〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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
See Reverend Harrison on this What it is to pray and use Pleas in prayer to beg in Christs name leaning on his Merit to fill the mouth with Arguments drawn from Power Goodness Promise and Providence of God 4. Heb. 11.1 See renowned Baxter on this What it is by Faith to render as present things that are future and evident things that are not seen So that Eternals are most look'd at and look'd at as great reality 5. Phil. 4.11 12 See blessed Burroughes What it is to know both how to suffer want and how to abound how to be abased and how to be exalted how to bear an heavy load quietly and how to carry a full Cup even O that more Persons had knowledge of this Stamp The last Use shall be for their cheering under Trouble who are Spiritual Traders Shall not their Gains and Incomings answer yea exceed all their pains and out-layings 1. Did not the sweet Psalmist experience what he expressed That in the performance of Gods Commands there is great reward Did not a late great Divine well say Dr. Tillotson That God's Work carried Meat in its Mouth 2. Hath eye seen or ear heard or can it enter into Mans heart to conceive 1 Cor. 2.9 what vast sums of glory they shall have given into their hands hereafter O the blessedness of the Saints in Heaven The 32d Position Spiritual Trading or Communion between God and Man dependeth no little on the Spirit as Regenerating or the Spirit of Regeneration I am willing to premise the following Particulars 1. Dr. Wallis Though one that is among the first Three conceiveth that the Word signifying Regeneration doth as well denote a Christians relation and state in Justification as his principle in initial Sanctification I shall as usually I do keep the Road and have an eye and respect to the latter And so 2. It is not doubted but is by the best I am acquainted with concluded Vid. Voetium Disp p. 2 that the Phrase of Regeneration is figurative and hath an allusion to Mans natural Birth and generation As in this there is natural Life given so in it there is an infusion of Spiritual Life 2 Pet. 1.4 2 Cor. 5.17 With this new Nativity there is a new Nature stiled Divine conferred the regenerate are new Creatures 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Being born again or from above is rightly father'd on the Holy Spirit as proceeding from the Father and the Son to produce it The subject of it is an elect sinner a sinner else he needed it not an elect one else he obtains it not Idem â—om 8.33 They who are brought forth by the hand of God were first conceived in his Heart Is not Vocation called Election 4. Far be it from me to limit Divine Prerogative God can and doth communicate the first grace to unregenerate ones Jam. 4.8 See Divine Vines on this otherwise none would be regenerated But as the regenerate are in a capacity to hold converse with God God who is most free hath by promise bound himself to converse with them And now I fall on proving the present Position 1. Doth not the change made by Regeneration fit for Spiritual Trading 1. Is there not a renewing in and of the Spirit of the Mind Doth not the Understanding behold the glory of God Rom. 12.2 and see the way to and from Heaven particularly that they who come to God do it by and through Him that is God Ad Deum Per Deum 2. Doth not the renewing Work reach the memory Doth not that retain the truth delivered by the Lord the Star that guides to him Joh. 14.26 Cant. 1.4 and withal the sweetness that in duty hath been received from the Lord a proof that the soul hath been with him 3. Hath not the Conscience the influence of this Work of the Holy Spirit See acute Sheffield on this Doth it not thereby act as a Minister preaching up Christ and duties to be done to and through him and preaching down sin yea running upon the occasions and appearances of it Doth it not as a Witness yea as many witnesses testifie against whatever would hinder Spiritual Converse Mille testes Acts 24.16 and as a Judge give its Verdict for and withal quicken to those services wherein it is held 4. Hath not the Will of regenerate persons a new byass put on and a new bent put into it Is it not as a Worthy's phrase was rightly poysed Mr. Strong Libera liberata Doth it when set free freely choose God in Christ for its Treasure counting it good to be and draw near to him And doth it not refuse what might breed estrangement from him 5 Are not all the Affections both closing or liking and guarding and disliking renewed by the Spirit 's hand Are they not in truth and in some degree as wings Col. 3.3 See roâ—zing Fenner on this whereby the regenerate fly away from the tents of wickedness and above the allurements of the world soaring and mounting up towards Heaven and heavenly Enjoyments Again Will not the Lord readily manifest and communicate himself and his choice favours to those that are born of the Spirit and so brought into the state and relation of his dear children Shall not his upright servants find him the best of Masters Joh. 14.21 Shall not his sons and daughters be admitted into his special Presence Shall not his Spouse be taken into his arm yea heart and bosome From this Position I shall draw Two Inferences of Truth The former is Persons in their meer impure Naturals or state of unregeneracy are objects of compassion Phil. 3.15 O that the bowels of the regenerate did more yearn over them Is there not a cause yea very great cause Are they not in the world Eph. 2.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without God in the world without communion with him in communion with whom happiness doth lye Doth not the Scripture which miscals no one call 'em Athiests Are they not in a present incapacity to enter the Kingdom of Heaven Joh. 3.2 5. If we take the word in the highest sense could they desire to stay in it Can the unholy be happy And so the latter Inference is There are not a few that bear themselves high on their birth I mean their natural birth that have very small reason for it Are they that are meerly born of blood or as it is read of bloods Joh 1.12 13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the best blood fit in their present state to hold converse with God Is it not the new second or supernatural birth that prepares for such a practice and priviledge How many in vain wish they had never been born who dye and have not been born again Have they any right to eat of the Tree of Life Psal 9.17 Have not they their portion in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone
Trading Spiritualized Or Certain Heads Points or Positions On which Tradesmen And Others MAY O that thy would enlarge in the Meditations By W. Baghaw Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Threee Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1694. To the Right Worshipful and Deservedly Honoured Sir Thomas Abney Alderman and Sheriff of the City of London THem that honour God 1 Sam. 2.30 God will honour and should not Men do it Blessed be You and Yours of the Lord As your Heart is by his Hand set on promoting his work elsewhere and in this County Hundreds in this poor Hundred of the High-Peak bear you on their hearts that have extended your care to it and them So is he eminently bound to do who is Right Worthy Sir A Willing tho weak Friend and Servant W. Bagshaw To the truly Honoured Mr. Thomas Hodsdon Mr. Charles Yarwood and other Worthy Friends in or near Macclesfield IN my Youth from others in your parts and in mine Age from you have my weak hands been strengthned in the Lord. If to any Tradesman that will use serious and spiritual Meditation these poor Papers be useful I shall if the Lord will give me leave present something more on this Subject I humbly beg your Acceptance of this slender Token of my Love and Thankfulness and a blessing on yours as also on all that shall vouchsafe these sheets a reading is begged by Dear Sirs Your Obliged W. Bagshaw Trading Spiritualized The First Position is HOly Scripture representeth the Communion that is between God and Man under the Notion or Resemblance of Commerce or Trading To prevent mistakes I premise two particulars The First is Mr. Vines A Divine of the first Rank well distinguished betwixt some Commerce which Hypocrites may drive and that sweet Communion which sincere persons have with the Lord. Mat. 6.1 2 3 4 5. May not those of the former Character after Duties expect some sort of Reward from God Whereas only they of the latter do in Duties draw near to God The Second is Far be it yea Luke 17.10 far is it from an humble holy person to count his Services Meritorious or to expect a Reward of Debt as in Trading Money answereth and deserveth the Commodity purchased See the Ark of the Cove nant par 2. Will some allow that Adam could in strictness merit And now for Proof of the Position I argue as followeth 1. Hath not God who hath condescended to transact and hold Communion with Man done it in a * See the Confession of Faith Gen. 17.7 Covenant-way And do I need to tell sundry that there are Covenants of Commerce and Trade 2. Is not a truly gracious Christian compared to a wise Merchant Mat. 13.45 seeking and trading for goodly Pearls 3. See the excellent Durham on Rev. 3.18 Isa 55.1 2. 2 Pet. 1.4 Doth not God offer to Man rich and precious Commodities and invite him as to a Mart or Market 4. Are not God's Promises as Bills of Merchandise for the importing of the Treasures of Heaven 5. Phil. 1.11 Do not the sanctified in their Services expect and carry forth the Fruits of Righteousness to Heaven 6. Are they not said and called to buy of the Lord Rev. 3.18 Tho Heavens Goods are too rich and Earth's Chapmen too poor that these should think themselves worthy of those yet they think 'em * So worthy Sedgwick most worthy of their acceptance And do they not part with the Love of their sins and Confidence in themselves that they may attain ' em And hence I first infer That I am in hope that a great Man and Learned Debater hath by this time wished that he had forborn reflecting on words fathered on a late * Mr. Bridges grave Divine and that he had not stiled Trading in Promises a paltry Phrase 1. When the Apostle saith VVe have our Conversation in Heaven Phil. 3.20 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vide Leighs Crit. Sac. do not Worthies read it VVe are free Denizons or Burgesses that trade thither as Freemen Are not Promises Helps to and Promoters thereof 2. Are there not in Scripture Isa 55.1 2. 1 Thes 5.23 Laws stiled Municipal that speak of good VVares that will pass and of ill Ones that are prohibited 3. Mar. 25.16 Luke 19.12 15. Doth not the Gospel or Christ in it oftner than Once speak of Christians as Occupying or Trading 1. Are not Talents committed to ' em 2. Are they not to be accountable in the Case 3. Are not the Promises great encouragements in their Trading The 2d Inserence is The goodness of God is great to a wonder Is it not a stoop in him to behold Angels Psal 113.4 5. How low then stoops he in holding Converse and Commerce with poor man The 3d. Inference is They forsake their own Mercy Jonah 2.8 that prefer holding Communion with base lusts before that with the Blessed Lord O! how full are all places of such The last Inference They who are managers of the Spiritual Trade should do it 1. Humbly 2. Diligently 3. Sincerely 4. Believingly 5. Constantly The Lord direct and assist ' em The Second Position is The first Man or Man in his first Estate was entrusted and set up with a very good Stock Tho Eccl. 7. last alas he too soon plaid the Prodigal he had a very large Portion from his Fathers hand When the Eldest Son of Wisdom Solomon was at a loss as to other points he found this and set a Remark on it Quovis modo rectum Dr. Arrowsmith that God made Man upright every way right as some read it We may set some of his Goods and furniture to view in some following pages and that as by parcels or retail At present we will present or point at 'em as consider'd in the bulk or by Whole-sale May we not write on this 1. Man excell'd in See Mr. Barret on the Covenants or as to his Constitution and therein as to that Image of God which is stiled Natural 1. Surely what St. Psal 139.14 15. David said of his Body may with advantage be said of Adam's Fearfully and Wonderfully was it made Besides the Glory which his Soul shed on and shew'd through it was it not if we speak of visibles a most curious and rare composure where was its Match as to some instances And then 2ly As to his Soul Did it not give some representation of the Deity Gen. 1.26 28. Was it not an Immaterial Immortal and Intelligent Being Have not some stil'd it a Glass wherein there is some representation of the All-blessed and undivided Trinity or Tri-unity Dr. Wallis That antient and excellent Professor who hath lately written on this Subject tho he owneth that no instance or comparison us'd by Antient or Modern Divines doth adequately and to the full express this Mystery yet to shew that the
help Memory Psal 9.17 3. Do we not find the irreligious described as Forgetters of God 4. Is it not from not remembring God that Iniquity aboundeth 1. Totus Oculus Job 24.15 Doth the Adulterer that waits for the twilight bear in Memory that God is all Eye and that Darkness hides not from him 2. Psal 139. Doth he that sinfully puts the Bottle to his Neighbour's or to his own Mouth remember that God enjoins Sobriety under the Penalty of a Wo 3. Malachi 1. ult Doth he that doth God's Work negligently remember unto and under what a Curse he lays himself I add Are not God's Words let slip Are his Works of Judgment remembred so as to work due Fear of Sin Are not his Mercies which should move and lead to Repentance too much buried in the Grave of Oblivion The first Inference is Questionless Man's Fall was a fearful one Were not all the Vessels or Powers of Man's Soul particularly that of the Memory broken in pieces O that this had the Consideration due to it Can many say with Truth that they have set the Lord always before ' em Yea Psal 16.8 that they have done it any one day Have their Memories been affectionate and practical as to Good Have they not been too too receptive and retentive of Evil The 2d Inference is It is the concern of Christians in order to their managing and driving the Heavenly Trade to wait on God for a special and differencing Work of Grace on their Memories Is not that Promise full of Grace wherein the Lord Jesus engageth to send his Holy Spirit to perform the Office of a Remembrancer to and for ' em Jo. 14.26 The 3d. Inference That the Memories of Christians may be more refreshed and rendred more serviceable to God and so their Communion with him may be furthered they should look and long for a fuller Work of God and Grace on their Affections Eph. 4.15 Do we not hold fastest the things that take hold of our Hearts or that our Hearts take hold of Where Truth is received in the Love of it it's best retained Is it not true that Coldness is in more Senses than one the Mother of Forgetfulness The 4th Inference God is highly to be praised that for the penitent on the score of his Sons Merit and Mediation he hath provided a State wherein the Memories of his People are perfectly healed and so they are Vessels of Mercy and Honour I oppose not those who say there will even in Heaven be a Remembrance of Sin Nor will they gainsay my Saying that it will be no disturbance of the Saints Rest and Joy I doubt not pardoning and purifying Mercy and the State of Holiness and Happiness endeared to ' em The 12th Position The Converse and Communion which at first God had with Man is broken through the Pollution that is in Man's Conscience Concerning the Name Nature and Offices of Conscience there passed some Lines under the 5th Position which must not be repeated That the Conscience of Man Tit. 1.15 whilst in his mere Naturals is defiled is a plain and positive Assertion of the holy Spirit speaking in Holy Scripture and have we not all Reason to count it a note worthy of our best notice Mr. Burgess And Dickson Ad Locum which we have under the hand of a late Worthy Those Popish Interpreters go too narrow a way in the Interpretation of that Text who restrain it to the Jews and their Mistakes about Ceremonies For tho some occasion seem administred for such Words yet he that runs may read that the Proposition is general and refers to all that are in a state of Unbelief Tho natural Conscience is counted one of the best things that is in the unregenerate are there not divers Evidences that it 's from being perfect yea or pure At present I 'll only consider Conscience as a Preacher 1. Where lives that meer Naturalist whose Conscience is not chargable with sinful Silence Ah! Ah! how foul and yet how common a Fault is this in Preachers An acute Divine well worded this Mr. Porter It 's one thing for Conscience to hold its Peace and another thing for it aright to speak Peace 1. Is it its manner to chide Persons for secret and inward Sins 2. Doth it call on them to improve as well as to esteem Gospel-Grace Alas Eo minus tuti quo magis securi Prov. 23.24 Deut. 28.19 Not a few sleep as on the top of a Mast in the Mouth and midst of many Dangers Are not some secure who add Drunkenness to Thirst and wallow in the mire of Uncleanness and over-reach those they deal with And as to sinful Omissions especially as to the exercise of Spiritual Duties and Graces how few receive a Check Again 1 Thes 5.2 3. if the Consciences of Unbelievers speak they speak not home 1. Is not their Cry often Peace Peace when it 's a base false Cry 2. Do they not speak of great Truths and Duties in a formal way 3. Is it not truly said they are not diligent constant Preachers That a corrupt Conscience is a Bar to Communion with God is apparent 1. Job 27.9 Will such a Conscience put and press on to a due dependence on and delight in God 2. Rom. 14.17 Will God to and in such a Conscience make a continual or refreshing Feast And so I First Infer They are under ill Characters and Marks even those of unregeneracy who are not inwardly concern'd about the purging of their Consciences from Guilt and Filth O how greatly is this Purge needed Mark 9.46.43 See Mr. Strong on this who is Vir sui nominis Doth not this lay a great load on their Consciences in Hell who have disregarded the purifying of 'em whilst they were on Earth Will not the undying Worm be a gnawing one The 2d Inference It 's a great Matter of as great Importance as the Welfare of Persons immortal Souls to make Enquiry into the state of their Consciences 2 Cor. 13.5 1. 1 Tim. 4.2 Are not the Consciences of many * cautorized seared Doth not that appear 1. Are they not past or not common to Feeling as some seared Parts have been Have they any quick Sense of the Want of Love to the Fear of God 2. Do not many Consciences resemble dumb Dogs that give no notice of Thievish Lusts Again Are not the Consciences of very many drouzy Rom. 8.11 Hath not a deep Sleep seized on ' em Tho wise Virgins may slumber yet Sleepiness is not their ordinary Frame Cant. 5.2 and on second Thoughts they are thankful to such as are for awakening them O that Thousands could truly say they do herein exercise themselves to have Consciences void of Offence Acts 24.16 then might they Trade with Heaven The last Inference The wonderful Provision which the Lord hath made for the making and keeping
a thousand Hells Is it not terrible to hear of that Sentence O what will it be to hear it The 2d Inference is The Patience and Goodness of God to Slighters of the Spiritual Trade is admirable yet 't is said to 'em Acquaint your selves with the Lord Job 22.21 yet through a Mediatour this may be The 3d Inf. is They who have not entred into and engaged in Converse with God should be for doing now without delay Can Persons be willing to be banished from the gracious presence of the sight of God and that for ever Is not the Fountain of Being the Fountain of Life Will not this cut deep if Heaven be lost for Lusts or Trifles Will not this cause as wailing so gnashing of Teeth Quantum pro quantillo Luke 13.28 when they see others that sate under the same means in the Kingdom of God and themselves shut out The 16th Position To those who live and die in the wilful neglect of the heavenly Trade on Earth there remaineth fiery Indignation which shall for ever abide and torment them in Hell 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Thess 1. ult Gal. 3.10 Doth not the Law breath out the Wrath to come or which will still be coming against all those who have not obey'd its Orders Hath it not a Curse for every one that violates any one of its Commands Doth not the Gospel leave all Jo. 3 ult who having come to ripe years do not come over to the Son of God that through him they may transact with the Father for Mercy and in Duty under the Penalties by the Law threatned 3. In the Representation which we have of the general Judgment Matthew 25.41 c. and the Proceedings of that day under the hand and from the Mouth of Christ is it not declared that they who have not by Grace derived from Christ discharged in sincerity their duties to him shall go into everlasting fire The 1st Inference is There is great danger in and so had need to be great watching against sins of Omission Tho persons escape the grosser pollutions of the world See Baxters Apology p. 238 240. if they do not in the ways of Gods appointment tender their Homage to him and wait for grace from him is not the mouth of the Pit open to devour ' em O that many took a truer measure of the guilt that attends their willful sinfull Omissions 1. Deo servire est regnare Is not Gods Law in its primary design positive and its Precepts affirmative and doth not Religion much lie in respect to such Precepts 2. Do not sins of Omission strike high even 1. At Gods Soveraignty who gives out Orders 2. At his Goodness as if all his Laws were not written in love I add have not all sins of Commission sins of Omission leading to them To descend a little to particulars both as to Duties and Graces 1. As to Duties Jer. 10.25 Do not showers of Wrath hang over prayerless houses 2. Was it not well said or written to King Charles the second By Dr. Gauden that whatever hindred his regard to the word of God would prove ruining and damning 3. Is not he accursed that respecteth not the right manner of doing duties Mal. 1. ult should any one that hath a male in the flock offer a corrupt thing 1. Is not he in whom Unbelief reigneth under the Sentence of Condemnation As to Graces Jo. 3. ult Doth not the Wrath that comes on others abide on him 2. Doth not an Anathema Maranatha a Curse till the Lord come belong to such as are destitute of love to Christ 1 Cor. 16.22 See Pink on this The 2d Inference They are in an evil case and state who so commit as to drive a Trade of Sin serving divers lusts 1 John 3.8 9. plying the work of the Devil 1. If persons live and lie in those sins which Satan both tempteth to and acteth in So acute Herle distinguisheth of which sort are Pride Malice Lying Persecuting 2. If persons follow those Vices which Satan tempteth to but doth not that I know act in into which Count fall Drunkenness and Uncleanness Do not their paths visibly take hold of Hell Prov. 9. ult If the tree that is barren be cut down what will be the end of that that bears ill fruit The 3d Inference is It is the great and important concern of persons a concern as great as that of their immortal souls to look and long after this Ezek. 18.31 John 14.6 that there be in 'em a divine Nature a pure and powerful principle from which the heavenly Trade may be set and kept up that through Christ they may come to God the Father and find him coming to them May they cry for the Residence in order to their having the Influence of the holy Spirit And that 1. As an enlightned Spirit A Mystery is mentioned as to lower Trades Without Controversie 1 Tim. 3.16 great is the Mystery of godliness of the practice and not only of the principles of it Can lower teachers teach it 2. Rom. 8.14 Eph. 4.18 As an enlivening Spirit Is not life the principle of Movers and Traders Can any that are alienated from the life of God hold spiritual converse with him 1. That persons heard the Lord say to 'em What mean you O ye sleepers Rom. 13.11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will you sleep the sleep of eternal death It 's high time for you to awake and arise can you dwell with a consuming fire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a fire that will burn and not wast torment and yet not destroy as to being Rather than you should not be awakened Evaccat haud perimit Isa 33.14 I am willing that the flames of hell should flash in your faces and consciences I had rather allure than affright yet rather affright than lose you If this work go on the Soveraign Remedy provided for lost man will next be touched on FINIS Trading Spiritualized The Second Part. Or some more POSITIONS On which Tradesmen And Others may O that they would meditate By W. BAGSHAW Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel 1695. To the truly Worthy and deservedly Honoured Mr. William Nicholas HOW many praying Persons in the High-Peak do and will rise up and call you Blessed and with you many noble Citizens who promote the Work of the Lord therein We cannot think of the Fall of your late dear Son-in-Law * Good Mr. Coupe without Grief He together with Reverend Mr. How set on foot that charitable Work which that Worshipful Knight Alderman Abney hath continued and is now committed to your Hand Blessed be God for you and you of him that so favour the Place of my Birth and Labours May you and all that derive from you and all the bountiful Persons
are up and doing will not the Lord be gracious with them But O how dangerous are Deferrings The last Inference is Convinced humbled dejected ones may take much Encouragement and should in the face of many Discouragements come to and lay hold on God's Strength and Son that they may be at Peace with him Isa 27.5 Have they not his Word and can they desire a better Warrant that on their so doing they shall be at Peace with him Should they not in holy Duties go for and fetch Grace from him Is it any Presumption in them to come to him seeing they have a particular Call and a particular Promise that they shall be welcome Tho they have much dishonoured God by Sin will not God count himself much honoured by their believing on him whom he hath sent Joh. 6.29 30. The 18th Position That there might be Commerce and Communion between God and fallen Man he who was and is God became Man Was not the Word essential the Word which is God Joh. 1.14 manifest in and made Flesh Did he not partake of the Human Nature Tho he ceas'd not to be what he was Non transmutando quod erat c. Boxhorn p. 1 2. did he not begin to be what he was not Blessed be God great Men do now undertake those who call and count themselves Wits that disbelieve the Mysteries which the Scripture mentioneth among which is that great Mystery of Godliness or Religion Dr. Tillotson Dr. Stillingfleet Tho the Godhead was not altered was not the Manhood assumed into Personal Union with the second Person or subsistent in it 1 Tim. 3.16 Long have poor I been affected with the sententious Saying of a late Worthy Mr. Norton Orth. Evang. whose Name is precious in both Englands God and Man met in one Person that God and Man might meet in one New Covenant I add and so in one Communion That he who was the Son of God from Eternity became the Son of Man in the fulness of Time is a Fundamental in Christianity is argued at length elsewhere Here I hint 1. Our choice Divines own that being Anointed respects Christ's Human Nature tho it 's said Idem Bucanus the Name or Word Christ pointeth at the Person consisting of both Natures 2. Is it not intimated in the very first Edition of the Covenant of Grace that the Serpent's Head or Power Gen. 3.15 was to be bruised by the Seed of the Woman Tho the secondary Seed or Generation of the Faithful are included as sharing in the Conquest as to the Benefit of it No doubt the primary Seed to wit Semen primarium Christ is primarily intended as the Conqueror And doth not he who delivereth out of Satan's Hands by way of Power Heb. 10.20 21. deliver out of the Hands of his Father's Justice by way of Price and so make way that God who is offended and Man who hath offended may converse together That the Incarnation of the Son of God conduced to restore lapsed ruined Man as to Reconciliation so to Communion with God is evident Is there not such a vast even infinite distance between the All-glorious Creator and the Apostatized Creature that Man could not think of such a thing as an immediate Access and Address to God Had not God made a low stoop to Man 1 Tim. 2.5 and so drawn nigh to him how can we think that he should have adventured to draw nigh to God I ask 1. Is it not upon God's matching into and with our Nature that he deals in a familiar friendly way with our Persons See Mr. Jeanes his Mixture Do not deep Divines say that the substantial Mediation must be presupposed as the Ground of the actual Mediation 2. Quod non assumsit non redemit If the Human Nature had not been assumed had we who partake of it been redeemed 3. Is not the Human Nature in Christ the great Channel through which as the Divine Nature is the first Fountain from which Grace floweth and is communicated to Christians And so I infer 1. That those Tenents are erroneous Gal. 4.4 and carry much of danger in them which cast any Reflection on the Truth and Worth of Christ's Human Nature See Dr. Usher's Immanuel Was not the Son of God made of and conceived in a Woman Was not part of her Substance sanctified that it might be the holy Thing united to the second Person in the Trinity The second Inference is The Wonders shew'd in God's Word do far and far transcend those called the Wonders of the World Isa 9.6 Is not Wonderful one of Christ's Royal Titles and that as he is a Son given and a Child born to and for us Was it not admirable that his Father should prepare for him a Body That he who is Infinite should take on him the Human Nature that is Finite Rom. 8.3 See the Engl. Annotat and that after Man was fallen and so appear tho not in sinful Flesh yet in true Flesh and in the likeness of sinful Flesh Yea that he should take on him as the Nature of Man so the State of Infancy and the natural Infirmities thereof Did not the holy Spirit wonderfully tie the Knot between the Divine Person and Human Nature See excellent Usher in the Bride-Chamber of the Virgin 's Womb The third Inference Every Man and Woman to whom the Gospel comes will be found inexcusable who slighteth the Lord Jesus Christ and lives without him and that Communion with his Father Acts 4.12 that is to be had in and through him Alas 1. Some are Neglecters of or negligent in the management of holy Duties and Ordinances Are they not as Atheists or Formalists 2. Not a few by living in Worldly Fleshly or Devilish Lusts dishonour the Human Nature which God hath highly honoured Will not Christ in his Human Nature sit as Judg Act. 17.31 and condemn those that die in this Guilt Will they not be thought worthy of the sorest Punishment The fourth Inference It 's the great Duty of Christians in the management of all Duties that they may maintain Communion with God in them to eye and employ the Lord Jesus Christ Is he not a Non-such Is any other Person God-man Immanuel Is it not through him Joh. 14.6 and him alone that God comes to Man and Man goes to God The fifth Inference Drooping Christians should lift up their Heads and Hearts Heb. 2.15 4.15 Manet Compassio c. Is not God become Man and will he not be tender of Man From him that is Man is received Satisfaction that Man may receive Salvation The last Inference is They who are in Heaven do and well may admire the Lord Christ Is not he in their Nature gone to Heaven Heb. 10.20 Joh. 14.2 and that in the Nature of a Fore-runner to make a way for them thither and of an Harbinger to
4. Are there not in his Priesthood Evidences of his Love Are there not in his Prophecy Evidences of his Skill Are there not in his Government Evidences of his Power 5. Doth he not as a Prophet enlighten his Peoples Minds Doth he not as a Priest engage their Affections Doth he not as a King incline bow and rule their Wills Again As to the second Particular pointed at to wit The Harmony of Christ's Offices and their concurring with one another in this grand Case and Cause I ask the following Questions 1st Doth not the Priesthood of Christ render him more meet to discharge his Prophetick and Kingly Offices See Gillespy further 1. Will not he who as a Priest hath dearly bought his People plainly and familiarly as well as fully teach them 2. Will not he that as a Priest hath paid so great a Price for them mildly and with a Golden or rather gracious Scepter sway them 2dly Are not the Priestly and Kingly Offices of Christ promoted by his being a Prophet 1. Doth not this Prophet acquaint Persons with the Compleatness of his Satisfaction and Intercession 2. Doth not this Prophet lead them into the Knowledg of him as a King and of his Laws and Ways 3dly Doth not Christ's Kingly Office carry him through the Exercise of his Prophecy and Priesthood 1. Doth not Christ his being a King a Royal Martyr and Purchaser render his Sufferings more valuable 2. Doth not Christ's being a King put Virtue into his preaching so that he who gives out Laws gives in Strength to obey them Inf. 2. Their Case is sinful and so sad who are willingly ignorant of Christ Christum si nescis c. Joh. 17.3 Phil. 3.8 2 Thess 1.7 8 9. or rest without a distinct affectionate Knowledg of his Person and Offices What will other Knowledg avail if Christ be not known Is not this the Excellency of Knowledg Doth not Ignorance herein expose to Vengeance Last Inference is They who would give and have an Evidence that their Trading is into and in Heaven should make much use of Jesus Christ Heb. 4.15 16. Deut. 18.15 2 Cor. 8.5 and of every one of his Offices Should they not daily employ this Priest learn of this Prophet and submit to this King A touch on every one of these is to follow The 21st Position That there might be Communion between God and fallen Man the Lord Jesus Christ who became a Mediator in the case engaged in the Office of a Priest 1. Psal 110.4 5. Heb. 7.1 5. 4.12 14. 3.1 Was he not in Scripture-Prophecies spoke of as such 2. Is he not in Scripture-History written of as such Yea 3. Hath he not the Title of an Apostle the highest Church-Officer under the New Testament and of the High-Priest to whom some Employs were peculiar under the Law That this Priest procureth yea promoteth Communion between God and Man cannot well be questioned 1. Is it not rightly said That the Heart of Christ's Mediation lieth in his Priestly Office and the Exercise thereof So solid Strong For 2. Doth he not as a Priest deal with God for Man Heb. 5.1 that he may as a Prophet and King deal with Man from God That this may be more evidenced we will look at the Resemblance that lies between Christ and the High-Priest Heb. 5.6.5.1 that was Aaronical and glance at the higher Priesthood of Melchizedec 7.26 of whose Order he was by whom he was much typified As to the former Was he not 1. Taken from among Men 2. 1.9.9.12 Unblemished 3. Called to his Office 4. Anointed 5. Richly arrayed 6. Bearing the Names of the People on his Breast 7. Entering into the Holy of Holies Surely he who hath all these Qualifications is qualified to deal betwixt his Father and his Children As to the latter The Comparison is carried further than I design Who hint Vid. Outramum de Sacrificiis 1. That Melchizedec's Priesthood did not pass from one to another And is not that of Christ unchangeable 2. Melchizedec gave Abraham his Blessing and doth not Christ bless Abraham's Children so as none else can do And now I infer 1. That they are forsakers of their own Mercy in being Slighters of the Heavenly Trade who make not good use of Christ's Priestly Office into which Count alas great numbers fall Is not this their case 1. Who are for continuing in a course of Sin Psal 66.18 If Persons regard Iniquity in their Hearts will God the Son present or his Father accept their Prayers 2. Who live in the wilful and ordinary neglect of known Duties Were not they to bring their Sacrifices to the Priests Mat. 8.4 that would have them presented to God 3. Who rely on any other Mediation as if any one 1 Tim. 2.5 save this High Priest could avail as to satisfying Divine Justice and meriting Divine Favour 4. Who refuse Christ's other Offices Will he save those who will not be taught and ruled by him O that Persons considered that if they slight Christ's Love they shall to their Sorrow fall under his Power and what will be the end of those that abuse the Priesthood of Christ to the encouraging of their Sin Infer See Rev. Flavel 's Vind. vind p. 183. 2. It is our great Concern to meditate on the Greatness of our great High Priest What were the highest Priests under the Law to him 1. Is not he God-Man 2. Had he any Moral Blemish at all 3. Was not his Call to Office extraordinary 4. Was not his Anointing by the Holy Ghost 5. Is he not clothed with Glory 6. Are not his People in his Heart 7. Is he not entered the Heaven of Heavens I add 1. He is but one Heb. 7.9 Chapters and he is for ever 2. He made his own Blood and Soul an Offering Inf. 3. They may hear the most High saying to them Comfort ye comfort ye Isa 40.1 who have received and do give themselves to this great High-Priest 1. Tho they meet with many and those sore Sufferings 2. Tho they complain of the Remains and Rebellings of Sin Upon their employing this High-Priest they shall by sweet Experience find 1. That as he hath not * See Mr. Durant 1 Joh. 2.1 put off his Priestly Garments he is pleading on their behalf 2. That his pleading being grounded on his dying it is and will be prevalent Him the Father heareth Joh. 11.42 and accepteth always The 22d Position That there might be Commerce and Communion between God and fallen Man he who assumed Man's Nature was in that Nature sacrificed on Man's behalf 1. That Christ our Passover being to us in truth what the Passover was in Type was sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5.8 is written as with a Sun-beam 2. That the new and living way to the Holy of Holies or Heaven whereof the holiest place in the Temple was a Figure Heb. 10.19 20.
less Skill in the Heavenly Trade should take Comfort Hath not the best of Teachers undertaken to be their Teacher Isa 48.17 Should they not wait that he would be so The 25th Position The holy Scriptures given out by the Church's great Prophet do much promote the Converse and Communion between God and Man 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 3.1 1 Kings 6 5-31 Are not the Scriptures the written Oracles of God as distinguished from the Oracle which is stiled vocal Were the Heathen Oracles fit to be named the same day with these Divine Ones 1. Are not these Oracles declarative as of Man's Duty so of God's Love May not they who consult with them and with God in them clearly find the former set before them in the Law Vid. Armillam Catech. Et Wilkinsonii Concionem ad Clerum and the latter displayed in and by the Gospel 2. Are not these Oracles predictive of Man's Destiny as well as directive as to his Duty May not Persons who lay the Scriptures and their Hearts or State together Joh. 5.39 have a Prospect how it shall be and go with them for ever Again Are not the Scriptures the choice Privilege of Persons Among the Advantages of the Jews of old Rom. 3.1 is not this counted the chief 1. Psal 119.105 Joh. 6.63 65. Are not the Scriptures a Light both to their Eyes and Feet 2. Are they not of an enlivening as Well as enlightening Nature 3. Rom. 15.4 Scripturae tuae deliciae meae said an Antient Are they not as Cordials for chearing as well as Food for nourishing I infer 1. That it is incumbent on all Christians to be well settled and satisfied that the Scriptures are from the Inspiration of God and so of the highest Authority Can they who call this in question tho they call themselves Deists through them converse with God Many have excellently See ingenious Mr. Lee. and one lately enlarged on this Subject Poor I hint The Scriptures carry Divine Characters and Impressions savouring sweetly and strongly of the holy Spirit Is not his Testimony to the Gospel which as to us is the Marrow of the Scripture See Renowned Baxter passim 1. Antecedent by Prophecy 2. Concomitant by Miracles 3. Subsequent by Success May I not add There is a Witness stiled Constitutive Se alia manifestat Doth not this Light shew and discover it self 1. In its sublime Doctrines only revealed in and by them 2. Vid. Tact. Sac. In its Majestick Stile Doth no◠Power accompany Plainness 3. 1 Tim. 3.16 Heb. 4.12 In its pure Scope and Drift which is to abase Man and to exalt God i◠Christ 4. In its exact Harmony there being a real Agreement where there is a seeming Difference Would bad Men or Angels have discovered things so holy Could good Men or Angels have discovered things so high as abound therein Inf. 2. It is greatly to be wished that they who by the Testimony of the Church were induced to think well of the Scriptures and by Arguments fetch'd out of it are convinc'd that it is from Heaven did wait for that Witness of the Spirit which is stiled effective Effectivum Dr. Arrowsmith O that the Eyes of our Understandings were cleared to see together with the Truth the Glory of Scriptures O that our Wills were perswaded to be ruled and governed by them What is a meer notional or traditional to a pure spiritual and effectual Knowledg of them Inf. 3. They who cry so loud To Rome To Rome give us cause to cry against their Way and Tenets Do they not reflect foully on Christ's Prophetick Office and that as exercised in giving out the holy Scriptures Do they not charge them 1. See even the Representer himself With Obscurity and Darkness as if God had wrote and sent a Letter from Heaven to Earth which the Saints on Earth cannot read and understand without the Pope's Spectacles 2. With Imperfection and Defectiveness as if they were not a Rule but needed the Eek of their Traditions in order to acquainting Persons with Necessaries to Salvation Inf. 4. They are in a very ill case who cannot trade into Heaven through the small Esteem they have and the little or no use they make of the holy Scriptures Some do scarce read others do not search them How few comparatively are conducted by them to leave every Sin to follow the Lord in all Services and in close of all to exalt Christ Will they not be judged at the last day by the Words which they slight in this Joh. 12.48 Last Inference Comfort falls to their share who in order to the driving of the Heavenly Trade Psal 119.24 make the Scriptures or Counsels of God their Counsellors * Dr. Hammond 1 Joh. 2.20 27. or the Men of their Counsels 1. Have they not an Unction from the Holy One which shall abide 2. Shall they not have Comfort when it will be most comfortable Rom. 15.4 The 26th Position The Commerce and Communion between God and Man is much furthered through the inward Teachings of God's Spirit whom Christ as a Prophet employeth 1. Doth not God evidence his Kindness to Men in that through Christ he communicateth to them the Spirit of Revelation Doth not the Apostle beg this as a choice Boon for the Ephesians Eph. 1.17 2. Are not Men by the Spirit as a Revealer and Teacher 5.8 9. fitted to exercise Graces on the Lord and to derive Grace from him That Christ teacheth Christians by his Spirit is evident 1 Joh. 2.20 27. Vid. Polum ad locum Is not this the Interpretation of that Phrase their having an Unction or Anointing from the holy One Is not the holy Spirit compared to Oil Doth not the word Christians point at Anointed Ones I grant the Oil of Christ's Grace and Spirit hath a softning and cheering Virtue Exod. 25.6 But as Oil was used for Light in the Sanctuary of old the Unction which the Apostle treats of is by him expounded concerning teaching 1. When Ministers are endeavouring to open the Scriptures is it not the Spirit that opens their Understandings Isa 61.1 2. to conceive aright the Mind and Meaning of God in them Psal 45.7 comp with Joh. 3.33 1.41 2. When Ministers have studied to preach profitably is it not the Spirit that teacheth Persons to profit The first Use is for Caution Act. 11.26 Take we heed lest we take in or touch with those who under pretence of crying up the teaching of the Spirit cry down learning by the Word or through the qualified and called Ministers thereof 1. Joh. 16.13 Dan. 10.21 Is not the Spirit of Christ the Spirit of Truth and doth he not lead into and according to the Scripture of Truth 2. Are not those two Orders issued out together 1 Thess 5.19 20. Quench not the Spirit Despise not Prophesyings Doth
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
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
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
the case sufficiently declared Art thou not in and by the Ministry of the Word moving on and striving with us Art thou not in some measure inclining us to beg this great boon and to be earnest that thou wouldest grant it 3. Blessed Lord If thou wilt vouchsafe in this particular to hear and answer us will not much glory redound to thee as well as much benefit accrue to us For thy Names sake By thy Spirit cause this Union Sinful and therefore sad is their state who willingly resting on this side Union to Christ cannot Trade into Heaven nor lay a rightful claim to the Joys thereof but lye in the mouth of eternal Condemnation Mark 16.15 16. The last Inference They who have real special spiritual Union to Christ as they are to ascribe it to all the Persons in the Godhead and particularly and more immediately to the Holy Spirit the third in order of the Persons they are to be much in the high and noble Work of Praise Eph. 1.3 1. Do not their hearts lye open to Heaven and doth not Heaven stand open to them O the sweetness and preciousness of this Entercourse 〈◊〉 which alas Millions are utter strangers 2. Ps 138. ult Will not the Lord perfect that which concerneth them Doth not hiâ— mercy endure for ever Did not purely free mercy move him to lay the first stone and shall not the last be broughâ— forth with shouting crying Mercy Mercy 3. Are not they by being in and united to Christ out of the reach and gun-shot of divine wrath How many corrections soever they may meet with Is there any so much as one Condemnation upon or before them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 8.1 4. Col. 1.27 Is not Christ in them the hope of glory Is he not the ground oâ— which they may groundedly expect the possession of it Shall not that Communion that is spiritual issue and end end in that which is and will be eternal The 34th Position Trading with or into Heaven or Communion between God and fallen Man is much furthered by the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit as dwelling in persons The Doctrine of the Inhabitation of the Holy Spirit being high and being misunderstood some hints shall here be given concerning it And 1st See worthy Mr. Barret on the Covenants They as I and my betters judge fall too low whose opinion is that the Spirit 's indwelling in the faithful implyeth no more than his being essentially with them Who is there with whom he is not In this sense Psal 139.7 c. Whither can men go or flee from this presence 2. Undoubtedly they rise too high who assert such an indwelling of the Holy Spirit in persons that they become one person or one personally with him 1. One that excell'd has observed See the excellent Tuckney on 2 Pet. 1.4 that this Tenent draws after it the affirming that there is an Incarnation of the Third Person in the Trinity as well as of the Second and a dwelling of the Fulness of the Godhead in the Members of Christ as well as in him their Head 2. Acute Hollinworth Another Worthy expressed his dissatisfaction with that assertion in this manner Whereas the Holy Spirit is both indivisible and omnipresent this representeth him as divided and limited as if he was personally here and there in Peter and Paul and other Saints and not in intermediate places 3. Poor I am well satisfied and judgâ— it safe to keep the Excellent of thâ— Earth company who hold and holâ— forth that the Communion of thâ— Holy Ghost as well as the Grace 〈◊〉 Christ 2 Cor. 13. ult and Love of God the Father is with gracious persons and that in sound sense the Spirit is together witâ— his gifts given to them See Dr. Jacomb on Rom. 8. And Baxteri Methodum And Pool against Biddle Rom. 8.9 10 5.5 6. 8.16 26. Do not dâ—vers Texts attest that he is peculiarâ— related to and doth peculiarly operaâ—â— in them Is it not he himself that worâ— eth and preserveth grace in them thaâ— witnesseth to and with their Spirits 〈◊〉 that helpeth their infirmities thaâ— strengtheneth quickeneth and sealeth them And now at length I offer at proving the Position 1. Doth not the Holy Spirit as dwelling with and in the sanctified excitâ—â— to direct in and enable for the duties in which the Spiritual Trade is drivenâ— 2. Doth not the holy Spirit furnish and supply the sanctified with those soul-solacing or at least soul-supporting comforts wherewith the performance of those duties is rewarded and so encouraged Gal. 5.22 Is not Joy reckoned among the Fruits of the Spirit and iâ— not this Joy of the Lord the souls strength Neh. 8.10 Is it not as oyl on the wheel that furthereth its motion And now I 1st infer That the condescension of the holy Spirit and consequently of the Father and Son from whom he proceedeth is well worth wondering at Will God indeed dwell on Earth 2 Chron. 6. will he that thinks it no robbery to be equal with the other Persons in the Godhead dwell in the hearts of those who dwell on earth Can we refrain crying O admirable Doth not this his dwelling imply 1. A Presence that hath much of inwardness May not that Phrase of one be here applied Intimior intimo nostro 1 Cor. 6.17 He is nearer to the faithful than they are to themselves Is he not more to their souls than their souls are to their bodies 2. A Presence in which there is permanence and continuance Pulsat aliorum corda Dr. Sibbs John 14.16 21. Doth not this blessed Lord who knocks at the doors of others hearts come into and inhabit theirs Are they not as his Temples Doth not he who only moveth others as he did Sampson at times abide with them for ever 3. A Presence that hath much of familiarity Are not persons familiar and open-hearted in their dwellings Do they not count their houses their castles where they may safely communicate their secrets Doth not the holy Spirit open much of his mind and love to those that are an habitation to God John 14 21. through him Doth he not manifest himself to them as he doth not manifest himself to the World 2. A 2d Inference is They who believe the Position I am on and Head the hints given concerning it cannot call in question this great fundamental Truth 1 Cor. 3.16 that the Spirit of God is very God Doth not his being as essentially so graciously present with all the sanctified yea as to peculiar operations in them all in all parts and places of the world sufficiently prove that he is immense infinite and unbounded Is any Being so save he that is the Being A 3d. Inference They cannot in their present state hold Communion with God or have their converse and conversation in Heaven who willingly want the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit