of his glorious Goodness Psal 84.11 12. who doubleth his Gifts giving both Grace and Glory Grace to fit for Glory I add Though there be not nor can be betwixt God and fallen Man what we call commutative Justice Rom. 11.35 Vide Le Blank 's Theses who hath first or last given to God any thing like hire or merit yet in rewarding out of his Grace their Works that hold Communion with him 2 Thes 1.6 7 8. 1 Jo. 1.9 he manifesteth what hath the appearance of distributive Justice And now I First Infer They who slight or neglect the heavenly Trade not using holy Duties or Ordinances or not breathing and panting after the Lord in 'em Jonah 2.8 are chargeable with forsaking their own Mercy The good Lord work Convictions in order to the conversion in them 1. Will any I fear many will say Though we draw not near to God he is near to us We have as good a claim to Heaven as the greatest Puritan among ' em Eph. 5.6 Is not this rightly called Presumption though we call it Faith Is this Claim derivably 1. From God the Father's Purpose Hath not he chosen Persons to Holiness as the Path af Life Or 2. Eph. 1.4 Tit. 2.14 From God the Son's Purchase Is he the Author of Salvation to any save the obedient Or 3. From any Promise under the hand of God the holy Spirit 1 Tim. 4.7.8 Are not the Promises of the Life to come entailed on those who are exercised and do trade in Godliness Again Will any of 'em think the miss and Loss of Heaven's Glory a thing tolerable Do not Divines who say that as to the Punishment of Sence Man can only bear finite tho great Wrath in an infinite duration New Eng. Div. say that the Punishment of Loss is infinite being of him that is so Did not one call'd a Father say that in the Words Depart from me Chrysostome mille Gehennae are contain'd
was open'd and consecrated by the Blood of Jesus who was made a Sacrifice he that runs may read I am aware that a late learned Writer made account that Christ Dr. Nicholson on the Catech. p. 42. as exercising his Priestly Office put forth four Acts to wit Offering Praying Atoning and Blessing Poor I who am much in the Road reduce his Acts as a Priest to two Heads See the excellent Reynolds on Psal 110. p. 424 c. Intercession whereof if God will e're long And Oblation concerning which I shall offer some Hints here In the Creed called the Apostles we all profess that Christ died and it is a great Point and part of our Belief that he died as a Sacrifice Was there not in Christ's Death all that was essential to a Sacrifice Eph. 5.2 1. Was he not as were the Sacrifices set forth by Divine Order 2. Vid. Owenum Outramum de Sacrificiis And Rev. Hurst Was he not as they were offered to his Father 3. Was not his Soul together with his Body made an Offering 4. Was not he as they were slain and so far destroyed 5. As in the offering of Sacrifices there was something peculiar to a Priest Rom. 3.25 Heb. 10.14 Was there not this Specialty in this great Sacrifice Isa 53.10 See the Funeral of the Mass This great High-Priest did offer himself as Man and through his being God the Sacrifice of his Manhood was rendred of infinite Value In infer 1. That all that are for trading into Heaven and with the God of Heaven should muse on that they may make use of Christ as a Sacrifice Sacrifices as mentioned in the Old Testament are distinguished as followeth 1. There were those stiled Patriarchal So worthy Mr. Waterhouse such as were used from the time of Adam to that of Moses 2. Judaical ones such as God Gen. 4.4 Levit. 1. by Moses did appoint and the People of Israel observed 3. Evangelical ones 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 13.16 into which Count fall Exercises of Piety and Charity The Sacrifices of the two former sorts were Types of Christ and those of the third sort are tendred through Christ the great Expiatory Propitiatory and Atoning Sacrifice That Christ's Sacrifice was such is argued 1. Rom. 3.25 See acute Trueman on this Doth not his being called a Propitiation which implieth Satisfaction and includeth Atonement denote this 2. Is it not expresly said that he putteth and purgeth away Sins by the Sacrifice of himself Heb. 1.3 3. Was he not made Sin that is 2 Cor. 5.20 21. a Sin-Offering for the removal of the Guilt of Sin from those that are his 4. See the eminent Dr. Stillingfl against Crellius Did not the great Sacrifices that were Types of him particularly the slain Goat signify this 1. Were they not used with respect to Sin 2. Levit. 1.4 Were they not substituted on behalf of Sinners When they who brought them laid their Hands on their Heads So Rev. Maynard did they not thereby confess their Desert of Death and declare the Translation of the Punishment Inf. 2. It is our great Concern as great as that of our precious Souls to make good use of his Sacrifice And so 1. To grieve for and under the Burden and Body of Sin Heb. 10.4 5 6 7 8. which cannot be taken away save by it 2. To own that they might most justly have been made Sacrifices to Divine Wrath and Justice Psal 130.3 3. To apply this great Sacrifice to and for the great Ends for which it was offered 4. Gal. 2.20 To give up their Lusts to be sacrificed through Virtue thence derived God forbid that any should use and so abuse this Sacrifice as a Shelter for their other Sins or for their Slothfulness in the Business of Religion Exod. 21.14 Would any Sacrifice of old exempt some Offenders from Death Were the Cities of Refuge provided for wilful Murderers Last Inference They who are hearty and diligent in driving the spiritual Trade notwithstanding their short Fallings should be of good chear When the Formality and Self-Righteousness of others will not Rom. 8.33 34. this great Sacrifice will set them to rights in the Eye of God's Law and Justice The 23d Position The Commerce and Communion between God and Man is no little furthered by the Intercession of Christ who is God-man One of our late great Men hath well said Renowned Baxter That the Intercession of Christ is a great Article of the Christian Faith whose Words do also imply that Christian Practice or the spiritual Trade is thereby promoted 1. Do we not owe thereunto the Application that is made of Pardon Joh. 14.16 Power and Peace to us yea and the Effusion of the Spirit on us 2. Rev. 8.3 4. Would any of our Prayers or other Services ascend before the Throne of God were not Incense or Intercession joined to them Concerning the Intercession of Christ be it remarked 1. 1 Joh. 2.1 Joh. 14.16 The Act of Intercession and accordingly the Greek word translated Advocate or Paraclete is applied both to the second and third Person in the Godhead whereon the Glosses of the Godly-learned deserve weighing 1. Intercession is ascribed to the Spirit Dr. Arrowsmith in a Sermon as an Adviser to Christ as Mediator 2. The Spirit makes Intercession in us Christ intercedeth for us 3. Rom. 8.26 The holy Spirit helpeth our Infirmities Heb. 7.24 and directs us in drawing up our Requests on Earth See acute Hollingworth the Lord Jesus preferreth them and pleads our Cause in Heaven So that as a learned Man notes being an Advocate is attributed to the holy Spirit in a figurative Sense but to be our proper Advocate interceding with the Father on our behalf Dr. Outramus is peculiar to Christ Again The Advocateship and Intercession of Christ is founded on his having been a Propitiation 1 Joh. 2.1 2. or Satisfactory Sufferer One to whom I even now referred writes of and for Christ's offering himself as a Sacrifice for our Sins in the Celestial Sanctuary into which he is entred but he withal owneth that what he calleth an Oblation doth not really differ from what we with Scripture call Intercession or his presenting himself as one that was slain and his Blood and Offering as meritorious before his Father I rejoice that the worthy Person expresseth his dislike of the Followers of Socinus who yet express their Minds in some of his words He holdeth what they deny that the Lord Jesus suffer'd in our stead Nostro loco and doth commend and render acceptable as our Persons so our Performances There is a Scripture which the Socinians pervert to wit that that saith Heb. 8.4 If Christ was on Earth he should not be a Priest arguing from hence against the Current of other Scriptures that in his Death he offer'd not a Satisfactory Sacrifice
1. May not the words on the Earth Vid. Arnoldum Vindic. Evang be construed thus of an Earthly Quality and Condition 2. Did being on Earth incapacitate for the Legal Priesthood 3. Is not this the Intendment of the Holy Ghost that if Christ had been only such a Temporal Priest as the Jewish ones were and had not shed such precious Blood as that he could and did take the Virtue and Merit of it into Heaven and there present it he had not been so compleat a Priest as he is I infer 1. That their Case is deplorable who set light by Christ's Intercession and consequently neglect spiritual Traffick And 1. Can they plead Not guilty Rev. 8.3 4. who either do not use solemn Prayer in their Houses and Closets or do not use it in a spiritual way Is it not with and not without the Prayers of Saints that Incense ascendeth 2. Is it not Guilt on them who are the Men and Women of the World of a Worldly Complexion and Disposition Doth Christ pray for such as for those that are given him Joh. 17.9 Can they with Comfort look to Heaven or for special Communications of Grace from Heaven by whom Christ's Intercession is so undervalued Inf. 2. They who groaning under the Burden and Body of Sin and breathing after sanctifying Grace trade into Heaven are furnished with Matter and Ground of Encouragement 1. Doth not their Advocate throughly understand their Case Joh. 2. ult Condition and Concerns 2. Heb. 2.17 4.15 Is he not most compassionate and tender of them 3. Is he not with the Father always ready to present and plead their Cause in Heaven 1 Joh. 2.2 4. Hath he not that Interest in his Father which will render his pleading as effectual as continual 5. Joh. 11.42 Luk. 22.32 Is he not an Advocate for every one that is penitent as if he had but one to plead for O that they who are thus privileged did better understand and improve this Privilege The 24th Position Through the Exercise of Christ's Prophetick Office Commerce and Communion between God and Man is much furthered 1. Doth not Christ as a Prophet show that as such Communion may be held so the true and ready way of holding it 2. Ephes 2.8 Illuminati Beneficio Doctrinâ Christi Doth not Christ as a Prophet teach People and lead them into and in that way Are we not in and by the holy Scriptures and choice Catechisms grounded thereon acquainted with his Teaching That it is 1. Outward Joh. 5.39 to the Ear and Eye revealed to Persons 2. Eph. 1.17 Inward to the Heart by the holy Spirit who revealeth Christ in Persons Joh. 16.13 leading them into Truth shewing its Glory and Tendency On these Particulars particular Hints may follow Here I infer 1. That all those who are for trading with and into Heaven are nearly concern'd well to study and much to improve the Prophetick Office of Jesus Christ That they who need Help in this noble Study may not want it See Wilson 's Dictionary be it considered the word Prophet is not always taken in one sense 1. Tit. 1.12 Are not Heathen Poets spoken of as Prophets 2. 1 Sam. 10.5 compar'd with 19.20 Hoornbeck de Indep p. 285. Is not Prophesying by Christians construed concerning Singing 3. Hath not a * Dr. Stillingfleet 's Orig. Sac. learned Writer written that the proper Notion of a Prophet is not a Fore-seeer or Fore-teller of such future things as we call Contingencies but having in an immediate way Divine Revelation 4. Are there not directing as well as predicting Prophets 5. Mat. 10.41 Do not some hold that the Prophets set before Evangelists and next after Apostles Eph. 4.11 had a peculiar Gift for interpreting Scripture-Prophecies Clear it is that both as to fore-telling and as to instructing Christ is a None-such 1. Deut. 18.15 Isa 7.14 If we regard his Person Was any other Prophet the begotten Son of God 2. As to Revelations made and given by him See Roobotham Heb. 1.1 2. Joh. 1.8 See Dr. Arrowsmith on it Dr. Owen on Heb. p. 17 18. did he not excel 1. Did not he being in his Father 's Bosom know his Secrets 2. Had not he a full Comprehension of all the Revelations that he had 3. Did not the Spirit of Prophecy so rest on him that he was always ready to receive Revelations Again As to his teaching others what Prophet came near him 1. Are they able to teach further than he enableth them 2. When they are teaching Isa 48.17 is it not he that teacheth to profit 3. Whereas they own their Weakness he teacheth with all Power Rev. 3.7 4. Are the best Teachers any more than his Ushers 5. When they teach a little in much time he teacheth much in a moment For 6. Their Teachings take place according to the Hearers Light Joh. 1.9 he gives and is Light And now I hint 1st That this Office and Employ of Christ should be improved Acts 3.22 Him should all that call themselves his hear in the best manner 1. Humbly Heb. 5.11 12. 4.2 bewailing their being hard Learners and having learn'd so little 2. Hungringly that they may hear his Voice and not only that of his Ministers 3. Believingly acting Faith on his Merit that his Spirit may teach them 4. Honestly resolving through Grace to be as Hearers so withal Lovers Learners and Livers in and after hearing 5. Reverentially bearing in Mind that he who is their Prophet Psal 45.11 is the Prince of Princes Infer 2. We are to keep a due and so great distance from the Tents of Socinus and his Followers 1. See Polhill 's Answ p. 573. Do not they deny that inward Illumination or Teaching of Christ which hath the Preheminence 2. Vid. Arnoldum p. 344. Do not they affirm that he was taken up from Earth to Heaven that he might there learn the Mind of God 3. 1 Cor. 2.12 Do they not confine his Teaching to New-Testament-Times Whereas we with and from holy Writ are taught See Dr. Owen 's Vindic. p. 376 c. 1 Pet. 1.11 that tho his Human Nature received Light he who Assumed it is as is his Father Light it self and the Prophets as well as the Apostles had their Light from him Inf. 3. They are to be pitied O that they did pity themselves who have it not in design to honour and learn of Christ as the Prophet Doth he not stand at their Doors Acts 3.21 Rev. 3.20 and that knocking whilst some shut the outward Door of the Ear on him not affording him an hearing and others will afford him no more Doth not their wilful Impenitency in inward if not open Sins keep the inner Door of the Heart shut on him How will they answer this at the great Day The last Inference Humble Christians who complain of their
him 3. That his Spirit in and with his Word may ride on conquering and to conquer Revel 6.2 4. That Magistrates who rule by may rule for Christ 5. That in order to the flourishing of Churches 1. Col. 2.5 Officers may be established 2. Order maintain'd And 3. Censures exercised The 28th Position Through the Humiliation of Christ spiritual Trading or Communion between God and Man is no little furthered Did not the Humiliation of Christ shew most evidently That notwithstanding Man's Fall 1 Joh. 4.9 10. both he the Son and his Father were willing to transact with him Quo vilior pro nobis eo charior nobis In this among in this above other things was the Love of the Father manifested That he gave his only begotten Son that we might live through his Death and be exalted through his being humbled Velatio Deitatis Revelatio Charitatis And when he stooped lowest did not his Love to our sight rise highest 2. Doth not the Humiliation of the Son of God greatly encourage the Sons and Daughters of Men to draw nigh to God Dr. Manton Do we not read under one of the best of Hands that as by the Incarnation of Christ may be seen a way for removing Discouragements that arise from Man's distance from God so from his satisfactory Passion is a way made for taking away Man's Difference and Disagreement with God Hebr. 10.19 20 21. Seeing Heaven hath come down to Earth Men and Women on Earth may more boldly go up to Heaven I infer 1. That Christ's State of Humiliation is a Subject well worthy of the spiritual Traders Study May the Touches given thereon have becoming Consideration 1. Tho in the strictest sense he that is God and so most High cannot intrinsically be humbled Vid. Amesii Med. p. 81. Baxteri Methodum Part 3. p. 11. and Christ's humbling himself is brought in as following his being found in fashion as a Man yet as to us and as to appearance God is said to humble himself and when the Son of God took on him the form of a Servant he made himself of no Reputation he verily nothing'd himself Phil. 2.7 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 113.6 and so was extrinsecally and reputatively low 2. The stooping of Christ after his Incarnation is worth wondering at 1. 2 Cor. 8.9 Had not he humbling Circumstances attending his Birth Did not he who was and is rich become exceeding poor As a Creature is a poor thing to the Creator See profound Dr. Bates his Harmony Luk. 2.24 compared with Levit. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 2.13 22. Mark 6. and Man a Creature lower than the Angels and Man fallen lower than in his first Estate 1st Was not the blessed Virgin-Mother tho well descended so poor that her Offering was two young Pigeons 2dly Did not the most holy Babe first breath in an out-House belonging to an Inn and fall from the Womb into the Manger 3dly See Dr. Lightfoot Was not the Raiment he was wrapp'd in so coarse that by some the Greek Word is render'd Rags Again 2. Was it not wonderful that our dear Lord who was early made a Fugitive when and where he settled should go in the count of a Carpenter's Son and as some think work in that Trade 3. Can we stay on this side admiring Gal. 4.4 when we look on the Lord Jesus as made under the Law his own Law yea the Ceremonial Law that typified him having Blood drawn in his Circumcision 4. Was it not part of his Humiliation to be assaulted by the Tempter Mat. 4. the beginning and that with such horrid Temptations 5. Was it not so also that he endured the Ignominy that attended the verbal and real Contradiction of Sinners against himself See on this Dr. Stillingfleet on Heb. 12.3 4. 6. Was not his entring the Gates of Death who gave his Enemies Life wonderful Humiliation 1st Was not his dying a prime compleating Act of Obedience 2dly Phil. 2.7 8. Was not his being made an Offering in his Soul a great Abasement 3dly Were not his penal Sufferings as in all Parts so from all Hands I add Isa 53. ult 1. Was not his Burial or being brought to the Grave an Ingredient to his Humiliation 2. Was not so also that he descended into Hell Vid. Vcetium de descensu in the mildest sense that most Divines take the words in Inf. 2. In vain do they pretend to be spiritual Traders who do not look for and long after Communion with Christ in his Humiliation particularly in his Death Is not this their case 1. Zech. 12.10 Who are not for steeping their Souls in Humiliation for Sin and that as against Christ And theirs 2. Who are not for dying to Sin daily Gal. 2.20 throughly and voluntarily And are they so who live and lie in open Sins or do not keep up a Watch against inward ones May such Persons consider that if they thus live and die Christ's Humiliation will aggravate their Condemnation The last Inference All truly good Persons should learn the proper Lessons that Christ's Humiliation teacheth The first is Rom. 8.32 God the Father stood much on the Honour of his Government and so of his Justice To what Pains was Christ put 2. A fair open way was made for Christ's Exaltation Psal 110. ult Did not his drinking of the Brook in the way lead to the lifting up of his Head 3. The Doctrine of the Cross of Christ's enduring the Cross Gal. 5.14 and calling others to carry it after him is not to be stumbled at 4. 2 Cor. 8.9 A wide Door of Hope is set and stands open to and for humble Penitents Did not his drinking of the bitter Cup tend to sweeten it to them 1 Thess 1. ult and to prevent their drinking the Dregs of it The 29th Position Christ's State of Exaltation maketh much for furthering Communion between God and fallen Man 1. Doth not God the Father who hath received the Son as in our Nature into Heaven look on that Nature and on our Persons through it Eph. 1.6 if we stand in a State of Union to him that took it on him In Capite as pleasing to him yea doth he not consider us as in a sort exalted in and with him our Head Eph. 2.6 And are not his Employs and Actings on our behalf peculiarly regarded by him 2. When we are making Addresses to the most High Heb. 12.2 is it not our Duty Interest and Way much to look unto Jesus and that as exalted and appearing in our Nature for us Doth not this much encourage us Joh. 20.17 that he is gone to his Father and our Father to his God and our God The Use follows which is 1. By way of Caution Tho in managing the spiritual Trade we are with and by our Faith to follow Christ into Heaven
yet are we much to lie at his Cross and consider him as enduring it and satisfying the Demands of his injured Father Heb. 12.2 3. Rom. 4. ult Tho he as exalted applieth the Benefit of Redemption he as abased obtain'd and purchased it He is now eminently lovely but did then eminently shew his Love And so I next infer That all those who are for trading into Heaven should get and keep distinct and clear Apprehensions of Christ as received into Heaven Vid. Amesium Alstedium Are not the Degrees of his Exaltation well worthy of our best Thoughts Do they not exactly answer the Degrees that were in his Humiliation 1. Did not he who died 2 Cor. 5.15 after Death rise again 2. Ephes 4.9 10. Did not he who descended into the Earth ascend into Heaven 3. Doth not he who continued for some time in Hades or the separate State Heb. 1.2 3. now sit and abide where he ever will be at the Father's Right-hand Again Is not Mystery written on and to be read in the Ends of Christ's Exaltation And that first 1. In reference to himself Phil. 2.9 10. Psal 110. ult Is not he rewarded after all his fore Services and Sufferings Is not his Head lifted up that drunk of the Brook in the way Hath not his Cross proved the way to his Crown And tho he was only capable of being exalted in his Manhood by way of Addition yet may he that is God be said to be exalted by way of Manifestation 2. With reference to us Is he not full of Compassion when freed from Passion Doth he not sympathize tho he cannot suffer Heb. 4.15 16. Is he not entred Heaven with an Heart full of Love to Sinners on Earth Doth not his transacting there make much for our Advantage that are here The next Inference is They do not drive the spiritual Trade who neither have nor desire to have Communion with Christ as exalted Joh. 14.6 See the solid Scotch Brown Is not he as the Truth and the Life so the Way the way to the Father in Duty and the way from the Father in the Expression of Mercy And here let me propound some Questions of Concernment 1. Have they Communion with Christ as in Heaven Phil. 3.20 who have not in Desire and Design their Conversation in Heaven 1. As to their Minds musing on him and the things above 2. Intellectualiter c. So profound Whichcoat In their Affections loving hoping for and longing after him and them 3. In their whole Couse studying the exactest Imitation of and Conformity to him attainable 2. Have they Communion with an exalted Saviour who too frequently and too too wilfully abase and debase themselves in the way of sinful Sins Whether they be such as are for distinction sake stiled fleshly 1 Pet. 2.12 and sensual tending to gratify the sensitive Appetite such as Drunkenness Uncleanness and Idleness Or they be such as carry the Title of Worldly such as Covetousness Oppression and the like Or such as are said to carry the Face and Figure of the Devil Dr. Arrowsmith stiled Suavissimus such as Pride Wrath and Malice May such Persons consider 1. This exalted Saviour keeps his Heart open to the Penitent 2. His Hand will fall and lie heavy on all that are found in wilful Impenitency FINIS A Catalogue of Books printed for Tho. Parkhurst THE Church's Triumph over Death A Funeral Sermon upon the Decease of blessed Mr. Rob. Fleming late Pastor of a Church in Rotterdam By Daniel Burgess Mr. Baxter's Grand Question resolv'd His Call to Seriousness in Religion His good Counsel to the converted and unconverted Sick bound together Free Justification by Christ Written first in Latin by John Fox Author of the Book of Martyrs and now translated into English for the Benefit of those that love their own Souls and would not be mistaken in so great a Point The poor Man's Help or young Man's Guide By Mr. Burkitt Minister of Dedham in Essex An earnest Call to Family Religion being the Substance of eighteen Sermons By Sam. Slater The Confirming Work of Religion By Robert Fleming of Rotterdam Advice to an only Child or excellent Counsel for all young Persons Trading Spiritualized The Third Part. Or some more POSITIONS On which Tradesmen And Others may O that they would meditate By W. BAGSHAW Minister of the Gospel LONON Printed for Nevill Symonds Bookseller in Sheffield in York-shire and Sold by George Conyers at the Ring in Little Britain in London 1696. To my much Honoured Friend Mr. Henry Gill. Worthy Sir THough my Memory laboureth under much Weakness Can I ever forget the Encouragement which my Ministry met with in Times sufficiently discouraging at the Beloved Oaks where some of the Truths presented in the Printed Sheets came to the Ears yea and as I believe to the Hearts of you and your then precious Bosome-relation who has for some Years layen in the Bosome of Abraham I am assured you will not despise the Day of Small Things you will look with favour on his hand whose age and infirmities have of late hindred your seeing his face May you whose self-denyal is exemplary as is also your bounty be blessed and a great blessing May your dear Children Children of the Covenant and all your Relations prosper May the Church that is and that meets in your house have in it a special presence of God! So prayeth Endeared Sir much obliged W. Bagshaw To the Reverend Mr. Edward Prime Mr. Robert Fern and the other Worthy Ministers near Chesterfield and Sheffield that joyn Hearts and Hands for furthering the Lords Work Very Dear Brethren MINE Hand was at the Proposal for your Associating and mine Heart is with you in all your Meetings for your strengthening of one anothers Hands in God With what delight I have comen amongst you when younger and fitter for Travel he knoweth who is All-knowing I have no such vanity as to expect or desire to be counted an Author yet am not unwilling that when dead I may yet speak in such Papers as this is prefixed to Pardon I pray you my mentioning you in this Address If to your solid Judgment my proceeding further appear unnecessary and unprofitable I beseech you hint so much The Good Lord who hath taken down many Lights that were in his Golden Candlesticks continue you long as Burning and Shining Ones and bless all Related to you This is the Heart's desire and Prayer of Choice Sirs One unworthy to call you Brethren W. Bagshaw Trading Spiritualized The Third Part. The 30th Position THE Holy Spirit of God hath a special Hand in and doth promote the spiritual Trade Commerce and Communion that is betwixt God and Man 1. May not this well be as it is written on See Dr. Clifford his Methodus that to the carrying on of Mans Salvation and so of his Communion with God as it is here begun the
And now I proceed to Rules of duty One is They who want the Regenerating work of the holy Spirit should by no means or with no willingness want breathings after it O that many did pray and cry Psal 51.10 Create in us O Lord new hearts O that so many were not insensible of their sad case O that they posed themselves after this manner Have we the characters and signs of Regeneration by and from the Spirit Who 1. Never yet bitterly bewailed our first being in the flesh which hath some being in the spiritual Rom. 7.24 Nor 2. do yet go much with praises to the Author of Regeneration nor study to give the praises of the life together with those of the lip to him or to answer an High Birth in an holy Walk 1 Pet. 2.9 Can they walk with God that walk not in the Spirit or they walk in him that do not live in him Gal. 5.16 25 May they who cannot regenerate themselves and are not worthy that God should regenerate them wait on and love the Ministry of the Word 1 Pet. 1.23 where it is plainly and practically preached that being the blessed seed which the regenerating Spirit doth usually use Employ they the Son of God to pray down the Spirit on them Plead they 1. That they are true and great needers of him Luke 11.13 2. That the glory of supplying them will redound to him Another Rule respecteth those whose hearts the Spirit as a Regenerator hath wrought on Psal 149.6 The high praises of God should flow from their hearts and be in their mouths Have persons these evidences of life 1. Rom. 7.14 Sensibleness of sin tho' counted small as contrary to it 2. Acts 9.11 Breathing in prayers and desires that are spiritual 3. 1 Pet. 2.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catching at the breasts and desiring food and strength spiritual Are not they the blessed of the Lord Is not their dwelling on high Is not God in Christ their dwelling-place Psal 90.1 Is not that communion with him begun which shall by graces hand be perfected The 33d Position Through the Holy Spirit as uniting Persons to Christ the Spiritual Trade or Communion between God and Man is promoted That it is one of the Offices of the holy Spirit to cause an union betwixt Christ and those who are made sincere Christians is a great Truth on which many years ago I more than touched 1. 1 Cor. 6 1◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is not he that is joyned truly and closely glued to the Lord in this sense One Spirit Davenantius Polus ad locum or one spiritually one with him through and by the Operation of the holy Spirit 2. Do not Divines who write of the union of persons to Christ Col. 2.19 and of the two bands thereof write of the Spirit as being the principal band 2 Cor. 4.13 See Nortons Orthod Evang Heb. 12.2 the band on his part And 3. Is not the holy Spirit the Spirit of Faith the Author as well as the Finisher of that Faith that is the other band That the Spirit considered under this notion surthereth Trading with and into Heaven is evidently evident 1. Is not Union to Christ the foundation of Communion with Christ 1 Joh. 5.12 Have any Life spiritual that have not the Son Have not all that have the Son such Life Doth not receiving further grace from Christ flow from receiving Christ And ◠John 1.3 2. Is it not through Christ the Son that persons have communion with the Father Is it not on their being and abiding on him that the way between Heaven and Earth is kept open 1. Have any save those that are in Christ by way of union the dews of Heaven lying on their fleece When the Lord blesseth persons with spiritual blessings in heavenly places or things Eph 1.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is it not in Christ 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Can any save those that have union to Christ perform duties in a due that is spiritual and so acceptable manner Doth not Christ say to his peculiar disciples Without or separate from me ye can do nothing that is nothing aright Augustine Doth not one called a Father thus gloss thereon He saith not no great thing but nothing The 1st Inference is They are surely less worthy of the Christian Name how elegant soever their Tongues or Pens were who have spoken or written in a drolling way Dr. Parker Dr. Sh. as of persons having the Spirit so of their being any way save politically united to Christ Are they not well sent to School to an eminent Doctour Dr. Patrick Can they be counted Friends of or well-wishers to Spiritual Trading May he that survives well weigh as well as view what England's late great Divine wrote to him Mr. R. B. The 2d Inf. That persons may hold Communion with the Lord and Trade with and into Heaven they should long to know if they have not known and that experimentally what it is for the Holy Spirit to perform this Office for and in them Should they not be loth not to be as Members united to the All-blessed Head 1. Be they willing he should take his own way and method to work and cause this Union Joh. 16.8 9. Will he not prepare the House he possesseth and furnisheth Jude ult Is not he as are the Father and the Son one in Essence with him All-wise yea the only wise God If he make use of his Word that is a sharp sword yea of that part of it the Law in order to the convincing persons of sin and self-emptiness and so of cutting them off from the old ill Stock Adam as corrupted should not they be complyant 2. Be they afraid lest they should mistake in taking up with a shew and pretence how specious soever of this Union without the reality of it Gal. 6.6 God will not be mocked Should not Men be unwilling to be deceived in a matter of so great moment What are notions of Christ What are common though to others useful gifts from Christ if compared with union to him I add What is that union that is by way of adhaerence or appendance to him such as is that of a branch tyed to a Vine unto that of inhaerence and implantation Joh. 15.2 5. as is that of a branch this is and abides in the Vine 3. May they pray to the Spirit and to the Father for the Spirit and in their praying employ the Son as Mediatour Joh. 14.16 that this Work may be wrought in and for them joyning unto Prayer Pleas of this sort 1. Blessed Lord Those have been joyned unto Christ by grace that were by nature as distant and disunited from him as we can possibly be Isa 59.1 2. Is not thy power for uniting us to him as great as ever Is not thy willingness in