shall not be now need of any outward Elements Bread or Wine but the Inward part the Spiritual Communion they shall have it new and fresh in a more lively and better fuller manner then here whence they shall be as men full of new Wine filled with the Springs of Heavenly Affection and Consolation Wine is oft used to express Joy Gladness Comfort Psal 104.15 The Communion between Christ and the Saints in the Coelestial Life will compleat perfect and far transcend that that is but in a weak and mean degree begun in Ordinances here Consider also that the Union and Communion between Christ and the faithful being set forth by that of the Conjugal relation in Scripture our present state is but an Espousal the Consummation of the Marriage is at the day of Judgment thence follows the full enjoyment each of other in Heaven when Christ hath carried his Spouse home to his Fathers house Ineffable Mutual Delight Communion Communication of Secrets and Hearts each to other Joy and Contentment will thence ensue Then will those words be most fully verified Isa 62.4 5. and 54.4 5 8. Zeph. 3.17 Then will the Book of Canticles that Book of Loves between Christ and his Church be understood and fully practised But thus in Heaven you shall have Immediate and full Communion with the Lord Jesus You hear of him now but you shall see him then and be ever with him there was flocking to see him when on earth in his Humiliation Luk. 19.3 4. And the Spiritually minded then saw Glory in him Joh. 14. But what will it be then to see him in Heaven in his Glorified estate And not only to see him as a stranger as a Glorious person But to see and enjoy him as thy Friend as thy Brother Saviour Husband Cant. 5.16 One who sometimes powered out his Heart-blood for thee and will now power out his Heart-love to thee for evermore 3. The Saints shall have full Communion with the Holy Ghost they shall have the Everlasting fulness and presence of the Spirit and so have a fulness of Gifts and Graces of Holiness and Comfort for evermore The Saints have somewhat of the Communion of the Holy Ghost now 2 Cor. 13.14 But they shall have it in perfection then We have but the first fruits of the Spirit but an earnest penny now Rom. 8.23 2 Cor. 1.22 and 5.5 Therefore there is an Harvest the whole sum a fulness of the Spirit that shall be imparted then And as the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Grace and Comfort now by whose Presence and Assistance we are upheld in both so will he be then only in such a way manner and measure as suits a state of Perfection then he will rest upon you as a Spirit of Glory so hath he done in a great degree on some Martyrs here 1 Pet. 4.14 but there in Perfection on all the Saints Hence the Saints in Heaven having the fulness of the Spirit shall be replenished with all those Excellencies and endowments that are the Effects and fruits of the presence and special operation of the Spirit filled with all the fulness of God As 1. With singular Divine Guifts of knowledge wisdom inlargement of understanding as 1 King 4.29 and utterance For there will be use of utterance in Heaven in Glorious Conference and Converse of the Saints Here are Gifts given for the Kingdom of Grace by the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.4 8 11. But there are Guifts suiting the Kingdom of Glory 2. With all Graces of Holiness or Sanctification those now brought to perfection and kept up in act and exercise Sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thes 2.13 will then be perfect of which further afterward concerning the Glory of the Soul and there will be the constant un-interrupted Presence and Assistance of the Spirit to actuate every Grace to keep it up in its full exercise The heart ever inlarged for God ever fixed and tuned to sing his Praise as Psal 57.7 8. Thy Glory Heart and Tongue shall be ever awake thy Harp ever in Tune then the Spirit of Grace everlastingly filling and quickning thy Heart and holding thee up in Heavenly Spiritual activity and inlargement 3. With abundant Comfort and Consolation The Holy Ghost will then fully do that work of a Comforter and dwell in all the Saints as such Joh. 14.16 in his Choicest and most Glorious Comforting Operations That in Rom. 5.5 will then be fully done Then perfect Assurance and sense of the Love of God without all mixture of doubt or fear or darkness full Assurance shall be wanting to never a Saint in Heaven the meanest shall see the Love of God more clearly than the strongest did here That great question will then be out of question forever The light of Gods Countenance shall be then lifted up and shine upon your souls as a Sun that never sets nor is overcast with clouds The knowledge and sense of that one thing that the Infinite God loves thee with an everlasting love which is more worth than ten thousand thousand worlds shall live in thy heart and be the Life and Joy of thy Soul and fill thee with peace that passeth all understanding The joy of the Holy Ghost that is a manifest and eminent part of our Communion with the Holy Ghost shall then be at its full height which now we have but some tasts and drops of Rom. 14.17 That that Christ hath been so long aiming and driving at will then be attained Joh. 15.11 and 16.24 Their Joy is the Element the Saints in Heaven live in they breath in no other Aire but that the Ocean they swim in It is that they enter and go into Mat. 25.21 23. Joy at once expresses Heaven and Heavenly Glory It is a Mass or Heap of Joy a Region of Joy an Aire and Element of Joy the Joy of the Lord God the Joy of the Holy Ghost into which they are brought and where they breath and live and swim in the fulness thereof for ever Psal 16.11 2. A second thing considerable in the positive Happiness of the Saints in Heaven is their inherent personal subjective the former particular pointeth chiefly to their objâ—ctive Glory though they go together and therâ—fore both there and here somewhat of both Glory or perfection both of Soul and Body This partly makes them capable of that foresaid full enjoyment of God and partly results from it For our present frail weak and distempered faculties are not capable of that Glory and Glorious Communion 1 Cor. 15.50 and 2.9 they must therefore be raised up to an higher state of Perfâ—ction in order thereunto And the enjoyment of that Communion with God continually reflects unspeakable Glory and Happiness inherent Excellencies upon the whole man But hence the person of each Saint is Glorified filled with Glorious Excellency and Perfection both of Soul and Body All that be there are Glorified Persons Rom. 8.17 18 30. Colâ—ss 3.4 Glorious or Glorified they are both in their
liberty this way and is spiritually fixed how sweet are they But this meditation brings in marrow and fatness much Spiritual Joy and Comfort Psal 63.5 6. He that hath attained the excellency of spiritual and Heavenly mindedness he hath clear evidence for Heaven yea Heaven is already bâ—gun with him 5. In special be much in self-examination and tryal of ouâ— estates which ought to be one eminent and frequent subject of our meditation 2 Cor. 13.5 God gives assurance in the way of means and of this means in special Pursue and follow home in frequent self-examination by applying and considering the Scripture-evidences of a state of Salvation and searching whether they be found with thee so shall you come acquainted with your own estate and the spirit breaths in that way to help us to know the things that are freely given us of God 1 Cor. 2.12 for the spirit bears witness with our spirits or Consciences Rom. 8.16 And our spirits come to bear witness or give verdict for us in a way of reflecting upon searching our selves comparing our selves with the word and Judging our selves accordingly Think it not enough to hear of marks and evidences of a good estate but use them apply them home to your Souls and make a sad enquiry whether it be so and so with thee And this leads us to the second thing mentioned viz. Tryals whether we be those that shall be certainly saved or get to Heaven to this Eternal Glory the Text speaks of And we may conclude Affirmatively Evid 1. If our Souls do chuse God Communion with him for our portion our chiefe good and blessedness If ouâ— minds or judgments esteem our wills imbrace and affections adhere unto desire love delight in God and the enjoyment of him as our happiness If that be the portion the whole happiness that our Souls chuse that we might have the favour fellowship and fruition of God Father Son and Holy Ghost for evermore For Heaven as we have said mainly consists in the fruition of God if that be the portion our Souls fix upon then we are men for Heaven That portion is presented to us and left with us in our first entrance into Christianity being expressed in our Baptism the name of Father Son and Holy Ghost And the fruition of that name the full enjoyment of God Father Son and Holy Ghost in all the manifestations and communications of himself this is the end of our Christian race and makes up the perfection of Glory in Heaven Consider hath the Lord so shewed thee the vanity of all other portions and things the emptiness that is in thy self and the excellency of this portion to have the blessed God for thine according to the whole Covenant of his Grace 2 Sam. 23.5 so as to take up with this and this only that thou canst say as Psal 73.25 and 27.4 that is the voice and spirit of the holy Saints in Scripture and so of every truly gracious heart Psal 16.5 6. It may happily be said still how shall we know this Why this one would think should be a sensible and palpable thing what a man makes his chief good what his heart is set upon and he pursues and seeks as the designe and desire of his heart and life and places his Happiness his All in When the covetous man makes money and wealth his main design his chief good may not he himself easily see that his heart is set there yea even others may see it He subordinates all to that and makes that the business of his life that Interest carries him still at every turn that Byasses him And the same you may say of the Ambitious man for his honour the Voluptuous man for his pleasures c. And truly this may be seen in the Godly man that he is for God and for the service and Glory of God for Communion with him and enjoyment of him in all his wayes that is his one thing Psal 27.4 there his spirit runs Rom. 1.9 He subordinates all to that directs all his endeavours and labours to that 1 Cor. 5.8 9. That is the Interest that carries him there you shall find him in all changes when he is himself at least he may be shaken a little by Temptation and violently hurried this way and that way but the Needle of his Soul returns to that North pole and rests not till it stand fixed there As it is with the Needle of a Compass touched by the Loadstone you may by violence shake it this way and that way but thither it will return and there will fix and stand toward the North. He will be for God still 2 Cor. 5.13 for God and so for his people and wayes and Truth and Ordinances for they go together nothing can buy him off from that Interest Cant. 8.6 7. Oh wonderful is the Efficacy in the turn that God gives to the Soul in the work of Conversion and so in the after impress of Sactification that henceforth the Soul stands bent for God set for God and all the temptations affrightments allurements of Hell and the World shall never utterly turn it away from him And truly Christians should so act and walk as to declare plainly what they are for what the chief good and portion they seek is as Heb. 11.14 The Covetous man declares plainly that he is for money and the Voluptuous man declares plainly he is for pleasures of the flesh for his Cups c. Oh the Godly man should declare plainly that he is for God and for Heaven for the Glorifying and enjoying of God for evermore And verily God will have his time sooner or later to try men to the quick wâ—o and what they are are you for this or that worldly Interest for wealth or for being uppermost in the World envying those that are any higher than you or for liberty to sin c. Why then that will carry you away from God and from his wayes and interest when God and Mammon part then you will follow Mammon But if you be indeed for God and you seek Davids one thing Psal 27.4 If that be the master Interest in your Souls then you will cleave to God whatever come and many waters shall not be able to quench your love to him SERMON IX 2. IF we truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ he that believes on Christ shall get to Heaven the Scripture is plain for that Act. 16.31 Joh. 3.16 and 6.47 he that shall live an everlasting life must go to Heaven to live that life there for ever there is no living an everlasting life in this World 1 Joh. 5.10 11 13. Christ is the Ladder to Heaven as we said the last time he that sets the foot of Faith on that Ladder shall be carryed up thither though no worthiness of his own to deserve or obtain it no strength of his own to ascend to it 1 Pet. 1.5 Now for the discovery of a true Faith in Christ you often hear of
hearts are in the World and upon their Lusts Ezek. 33.31 So the lively Christian goes up to Hâ—aven in his heart though his body be here on Earth But hence despise and dis-affect â—lâ— Earthly in Comparison of Hâ—avenly things that we are said to mind most which we have most affection and spirit for which we lost most If we have any true taste of Heavenly things we cannot but prefer them before all Earthly things whatsoever 2 Cor. 4.18 3. Drive a trade for Heaven Be trading to the Country now By Faith and Prayer coâ—â—rsiâ—â— with God in Christ and receiving dâ—â—â—â—â—g from all Hâ—avenly Grace and Good You have Conversation in Heaven when you trade thither you act as Citizens of Heaven as the word in Philip 3.20 when you have free trade there free Commerce and Intercourse at all times Christ teaches us to be dayly trading Heaven when he teaches us to pray dayly unto God as our Father which is in Heaven to God in Christ as an Heavenly Father an Heavenly Majesty and a fountain of Hâ—avenly good things that hath Heavenly has Spirit Grace Fellowship with himself to give to them that ask him to them that trade with him by Prayer for such things Luk. 11.13 Let the Commodities of Heaven be above all precious to you Buy them at any rate be willing to be at any cost pains labour and hazard for them willing to part with any thing you have in hand in this World for them willing to adventure much as they that trade to Rich Countryes they venture much thither to adventure Estate and Strength and Life and all you have in this World so you may take it up in Heaven and have it repayed you there as every spiritual adventure most surely shall Mark 10.22 30. Mat. 5.11 12. Heb. 11.25 26. and be sensible of Every stoppage between Heaven and your Souls of any interruption of Intercourse between Christ and you when Prayer speeds not when Christ comes not in with his Influences when they hear no good news from Heaven God hides his face and suspends and withdraws his Communications of Grace and Comfort The Saints that are Traders to Heaven are very sensible of such things But this is a part of having our Conversation in Heaven acting as tree men there to have constant trade and Commerce there And this the word in Phil. 3.20 may in a special manner lead unto And Hâ—nce 4. Judge of our condition and of the weal or woe the comfort or discomfort thereof by Heavenly concernments and Considerations As we have more or less of Heavenly benefits and Heavenly incomes so Judge we our Condition to be better or worse That is an act and fruit of Heavenly mindedness so to do It is a meditation of that Holy Martyr Bradford on that Clause the Lords Prayer Our Father which art in Heaven that the Lord would teach us to Judge of his Fatherly love by Heavenly Benefits and not by Earthly and Corporal As it minds us as he also saith that Heaven is our home for it is our Fathers house whither all his Children must at last be gathered so in the mean time to Judge of his Fatherly love rather by Heavenly benefits and blessings than by Earthly and outward for oftentimes the wicked prosper more in the World and have more Worldly benâ—fits than the Children of God so that by this direction in our dayly Prayers the Lord would pull up our minds from Earth and Earthly to Heaven and Heavenly things Bradfords Meditations pag. 21.22 If we shâ—â—lâ— look upon Earthlâ— outward visible and present things how often might the pâ—â—â—â— of God the truly pious be judged to be of all men mâ—st miserable 1 Cor. 15.19 But look upon Heâ—venly and Spiritual Riches and Comforts and upon the fulness thereof that is laid up for them in Heaven and given them in the promise and then you may see them unspeakably happy Jam. 2.5 2 Cor. 4.16 18. If you are the Children of God you are men for Heaven and your Interest lyes there Hence look upon things to go well or ill with you as that Interest is furthered or not This would be of marvelous use were it attended Esteem of your Condition and of Gods dealings with you by your forwardness for Heaven If it be Affliction Tribulation yea manifold sorrows and Exercises if they set you nearer Heaven nearer God and more in his besom those are happy afflictions and you may rejoyce therein Rom. 5.3.4.5 Jam. 1.2.12 2 Cor 4.17 I outward prosperity attend you and the World smile but you are thereby drawn down from Heaven to the Earth further from God and your hearts lost in the World truly you have little cause to rejoyce in that prosperity but to mourn over your selves Heb. 9.1 That is to us the best wind that lyes â—air for Heaven from what quarter soever it comes Those are our best dayes wherein we have most Heavenly Communion with God and are most fitted for Heaven 5. Improve Heaven or Eternal Glory in the World to come and the promise and hopes of it unto diligence faithfulness and fruitfulness in Gods work the work that God sets you to do here upon the Earth so 1 Cor. 15.58 Improve your Talents i. e. all opportunities and abilities gifts graces and means to do good to do service to God for the promoting of the Glory of God and the good of men your selves and others The Consideration of our Masters Joy and of the Glorious reward that will be therein given to all that so do not of debt but of Grace should put us upon it Mat. 25.15 20 21 23. be â—iligent faithful and fruitful in the work of the Lord. Be it 1. Doing work duty and service to God to be done by us whether the work of our General Calling serving God in the whole course of Christianity the whole work of the warefare of Faith and obedience they thoughts of Heaven should quicken us unto that though it be hard work to flesh and blood as hard as fighting 1 Tim. 6.12 2 Tim. 4.7 8. as running in a race 1 Cor 9.24 25. as wrestling Ephes 6.12 or for Heavenly things or the work of our particular Calling place and station wherein God hath set us in Family Church or Common-wealth be Diligent Industrious Faithful and Constant also not byassed by Temptations on the right hand or the left not made unserviceable by discouragement or discontent that is a woful thing when a man suffers the temptations he meets with on every hand here in the World so to disquiet distemper or discourage him as to make him unserviceable and take him off from doing good work not cast into a sleep by sloth and sluggishness be faithful serving God in thy particular course and way so Act. 20.23 24. 2 Tim. 4.78 Or 2. Bearing and suffering work if the Lord call to that as less or more he ever does We must suffer as well as do in this World else we
Hypocritical persons that are secret adversaries to Truth and Piety as 2 Cor. 11.26 Psal 55.12 13. You shall have no discouraging company in Heaven that will clog and thwart and hinder you in that that is good none to oppose either Truth or Piety but all to joyn with one accord in the serving and Glorifying of God 3. Divisions differences and dissentions among the Godly which the state of Imperfection on earth is lyably to and lamentably cumbred with and trouble and disquietment multiplied thereby but no such thing in Heaven there is but one mind and one mouth in Heaven as there is but one truth not so much as a dissering apprehension among all the thousands and millions of Saints there There we shall fully attain what is exhorted to 1 Cor. 1.10 and prayed for Rom. 15.5 6 7. There that goodly sight is to be seen in perfection Psal 133.1 The state of perfection there implyes and infers this Hebr. 12.23 The Saints while children may wrangle and contend and differ but when grown up to their adult age and to a perfect man they will have more grace than so Ephes 4.13 14. That ignorance weakness and darkness whereby we are oft here mistaken and miss the truth and cannot see the same truth by the same light our knowing in part whence we may be mistaken in part ignorant in part will then be done away and hence perfect union in the truth which is but one 1 Cor. 13.9 10 11 12. Si non amplius in his terris te visurns sum said old Grineus writing to Chytraeus apud Milch Adam pag. 879. ibi tamen conveniemus ubi Luthero cum Luingleo optimè jam convenit Paul and Barnahas Hooper and Ridley Luther and Zuinglius are there fully reconciled and shall never differ or contend more Heaven is full both of peace and truth even of that peace that is knit in the bonds of truth and holiness The griefs and distractions that result from dissentions among the Godly here are there all swallowed up in perfect peace And so all the difficulties and weary travails and oppositions that Christ's Kingdom now conflicts with and must be carried on through are there ended Mans corruptions Satans temptations weakness on every hand cumbers even Gods work with difficulty and obstruction here but no such thing there the Militant state of Christ's Kingdom is then ended and it passeth into a state of victory and rest 4. Bodily ailes sicknesses pains weakness deformities infirmities of what kind soever you shall be freed from all these in the life to come Philip. 3.21 Do you think the body of Christ now glorified knows any pain or grief or weakness as when on earth no more shall the bodies of the Saints in Heaven but be in perfect health in your beauty strength and Glory for ever 1 Cor. 15.42 43. The Resurrection to that life to come will cure the oldest pain aile ache disease lameness that could not be cured here those ailes that you carry to your Graves with you you shall not bring them out of your Graves again you shall rise again but they shall be buried and lost and laid aside for ever nor shall the body be so troublesome as now need so much ado about it and so many shores and props of meat drink sleep cloathing c. You are groaning now under many bodily ailes and evils but then comes a day of Redemption of the body as well as soul actual perfect Redemption of it from all evil Rom. 8.23 5. All other afflictions from the hand of God all the remnants of the Curse that Christ leaveth upon us in this world for our chastisement and correction Rev. 21 4. if it shall be so comparatively i. e. compar'd with the troubles of former times in the more glorious times of the Church Militant much more will it be so absolutely in the glorified estate of the Church-Triumphant While sin is with us as here there will be sorrow but the abolition of sin will abolish sorrow too perfectly No sin and no sorrow neither in Heaven All tears shall be wiped away i. e. all afflictions or troubles that are the cause of tears shall be quite taken away No more of those tears that arise from the various tryals of this weary life wants straits losses crosses in Name Estate Relations Imployments the briars thorns and thistles that grow in every corner of the field of this world Ezek. 26.24 There will need no rod in Heaven not a frown nor a blow nor a stroke of correcting anger there As there is nothing but wrath in Hell so there will be nothing but love in Heaven Here on earth there is a mixture of both yea even to Gods own people while they have sin in them and are full of faults though Children their Father cannot but be angry with them now and then and they need a rod ever and anon Psal 89.32 33. but in Heaven as no sin so no anger no not for chastening there◠the Lord will never knit his brows nor chide or strike never hide his face there be here Soul-afflictive spiritual Agonies from a sense of Gods anger and doubts of his love those also shall cease but they shall live under the smiles of his face and light of his countenance without interruption But thus in that as to fredom from all evil as 2 Cor. 5.4 so sin is swallowed up of grace and holiness the remainders of sin and sorrow that hang about us in this state of Imperfection are utterly swallowed up and abolished by that perfect holiness and perfect happiness that there is and continues for ever 2. Perfect enjoyment of all good It is not a meer negative happiness that the Saints in Heaven partake of viz. a not being miserable an absence of evil but also the positive presence and enjoyment of all good Psal 16.11 Joy is from the presence of good and full joy from the satisfying fulness of all good Under this Head may be comprised those great and glorious things that make up and compleat the positive happiness of the Saints in Heaven and were pointed to in the description As viz. 1. Full fruition or enjoyment of God perfect glorious and full communion with God the God of Glory God Father Son and Holy Ghost This is the main and the essence of the Happiness of Heaven It is not a carnal or sensual thing standing in bodily carnal pleasures and delights as Pagans and Mahometans teach and sensual Spirits dream but spiritual divine and coelestial standing in the enjoyment of God and communion with him This we have some little tast of here but being there in perfection it makes up perfect blessedness for mans blessedness lies in fruition of God the chief Good whom he was made for and in whom is that infinite fulness of all good that is able to satisfie and make happy the soul of man and to be the endless joy thereof It is not Creatures Crowns Kingdoms not a
Affections shall also be 1. Inlarged or compleatly fitted framed disposed and sanctified to take in that Glory or that Glorious Communion with God that is to be had in Heaven The spirit will be perfect Hebr. 12.23 in this respect i. e. perâ—â—ctly sanctified filled full of holiness and so everlastingly fitted and inlarged for that holy work of Glorifying God that is the work of Heaven alwayes in tune for that never out of frame as you often are here The Image of God upon the Soul shall then be perfectly restored as that part of it which stands in knowledge Colos 3.10 so also that of holiness and righteousness Epes 4.24 which is seated chiefly in the will and affections your Souls shall be top full of Holiness You that now long and cry out for Grace and Holiness for an heart to love God to fear him to delight in him to be inlarged for him you shall then have your desire to the full never feel a weakness or impotency or straitness of heart God-ward more never find your hearts at your left hand but always dextrous in Holy works and inlarged for it then may each Saint say to another as 2 Cor. 6.11 and to God de praesenti as Psal 119.32 I will run c. For thou dost inlarge my heart And especially the affection and Grace of Love that shall be inlarged and flourish there Love to God and to his Saints the perfume of that will fill Heaven Heaven is the place of Love that is the head-grace there alwayes acting never failing 1 Cor. 13.8.13 Those affections that bring pain with them as tormenting fear and grief 1 Joâ— 4.14 and those Actings that imply Imperfection in them or a state of Imperfection accompanying them as prophesie and that inferiour imperfect way and manner of knowledge that we have here and those actings of faith and hope that are proper to this life in contra-distinction to the fight and presence of the good believed and hoped for though the Grace of faith and hope it self or dependance on God in Christ shall continue in Heaven those I say shall cease but Love is alwayes comfortable Philip. 2.1 and the full acting of Love implies perfection 1 Joh. 4.18 the more intensely and strongly Love acts and carries the Soul to God the more perfect we are the strongest acts of faith are under our greatest Imperfections wants and miseries when the good of the promise is wanting Heb. 11.1 And Love is most directly the spirit of Holiness and of actual sweet joyful Communion with God and therefore Love shall eminently continue and flourish in Heaven and be alwayes in fullest act and exercise 2. Filled and satisfied with good the heart of man is a large Vessel the desires have a vast reach even after infinite good This whole World cannot satisfie one heart but then it shall be filled that word full verified Isa 55.2 Brimful of Comfort and Contentment in the fruition of God who is goodness it self infinitely good enough to satisfie the endless reaches of the heart of man You shall then have as much as you would have when the will the desire is opened to the widest it shall be filled Psal 81.10 And whereas Love seeketh nearest Union and fullest Communion with the Beloved If thy Soul love God it would be drawn as near him as may be Cant. 1.4 Why Love shall be satisfied in this respect the Soul shall be as near God as it would be and have him as near as it would have ever loving him and ever loved of him delighting in him and delighted in by him lying in the arms and bosome of his Love Christ and all the faithful his Spouse will then give their Loves Cant. 7.12 each to other ever opening and exchanging hearts And so Joy will then be full Psal 16.11 All the liking affections whereby the will goes out unto embraces and enjoyes good shall then be fully satisfied as Psal 107 9. Jerem. 31.25 Psal 36.8 And for the Soul of man to be closing with and satiated actually satisfied in God the chief and infinite good this is Happiness this is the fruition that is beatifical 2. Consider the Glory of the Body viz. when that shall come to its Glorified estate as it shall do at and after its Resurrection It shall then be Glorified as well as the Soul being made like the Glorious Body of Christ Philip. 3.21 1 Cor. What that is was in some glimpse of it seen in Christs Transfiguration Mat. 17.2 that was a little glimpse and specimen of the future visible Glory of Christ and so of the Saints that shall be like him So Mat. 13.43 Consider but those passages to avoid curiosity here in 1 Cor. 15.42 43 44. It shall be the self same Body for substance but endowed with new and Glorious qualities viz. 1. Incorruption and Immortality it is sown i. e. as here buried in Corruption It is raised in Incorruption so v. 53 54. The Saints Bodies shall not be lyable to any Corruption hurt or decay by sickness pain old-age or death but clothed with Immortality All principle and power of dying being swallowed up 2. Cor. 15.4 To live for ever without liableness to death No fear of dying then when once in that other happy World The King of Terrours never sets foot there Luk. 20.36 Adam might possibly have lived and not dyed but these shall live and cannot die And as not exposed to death so not to any other hurt or aile inward decay or outward violence What abundance of Hurts and Ailes Maimes Accidents as also Inward Diseases now How many Tooles are at work to knock down this Clay-tabernacle but then it shall be so strongly built as to be Impregnable by the assaults of Corruption 2. Glory Splendor and Beauty v. 43. The Body is now a vile thing Philip. 3.21 when under earthly Adams Image especially in its decaying state under Sickness Sores Maimes Rheums Wrinkles c. It is a sorry poor ill-looking deformed pale noisome thing But then the Bodies of the Saints shall be Glorious Beautiful Goodly Amiable and Shining as the Sun whereof that of the shining of Moses his face and of Christ in his Transfiguration was but a little glimpse And far above that of Adam in innocency when neither shame nor deformity was yet known 3. Strength and Power v. 43. Now the Body is a weak fraile feeble thing often unable to perform its needful operations soon wearied tyred with action and at last sinking under its own frailty to the Grave But then Strong Vigorous Lively Healthy freed from all defects and infirmities above weariness and weakness And so from the Imperfection and weakness of Infancy or decrepit Age. All the Saints even such as die Children as Divines most probably conclude shall rise again in full strength and stature such as the flower and vigour of years did or would have given as such as Adam at his Creation was made in Vid. Aquin. Suppl Quaest 81. Bolton
14.2 Heb. 6.20 Ephes 2.6 And relie on his mighty power and grace his strong hand which nothing can pluck you out of Joh. 10.28 to prepare you for it to keep and carry and conduct you through the wilderness of this World unto the Heavenly Canaan Isa 63.9 14. to guide you by his Spirit and preserve you to his Heavenly Kingdom and at last in the work of his second coming Heb. 9.28 finally to accomplish and finish the matter of your â—â—lvaâ—â—â—n and Glory Iâ—s 73.24 Joh. 6.54 5. Improve this Eternal Glory which is offered and gâ—ven in and with Christ as an hâ—lp to sweeten and facilitate and make the heart come â—ff in that which is the hardest thing in the work of closing with Christ viz. parting with the Wâ—rld forsaking and sitting loose from the World and all that you have here Renouncing sin absolutely and Earthly contentments in Comparison of Christ Here it is that men stick Mark 10.22 2 Tim. 4.10 Joh. 5 44. Philip. 3.19 The Impression of Worldly Lusts and Affections are they that choak the word and call of thâ— Gâ—spel Luk. 8.14 Mark 4.19 Bâ—t here is a notable help against this when Christ comes with Heaven and the Glory thereof in his hands it withers away the Glory of this World What shall take us off the Eâ—rth or â—nâ—ble us to contemn that if Hâ—â—ven will not This may make us forsake the pleasuâ—es of this World as a drie chip compar'd with those above Heb. 11. 25 29. and the profits and wealth of it Mat. 6.19 20. Psal 17.14 15. And what is the Honour and Glory of it compared with this Glory of Heaven Heb. 12.2 3. Answ Some Objections that readily fall in here Obj. 1. This may some say is too great a thing that ever the Lord should offer to be received or give upon receiving Eternal Glory so vast a thing as everlasting Life and Blessedness to such a vile thing as I am How is it possible Answ It is the God of all Grace from whom this Offer and Call and Gift is If it were from men or finite goodness it could not possibly be But the great God is able to do it Rom. 6.23 He is rich enough in Grace to give such a gift to do such a work of Grace as this Ephes 2.7 Hence as 2 Sam. 7.19 21 22. And it is by Christ Jesus By the infinite merit of Christ and by his mighty saving power Phil. 3.26 If there were not such mighty causes at work as the Grace of God the righteousnâ—ss and strength of Christ It were incredible that so great a thing as Eternal Glory should ever be offered or given to or bestowed upon such as we are But Mat. 19.16 Obj. 2. But I have blind eyes and a dead Carnal heart I cannot see nor believe on Christ nor take hold of him nor get possession of this great Gift I want an hand and an Heart to take it Answ God in Christ is the God of all Grace in that notion also viz. the Giver and Worker of all Grace and so of the Grace of Faith That also is the Gift of God Ephes 2.8 why therefore in the sense of unbelief and inability to believe especially to believe in Truth we shall make no right work on 't Lord unless thou work all our works in and for us Isa 26.12 Groan and cry to the Lord as Mat. 9.24 Trust not thy own heart to believe or to hammer out a Faith of its own but put it over into his hands Look to him to be Author and Moulder of thy faith Heb. 12.2 Colos 2.12 The King of Glory is come to thy door beg him to open the door and come in Look to him to give all at once whole Eternal Life and so this beginning of it this entrance into it viz. Faith Come to him leaning on him and on the power of his drawing Grace when you cannot come by the strength of your own legs put your buckle under you Cant. 1.4 Psal 143.10 By the land of uprightness may be meant Heaven not one right step thither without the help and leading of Gods Spirit Obj. 3. But my sins shut me out and shut Heaven against me and thrust me rather into Hell How can such an unclean thing ever hope to see the face of God in Heaven Answ Behold the Lamb of God c. Behold the Attonement of Christ doing away sin and his righteousness purchasing life for us By Christ Jesus it is that you are called and may come to this Eternal Glory not by any thing in your selves Our sins indeed had shut Heaven but the blood of Christ opens it Heb 10.19 20. Though we be unclean in our selves we are presented there now as holy before God in the righteousness of Christ and Christ will make us inherently holy before he carry us thither Nothing indeed but our sins is the great hindrance from Heaven But therefore Christ is sent and set apart on purpose to take away sin both by Justifying and Sanctifying Grace 1 Joh. 3.5 And therefore by Christ we may obtain Eternal Glory Obj. 4. But though I look to Christ and come to him for all Spiritual and Eternal Blessings for all the fulness of God I feel my self a poor vile miserable empty Creature having but little either of holiness or Comfort Where is this Glory that Saints have by Christ Jesus Answ Believe the promise that is made to every Comer to or Believer in Christ Take Eternal Life and Glory in the promise possess it in the promise and in the Covenant and so as in Christs hands 1 Joh. 5.11 though thou hast it not yet in thine own hands in fruition and accomplishment Remember that Eternal Glory is first given to thy faith before it be given to thy feeling nay when thou feelst the quite contrary as Canaan was to Abraham when he had yâ—t no foot of it nay when possâ—ssâ—d by enemies 2 Cor. 5.7 1 Pet. 1 8 9. Hâ—b 11.1 The actual fruitition of this Glory must not be till after you have suffâ—red a while Tâ—xt not only under outward â—â—ll â—ctions but also a conflict of spiritual Corruption Some beginnings there are of it here but they are but little and they shâ—w themselves rather in â—â—â—â—â—ing after it than feeling of it Rom. 8.23 24. Not Eâ—rth but Heaven is the place â—â— the consâ—aâ—â— câ—mfortable sensible preseâ—câ— oâ— God 2 Câ—r 5 8. Believe for Heaven fight for it now and you shall enjoy it one day 1 Pet. 1.6 8 9. SERMON VIII TO Believers to the Faithful whom God hath called effectually called unto this Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus The Godly that are Heirs of Heaven or profess themselves to be of that number 1. To get assurance of their portion in this Eternal Glory 2. To make improvement of it even of so rich and great and happy a portion as this is 1. Labour after a settled and well grounded assurance that this is your portion that
in to quicken us to make sure of Heaven May we not get this meat out of the eater this good out of all the evils and troubles that are in the World Is it now a time to walk at peradventures with God to live at uncertainties to hang between Heaven and Earth to be to seek of a resting place when trouble fills the whole Earth When the Lords anger is burning up and down the World and his fury poured out like fire every where and the Rocks thrown down by him Had we not need make sure of his love and be able to say the Lord is good and my strong hold c. Nah. 1.14 15 16. When Hypocrites cannot stand as they cannot before God appearing in his dreadful and devouring wrath hâ—d we not need make sure of sincerity of Gâ—ace Isa 33.14 15 16. You may bear up your head for a time and go up and down carelesâ— but sooner or later one way or other there will come such a devouring fire such an appearence of wrath such dreadful Judgments as no false heart now slight chaffy professor shall be able to stand before Mat. 3.12 He had need have Gold tryed in the fâ—ee Grace that is of Golden solidity and purity Dross and chaffe will not biâ—e the fire that unkindled in the day of Gods Judgments when he takes his Fan into his hand to sever purge out and burn up the Chaffe the hypocrites and sinners in Sion that is mixed with the wheat and found on the floor of the visible Church When Jerusalem's sins are ripe for Judgment and God hath waited his time upon obstinate sinners and despisers of the Gospel as he did on the Jews in and after Christ's time then a threshing and winnowing fanning and to the chaffe a burning time comes Then indeed the Lord will lose never a grain of sound wheat it had need be sound and solid wheat that can bear the tossings of the Fan and the blasts of the wind and not be heaved and driven quite away But chaffy hypocrites and sinners will not be able to stand or abide such a time Amos 9.9 or I will fanne the house of Israel as Corn is fanned tossed in a fanne 10. Oh we had need be sure to be good and sound wheat at such a time be setled strengthned stablished in Grace well built and founded as Peter prayes for them here in Text. To a time of great afflictions Sufferings and Troubles 1 Pet. 5 9 10. in a time when Judgment was begun at the house of God 1 Pet. 4.17 and of fiery tryals v. 12. Oh at such a time it is a suitable and a precious thing to have a lively Inheritance as he begins the Epistle 1 Pet. 1.3 4 5 6. When the Earth looks uncomfortably when the face of things in this lower world hath terrour trouble and blackness in it and was it ever blacker than at this day It is then seasonable to be looking up stedfastly into Heaven and to get a clear sight of the Glory there and of our Interest in it Act. 7.54 55 56. Oh we might make a gaine of all the troubles of the times did we turn them this way to lift up our eyes to Heaven and to awaken our Souls to make sure of a portion there 4. It is a shrewd sign of one that is not like to get to Heaven to be careless of making sure of it For whence is this carelesseness but from taking up with and resting in other portions things of this World and see Jam. 4.4 1 Joh. 2.15 they that take up their portion in the Earth are not like to see Heaven to be sure in that way they never shall from slighting despising and dis-esteeming Heaven for what a man highly prizes and makes his portion his chief good he will be solicitous and studious to make sure of To be careless herein is as much as to say that we make no great matter whether we have or lose it get or miss it It shews one to be a negligent seeker of Heaven and Eternal life for if he were in good earnest he would pursue the matter till he made sure work on 't till the matter were brought to some issue he would seek till he find But it is only the diligent seeker that shall obtain and no other Heb. 11.6 Prov. 8.17 and 13.4 Qui frigide rogat docet nâ—gare The Lord will not pin Heaven upon our sleeves He will make us seek after it in good earnest if ever we have it Rom. 2.7 Luk. 13.24 there may be fits and pangs of carelesseness but God will recover and awaken if he intend mercy They that seek and run to purpose cannot endure to be at uncertainties 1 Cor. 8.26 27 28. uncertainly vid. Dutch Anotat Paul cannot end enduâ—e to run at such a rate that he may be as like to lose as win v. 24. 5. It is sure we were once in the way to Hell we had need to look to it to make sure that we are got into the way to Heaven We lie by nature children of wrath were set down into the World in Hell-path and it may be did for a long time palpably and evidently go on therein even in the broad way that leads to destruction and had we not need be sure and clear that we are got out of that way and state into the way and state of Eternal Life He whose life was never in danger will not be so solicitous But take a Malefactor that was condemned to die if there be any hopes overtures of pardon how careful will he be to have it sure and under all the confirmation that may be We are by nature under a real title to Hell guilty of sin whose wagâ—s is death and by the Curse and Sentence condemned to die and under the power and dominion of sin that was â—â—â—rying us to Hell and would inevitably do it if left to our selves Had we not need look that we have got a real title to Heaven that theâ—e be a reallity in our claime to that An empty broken hope a shaddow an â—hâ—â—oâ—â—â—ncy is not enough to set against a â—â—â—liâ—ys The Câ—rsâ— is real and sin real and our being heirs of Hell real Oh is our pardon real our fellowship with Christ real our title to Heaven real our Regeneration real and certain Joh. 3.3.5 6. It is certain we were flesh are we become spirit new Creatures made spiritual and holy we were born naturally to an Inheritance in Hell are we indeed born again supernaturally to see the kingdom of Heaven 6. Consider that great danger of being deceived here it 's a matter of highest moment to be deceived about everlasting life is a dreadful thing and yet we are wondrous prone and apt to be deceived Mat. 7.13 14. Christ tells the Pharisees that they could not not escape the damnation of Hell Mat. 23.33 and yet they themselves thought that they could not but be heirs of Heaven and that whoever
sweet evidence that you shall keep an Everlasting Sabbath in Heaven and that you are preparing for that Sabatism that remains for the people of God Heb. 4.9 If strangers to God and prophane hearted on the Sabbath you are not for Heaven 2. In studying and loving and labouring after holiness or in begun Sanctification The perfection of Holiness is the Glory of Heaven but what shall there be perfected is here begun Do you love Holiness and delight in the wayes of it Rom. 7.22 weary of sin v. 24. following after holiness Heb. 12.24 then you shall go to Gods holy dwelling place into Heaven and there be perfectly for ever 3. In Heavenly-mindedness Having the heart there and finding the things thereof thoughts affections Conversations above That wherever it is is a sure mark of an heir of Heaven there is sincerity yea some eminency of Grace where that indeed is Phil. 3.15 17 20 21. as Mat. 6.21 Exhort 2. To Believers especially when comfortably assured of Heaven To improve Heaven and the hope of it while on Earth Make improvement of this happy portion of Eternal Glory which God hath prepar'd and reserved for you in Heaven and now given you in the promise Though we be not yet come to the fruition of it yet that Revelation and hope and certain promise of it that is given to the faithtful now in this life is of great use and may be improved by them unto good purpose sundry wayes As viz. 1. To raise and ennoble their Spirits make them of a truly noble and excellent temper and free them from that baseness that sin hath brought upon the Spirits of men To be born to great things or otherwise in way of promotion thereto as to a great Estate high Honours and a Kingdom especially It does naturally raise and greaten the spirit for great designs delights employments than others are This point should make the Godly of a Princely spirit seeing they are heirs of a Kingdom they should be indeed Israel every one as a Prince of God of a Princely spirit both 1. In regard of Imployment It ill becomes a Prince to be scraping Kennells or dwelling among Scullions in a Kitchen or driving a petty pedling Trade to get a penny c. So the heirs of Heaven should holily disdain to do the Devils drudgery to be Slaves to the World or to a base Lust to cringe and crouch to a Temptation for a little outward advantage to go a beging to the Creatures for a little Comfort or Refreshment as having nothing else to live upon such should be ashamed to be seen in the imployment of sin in the service of Satan or so to follow the World as to be under it or slaves to it 1 Cor. 6.12 Tit. 2.3 They should reign over the World and have dominion over it not be slaves to it 2. In regard of Affection and Delight or what you give your minds unto David when King yea when set apart for that Kingdom did not mind the Ewes great with young as he did when a Shepheard The Country Peasant minds his Cattel and Farm c. But the Prince hath greater and higher marters to mind the Affairs of a Kingdom The heirs of Heaven should not mind Earthly things or to set their hearts upon things below so as to be taken up with them and look no higher than them you may use them as Servants Philip. 1.19 20. Colâ—s 3.1 2. nor give themselves to the base pleasures of the flesh For such to delight in the pleasures of sin fleshly lusts is as if Princes should go among the Swine to eat Swill and Husks or they that have been brought up in Scarlet embrace Dunghills They that have God and Heaven to delight in for them to delight in a lust in the pleasures of the flesh is a shameful baseness and unworthiness Rom. 13.11 14. The nearer we are to Heaven the further we should be from minding the things of the flesh 1 Pet. 2.11 Yea not only vile things as are the things of sin but small things little things such as all the things of this World are too low and mean for the great Heirs of Salvation to set their minds and hearts upon He that is an Heir to thousands or to a Kingdom will he covet a pin or a point or a poor thatched Cottage or stand upon such small matters c. He that is an Heir of Heaven should be of a greater spirit than to thirst after Gold and Silver Honours and Riches in this World these are too low things for him who hath infinitely greater matters to satisfie himself with All that he needs is like a Prince absent in the Country but so much as will carry him home to the Court to his Fathers house there he shall have enough Should such a one care for Luggage for worthless Lumber or for a Load of thick clay 3. In regard of Magnanimity and Courage Great and Noble Spirits do excel in Valour and Courage fit for high Actions and Designes not daunted with danger nor discouraged with difficulties that lye in the way of Great Atchievments and in special Valiant in War So should the high-born heirs of Heaven be more generous and noble-minded than to be daunted with the difficulties and tribulations that lye in the way to the Kingdom Act. 14.22 Not so pusillanimous as to faint in the day of Adversity Prov 24.10 as to give in when the Sons of Anak and the walled Towns are talked of now the Courage of Caleb and Joshua becomes them that are bound for Heaven for that Glory of all Lands and not the faint-heartedness of the rest And to be Valiant in the Wars of the Lord undaunted in the Spiritual warfare to hold on and hold out to the last gasp in conflict with temptations corruptions oppositions and assaults of Earth and Hell become those that are fighting for Heaven and for Eternal Glory there for that Crown that is incorruptible 1 Cor. 9.25 26 27. 2 Tim. 4.7 8. 1 Tim 6.12 Paul is of too great a spirit to be moved with all the sufferings that the whole World can bring upon him Act. 20.23 24. Hee 'l not stir an inch out of his way the way of the Rule for them all those are light things with him 2 Cor. 4.17 18. while his eye and heart is upon Heaven Contemptus à me est romanus favor furor said Luther He can contemn both the favour and fury of all the World Yea this is a holy greatness of spirit becoming those that are in choice of a Kingdom even the Kingdom of Eternal Glory Thus Heaven should raise and ennoble our Spirits Conversing with great objects makes great Spirits We see it dayly that according as the things and objects are great or mean that men converse withall so they are high or low spiriâ—ed Genes 49.9 10 14 15. Judah is for a Kingdom and therefore he hath a Lion-like magnanimity of spirit Isachar is among
yet fear them not with any discouraging dismaying fear for they are but a small matter compared with the Glory that follows Rom. 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 And also you shall be sure to get well through them if you be sure to get to Heaven as every true Believer is then you are sure to get well and safe through all the troubles that ly on this side Heaven If a man in his Journey come to a place of mire or water if he apprehend danger of drowning or of not getting safe through that drâ—ads him but if no danger of that if sure to get well through why the present trouble or hardship of wetting his foot putting thâ—m in the cold water c. he makes nothing of that Why all that are true Believers God hath assured you of this that you shall never come to any bad place to any trouble or tryal in all the way to Heaven but you shall get well through and safe to Heaven at last Isa 43.2 Why then the present trouble of a little hardship and pain to the flesh should be no great trouble to you 1 Pet. 1.4 5 6. But when troubles are in the Earth as they are even to astonishment to this day then should you go up and find Comfort in Heaven If you have Heaven to set against Earth and all Earthly evils you have enough While we tarry below or look only downward or round about us we may sink as Peter on the water But look upward away to Heaven look up stedfastly into Heaven with Stephen and there all is calm and comfortable and speaks more peace and Comfort to the faithful than all the World can speak trouble 3. Against all the difficulties straits and conflicts that lye in the way to Heaven The way indeed is strait and hard to flesh and blood Mat. 7.14 it is full of troubles from the World of temptations from Satan oppositions from the flesh tryalls from God requiring a continual warfare conflict and exercise in all these respects and much pains and care both to get into and keep in the right way It is so way-laid with enemies that you must be fain to fight at every step 1 Tim. 4.6 12. Be it so yet there is that in the end that does infinitely over-ballance all the troubles in the way It is but going through a miry-lane to a wealthy Palace or breaking through a rainy-day to go at the time appointed to take possession of a great Estate who sticks at that We have sometimes mentioned that passage of Chrysostom vid. apud Burroughs on the Excellency of the Soul page 358. great difficulties are rendred small when the matter is exceeding great for which they are gone through Who thinks it much to ride and run through frost and snow mire and water night and day when a Kingdom nay but a private Estate an Inheritance a good sum of Money lyes at stake Men will go through great pains and difficulties and make nothing of it for those things which the World accounts great But they are all trifles to Heaven 1 Cor. 9.25 Remember the greatness of Heaven's Glory that will lessen and lighten 2 Cor. 4.17 yea sweeten all your labour and travail to it Look upon the end when you are pressed with the difficulties of the way so Moses did Heb. 11.26 and Paul did 2 Cor. 4.18 Eternal Glory is worth Travelling for worth Praying for waiting watching for worth sweating suffering striving fighting for and it will quit cost and make amends to the full Israel had good reason to venture through hazards and difficulties and to go on clearly through them all when as Canaan was such an exceeding good Land Numb 14.7 8 9. Psal 106.24 so here But seeing you are called to Eternal Glory travail on cheerily thitherward though it be through hardships and difficulties stick not at them there is that in the end and that promise of certain assistance in the way that is enough to carry you through Heaven will make amends for all 4. Against those spiritual evils and wants that you are here labouring under which of all other are the sorest exercise and saddest discouragement to a gracious heart Heaven will cure them all the very fore-thoughts whereof is full of Comfort 1. Sin and remainders of Corruption that is the great and bitter complaint and vexation of the Saints Rom. 7.24 that they never be free in no duty at no time but still evil is present with them and oft in the prevailings of Corruptions and hurrying impressions of sin make work for bitter repentance And after all means mercies afflictions Prayers yet the indwelling Corruption returnes and appears again c. Why e're long you shall be rid of this troublesome inmate Heaven shall set you free for ever No body of death there none of the old man shall accompany you thither The time is coming oh happy time the very thoughts of it may make you leap for Joy when you shall never have vain thought more never be troubled with corruption more never feel any unsavoury heart more never vexed with temptations more but among the spirits made perfect serving and enjoying God with sin without weariness without interruption and end Heaven was never defiled with sin the Devil did not sin there but in this lower World and was shut out of Heaven for his sin nor ever shall be In that holy place you shall be perfectly holy for ever Hence 2. Heaven will cure the imperfection of Grace which we groan under here having none but the first fruits of the spirit Rom. 8.23 We groan under spiritual imperfections wants weaknesses Grace though begun is is but low and little and weak Hence we are pressed with spiritual wants both of Holiness and Comfort falling short in every thing our attainments poor and defective We are mourning and striving after perfection but reach it not But in Glory Grace will be perfected that is a state of perfection Heb. 12.23 Every Saint will then become to a perfect man Eph. 4.13 no longer a babe and childish rather Carnal than Spiritual as man 1 Cor. 3.1 and 13.9 10 11 12. Oh glorious and happy day when the Image of Christ shall be compleated in us and we shall be fully like him 1 Joh. 3.2 you shall then have that fulness of Grace and spirit which you are now praying and mourning Then will all your Prayers be answered all promises fulfilled to the height and as Josh 23.14 The day is coming when every Grace shall be full grown when there shall be perfect love perfect holiness perfect knowledge perfect unity perfect conformity to the will of God A dram of Grace is more worth than all the World but what will Grace in perfection be when you shall be filled with all the fulness of God as full of God as you can hold or can desire to be Never any more complaints of want or weakness to be sure then there shall be such a time and that
through sufferings Act. 14.12 But it is but suffering a while compared with eternity or suffering a little as the Word may be rendred compared with the weight of Glory 2 Cor. 4.17 Doct. Eternal Glory in the World to come is that which the faithful the effectually called shall be brought unto or obtain by Christ Jesus or by the Grace of God through Christ Jesus after that they have suffered a while in this world This Eternal Glory is the prize of the High-calling oâ— God Phil. 3.14 i. e. the Prize the Crown the Glory which they are called to run for and to obtain possession of at the end of the race The perfection of everlasting Glory is that which the Calling of a Christian the work of Vocation aimeth at tendeth to and issueth in Rom. 8.30 and 9.23 24. Vocation is the first open work of Grace upon an Elect person and Glorification is the last so 2 Thess 2.14 1 Thess 5.9 We are upon the last great benefit that Believers have by Christ as we see in the Text it is by Christ Jesus setting forth the Blessed Estate as such viz. Glorification We have spoken of the Incoation of it which is in this life It follows to consider of the Perfection or Consummation of it which shall be hereafter in Heaven And this is the Subject now before us from this Text which plainly speaks of future Glory for it speaks of that shall be actually possessed and enjoyed after we have suffered a while here There is a Glory now upon the faithful in their sufferings 1 Pet. 4.14 But this Text speaks of that perfect fulness of Glory for ever that shall be enjoyed after all their sufferings are ended That it is so or the truth of the Doctrine is evident in the Text and in multitude of other Scriptures Rom. 8.18 2 Cor. 4.17 18. 5.1 Luk. 18.29 30. 1 Pet. 1.4 It is that God hath promised and appointed Jam. 1.12 2.5 Luk. 12.32 Christ hath purchased Hebr. 9.12 15. prayed for Joh. 17.24 and possessed as our forerunner Joh. 14.2 3. Hebr. 6.20 and that all the Saints have expected and lived and died in the certain hope of Hebr. 11.10 16 26. 13.14 Rom. 5.2 2 Tim. 4.8 18. Philip. 3.20 21. Col. 1.5 2 Thes 1.5 7. Ps 73.24 Nothing more evident and frequent in the Scripture than this As it is a matter of Faith not seen at present but believed and hoped for so God hath given us abundant ground for Faith or testimony concerning it in his Word Q. But the principal question before us is What this Glohy is that the faithful shall enjoy in the world to come A. We cannot fully tell you what it is 1 Cor. 2.9 if not the good and great mysteries of the Gospâ—l then much less the Glory of Heaven which is the up-shot of all those mysteries and whereof the best Saints do see but some glimmerings here But what the Scripture hath plainly recorded we may gather up and thence draw a little map or general view of that Glory that is prepared for us in another world such as may suit and reach useful practical ends to stir us up to seek after it to esteem it above all the world and make us account it the only great matter and necessity to get to Heaven and may help the Saints to rejoyce in their portion and comfort them over all their sorrows in this life c. though not to satisfie or feed a curiosity of roving speculation A sober apprehension of Heavens Glory is sufficient for us while we are in the way to it an exact comprehension of all particulars will be had time enough when we come thither But when Earth is full of trouble and evil round about us it is not unsuitable to hear of Heaven and to be looking into that 2 Cor. 4.16 18. we shall not faint as long as we look upward Act. 7.54 55. We are ready to look on the right hand and on the left but to be looking up stedfastly into Heaven is the best posture in evil times We need bitter things here to drive us off from the Earth but our hearts had need be relishing and tasting the sweetness of Heaven to draw them up thither When Peter wrote to the Saints under great and manifold tryals and afflictions in a time when Judgment must begin at the house of God and many amazements and terrours were ready to seize on poor Christians both men and women 1. Pet. 3.6 14. Now he discourses much of Heaven and of the Glory there He begins with it 1 Pet. 1.4 5 c. and ends with it in the Text. A discourse on such a subject is not unsuitable at such a season Now therefore for a short view of that eternal Glory that is the portion of the faithful in the world to come or of the Glory of the Saints in Heaven it may be set forth and considered 1. In a Positive 2. In a Comparative or Argumentative way from such Comparisons and Considerations as may argue the greatness and goodness of this Glory 1. In a Positive way so we may take this description of it ☞ The Glory of the faithful in the life to come wherein the benefit of Glorification is consummate it is the perfect blessedness of the Saints whereby in their souls after death and in soul and body after Judgment or after the Resurrection being fully freed from all evil both of sin and sorrow they shall be filled with holiness and comfort and all good in the full fruition of God or compleat communion with God Father Son and Holy Ghost all together in the highest Heavens for evermore The summe of it stands in 1. The Matter or Essâ—nce of it which consists 1. In perfect freedom from all evil 2. Perfect enjoyment of all good 2. The continuance or duration of it that it is eternal or for evermore 3 The degrees of it that it is enjoyed 1. In soul after death 2. In soul and body at and after the last Judgment 1. This Glory of the Saints in the world to come contains in it 1. Perfect freedom from all evil They are in part freed here some beginning of deliverance from sin and misery here but there perfectly every rag and remnant every spot of sin and wrinkle of misery shall be there utterly taken away and abolished Ephes 5.27 1. From sin the worst of evils there will bâ— perfect freedom and deliverance from sin not only guilt and reigning power but from thâ— being of it Those prayers then will be fully answered Hos 14.2 Psal 39.8 and that design of Christ fully accomplished 1 Job 3.5 Tit. 2.14 1 Pet. 2.24 Hebr. 12.23 therefore free from the moral imperfection of sin perfectly sanctified You shall then be freed from sin both 1. In the habit the disposition of sin will be â—hen abolished the roots and â—eeds and principles of it plucked up no more inclination or proneness to the least evil or
They shall everlastingly be drinking down and Bathing themselves in those Rivers of Love that have been running down from Everlasting and from the well-spring of Election have issued forth in the whole Dispensation of Christ From the Father they were given to Christ Joh. 17.6 To him they shall then be presented Heb. 2.13 Jude 24. and by Christ brought into the nearest Union and Communion with him that possible can be Joh. 17.21 22 26. The Scripture speaks much of the Fathers Love 2 Cor. 13.13 1 Joh. 16.27 Rom. 8.39 And that often antecedent to the sending of Christ and all benefits by him as the original and fountain thereof Joh. 3.16 1 Joh. 4.8 9 10. Ephes 3.3 6. Tit. 3.4 6. This will then be seen and enjoyed in the fullest manner and measure according to the capacity of glorified Saints God the Father will be letting forth and pouring out his love into the souls of the Saints shedding it abroad in greater measures than now Rom. 5.5 and they drinking down the sweetness thereof for evermore beholding and tasting what manner of love that is which here they can see and conceive but a little of 1 Joh. 3.1 2. and as Ephes 3.18 19. They also making returns of love unto him and sweetest ebullitions thereof loving God then actually with all the heart soul strength and mind as is commanded This loving communion with God the Father or communion with him in love shall the Saints enjoy in Heaven in the fullest manner for evermore 2. The Son of God who is incarnate the Lord Jesus Christ who is Man as well as God his face shall be seen and his company enjoyed by the Saints in Heaven in a peculiar and most immediate manner you shall see the man Christ with bodily eyes as Job 19.27 you shall ascend to him then and be with him enjoy his immediate company and communion see him face to face Job 19.25 26 27. Philip. 1.23 2 Cor. 5.8 1 Thes 4.17 1 Joh. 3.2 You shall hear him speak to you and discourse of the great things of God each word of whose lips will be more sweet than ten thousands of Gold and Silver you shall behold him pouring forth himself and his love yea the love of God to you and the discoveries and communications of his grace and goodness through the lips and expressions of a man you shall then have full communion with the man Christ Jesus that everlasting Mediator between God and Man Why the company of a good man a loving friend a gracious Saint here that breaths much of Christ how sweet is it What then is the company of Christ himself who is full of grace and truth and that with the fulness of an head to derive like Grace and so now like Glory to all his members For as he is the meritorious and dispensing cause so also the exemplary cause as of all Grace here so of Glory hereafter as Joh. 1.16 so you shall have Glory for Glory Glory in your measure like unto his Glory the Glory that he shines with in Heaven you must share in it and have you shall have the same Glory for kind and nature though for measure and degree not equal but he will still have the preheminence Joh. 17.22 Rom. 8.29 1 Joh. 3.2 you shall live in the same Heaven with him Joh. 14.3 partake of the same love of the Father Joh. 17.23 drink of the same pleasures live the same life of holiness and happiness reign with him in the same Kingdom Rom. 8.17 Rev. 3.21 Be thrown into the same Ocean of Joy though Vessels of different quantity will take in different measures and so difference in degrees between the Saints themselves much more between the Saints and Christ Yea probably the Saints in Heaven may have Communion with Christ in the Acts of Grace as here in this life they have Communion with him in the habits of Grace i. e. that the same Actings the same Contemplations Tasts Apprehensions Ebullitions of heart the same springing of Love Joy Delight and sweet Affection that the man Christ hath shall run through Heaven and be in their measure communicated to all the Saints there For Glory properly stands in and results from the lively Acting of Grace and therefore Communion in Glory may import Communion in the Acts of Grace c. But however to be sure they shall be like him 1 Joh. 3.2 And bear his Glorious Heavenly Image there 1 Cor. 15.48 49. Like him in Soul Pure Heavenly Holy inlarged in Love to God and to his Glory as he is and like him in body too Phil. 3.21 And enjoy his Blessed Converse and Company What the particular Imployment and manner of Converse of the man Christ with and among the Saints in Heaven will be we cannot now tell you you shall know it when you come there to be sure it will be most Holy excellent and Glorious and full of mutual joy and delight I may suggest this meditation Look what Christ did in Converse with his Disciples after his Resurrection when he was then entred into a Glorified estate he then opened to them the Scriptures so as their hearts burnt within them Luk. 24.27 32 44 45. And spake of things of the Kingdom of God Act. 13. Then indeed but in order to the carrying on of the Kingdom of Grace and in such a measure as suited that end But why may we not think that he will then in Heaven in such a manner and measure as suites the Kingdom of Glory expound the Scriptures lay open the depths of the Book of God and the Mysteries of Divinity those fully and clearly that were here known but in a little part and other points that were not known at all the wonders of Law and Gospel of the Word and Works of God the depths and knowledge of Wisdom But especially the depths of Love and Grace the things that tend to the praise of the Glory of Gods Grace the great end of all his dealings with his people Ephes 1.6 those will he open and lay forth in a glorious manner And oh the burnings and flames and sparkling Impressions of Seraphical Affections that all the Saints about him will then be filled with Never such a Preacher and never such Hearers for Attention and Affection no Sleeping no Dulness no Weariness as there will be In a word Ordinances then shall cease but the quintessence and extract of all Ordinances shall be then enjoyed that power and Glory of God that beauty of the Lord be seen in the Sanctuary of Heaven that here were but glimpses through Glasses Mat. 26.29 Glorious and sweet Communion do the Saints here enjoy with Christ at a Sacrament in that Ordinance of the Lords Supper But in Heaven in the Kingdom of his Father he will as I may say celebrate that Sacrament i. e. give them the quintessence comfort and Communion of it in another manner in new fresh and immediate Communications of his Grace and sweetness There
of Heaven page 129. Bucan Lot Com. page 422. 4. Spiritualness v. 44. Not that the Body shall be then turned into a Spirit or lose the nature of a true Body But 1. The Body shall then live as Spirits and Angels do without Meat Drink Sleep and such like External Elementary Bodily supports as we need in this Animal-life being then sustained by the All-preserving All-quickning Spirit of God without the help of such means Mat. 22.30 2. The Body shall be perfectly conformable obedient and subservient to the operations of the Spirit or Soul as also to the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God The ready instrument of the Soul aptly imployed in spiritual work As when the Spirit or Soul serves the Carnal So when the flesh the Body readily serves the Spirit it may well be termed Spiritual Now in this Life the Soul is taken up in serving the Body the greatest part of our time Labour Strength Study is spent in the providing Meat and Clothing and Comforts for the Body and feeding that Eccles 6.7 But then the Body not needing those things shall be wholly serviceable to the Soul The Body shall be no more such a Troublesome Cumbersome thing as now it is needing so much tendance and adoe about it and oft interrupting Spiritual work thereby But then it shall be a more Spiritual and Heavenly peace alwayes free and ready for Soul work for Spiritual Heavenly imployment Your Contemplations Studies Sweet Affections and Communion with God never broken off and interrupted by Eating and Drinking by Dressing and Undressing c. as here they are 3. Activity Agility Lightness Nimbleness and speed in motion may also be implyed in this Spiritualness of the Body Not dull slow heavy-moulded as now but in Agility and Activity more like to Spirits Hence easily made to ascend to meet the Lord in the Aire 1 Thes 4.17 and afterward to go up with him to the third Heaven And able no doubt in a very little time though not properly in an instant to move through those vast spaces and distances of those Heavenly Mansions and from one quarter of the Coelestial World to another 3. The Glorious Company of Saints and Angels is another Additional part of Heavens Glory The fruition of God is the main Essence of it But this is an Accessional Adjunct or Concomitant that is full of Comfort Yea it is a necessary Concomitant for God will be enjoyed by his people in a Communion forever not in a single seperate way but in Conjunction and Society Mat. 8.11 and that Communion will be an help to their enjoyment of God a way and means of their Communion with God When we speak of our Immediate Communion with God in Heaven we are not to understand it absolutely that there shall be no mediums between us and the transcendant Majesty of God for there will be the Humane nature of Christ and the Communion of Saints who in a Coelâ—stial way and manner will be helpful and useful one to another to convey much of God to one another But Immediate compared with what we have here and so as these inferiour instituted means and helps and Glasses that we have here shall he laid aside But the Communion of Saints will then be in its Perfection and fullest Excellency in the Church triumphant And Love Holiness and Communicativeness which is the life of Communion then will flourish 1 Cor. 13.8 You must there enjoy Christ your Head not alone but in fellowship with all his Mystical Body Hence I said in the Description All together they shall have fruition of God All together in the Highest Heaven for evermore Heb. 11.22 23. We now come and are joyned to that body by Mystical Relation but then by way of actual Communion Consider here 1. There will be only true and Blessed Saints together in Heaven no mixture of unsound ones or secret enemies there the Communion will be absolutely pure such as is not to be expected nor no rule allowes us to expect or insist upon in the Church on earth for here there will be a mixture of Corne and Chaffe Wheat and Tears Sheep and Goats good and bad Fish while the World stands But then a perfect separation of Goates from the Sheep and the Latter alone go into the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 25.34 46. 2. There will after the last day be all the Saints together all the Vessels of Glory gathered together the whole Congregation of the Righteous Psal 1.5 the whole general Assembly of the first born All the faithful seed of Abraham which are as the Stars in Heaven and as the Sand on the Sea-shore all that ever were are or shall be of the Elect and saved blessed number and this adds much to the Glory of it We know numerous and great Assemblies here on earth are very solemn and affecting The very faces of many Saints together are quickning each to other Psal 42.4 for a multitude to go and be together in the house of God is no small thing But what an Assembly will then be what an Heart-ravishing Congregation when all the Millions of Glorified Saints shall meet together all their faces shining with the Image of God to praise and Glorifie God and joyning in the same Hallelujah Revel 19.1 2 3. 3. There shall be a knowledge one of another the Saints in Heaven shâ—ll know one another Society without acquaintance is not comfortable this shall not be wanting in that place of Bliss Yea you shall know not only those that were of your acquaintance here but all the faithful even strangers whom you never knew before you shall be able to say as Mr. Bolton speaks this is Abraham Jacob David Paul this was Luther Calvin Bradford c. As may be gathered from the Apostles knowing Moses and Elias whom they had never seen before in that glimpse of Heaven at Christs Transfiguration And from Adams knowing Eve and whence she was at first sight without any humane information of which Argument Luther Discoursed the Evening before his death and thence concludâ—d the thing in hand viz. That we shall know one another in the life to come Melch. Adam in vita Lutheri pag. 154. and all Comfortable knowledge will be then vouchsafed but this is one part of it Yea if it should ask time to come acquainted with every one to be sure there will be time enough there remembering also the quickness and accuteness of understanding memory c. But a Superiour and more immediate way of this knowledge there may well be supposed 4. There will be most sweet Holy and comfortable Converse of the Saints together Though we cannot tell you the particular manner and order of it now it will excel in order as well as otherwise Yet to be sure it will be Precious and Glorious and full of sweetness and Comfort And there will be full time season and opportunity for it at large Moses and Elias were talking together with Christ in
the love of God and of his people and those two go together 1 Joh. 4.20 and 5.1 Mat. 25.40 45. surely you are not principled for Heaven nor can have any good evidence of your going thither To be for God and for his people should be our All on Earth our whole desire and designe 2 Cor. 5.13 as that shall be our All in Heaven to enjoy Communion with God in the sweet Communion and Feâ—lowship of his Saints that is Heaven and that is the desire and aime of every Gracious Saint on Earth Of our Communion with Angels in Heaven I shall not speak particularly What it is and the manner of it will be known when you come there But as by Christ we are brought into a Fellowship and Coâ—munion with the Holy Elect Angels Hâ—b 12.22 who should else have been forever in Fellowship with Dâ—vils Mat. 25.41 so that Commuâ—â—on will thâ—â— be pâ—â—fâ—ctâ—d and knowâ— fully as it is hâ—râ— initiâ—l imperfâ—ct and but little known As the Saints when Glorified shall in their qualiâ—iâ—s and manner of â—â—â—ing be more like unto the Aâ—gelâ— Mâ—â— 22.30 So will â—hâ—â— then he câ—pâ—ble of moâ—â— Communion with tâ—â—m thâ—n now If there be joy among thâ— Angâ—lâ— wâ—en a sinnâ—r enters into the Kingdom of â—râ—câ— by Repentance Luk. 15.10 what joy wâ—ll then be when all the Saints shall come in the Kingdom of Glory The Angels Mâ—nister to the Saints by the way â—o Heaven Hebr. 1.14 and conduct them thither when thâ—y die Luk. 16.22 with what mutual joy will thâ—y all then be entertain'd there It will thâ—n be known what good Officâ—s the Holy Angels have done for the Saints here both for particular persons and Churches and places in their Ministring â—o and foâ— thâ—m how they have oâ—posed counterminâ—d thâ—â—r 〈◊〉 both Dâ—vils and wicked men what not able services those Courtiers and Curâ—iers of Heaven have been sent from Heaven upon by the Lord Jesus Christ on the behalf of his people into Courts of Princes and other great motions of the wheels of Divine Providence Dan. 10.13.20 Ezek. 1.5 How thâ—y have Guarded Defended Succoured in many dangers being faithfull to their Charge and Trust Psal 91.11 12. and 34.7 They now do us good turns and we know it not But surely all shall be known then as well as tâ—â—se pâ—rfect instances that are set down in Scripture But all to the Glory of God and Christ by whom thâ—y wâ—re imployed And to the further Joy and Comfort of the Faithful in the sense of Love of God who hâ—th so inclined and imployed the Glorious Angâ—ls to do for them And then will Saints and Angels in one Triumphant Society admirably joyn in Praising and Glorifying God for all his wonderful Works and in special for the Mâ—stâ—riâ—s of Christ and Marvels of his Redâ—mption which the Angels are eminently delightâ—d with 1 Pet. 1.12 Ephes 3.10 as â—uk 2.13.14 Oh that ever worms of Dust sinful man should be lift up to the place and state of Angels yea in some respects higher in regard of their nearer Relation to Christ their Head who as 1 Pet. 3.22 fellow Citizens and fellow Courtiers with them in the Heavenly place which was properly their own Habitation Jud. 6. Mat. 22.30 Luk. 2 15. to partake with them in the Beatifical Vision Mat. 18.10 and to bear a part with them in the praises of God Vse A word of Incouragement and Establishment to the people of God and that in the midst of troubles here in this World They need heartning on while here below under Temptations and Tribulations why a sight and thought of Heaven and of the Rest and Recompence there is enough to do it Hebr. 11.25 26. Even when the Interest of Piety and of the truly Pious is laid low in the World and despised among men and they that are for Heaven in earnest are counted a company of Foolish Humoursom Mad Fanatical people why if that be to be foolish to be for Heaven in good earnest and sixed in the way thither i. e. in the way of the Rule not to be turned out of the way by the smiles or frowns of all the World if that be folly be more foolish still as 2 Sam. 6.22 Heaven is the best choice when all is done and it is the truest wisdome to chuse that and not to stick at all the Tribulations that ley in the way The Psalmist begun to think he had made an ill bargain when he was chastened all the day long and the wicked prospered on earth c. But having God for his Portion Psal 17 24.73 And keeping with God in the way of Faith and Obedience that is the way to Heaven fear not all this World nor all the Tribulations thereof Luk. 12.32 Consider 1. All that Satan or the World can do cannot reach to Heaven where your Portion and Treasure lyes Mat. 6.20 They work but upon the earth the troubles about you here are but earthly troubles But your business is in Heaven your hope is laid up in Heaven Colos 1.5 your trade is for Heaven if Christians indeed and that cannot be obstructed by any imbargoes on Earth 2. If God will bring you to Heaven then he will not let you miscarry or be lost in the mid-way If he have called you to Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus then all the Sufferings in the mean while shall not interrupt it Rom. 8.30 nothing can break that Chain v. 31 35 39. nothing in all this World can or shall cut you off from Heaven and Glory or from the Everlasting Love and Fellowship of God to be enjoyed there If that be indeed the choice of your Souls that you refuse all this World and choice Heaven chuse the Fruition of God in Christ for your Portion if you make Moses's chooce Heb. 11.24 26. and Paul's choice 2 Cor. 4.18 and that choice the Lord propounds to every one Mark 10.21 why then Heaven you shall have and God ingages it and hath appointed you to it Heb. 11.16 why then he will not lose you bâ— the way in the Croud of Worldly Temptaâ—â—onâ— or troubles but will keep you and carry you through by his own power 1. Pet. 1.5 â—3 Instead of hindring all things and espeâ—ially the oppositions and troubles of the Truth shall but help you on toward Heaven and further your Glory there 2 Cor. 4.17 Sanctâ—fied Tribulations and Suffering for Christs sake or in obedience to his will they help to greaten your Crown and Reward in Heaven Mat. 5.11 12. they help you with an Evidence for Heaven Rom. 8.17 2 Tim. 2.11 12. 2 Thess 1.4 5. And they help to quicken and drive you on in the way to Heaven to make faster speed thither being Sanctified unto the exercise of Grace and to awake Faith Prayer Weanedness from the World esteem of Heaven more Converse there c. Heb. 11.9 10 13 14 16. Oh what can hurt the people of God whose faces are toward Heaven looking seeking pressing after
Spiritual Pleasures Psal 16.11 Heaven is called Gods Heavenly Habitation Deut. 26.15 2 Chron. 30.27 Isai 57.15 Hence the inmost part of the Tabernacle and Temple which was a Type of this Heaven was called the Holy of Holies or the most Holy place Heb. 9.8 12 24. It being by the Lords everlasting appointment and choice set apart to be the place of his most Special Gracious Glorious and Holy presence where only Holy work shall be done Prasing Blessing Glorifying God only Holy persons shall come and only the Holy God be seen and enjoyed It is chosen to be the dwelling place of perfect Holiness so perfect as is exclusive of the least sin And hence the very being in this place in Heaven and the sight of it will be a continual means as it was with the Tabernacle and Temple of old whilst instituted Holiness was upon it to raise and keep up the heart in holy affections to God And there will be every thing that may further nothing to hinder Holiness neither sin nor devil ever entred Heaven or shall enter there It is absolutely undefiled 1 Pet. 1.4 And hence none of that Confusion Disorder or Discomfort that results from sin and temptation and makes this Earth a miserable place Heaven is an Holy and so an Happy place 3. It is a place subject to no Change of a Constant incorruptible nature 1 Pet. 1.4 Inconstancy is the name of this lower World being made up of inconstant incorruptible natures The Materials Principles and Composition of it so framed and ordered as to be a stage of mutation of continual Generation and Corruption of perpetual Alteration mixt bodies resolveable into their jarring principles the Elements and the Elements thâ—mseâ—ves capable of being blended disordered and dissolved and thrown into an heap of Confusion their Forms striving and conflictâ—ng on the common stage of the first matter and moving dis-resting each other the more Passive Element is a prey to the more Active And hence this whole lower World is capable of final dissolution and dâ—solation and being turned into a dismal Chaos-like condition a fit place for Hell the last day But the third Heaven never changed since it came out of nothing what it was at once and at first that it alwayes is and will be It 's principles never stood asunder nor can be sundered it is not resolvable into any pre-existant or seperable principles hence uncapable of dissolution or corruption or of any essential Change As it came immediatly out of nothing and was at once perfected by the power of God so unless he should by the same power annihilate it which he will never do It must continue and continue in that perfection forever Hence it is a kin to the nature of Immortal Substances and Spirits and a fit and suitable Habitation for them An everlasting unchangable Habitation for Immortal and Everlasting Inhabitants 2 Cor. 5.1 Hebr. 13.14 Luk. 16.9 Hence also a fit place to lay up and enjoy an everlasting Portion in Mat. 9.19 20. there are causes of Corruption and Destruction natural or violent Intrinsecal or Extrinsâ—cal to every thing on Earth But it is not so in Heaven there is no moth and rust no internal natural Causes of decay no Moth to fret the Garments of Glory no rottenness or Worm that bâ—falls or breeds in the Timber of that Heavenly House nor yet any Thief Devil or wicked man no violent external Cause that can dig through as the word is the Walls of that house the third Heaven or the Pavement or Floor thereof It is of Impregnable Strength and Solidity there are no Chinks Clefts Gaps or Crevises in the Walls of it for solidity or firmness transparency and may stand together Job 37.18 it is impenetrable by the force of Created Nature God keeps the door of Heaven in his own hands he only opens it for Angel or Saint to come out or in no Created force can break or dig through it He alone can rend or cleave the Hâ—avens Isa 64.1 Mark 1.10 This lower World was made but to be a Stage for men to act their parts on for a few Ages and then taken down Hence it stands but on Crazy shows it may and will e're long fall on heaps It is like a Teâ—t or Tabernacle that stands on stakes thrust into the ground But the third Heaven stands on strong unmoved foundations Heb. 11.10 Being made and fitted built by God to be the everlasting settled Rest and dwelling of the Blessed Psal 73.18 Isa 22.23 Oh let this point take off our minds from and raise them above the Earth and shame us for our Earthly-mindedness The Saints are men for a better Country even an Heavenly for a better place Heb. 11.16 a place of rest immutable rest and peace instead of a place of change and motion A place of Holiness instead of a place of sin A place of Glory and Beauty and Caelestial Excellency instead of these dregs of nature that we have here on Earth You are now but in the out-houses the Barn the Hovel where the Swine and Beasts come as well as the Children But then in your Fathers house the Palace it self the best Room God hath in all the Creation Heb. 11.16 Better yea and bigger too Will you be crouded into a Nook a Corner of the earth for your Portion which will one day prove no better than a Nook of Hell when you might have a lot in those Spacious Mansions above What a point a Punctillio is the Earth if you had it all The Saints have greater portions a lot above greater than it all which should make them of great Spirits able to despise this little inconsiderable lower World Oh foolish and low-spirited Sons of men that are scuffling and contending for and about this point of the Earth the Earth beneath like to meer Ants and Pismires crawling on this dust and neglect the great and high things of Heaven as far beyond these things as the Heavens are higher than the Earth that make so much adoe about a little place to stand in under the shed and Hovel of this lower World that will e're long fall about their Ears and are mindless of the vast concernments of Everlasting Habitations If there were no Heaven no better things there we might mind the Earth only and set up our stand there But if there be a Fathers house an Inheritance undefiled c. then men are not come to themselves they are under Spiritual madness that content themselves with Earth and the Husks thereof and seek not a Lot and Portion in Heaven and in the good things thereof Indeed it is not the place alone but the Company the Fellowship of God and all the Saints that makes Heaven so happy a place there the place and its Divine Commodities are inseperable Thus of the matter and substance of the Glory of the Saints in the life to come Now follows 2. The Duration or Continuance of it viz. That it is
are departed this Life Luk. 16.22 Mat. 8.11 The Souls or Spirits of Isaac and Jacob are gathered to their people Genes 35.29 and 49.33 4. It is carried up by the Angels into the third Heaven there to be with Christ untill his second coming Luk. 16.22 with Mat. 8 11. Luk. 23.43 i. e. in his Soul for his Body was detained here on the Earth and thrown into the Grave By Paradise is meant the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12.2 with ver 4. so 2 Cor. 5.1 2. When the Soul goes out of the Tabernacle of this frail Body it enters into the Heavenly house that is Eternal It is not Harbour-less when turned out of all house and Harbour in this lower World The Soul of a Saint being departed out of the Body is with Christ Philip. 1.23 and Christ is in Heaven and there continues till his second coming 1 Pet. 3.22 Act. 3.12 Hence the Soul of a Saint of the Saint departed hath the knowledge and actual active fruition of its own Blessedness is comforted and rejoyced therein and actually drinking in those Pleasuâ—es and Joyes that are in the presence of God Luk. 16.25 Psal 16.11 with 2 Cor. 5.8 compared with which its state on Earth was but a state of absence from him v. 6. and hath an assurance of an Happy re-union with the Body and of all that fulness of Glory that the whole person shall enjoy at the Resurrection for which it waits and longs Rom. 8.23 till it be accomplished it is waited for Psal 16.9 Rev. 6.9 10 11. According to most Interpreters vid. Parens Dutch Diodate in Loc. Calvin opusc pag. 460. Bucan Loc. Com. pag. 447. in that Text is held forth that the Souls of the Saints departed being at present clothed with Robes of Glory do long for their consummate felicity in the full Redemption of the Church c. which shall be at the last Judgement A truth in it self whether the proper intendment of that place or no vid. Brightman in Lâ—c. 2 Tim. 4.8 All the Saints as on Earth so in Heaven do love and long for not with any disquâ—eting Impatience but with an Holy Expectation the appearing of Christ when they shall also appear with him in Glory But as there is an expectation of the future Glory of the Body the whole Person so there is a present enjoyment of Glory and Blessedness by the Soul while the Body is a vile and loathsome Carkass buried under the Clods fed on by the Worms and turned to dust the Soul is Shining and Triumphing in Glory Swimming in fulness of Joy in the presence of Christ and among the Spirits of the Just Hearing and Seeing after its intellectual way those things in Paradise that cannot now be uttered What some of the Saints and Prophets in Scripture have tasted of in raptures and Extasies and Paul in 2 Cor. 12.1 4. for a little see Mr. Norton's Orthodox Evang. pag. 339.341 wherein the Soul abstracted from use of bodily helps and Organs had a more immediate visional Contemplation of Objects presented that and more then that doth the Soul departed enjoy even a perpetual Vision of God and fruition of the Joyes of Heaven without the Body from Death to the Resurrection That conceit that some have had of the Souls sleeping or being in an unsensible unactive condition without the exercise of understanding memory or affections till the Resurrection is fond and foolish and contrary to the plain Testimonies of Scripture before cited which hold forth an actual enjoyment of Glory and Glorious Communion with God immediatly after Death as Well as to the nature of the Soul And was long since largely confuted by Calvin in his Psychopanychia Opuse pag. 449.476 one of the first things he wrote 1. How kind is God to his people that he will not put them off so long as the Resurrection before they enter into this Glory though the Body cannot according to appointed order come at it before yet the Soul shall have possession presently When Death must send the Body to the Grave Heb. 9.27 then he will take the Soul into Heaven and have its company there 2. This may sweeten Death to the Faithful and make them cheerfully yield up their Spirits into the hand of God who stands ready to receive them There is a present object of Glory before them a Joy immediatly to be enjoyed set before them which may make them cheerfully pass into it through the dark entry of Death Though there be a Land and Grave of darkness for the Body which yet is sweetned by the Burial of Christ yet an Inheritance of the Saints â—n light which the Soul shall presently pass into this is that that over-ballances Death and absence from the Body leaving the World even the presence of the Lord being with Christ which is best of all This should make us willing to leave the Body 2 Cor. 5.8 leave the old Crazy Rotten-house of the Body to go into the new building and into the bosome of Christ into Heaven 2 Cor. 5.1 4. And this is presently to be enjoyed you shall presently be with Christ when you leave this Body things remote affect not so much but this is near and just before you as Christ comforted them with that this day Luk. 23.43 The day of your dying is the day of your living in Paradise in Glory The day of your falling into the Earth as to the Body is the day of your ascending and being taken up to Heaven Luk. 9.51 Going to the Grave and going to Heaven they go together to the Faithtful inseparably together and there is more Comfort in the latter than discomfort in the former No sooner dissolved but you are in the Angels Arms to be carried into Christs Bosom even before you can be upon Friends Shoulders to be carried to the Grave The same step whereby you leave the World you go to the Father as Joh. 16.28 You no sooner depart hence but you are with Christ Philip. 1.23 are gathered to him and that Blessed company and people that are with him Genes 35.29 Oh how should this lift up all the Saints above the feat of that that can but kill the Body but pull out the Pins of this old house and dissolve that that is the furthest that all created power can go Luk. 2.4 Mat. 10.28 But Death and all the Instruments of Death are so far from killing the Soul that it lets that but out of Prison and sends it unto Life Eternal 2. Now consider what further Glory shall be added to the Saints for the full compleating and Consummation of their Glory and Happiness at and after the Resurrection upon the re-union of the Soul and Body It is a more incompleat or as some call it an Inchoate enjoyment of Heavenly Glory that the Saints have in their separate estate of their Souls But at the Resurrection of the Body and re-union thereof to the Soul they shall have the compleat fulness and Consummation
understanding the Joy unspeakable and Glorious 1 Pet. 1.8 the ravishing Consolations in the sense of the Love of God which the faithful have at times been feasted with such as in Comparison whereof all the Comforts of the whole World all the Riches Honours Pleasures upon Earth are but a dry Chip such as the surpassing sweetness and Glory whereof cannot be expressed And yet this but a little taste of Heaven as a drop to the Ocean of the same kind indeed with the Glory that is there but as an earnest Penny of a great and Rich Bargain A drop of the Joy of the Holy Ghost excells all the Rivers of Worldly outward sensual Comforts and Joyes which the men of the World swim in Psal 4.6 7. but infinite drops of Worldly Joy together it will not make Heaven but of Spiritual Joy it will but this is but a drop there is an Ocean of such Joy in Heaven which the Saints shall Swim and Bath themselves in to all Eternity 3. The Visible Glory and Peace of the Church that may be enjoyed in this World before the coming of Christ Great things are spoken in Scripture of the Glorious times that are yet to come wherein Jews and Gentiles shall walk together in the Lord and the Church shall enjoy freedom from open enemies and Persecutions Isa 60.18 plenty and purity of Ordinances Ezek. 37.26 Isa 66.21 23. plentiful Effusion of the Spirit and of the Graces thereof Ezek. 39.29 Prevalency and Eminency of Truth Holiness and Peace Joel 3.17 Zephan 3.9 Godly and Gracious Civil Rulers who shall make their business to promote Truth and Holiness the honour of Christ and the welfare of his people Isa 49.23 Rev. 11.15 The special presence of God in all the wayes and means thereof among them Isa 60.19 20. Revel 21.23 And hence Honour and esteem in the sight of all men Isa 62.7 and 25.8 Revel 21.24 Why this condition of the Church will be a little Heaven upon Earth hence conceived to be described by sundry terms taken from the Kingdom of Glory in Heaven Rev. 21. and 22. and there will be much Glory in it Isa 60.1 2 7. But yet it will be far short of Heaven indeed no state of the Church on Earth shall equal the state of the Church in Heaven There will still in the best time on Earth be sin and Imperfection and Temptation and Flesh and Allurements of the World to conflict withall and many particular afflictions too from the hand of God We in this remote Corner of the World have for a long time as may be well conceived enjoyed not a little tast and specimen of this peaceable and flourishing Condition of the Church but yet we find it is not Heaven we find Corruption enough in our own hearts and in one another to keep us in a continual conflict c. In the best estate of the Church on Earth there will be still cause to sigh and groan for the coming of Christ in the day of full Redemption Rev. 22.20 The greatest Glory that ever the Church shall enjoy on Earth before the Coming of Christ to Judgment will in comparison of Heaven be inglorious for that will alwayes be a truth in this world 1 Joh. 3.3 2. But if so much Glory and such great things be to be enjoyed on Earth what then will Heaven be The thought or expectation of Glorious and Happy times on Earth instead of Carnal drawing down our minds it should raise and lift them up thither For all is but an Hansell a Taste a beginning and Inchoation of what will there be Consummate All the pledges and tasts which God does or ever will give his people on Earth they are but to quicken them to press after the prize a full draught and rest that is reserved for them Comp. 3. Consider the great sufferings troubles sorrows and afflictions that the faithful some of them especially have endured in this life those are a little matter as nothing to the future Glory in Heaven there is no Comparison between them which shews that Glory to be exceeding great Rom. 8.18 Paul's Sufferings were very great few have ever gone through more then he did had you seen much more had you felft them you would have thought them exceeding heavy 2 Cor. 11.23 27. and 6.4 5. 1 Cor. 4 9 11 12 13. 2 Tim. 3.11 yet there was no Comparison between the evil and trouble of all these and the Comfort of that Glory this did infinitely over-ballance them they hold no weight against it as the word imports 2 Cor. 4.17 Nâ—t that the affliction in these was light but because the other end of the ballance was exceeding heavy As you know though there be a considerable weight in one Scale yet if you put a far greater in the other as several hundreds against ten or twenty pound weight why the far greater fetches up the other as if it were a light thing a Feather a very nothing Why thus put into one Scale all the Afflictions that ever you felt or have seen others feel about you all Sicknesses Pains Diseases Wearisome nights and dayes thereby such Griefs as those in Job 6.2 3. All the Sufferings of the Martyrs Racks Strappadoes Burnings and exquisite new-devised Torments all the Deaths Stripes Pains Bonds Wants Reproches Afflictions that Paul went through from first to last heap them on altogether in one Scale yet Eternal Glory in Heaven being put into the other Scale it is a weight exceedingly exceeding all this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this speak the exceeding greatness of this Glory that so far so exceeding Hyperbolically weighs down all the Heaviest Afflictions that they are but as a Feather as nothing to it And yet some one of these Afflictions will weigh down all the good and Comfort of this World Let a man have a dangerous Sickness a sore Tormenting pain upon him it imbitters all yea he would willingly part with all he hath though great Riches c. to be freed from it Job 2.4 Mark 5.26 But put them altogether and they will be over-ballanced and weighed down by the Glory of Heaven even as a few Sands by a Mountain Comp. 4. Consider the Excellency and Glory of this lower World and the Cost Riches and stately workmanship that God hath expended and laid out thereupon and upon the entertainment he gives to all his Creatures there in What then is the Glory of the third Heaven and of those upper and Coelestial Mansions Gods own dwelling place And what is the Entertainment that he will give there to the Inhabitants thereof This lower World is but as a stage that is set up for a while to be taken down again It is but as the hovels and out-houses where all sorts of Creatures are kept but Heaven is the Palace the dwelling house of the Great King and appointed to be the everlasting habitation of the Blessed Joh. 14.2 1 King 8.39 43. If you should come to any Great or Wealthy
mans Place and there find the Barnes and Out-houses excellently and Substantially built and much Cost laid out about them ample accommodations therein for every Beast and Creature about the house and liberal Provision for them every thing compleat and excellent you would say what is the Dwelling-house and what is the Furniture thereof Sure that is wonderful Rich and Stately and both the Building and Furniture beyond measure exquisite The application is obvious Even this lower World is a curious and costly piece The Earth which is but the dregs of Nature is full of Gods Riches Psal 104.24 In the Bowels of it is Gold Silver Precious Stones Mettals of all sorts the surface of it is in the Summer-season clothed with a pleasant dress delightful to the sense and profitable for use It is arrayed with more Glory than Solomon had in his greatest Splendor Mat. 6.28 30. Hos 14.5 6 7. Psal 65.12 The Sea is full of Riches and of the admirable Works of God Psal 104.24 25 26. The Air is a Treasury of fruitful showers and other admirable Meteors Deut. 28.12 The Aetherial Heaven is garnished with Stars Job 26.13 Therein is a Tabernacle for the Sun that admirable work of God travelling his dayly and yearly Circuit to give Light and Heat to all things on the Earth Psal 19.4 5 6. In these visible Heavens is such Divine Workmanship as may ravish all beholders Psal 8.3 and 136.4 5 7 8 9. and look upon the entertainment God gives unto all his Creatures here in this lower World all the multitudes that are down-lying and up-rising in this great house of his what Commodious and large Provision he makes for them even Inferior Creatures besides and beneath man Psal 104 27 28. The wild Asse hath the range of the Mountains for his pasture Job 39.6 8. There is enough to spare for him and all other wild Creatures that live upon the Grass in the Wilderness their table lyes alwayes spread and there is enough and to spare by the stately bounty of the large Creator The feeble Conies want not their houses and fortifications Psal 104.18 Nor the Birds their resting places ver 12.17 The young Ravens are not forgotten of God Job 38.41 Psal 147.9 Why is there such work and such Riches filling this lower World Earth and Sea and Water and the Starry Region what then is Heaven And what are the Riches and Glory that are laid up there What is the Entertainment there given to men yea to Saints and Members of Christ Jesus Christ uses that Argument as to this World Mat 6.26 much more may we use it as to the World to come when God shall pour out the fulnâ—ss of the Riches of his goodness upon the chosen Vessels thereof If such workmanship be laid out upon the Earth and the râ—st of this house of time what a curious piece is Heaven that house of Eternity 2 Cor. 5 1. the City and Palace of the King the very Region and place of Heaven the Fathers House where all his Children must be lodged and accomodated and dwell forever it does as far excel and is far above the Earth as the height of it and the ends and uses of it do excel The Pearls and Precious Stones c. that are found in the Earth will scarce serve to make the Walls of that City as appears by these Metaphorical Descriptions of the Heavenly Jerusalem which it meant of the Church on Earth is far excelled by the Glory of Heaven Revel 21.18 21. and if the outside be so Glorious that the best of the things on Earth are scarce worthy or fit to be shadows or resemblancs thereof what then is the outside What is the Furniture within and entertainment there Why it stands not in Carnal outward things and delights as the Mahomitan Paradice and the Heathen Elysian Fields they cannot be raised up to such an height as to make Heaven But Spiritual holy Delights and Joyes in the frution of God and those in their height and fulness compared wherewithal the Glory and Joy of the World is but a trifâ—le And the External condition of the Body shall in Glory Beauty Vigour Strength Spiritual Activity and Comfort every way unspeakably exceed what it is or can be conceived here Comp. 5. Consider the vast preparation God maketh for the Glorifying his Saints in Heaven The great preparation he maketh both to prepare Glory for them Mat. 25.34 Joh. 14.2 3. Heb. 11. 16 And to prepare them for Glory Rom. 9.23 2 Cor. 5.5 Col. 1.12 Election Redemption Christs Ascennsion and Intercession Vocation Sanctification Christs second coming Joh. 14.3 are all to make way and fit for and bring unto to this Glory When we see great and vaâ—â— preparations for a thing much time and cost spent therein as for a Kings Coronation for a Funeral for a Wedding we conclude it will be very magnificent â—n this preparation for Glory there is much time spent all the time of this life the Believer is fitting for it nay from before the foundation of the World from all eternity preparation hath been making Mat. 25.34 and all the time of Christs being in Heaven By his possessing it as our head Intercession c. Joh. 14.3 And great Cost all Ordinances are to this end to fit us for Heaven and all Providences Christs Death Bloodshed Ascention Intercession 1 Pet. 5.10 c. And all the Gracious operations of the Spirit 2 Cor. 5.5 All the promises point thither speak of that Glory and empty themselves there There and then viz. in the Glory of Heaven and not till then they shall be fully accomplished All the great and magnificent things which have so high a sound in all the promises in the Book of God they are fully found and met together there All the great expectations and hopes of the Saints Center and Issue there All which shew that the Glory of Heaven must needs be exceeding great and excellent And so the difficulty of it might be another Argument For difficilia quae pulchrà it cost Christ dear his Pains his Blood Life and it must cost the Christian not a little in Praying waiting watching striving Travelling Suffering the oppositions of Hell Flesh and World and not without great difficulty at last he gets to Heaven 1 Pet. 4.18 Mat. 7.14 Comp. 6. I might mention the Titles that are given to this Heavenly Glory in Scripture It 's called an Inheritance Ephes 1.18 Act. 20.32 that is amongst the best things on Earth A good Inheritance what care to obtain settle make sure of that a Rich Heir is counted happy though he wait long e're he come to Age But this is an Inheritance not Earthly but Heavenly Colos 1.12 1 Pet. 1.4 A Kingdom Mat. 25.34 Luk. 12.32 A Crown Jam. 1.12 1 Pet. 5.4 Crowns and Kingdoms are counted the top of Humane felicity on Earth the highest that mens Hopes Desires Ambitions Climbe what Scuffling and Strugling all the Earth over to be
capable to obtaâ—n Those little things of the World that lye before you when as the greatest nay all the things of the World are as nothing compared with the Heavenly Portion that is offered you in Christ Jesus And yet this is the Bane of men this is the stumbling stone at which their Souls fall and perish viz. Preferring Earth before Heaven the present God of this World bâ—fore that to come and so taking up their rest here laying out themselves their Spirits and Affections upon present outwaâ—d worldly things with neglect of and so as to have their hearts dryed up toward Heaven and Heavenly things Oh foolish and unwise Oh unspeakable sottishness and unreasonable absurdity to prefer Earth before Heaven or to take up with the Earth when Heaven is set before you To have Affections Spirits for Earth and none for Heaven when Heaven does so infinitely excel What is it most men are running after cleaving to setting up their hearts upon laying out their Spirits and best Affections and utmost endeavours about Is it not somewhat in this World Pleasure or Profit or Honour lust of the Flesh or Eye or Pride of Life Pride of Life 1 Joh. 2.16 i. e. an high and pompous manner of living affectation of height state and costliness in all the things of this life both Apparel Housing-Furniture c. above Place Rank Ability or Sobriety either in unlawful wayes and excesses or at least contentment in the lawful good things and comforts of this Life that is the highest the chiefest good that many seek after rest in and are wholly taken up about And so taken up here as to have no heart for God or Christ or Heaven no mind no affection to those things they are slightly passed over and the other pursued as the maine this present World ingrosses all But behold the Word of God shews us a more excellent Object and Prize to run for a better designe to pursue the Glory and Happiness of another World that is infinitely more excellent more necessary worthy our pains and affections more proper for immortal Souls to be busied about Should you judge by the minds and wayes of most of the Sons of men You would think there were no higher or better thing to be minded than the good of this World But the point shews us that that is better and more excellent What is all the Glory and good of this World to that of the Glory to come It is no more nor so much as a pebble stone to a Pearl or Husks to Bread or Dirt to Gold or Rags to Robes Who would take up with the former when he may have the latter Yea when called as we are continually by the voice of the Gospel to attend and imbrace the latter Remember all the outward good of this World is but Earthly the other is Heavenly But Bodily pleasing and pampering and Painting the outward man the other is Spiritual adorning perfecting and making happy the Soul But Temporal the other is Eternal 2 Cor. 4.18 The one Corruptible the other Incorruptible 1 Cor. 9.25 The one stands in the enjoyment of Creatures and but the lower sort of Creatures neither the other in the enjoyment and frution of the Infinite Creatour God Blessed for evermore How far must the latter needs excell the former Ah this Doctrine should take us off from and lift us above the Earth wean us from the World which is hard to effect the hearts of men are so Carnal There is good there to draw us but the Lord is fain to add many evils troubles here to drive us out and well if both would do Oh weep over our Earthly mind and heart Paul did so and get to Heaven in your Conversation Phil. 3.18.20 Are you of the Redeemed or no Gal. 1.4 Colos 3.12 Good is the Object of the Will and Affections and where choice is of the best good if there be one thing better than another the Will of man would have that it aspires after the best Why here be the things and therefore set your affections upon them and not on these meaner worse and inferior things that are beneath Oh get that sweet evidence of Effectual Calling that you are called out of the World taken off from this World and are men of another World men for Heaven bent upward dâ—claring plainly that you seek another and better Country then this and then you may be sure that God is your God Heb. 11.14 16. and will be your guide to the death that he will guide you by his Counsel and afterward receive you unto Glory SERMON VI. HAving passed through the Explanation of this Doctrine we may briefly add somewhat by way of Reason Why the Lord will give unto his people such great Glory in the World to come only out of the Text and we may rather take notice of some Reasons here because they are pointed to in the Text. Reas 1. From the Grace the rich Grace of God and for the Glory thereof Thâ— God of all Grace will give us this Eternal Glory It is his his Glory in his hands and dispose and he out of the Riches of his Grace will bestow and communicate it though he is the God of all Grace also as he is the Author of all the fruits and works of Grace in us yet the expression leads us to the fountain viz. The Infinite Grace nnd kindness that is in God so Rom. 5.21 It is from Grace as the Efficieâ—t That Grace the exceeding Rich Infinite Grace and kindnâ—ss of God may be forever acknowledged magnified and exalted Ephâ—s 1.3 6. When it shall be shewed and God will set himself to shew what a gift Infinite free Grace goodness kindness bounty can give then this will be the Gift such a thing as would Beggar all men and Angels and all the Riches of ten thousand Worlds they could not all should they Joyn together reach such a Gift as this Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus Rom. 6.23 God only the God of all Grace could give this He only was so rich as to be able to fill and store Heaven with all the Treasures and Riches of Glory that is there prepared and when he hath done to give it freely to his chosen There are Riches of goodness in the Gifts God gives and scatters among men here in this World But those are but little matters and by the By. But in the Gift of Heaven and Heavenly things he will set himself to shew the exceeding Riches of his Grace Ephes 2.6 7. We say how can it be that such wonderful Glory should be bestowed on such worthless worms Why it could not be indeed were it not from exceeding Rich and Infinite Grace Grace i. e. that whereby God freely and plentifully gives to the undeserving Creature and in designe to magnifie that To set all Saints and Angels a wondring at the Riches of God and at the bottomless and boundless depth and breadth of his Grace and Love
For it all comes from that fountain of Gods Grace Ephes 2.8 though purchased by Christ yet to us Christ himself and all is the Gift of Grace Eternal Glory and all that belongs to it is from the God of all Grace Text. If God do in Heaven reward any little service we do him here it is a reward of Grace and not of Debt Reason 2. From Christ It is by the means of Christ Jesus that we are brought to this Eternal Glory Text. So Thes 5.9 As the Grace of God is the fountain original and wel-spring of it Luk. 12.32 so Christ Jesus the Mediator is the great way and means whereby it is accomplished for us and conveyed communicated to us Christ brings us to Eternal Glory 1. By his purchase of it by his Death or passive Obedience he purchased our deliverance from Eternal Death and Wrath And Righteousness or active obedience he purchased and procured for us everlasting Life and Happiness Hence Rom. 5 21. It is through and by means of the Righteousness of Christ his obedience whereby being imputed to us we are made righteous in Justification v. 19 18. that Grace powerfully accomplisheth our Eternal Life For Grace will so contrive and carry on the matter as that Justice may be answered and attended that it may be a Just and Righteous thing with God to give us life and so it is by means of the Righteousness of Christ Had it not been for which the sentence of death must everlastingly have reigned over us Sinners 2. By his possession of it for us as our Head and Agent Heb. 6.20 Joh. 14.2 By the Ascension of Christ way is made for us into Heaven The first Adam could have brought us but into an Earthly Paradice but the second Adam being Lord from Heaven 1 Cor. 15.47 48. and ascending thither after he had wrought the work of our Redemption on Earth Heb. 1.3 Hence the Head draws up the Body after it and to it Joâ— 17.14 Hence Believers also shall ascend thither and have an Inheritance there in the third Heaven and in all the Glory of it 3. By preparing and ripning us for it by the work of his Spirit that whole work of Grace that is begun and carried on in this World to fit us for Glory conducting us through this World as he did Israel of old through the Wilderness to bring them to Canaan Isa 63.9 14. so 2 Cor. 5.5 Ephes 4.30 Rom. 9.23 4. By coming again to receive us to Joh. 14.3 the great end of his second coming is the actual full and final accomplishment of the Salvation of his people or putting them into full possession and fruition of it so to remain forever which is the end and upshot of all his work Heb. 9.28 2 Tim. 4.8 He will come again into this lower World even here to put Glory upon his people in the sight of all Colos 3.4 Rom. 8.18 19. and then to carry them up to Heaven where he now is Joh. 14.3 and 17.24 Reason 3. From the work of Vocation the tendency and scope whereof is to bring us to this Eternal Glory Text. In Vocation the Lord calleth us out of a state of nature of sin and death into a state of â—ternal Salvation and layes that foundation of Grace the superstructure whereof issues in Heavenly Glory The Lord in the word of the Gospel calleth us to possess and receive Eternal Life or Glory in and with Christ 2 Thes 2.14 and makes it over to them that obey that call or that effectually believe 1 Joh. 5.11 And he calls us to look at Eternal Glory in pâ—rfect Communion with God as the end of our Race or Journey and to travel towards it toward that mark of Heavenly Glory which is the prize that we are called to run for Philip. 3.14 1 Cor. 9.24 25. The Lord calleth us out of this World to be men of another World to take up our Lot and Portion in Heaven and to seek and wait for it being as strangers here as Abraham was called to leave his Country and Kindred to wait upon a promise of the Heavenly Canaan a figure of the Earthly Heb. 11.8 9 10 13 16. It is a Christians Calling the business he is called to attend upon to get to Heaven to seek for Glory Honour and Immortality to come The Grace begun in Vocation hath an inseperable connexion which tendeth to and issueth in groweth up to the perfection of Eternal Glory Glory is but the Harvest of that seed that is sown in Effectual Calling It is the perfect man which is an Infant in Vocation If the seed be sown the Child born as it is in Vocation or Conversion Regeneration then the harvest must needs follow Calling is the first patent link of the Chain for Predestination is latent in the Counsel of God the first openwork of Grace upon an Elect person and Glorification is the last but the connexion between them is inseperable Rom. 8.30 And also Vocation is the strait gate that leads to Life Eternal through which all must pass that get to Glory and by which they are prepared for it Rom. 9.23 24. Hence none but such and all such all the Effectually Called shall infallibly be brought to Eternal Glory If God have begun the work of Grace in Calling he will finish it in Heavenly Glory Phil. 1.6 Reas 4. From the Sufferings and Troubles of the Saints here 1 Pet. 5.10 The Saints having suffered with Christ here they must reign with him hereafter Rom. 8.17 2 Tim. 2.12 Having been troubled in this World they must go to rest in that to come 1 Thes 5.7 The best services and sufferings of the Saints do not deserve or merit any such thing as Heavens Glory But the Lord is pleased according to his free promise and abundant Grace Richly to reward such poor things above their worth The Lord rewards his poor Subjects not in any way of exact Justice as poor men that will give the Labourer but his hire But like Generous and Bounteous Princes that will give a Pound for that that scarce deserves a Penny Yea far more largely then so our Services and Sufferings bear no proportion with Heaven But God will Bounteously give it and call it the Recompense of Reward Heb. 11.26 i. e. a Reward of Grace not of Debt or Merit But such is the Lords promise and Grace that he hath laid up a rich Reward for his suffering Saints and they shall not lose it nor miss it They that have their Suffering Labouring Fighting time here they shall have their Rejoycing Resting Triumphing time hereafter 2 Cor. 4.17 The Lord will not be behind hand with any of his people nor yet deal scantly with them for a moments suffering and service on Earth they shall have Eternal Glory in Heaven Vse 3. Of awakning and Terrour to all Impenitent and Unbelieving sinners from the consideration of their loss or of what they continuing in that estate must and will
inevitably lose and miss of viz. Alâ— this Heavenly and Eternal Glory that we have been speaking of For we see it is the portion only of the Faithful of the Effectually Called as Text and Doctrine tells us Therefore they that abide in Impenitency and Unbelief that turn a deaf ear to the Call of the Gospel all their dayes neglect or reject the offers and motions thereof or are but half but almost perswaded never Effectually overcome to imbrace Christ Jesus and to be his in earnest They will lose and be deprived of it lay altogether that hath been said or might be concerning the excellency and greatness of this Glory you will lose and be â—eparated from all this this must be none of the portion of any such but they must be driven away from the presence of God and fellowship of this Glory The pain of loss one part of the damneds misery follows from the point in hand To lose this Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus what a fearful loss is that indeed we cannot now tell you what you will lose It is more then Tongue can utter and Heart conceive 1 Cor. 2.9 The damned in Hell will have a quicker and fuller apprehension of it to their own Terrour than here We can reach For they shall see and know in a great measure what it is though never so as to taste of it Oh the anguish that will thence follow Luk. 14.28 Consider a little here 1. Who they are that shall lose or miss of this Glory that shall never see it as to partake of it And let two or three plain Scriptures speak to this 1. Workers of Iniquity i. e. continuing such to the end of their day of Grace they must be thrown out and the door of Heaven Everlastingly shut against them sent away from the presence of God Luk. 13.27 28. They that live impenitently in any sin that follow the Trade of any way of Evil that live and allow themselves in any in sin yea though but secretly And though they take upon them a Profession of the name of Christ Mat. 7.21 22 23. 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Gal. 5.19 21. Ephes 5.5 6. Yea they that live in the omission of known duties especially the duties of Love cordial Love to the people of God Mat. 25.41 45. and so other duties also Zeph. 1.6 and 3.2 Heb. 2.3 Psal 79.6 2. Unbelievers that never truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ by whom alone we may be saved Joh. 3 36. 2 Thes 1.8 9 10. We are called by the Gospel and by Effectual Calling as in Text brought to partake of this Glory They therefore that turn a deaf ear to the call of the Gospel all their dayes never heartily listen to it and imbrace it never give up themselves to Christ or receive him by faith they will come short of this Glory Though you have never so many natural or moral excellencies though you carry it Commendable and are useful in your places c. Yet if never took off from your own Righteousness and from Carnal rest in the World in Creature Comforts and from love to sin to take hold of and be united to a Saviour to rest upon him and him alone for Salvation and become his forever If never divorced from all things else and Espoused Married to Christ by Faith you perish without remedy and shall never see the face of God in Glory Mark 16.16 We are commanded to tell you of that and you will find it true 3. The unregenerate all unbelievers are so but there is a distinct notion in this which may be useful Joh. 3.3 5 6. They whose hearts are not turned from sin to God and changed from nature to Grace from flesh to Spirit The unconverted and unsanctified it may take in both that are and continue such they that are not born again never have a new Heart and Spirit nor made new Creatures They shall never be saved never attain to or partake of this Eternal Glory Be you civilly Honest or morally Virtuous or pharisaically Righteous and devout or externally well-reputed as Nocodemus was yet if not regenerate never born again never saved None but the new born are Heirs of Heaven 1 Pet 1.3 4. As descended from the first Adam we are only to an Inheritance in Hell We must be new-begotten and new-born to an Inheritance in Heaven In this sense flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God our old Hearts and old Natures are not fit for Heaven they must be new moulded new made before they come there 4. The unholy will miss of Heavens Glory Heb. 12.14 Heaven is an Holy habitation without Holiness no coming there You may get to Heaven without Riches without Worldly Honour or possibly without great parts and Literal attainments Surgunt indocti Caelum rapiunt c. As he Apud Leigh's Body Divinity pag. 230 without Earthly Contentments but without Holiness no man shall see the face of God in Glory Thâ—re must be a sanctified heart and a sanctified life yea and that here in measure though there will be imperfection while here if ever you be Glorified hereafter You must here begin that Holiness that shall be perfected in Heaven There are that hate Holiness scorne and scoffe at it why you will have little heart to mock when you shall see the Holy ones the Saints of God carried into Heaven and you thrust out Others have no delight at all in Holiness in Holy Duties Holy Ordinances Holy Company it is a buâ—den a weariness a trouble to them Why you are not principl'd for Heaven Heaven would not be a Paradice but a Prison to you a torment in that Condition Others are utter strangers to an Holy Conversation rather walking in the Company and wayes of loose lewd and wicked men than in the wayes of the Holy Contrary to 1 Pet. 1.14 18. nothing of Heaven or Holiness is to be seen upon them no Impression or Charecter thereof Why truly if you do not beg in Heaven in this World you must not look to find it in that to come 5. They that are Enemies to the Lords Holy and faithful people that do hate maligne or seek the hurt or overthrow of those that love Holiness or of their Holy Enjoyments 2 Thes 1.5 9. Trouble and Rest shall then shift hands The Godly that now suffer Trouble shall then â—nter into Rest but their Troublers shall have trouble yea everlasting Trouble instead of Rest They that have had no heart to do good Offices for the Lords People the Members of Christ will then hear from Christ a depart you Cursed Mat. 25.41 45. much more they that act against them The Godly by Gracious suffering of Tribulations get to Heaven Act. 14.22 But the wicked by being active in bringing Tribulations on them plunge themselves deep into Hell Oh foolish World they can never effect the destruction of the Godly but they effect their own destruction by endeavouring it Psal 9.13 17. What
plainer evidence of a state of Perdition than to be an Enemy yea if but a secret enemy and hater of those who it may be your Consciences tell you are in a state of Salvation and are such as are like to get to Heaven For I speak not of pretended but real Saints or real as far as appears at least to be an enemy to those is the directest way you can take to everlasting Confusion Psal 129.5 and 34 21. As you love your Souls take heed of being found in the least opposition to the Interest of Christ or of his people 2. Consider how or in what way these impenitent unbelieving sinners do come to lose or miss of this Eternal Glory viz. in General By neglecting or not embracing the Call of the Gospel in this day of Grace and turning aside to vain things He calls us saith the Text to his Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus Hence look as by Effectual Calling i. e. by obeying and answering hearkning to and imbracing the Call of the Gospel the faithful obtain it and are brought into it so on the contrary others that live under the Gospel miss on 't by not hearkning to this Call by turning a deaf ear thereunto refusing and neglecting when called to come to Christ Jesus Prov. 1 24 27. They that hear not Christ when he sayes come Luk. 14.17 in the Kingdom of Grace shall nâ—ver hear him say come in reference to the Kingdom of Glory as Mat. 25.34 And they that hear not this latter Call come it will be because they would not hearken to the former The Lord Jesus now calls to every one of you come unto me and possess Grace and Glory in and with me If you attend to this Call by the obedience of Faith you shall hear him then say to you Come you Blessed c. Isa 55.3 But alas men lose and put away that Eternal Glory by neglecting resisting and refusing this Call of Grace Here therefore take these two or three Considerations 1. Every time you neglect or refuse the Call and offer of the Gospel you put away this Glory as Act. 13.46 The Lord Calls you on his part to Eternal Glory or to come and receive both Grace and Glory in and with Christ Jesus Rom. 6.23 Heaven is offered you when Christ is offered Hence you slight and refuse and turn your backs upon all the Glory of Heaven when you neglect the Call of the Gospel or dis-accept of Christ offered therein The Salvation of God Eternal Salvation is offered to you Act. 28.28 and you will not hear on 't you despise all the wonderfull Happiness of Heaven that we have been speaking of Oh fearful wickedness monstrous madness and miserable miss of Heaven So when you will not pray nor meditate nor hear nor wait at Christ's gates It is as much as to say that you are not for Eternal Glory which is to be sought and obtained in such wayes and how Justly how unexcusably do such perish The Lord is calling you to Eternal Glory but you turn away from it 2. Consider what it is for the sake whereof you lose or turn away from this Glory and neglect the way to it Why a vile lust a vain World these are chosen and Heaven refused these have your affections when Christ and all his Glory can have none of them And so for the sake of those for this present World a heap of vanities a fashion that passeth away you lose all the good of that to come The voice of the World calling us to Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus cannot be heard for the voice of the World calling us to present Objects and things here And so for Earth men lose Heaven Mark 10.21 22. What a mad and foolish bargain and choice is this And yet thus it is there is never a sinner that misses Heaven but he chuses Earth before it 3. You lose and miss of this Glory when it was brought near to you in the Call and offer of the Gospel when according to the order of means you might have had it When you were called to Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus viz. by the outward Call of the Gospel a real Call though not to you Effectual the reflection upon this will be one day bitter and tormenting From under a Call to Heaven to drop to Hell from under a word and call and offer of Salvation to Perdition what a dreadful thing will that be i. e. in the Eternal dispensation of it you that live in the visible Church you had an Interest in the Kingdom of Heaven it was in your hands as it were left with you and you had the offer of it the dispensation of it Job 4.22 now to lose it to let it go to be dâ—prived of it For the Children of the Kingdom to be cast out that will bring with a witness wailing and weeping and gnashing of teâ—th Mat 8 12. After you have been lifted up to Heaven it will be a fearful thing to fall down to Hell Mat. 11.23 24. 3. Consider the greatness of this loss and the bitterness thereof 1. From the exceeding greatness of the good that is lost viz. Eternal Glory all the Happinss of Heaven the sweet fellowship of the Father Son and Holy-Ghost wherein is fulness of Joy c. Psal 16.11 and all the Concomitants thereof that Heaven affords Oh it is beyond our Expression or Conception All that we have before spoken of about this future happiness presents matter of meditation here aggravating this loss Go over the particulars and say I wretched sinner continuing in that Estate or if I live in sin and unbelief must lose and be thrust out from all this be seperated from the sweet pâ—esence of God from the Love of the Father the Grace of the Son and the Consolation of the Holy Ghost Be stript of Glory both in Soul and Body utterly deprived of the Image of God each spark whereof is more worth than a World Be thrust out of the Company of Saints and Angels among damned Wights and Devils Be shut out of Heaven that place of Bliss and Glory and this perpetually everlastingly for ever and for ever more Others must go in and enjoy all this But I I for my brâ—iâ—ish sinning away my day of Grace if I should go on as I have thus long done be thrust out what wailing would that produce Luk. 13.28 2. Compare herewith Worldly losses the loss of good things in this World and remember what a griefe and torment that sometimes is If you had or were but in a fair probability and expectation to have and then should lose but a great sum of Money lose your house by Fire a Commodious Dwelling a fair Estate or all that ever you have though but a little by this or that occasion much more a Kingdom a Crown what a bitter thing would that be If you do but lose a dear Friend by death a sweet Relation a yoak-Fellow a pleasant Child how
Eternal though one would think you should need little perswading Now this is most true and evident Deut. 30.19 if you chuse life you shall live Joh. 3.19 Therefore if they had loved light rather then darkness i. e. chosen light i. e. Christ and all his Grace they should not have been condemned but saved see Prov. 1.29 Isa 56.4 5. Psal 119.30 173. Isa 66.3 4. Every man hath his choice Do you chuse Lust Sin Vanity World you shall have it Do you chuse separation from God to live at a distance and in estrangement from him that will inevitably be your everlasting portion if you continue in that choice But if the Lord give you an heart to chuse Heaven i. e. not meerly as a place of outward ease but of Holy Communion with God and fruition of him rather than Earth If you indeed chuse God and his Fellowship rather than the World Christ and Grace rather than sin then you shall have that Why is there any Body that does not chuse Heaven that would not be saved Yea a great many viz. they that chuse sin Prov. 8.36 and 1.22 That chuse this present World for their Portions 2 Tim. 4.10 That will none of God Psal 81.11 For it is the enjoyment of God that makes Heaven why if you will none of Heaven if you refuse Eternal Glory or the way to it if you care not for Blessedness no wonder if you miss of it and just will be your perdition But oh who come to be so sottish and brutish as to chuse evil before good Earth before Heaven and Death before Life chuse Life and that you may have forever 5. Whither will you turn you if you disobey this Call and neglect this offer of Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus Where will you take up your portion Where will you find any thing Comparable to this or ought that can make you happy if you refuse this Isa 10.3 You will go to the Creature to a vain World to the pleasures profits and preferments of it you will dig in the Earth for a Portion But alas there is no Eternal Glory to be found there is no good here that can make up happiness much less a durable happiness There is no Treasure on Earth but there is a destroyer lies by it Mat. 6.19 There is nothing safe in this World you can lay up nothing where destruction may not find it There is but one safe place to lay up a portion in and that is Heaven You do but lay up for the fire what you lay up on Earth for that will be the last end of all things here 2 Pet. 3.10 When that day of the universal burning of the World comes what a sensible demonstration will it be of the vanity of laying up our portion on Earth and so are all particular burnings of Houses or Towns or Cities in the lesser dayes of Gods Judgements now How many wayes does the Lord proclaim unto men that here is no suitable or durable portion for them to be had on Earth You must to Heaven if you will have any true or lasting Happiness any Eternal Glory There no Moth nor Rust no Fire nor Water no Pirate or Robber comes Make this World your Inne and not your Home and then when it is fired you may leave it without loss the Traveller suffers little or no loss when the Inne where he lodged all night is set on Fire and go home to an Everlasting Habitation Oh men may call the things of this World a Glory as Genes 31.1 but there is nothing here worthy that name or if it be it is not Eternal Glory to be sure it is but a fading fashion that passeth away Look upon the various changes losses destructions wherein the best and goodliest portions in this World do fade and fail and pass away you may write on them Sic transit gloria mundi Why then if you neglect and refuse Heaven and turn to the things below you do but imbrace shadows for substance shells and shews and vain things that cannot profit you and what a madness and folly is that 6 Consider the peril of refusing or disobeying this Call and offer of Salvation or what the issue would be should you neglect it viz. everlasting heaviness misery and damnation If you will not have Heaven you shall have Hell for you must have one of them yea a deeper and hotter Hell because you had the offer of Heaven and refused it The Lord hath brought the matter to this pinch there is but this choice before you either Heaven or Hell either Eternal Glory or Eternal Misery If you refuse the former you shall not escape the latter If you will none of Christ and Grace you shall have sin and be given up to it If you will not have the Fellowship of God you shall have the Company of the Devil and his Angels If you will not hear the voice of the call and promise of the Gospel you shall one day hear that dreadful word Mat. 25.41 Why if this be the choice is it not plain and easie to determine which is to be chosen Shall not thy Soul with fear and trembling groan to God to deliver thee from such a madness and misery as to neglect Heaven and chuse Hell to hate Christ and love death And such a madness it is to disâ—regard the Call of the Gospel the voice of wisdom and to go after the foolish woman whose Guests are in the depths of Hell 7. Remember that we must hear Christs call now in the word and Kingdom of his Grace if ever we would hear his Blessed and Glorious call at the last day unto the immediate actual fruition of Fellowship with him in the Kingdom of his Glory If we would then hear him say come as Mat. 25 34. we must hear and obey that word from him now Come now if you would come then Come now to Christ Jesus and enter into Fellowship with him as God calls you 1 Cor. 1.9 in a way of Faith and Grace if you would then come into his Kingdom and be for ever with him in a way of Glory Are you willing to hear Christ at the last and great day when he shall break out of the Clouds set him down on the Throne of his Glory and call all Nations before him then to say to you Come you Blessed inherit the Kingdom Then you must hear him now who cryes to you in the Gospel Come come unto me that you may have Life and Glory for evermore Luk. 14.17 The same portion for substance that the Saints are called to then you are invited and called to now viz. Fellowship with Christ and participation of all his benefits Peace Grace and Glory there from an Inchoation you pass to the Consummate fruition of them here from a total want to an entire possession of them so at the first believing which is in that regard a greater matter than the other will that word be acceptable and
joyful then why should not this be so now And if you do hear his voice and come to him at his call you shall hear that blessed word then Joh. 10.27 28. as è contrà Job 21.14 with Mat. 25.41 2. Now add we some Directions to guide and help us in Believing on Christ unto life Everlasting or in coming to Christ to obtain by him Eternal Glory or Salvation 1. Know that you may and ought to come to Christ for Salvation for Eternal Life For what he gives we may take but Rom. 6.23 what he designes in giving himself to us which here is to bring us to Eternal Glory 1 Pet. 5.10 1 Thes 5.9 2 Thes 2.13 14. we may aim at in receiving him and coming to him Christ calls us to him and we may and ought to come to him for all his Benefits And we see this of Glorification and the Consummation thereof in special is part thereof see also Joh. 5.40 1 Tim. 1.16 Act. 16.31 1 Pet. 1.9 We may come to him for our own Salvation i. e. not as seperate from or in oppsition to Gods Glory which cannot be if we understand Salvation aright And that 's a second 2. Be sure you have a right conception of this Glory or Salvation or happiness of Heaven i. e. Look not at it as consisting in external sensual ease and pleasures or freedom from outward evils though an holy and sanctified outward rest and freedom from outward afflictions is a part of the good that is in Heaven but not the main that is but an adjunct But look at the Communion with God Fruition of God and perfect Conformity to his Image as the main thing in it Psal 73.25 2 Cor. 5.8 Psal 17.15 Let Your Hearts and desires be eminently set upon freedom from that great evil of sin which is a choice part of the Happiness of Heaven Heb. 12.23 and fruitton of that highest good the presence of God the fellowship of the Father Son and Holy Ghost in perfect Holiness let this be the mark and top of thy desires Neither desire the end without the way Heaven without the way to it Be willing and desirous by the Grace of Christ to begin thy Heaven here Communion with God here Holy work and holy enjoyments in all the wayes thereof here Psal 27 4 For Heaven is but the perfection of what is here bâ—gun They that begin not Heaven in this World will never find one in that to câ—me And therefore be instant with Christ not only for Grace and Comfort hereafter or at the point of Death c. but for present Grace some beginnings of it at least not limiting to measures nor expecting the sensible fulness of it till after you have waited and sought and been swimming in tears in this World and therefore not quarelling nor being discouraged because of the weakness of Grace at present so much as may keep you following after God for more For present change of Heart and Nature for Grace to enable you in measure to Glorifie God on Earth that so you may be Glorified with him in Heaven 3. Behold Christ Jesus set forth and offered in the Gospel as the Ladder to Heaven or as the only and Glorious way from out of the depth of your sin and misery unto the height of that Eternal Glory If there be an high place or loft before you you cannot gâ—t to it but if a Ladder be set up you can ascend by that As well can our heavy Earthy Bodies fly up to Heaven as our Souls ever get thither of and by themselves alas we have neither wings nor legs of our own to climb Heaven with But Chrâ—st is a Ladder tâ—iâ—her the Antitype of Jacob's Ladder by him we may ascend thither By Christ Jesus as in the Text we may obtain Glory yea he is not a dead passive Ladder only but a living way He hath living Arms and a mighty power to carry uâ— up thither to lift us up through Grace to Glory Joh. 3 13. Ephes 2.5 6. Christ dying rising ascending for us is fit and able to raise us up from death to life in Heaven Christ is a Ladder whose foot reaches low enough by his Incarnatâ—on and Humiliation even as low as our low and mean Condition yea as the dungeon of our Curse and death Gal. 3.13 and hence near and fit for us to step upon to take hold of and whose top reaches high enough even as high as the height of Heavenly Glory Genes 28.12 by his Glorious Deity and Exaltation by the infinite value of his obedience purchasing that Glory for us and by his Ascension possessing it for us and by his mighty power carrying and conducting us to it If you take hold of him and cast your selves on him by Faith he will not only as I said be as a Ladder to sustain you in going up but in the Arms of his active power and Grace he will carry you up to Eternal Glory carry you on his shoulders thither as Luk. 15.5 Joh. 10.18 1 Pet. 1.5 Hence 4. Esteem the Lord Jesus Christ as most precious and Glorious as a suitable and all-sufficient Saviour or Author of Eternal Salvation and gladly imbrace an everlasting match with him with relyance on him to carry you through Grace to this Eternal Glory 1. Seeing and beholding him as the way to Heaven and to the Enjoyment of the love favour and presence of God Joh. 14.4 6. as the Glorious Author purchaser and dispenser of Eternal Salvation Prize him highly prize him and esteem him that is one ingredient of true believing 1 Pet. 2.7 and this point is a marvelous help to it For shall not he be precious and Glorious in our eyes by whom we may obtain such Eternal Glory He that opens Heaven to us even to sinners and shall not all this World be vile and dung in our eyes in comparison of him Psal 73. in follows ver 25. 2. Prizing him take him embrace him in a Conjugal way for thy Lord and Saviour Prophet Priest and King consent to have him for thy Head and Husband for ever and to be his his Spouse Subject Servant Dependant evermore Think not to have the Estate this great Riches of Grace and Glory Eternal Glory without marrying the person the Benefits without Christ himself Having the Son himself you have and shall have Eternal Life 1 Joh. 5.11 12. It is given in and with him Rom. 6.23 And therefore you must take Christ himself if you would have or get a sure Interest in this Glory 3. Taking him rest and relie on him for Salvation or for obtaining this Eternal Glory Relie on his righteousness and obedience to procure and purchase it Heb. 9.12 and to give you a lawful Judicial Title to it Rom. 5.21 that now having in him pleased God and fulfilled the Law you shall live for ever on his Ascension and continual intercession to prepare and maintain a place and room for you in that Glory Joh.
that But at present take some plain Scripture Characters of a true Faith 1. Does thy Faith grow in an humble lowly self-emptying spirit Mat. 5.3 i. e. humbled in the sense of thine own spiritual poverty and wretchedness so as to have no way but to go a begging to Christ for all Those whom the Lord will raise so high as Heaven he first layes them very low in themselves If ever he make you so rich as to give you to Heaven he will first make you very poor very empty lest vile helpless worâ—â—iless strengthless nothings in your selves lying at the foot of free Grace in Christ quite taken off from your selves to fix upon a nâ—w root and foundation in Christ Jesus Isa 57.15 God dwells with such and therefore they shall dwell with God forever pride shuts out of Heaven nothing more Psal 138.6 there shall never come near him they are the humble whom God will save Job 22.29 2. Is there the nature and true spirit of Faith viz. according to the expression in the Text to go no further an hearty answer of obedience to the Call of the Gospel Hath the Call of Christ in the Gospel pierced the ears of thy Soul yea doth it pierce them continually and captivate thy Soul into obedience It is a saying of Doctor Sibbs that is an excellent way of knowing ones Faith as when I know I believe because in hearing Gods gracious promises opened and offered unto me the spirit of God carrieth my Soul to cleave to them as my portion Does the spirit so breath in the Call of the Gospel as to cause thee to come to run to him Isa 55.5 Doest thou now hear and hearken to Christ when he he sayes come in the â—ord of Grace come unto me then thou shalt one day hear him say come in a word of Glory Mat. 25.34 The Comer to Christ never ceaseth coming 1 Pet. 2.4 till he come to him in Glory But if the Lord have bowed thine ear and drawn thine heart to hear and obey the voice of Christ this is sweet and clear evidence for Heaven Joh. 20.27 28. 3. Consider the Concomitants of thy Faith Is it accompanied 1. With Repentance or breaking off from sin from all sin in heart and affection and any known sin in life ann Conversation so true faith is Mark 1.5 Act. 20.21 The path of sin is the path-way to Hell Rom. 6.21.21 Prov. 7.27 And to live and go on therein to follow the trade of any way of sin is inconsistant with true faith 1 Joh. 3.6 But the way of turning from sin to the service of God in Christ is the path way of Life and Heaven having a sure connexion therewith though not as a meritorious cause yet as an inseperable Antecedent Rom. 6.22 2. With willing taking of Christ's yoak upon you subjection to his will in every thing Mat. 11.29 as your head and husband Ephes 5.23 24. that you can deny your selves and your own wills in submission to his will to him as Lord as well as Saviour and in special to his disposing will to bear the Cross at his appointment Mat. 16.24 patience is a conâ—omitant and a sweet evidence oâ— true Faith Heb. 6.12 Revel 13.10 When difâ—â—culties temptations on right hâ—nd or left sufferings tribulations perils do not drive you off frâ—â— the Love of Christ of his truth or wayes or from the way to Heaven the way of the rule this shews you to be good ground and principled for Heaven indeed 2 Thes 1.4 5 7. 2 Tim. 2.12 3. With Love to Christ Jesus Joh. 16.27 so to believe in Christ as to love him dearly and unfeignedly is an evidence of true believing And if you love him you love his truth his Word Mark 8.38 his Wayes his Ordinances his People as such hence that is an evidence for Heaven 1 Joh. 3.14 and 5.1 and when the people of God are under affliction and suffering as they were in the Apostles time and have no worldly advantage to allure you to love them or cleave to them but the contrary It may be you must run great hazards if you imbarque with them then it proves a searching Tryal Of many Professors there are but few that prove of Moses mind when it comes to Heb. 11.25 And when temptations of Worldly allurements or Worldly threatnings trouble cannot buy you off from the Love of Christ Cant. 8.7 4. With living upon Christ and by him Gal. 2.20 That you cling to him as your life have your spiritual soul-subsistance in him and repair to him for Grace to live to God at all times he is your spiritual livelihood from whom you derive spirit strength and Grace Heb. 12.1 2 2 Cor. 3.4 5. and 12.9 Joh. 15.4 5. That is a clear demonstration of true spiritual which is Eternal Life when a man lives not from nor for himself but from Christ Joh. 6.57 and for or to him 2 Cor. 5.15 5. Is it accompanied with forsaking all for him Luk. 14.33 And that may be a third evidence for Heaven Evid 3. If by the Grace of Christ we are taken off from the World and are strangers sojourners and pilgrims in it Then it is a a plain Case as Heb. 11.13 14 16. Every man hath and takes up his portion either in Heaven or Earth if not in Earth then in Heaven if here a pilgrim then his home is in Heaven Nothing less than a Divine and Heavenly good and a relish thereof by an inlightned Soul can kindly take it off from and lift it above all Earthly good For I speak not of a weariness of the World though frowardness and discontent but of a weanedness from it The heart of every unregenerate man is fixed glewed to the Word under a dominion of it 2 Tim 4.10 Ungodly men are men of this World and have their portion in it Psal 17.14 Now to have such acquaintance with Christ as does wean the heart from the World lift it up above it enable the Soul to contemn it all in Comparison of Christ Phil. 3.8 and give victory over it 1 Joh. 5.4 This is a plain evidence of one that is called out of the World to be a man of another World or an Heir of Heaven Evid 4. If we begin our Heaven here on Earth For Heaven is begun here in some measure though indeed but in a very poor little measure compard with the perfection that shall be in Heaven by them that shall get to Heaven hereafter as viz. 1. In loving and maintaining Communion with God according to the measure of this life Do you now seek and enjoy the Communion with God in Ordinances do you behold him in the beauties of holiness through these glasses that is a pledge and beginning and so an evidence of that full Communion you shall have in Heaven and of your seeing him there face to face and on the Sabbath in special Are your Sabbath dayes of bosom Communion with God That is a
his Sheep-coats and Cow-houses and Rural Tents as also Reuben Jugd 5.16 And therefore they are more ignoble Ass-like servile spirited The great things of the World are but seemingly great and therefore it is but a false and shady and spurious greatness of spirit that the great men of the World have But the true Christian how poor soever in this World converses with the things that are indeed great God Christ and Heaven and Eternal Glory Jam. 2.5 and therefore true and genuine greatness of spirit holy magnanimity and bravery is and should be found with him It is a shame foâ— him if the poorest meanest Believer have not more true greatness of spirit humble indeed and nothing in himself but high and mighty in Christ strong in the Lord and in the power of his might then the greatest Nimrods of the World They wrestle not for corruptible Crowns not for a fashion that passâ—th away and that will leave them spiritless and succourless when real distress comes But he hath that that will stand by him and endure through all worldly changes and is a sufficient support against the same even as Heaven is higher then the Earth so should the spirits of true Christians be above that of the World Hence we find among the Martyrs poor mean men women sometimes have had a spirit above their Persecutors when clothed with all Worldly greatness as Act. 6.10 Mat. 10.18 20. and in their greatest sufferings they have been more then Conquerours Rom. 8.35 36 37. Sin hath debased the spirit of man and made it so vile and low that every temptation every Worldly allurement or affrightment overcomes it and tramples upon it But Grace raises the spirit of a Believer who is risen with Christ especially when it grows up to a sight of Glory and lively hope thereof when Faith and Holiness are lively and active it makes a man to be of an excellent spirit above the spirit of the World Dan. 6.3 So far as this Excellent spirit is wanting in Christians so far they are carnal and Earthly and little acquainted with Heaven Oh get thine heart filled with Heaven that will lift it above the Earth and above that Earthliness and baseness and weakness that sin and estrangement from God doth clog it with 2. Improve Heaven and your hope thereof unto Consolation or spiritual Joy and Comfort This use the Lord expects and requires you should make of that hope of Glory hereafter which he gives unto you here Luk. 10.20 Mat. 5.12 Rom. 5.2 1 Thes 4.18 Heaven when actually enjoyed is the fulness of Joy and Comfort Mat. 25.21 Psal 16.11 Luk. 16.25 And while it is but promised and hoped for it is a matter of great Joy and Comfort If any of the faithful live without this Joy they do either discouragedly and sinfully put away or carelesly neglect the portion that God gives them Oh we have too much Earthly but too little Heavenly Joy an Earthly Carnal heart is the reason of that whereby we live below the Condition that God calls to Comfort and Joy is the life of every life whether natural rational or spiritual If a man have no Joy of this life it is a death rather than life No life so full of Comfort as the life of a Christian is or may be Spiritual life hath Glory in the end of it to put Comfort into all the way Oh what happy and Comfortable lives might we live if the fault were not our own when as we have the whole Covenant of Grace and therein a whole Heaven made over to us to rejoyce in God and Christ and his spirit to be our everlasting portion and not only an Interest in him at present but full fruition of him in Heaven made sure to us What though there be tribulations bitterness in the way there is sweetness enough in the end to swallow up all the bitterness thereof and to make it a light thing as 2 Cor. 4.17 and therefore notwithstanding that we may rejoyce more particularly therefore let the fore-thoughts of Heaven be matter of Comfort and Consolation 1. Against the loss of any of the good things of this World one or more some yea or all Heb. 10.34 Though you lose this or that on Earth if you have Heaven you have that that is better and virtually you have it still A better good contemns an inferior good in it For Major continet minus He that hath White-bread enough need not care though he lose a Brown-Loaf He that hath God and Heaven to rejoyce in can lose but little though he should lose all the the Earth He hath the best good and the main still and more enduring a permanent a never-failing good a good that cannot be lost Whatever you lose here you have a portion in Heaven that you cannot lose no spoiler can spoil you of that Mat. 6.20 He cannot lose much whose portion is in Heaven for that cannot be lost and all the rest all the World is but a little an inconsiderable thing Luk. 16.10 11 12. The much the main the true riches and that that is your own your proper portion that is assigned to you by God to have and to hold forever that is whole and safe still They that have great Estates they may bear it to lose a little and not feel it much yea that that would be to another man the loss of his whole Estate he may bear it to lose a little yea should it be all Earthly Comforts that to an ungodly man is his whole Estate it is all that ever he hath he may well wring his hands and waile and take on as one undone But the Godly that hath all the Glory of Heaven all the good of the Covenant of Grace for his own it is but a flea-biting to him but a little nay indeed none of his proper Estate and Portion but Additionalls but thread and Paper cast in over and above Moses can lose and leave all the Glory Wealth and pleasure of the Court of Pharaoh and make no matter of it while he looks to this recompence of reward Heb. 11.24 25 26. 2. Against the fears and dangers of Evils that may befall us in this World and all manner of afflictions therein fears and threatning dangers of what may come is oft no small part of our tryal and affliction But Luk. 12.32 in times of greatest fears this is a quieting thought that there can come nothing that shall keep you from Heaven if you be the Lords Whatever good be taken away it cannot take away Heaven from you whatever evil comes it cannot hinder you from Heaven It cannot separate you from everlasting Communion with nay it shall further you rather thereunto And if so then you may triumph over all things and evil instruments in the World that do or can annoy you Rom. 8.35.37 38 39. If you do or most actually go through some Tribulations and sorrows such as are pinching and painful to the flesh
toward Hâ—aven we shall be in danger to fall back to Hell Neglâ—ct of growth is the High way to Apostâ—â—y Heb. 6.1.4 q. d. unlâ—ss we go toward perfection we shall go backwards and be in danger of utter Apostacy Hence the sincere and truly gracious the Effâ—ctually Called cannot shâ—ll not content themselves with a little or the measure they have attained or stop in the mid-way but go on They that are indeed appointed for Heaven i. e. for full and perfect Communion with God in Christ shall keep travelling on till they come there Oh therefore labour after growth Be as hungry after milk to grow by labour as much for to take in the good of every Ordinance for growth as ever you were at first Conversion to get Life and the beeing of Grace when felt by a total want Yea the tast of Gods Grace should make us more intense than we could be before we tasted 'T is a dangerous thing when persons because they have got something and go for Saints and have some hope of Heaven then sit still and grow full and careless and all their prayers and seekings grow flat and slight and they feel no need of Ordinances but despise them And so spiritual fulness and security and pride and sloth seize upon them and when they stand at a stay may quickly grow worse and decline and are in the high-way to utter Apostacy But if God love you he will fire you out of this frame Oh you keep open doors of a formall lifeless Profession but what growth is there what progress or intense and earnest strivings prayers mournings labours after growth Think it not a small matter to be in a stupified withered condition rather of the losing than winning hand There may be a winter upon Grace for a time but if your spring-time return not it will be plain that you are dead treeâ— Oh be growing and if you be acting you will be growing exercise and growth of Grace go together be active stirring and lively in every duty in every good work in the season of it that is both an evidence and a preparation for Heaven 2. Be loosen'd from this World for while staked down and fixed here while you shoot forth your roots into the Earth and grow here as in your place of settlement and rest you are unfit and unready to remove to Heaven yea or to be travelling toward it It is he that is a stranger and pilgrim in the Earth and that dwells in tents here ready on a short warning to pluck up stakes and be gone that is a faithful seeker of that better Countrey and Traveller toward it Heb. 11.9 10 13 14 19. You cannot have two homes nor two rests nor two portions If you take up your home and rest in this World you are not prepared nor principled for Heaven nor fit to go thither as your home Etern I dwelling Be loosning and drawing off your hearts from the World expect not either a perpetual nor yet a long abode here let not that be your inward thought whiâ—e your outward and common word is that we must all die and be gone over a while Psal 49.11 Be sensible of the vanity and emptiness here Do not so much as desire your portion in this World but make choice of another portion Psal 17.14 15. Be often thinking of and expecting and waiting for your removal from hence into another World Job 14.14 Heb. 13.14 when under the sanctified sense of our non-continuance in this City we are in a fit posture of seâ—king one to come 3. Get inlarged lively and dear affections to Christ so as to love and long to be with him Heaven is the place of fullest and nearest Communion with God in Christ and therefore of strongest sweetest and most ardent affections to him the more strong and lively our affections are the â—â—tter we are for Heaven and the fitter to leave all to go thither And indeed the nearer we come to God and to our home with him in Heaven the stronger our affections will be to him As Holy Bradford said a little before his end As 't is with men in sailing saith he when they come near to the shore or Haven where they would be so the nearer I am to God the nearer I would be And saith he I have given over all care and study and only do I covet to be talking with him whom I have alwayes studied to be withall Fox vol 3. pag. 305. Heaven is the place of love the letting out and acting of love between Christ and his Saints and the same is begun here The more affectionate love we have to Jesus Christ the fitter we are for Heaven Hence those that are fit for Heaven are described by that Character that they love his appearing 2 Tim. 4.8 They love his company and because but a little of it here therefore they would go home to have it fully they love and long for the presence of Christ and to enjoy it in the fulness thereof Phil. 1.23 2 Cor. 5.8 Let Christ alone have your hearts your whole hearts let them not be divided and scattered to other things And if you have lost your affâ—ctions your first love recover them out of the hands of the Creatures that stoâ—e them away from Christ and be content with him and his love alone now you are comforâ—ably fit for Heaven and for living tâ—â—re alone with him seperated from all the World Oh when we have large and overflowing affections to the World can pour out bucâ—â—ts full there but scarse a drop for Christ hearts straitned and shut up toward him thâ—t we can live and rest in Creatures wiâ—â—out God or without Communion with him â—rom day to day but God and all his love and promises cannot content us if Creature Comforts fail or we be parted from them Alas we are far unfit for Heaven this is not a spirit for Heaven these earthly low carnal hearts are unfit for Heaven Get them raised to more Holy and Heavenly affections and more bosom delight in Christ then you are fit to go into his bosom and to live at rest there for ever 4. Be finishing of your work and to that end continually doing your present work with all yoâ—r mâ—ght that is a part of our preparation While our work is not done we are not ready but Joh. 17.4 5. when we have finished our work on Earth then we are ready for Glory in Heaven Now we cannot finish the whole work of our whole lives end But God hath appointed each dayes work and hours work the present duty of each season by doing that finisht the work of the day in its day the work of every duty in the season thereof now you are ready whenever the Lord shall please to come and call you that he shall find you not idle not behind-hand but doing the work appointed you in his name and for his Glory then blessed are you Luk. 12.40 42 43 44.
that and their back upon Earth and Mammon The World comes to scourge and lash when they seek to weary and â—â—flâ—ct them and make them as miserable on earth as may be why they do but drive them the nearer and faster into Heaven Oh then let none none of those things move you but hold on stedfastly in the way to Heaven the way of Faith and Holiness the way of regular walking with God and cleaving to him and to his Truth his Name his Interest and his People In the way of well doing commit your selves to him and be not Biassed from it by any thing in all this World Let nothing on the earth this vile miserable earth hinder or divert you â—â—om an Heavenly choice or from an Heavâ—nly course remembring the Cloud of Wiâ—nesses before you and especially the great Example of Christ Jesus Heb. 12.1 2. SERMON III. THe Glory of the place where Saints shall be together and enjoy the Beatifical presence of God viz. the Highest Heaven the third Heaven 2 Cor. 12.2 The Heaven of Heavens 1 King 8.27 Deut. 10.14 That Glorious stately Region above the Starry Heavens made and fitted to be the Everlasting habitation of the Blessed whether Christ ascended and where now he is in his Humane Nature Ephes 4.10 Mark 16.19 Act. 3.21 where God doth manifest and communicate himself and his Glory in the fullest and highest manner and therefore called the Habitation and the Throne of God 1 King 8.30 39 40. Isa 63.15 and 66.1 Psal 11.4 and 33.13 14. Mat. 5.34 And where all the Saints shall be and dwell with Christ forevermore Joh. 14.2 3. and 17.24 2 Cor. 5 1. Mat. 25.34 Touching this place the third Heaven and the Nature and Glory of it I shall not enter into a particular and distinct Discourse we have sometimes had more opportunity for that in considering thâ— Works of Creation But take two or three familier Considerations that may set for ththe Glory of this place the Highâ—st Heaven 1. It is the Excellency top and Summity the Crown and Glory of the whole World As it is the highest in place so in Nature and Excellency the Chief and Choicest part of the whole Creation As Canaan the Type of it was called the Glory of all the Lands Ezek. 20.6 So is this Heaven the Glory of the whole Creation the Fairest Best and Goodliest piece therein That may be one reason of that Name the Heaven of Heavens As Song of Songs i. e. the best most excellent Song so this is the most Excellent Heaven all other Heavens and so all other parts of the World are far inferiour to it It is the choicest place in the whole Creation the best Room God hath in this stately House that he hath built Now the Lord lets you sit without among the Servants in the outer Rooms in the Kitchin the Smoaking Kitchin of the World this Earth I mean But then when grown to full Age and fully Married to his Son he will entertain you in the best Room he hath the Fairest that ever he built his own dwelling Room and Presence Chamber of Heaven This lower World Earth and Aire and Starry Heaven they are but as the Out-houses and Hovels that are set up more incuriously But this Heaven is the dwelling house and place of the Great King And hence it is the immediate Workmanship of God himself Heb. 11.10 Men build other Cities and we know they are full of Splendor and Beauty but God built this 2 Cor. 5.1 It is a City a place of the confluence of all that Nature and Art could heap together so Cities are among men and a City of Gods building whose Artificer and Builder is God the word is As if God shewed his Art what an Artist what an Artificer a Master-builder he is in making this Heaven Of all his Works this is the most Artificial and Master-piece Now we see this lower World is stately Fabrick a Beautiful frame especially as it would have been if not defiled by sin Psal 104.24 and 8.3 and 19.4 5. What then is that higher story of the third Heaven which excells in Excellency Splendor Glory and Magnificence as much as it doth in Height the the Spaciousness and Local Situation of it speaks and notifies its Transcendant Excellency It 's stately height the highest Heaven As the Earth the lowest so the Heaven the highest Region it is above the highest of all in place far above all these visible Heavens Ephes 4.10 and yet they are of a vast height and as far above all in Excellency of Nature and in Glory Deut. 4.39 Josh 2.11 Earthly things are low things and therefore placed here below down in the Vally But that is above on high Ephes 4.8 Heb. 1.3 Cant. 8.18 It is the highest place of all Luk. 2.14 and 19.38 there is none above it and truly you can aspire no higher than what is there so its spaciousness and vast largeness the Earth though 21600. Miles in compass is but as a point i. e. of no considerable bigness of no sensible quantity compared with this second lower Starry Heaven what is it then to that Heaven of Heavens which is the highest and utmost Rim and Circumference of the whole Universe containing within the Bowels or Concave of it this whole lower World And so of greater compass than the largest of these visible Heavens And we may probably suppose that its own height and wideness I mean from rhe Pavement to the Roof of it holds proportion with its Compass or Circumference so that it is every way of Transcendant vastness and largeness A Beggar lives in a narrow little Cottage but a Prince in a spacious Pallace That place that God erected for his own dwelling place the Habitation of his Glory is suitable to so great a Majesty as 2 Chron 2.5 9. Yet is God not contained in it 2 Chron. 6.18 but containing it by his power and filling it all with his Beatifical presence and Glory And as Joh. 14.2 there in that spacious Region are Mansions and Rooms and Lots and Dwellings for all the thousands of the Glorified ones You shall be no way straitned when you come there no Tribe of Israel complain there of the straitness of their Lot But may say as Psal 118.5 the way to it is strait but the Kingdom it self is great and large 2. It is a place that was never defiled by sin as all this lower World hath been which hath marred it spoiled the Beauty and Gloss and Hangings and Comfort of it and infected the very Walls of the house c. And turned it into a place of Briars and Thorns of Troubles and Sorrows and a Valley of the shaddow of Death But Heaven is a Holy a most Holy place where never stain or spot of sin came It 's Primitive Lustre Beauty Sweetness and Comfort was never marred thereby And hence a place only of Joy and pleasure not of sensual and Carnal but of true genuine
promise presently make over to you both Grace here and Glory hereafter Everlasting Life and Blessedness Isa 55.3 Heb. 5.9 Oh hearken to this word of the Lord this voice of the High-calling of God in Christ Jesus you that have hitherto been stooping down to the dust minding nothing but Earth and Vanity yea running down hill in the way of sin toward the lowest Hell Incline your Ear and hearken to a motion and offer of Eternal Glory in Heaven open your eyes and see the Lord Jesus standing withall Grace and Glory in his hands and inviting to him to let out of your hands i. e. out of your hearts the trifles of the World and take Eternal Glory in and with a Saviour Behold Heaven is opened to you the door stands open before you if once at last you will be perswaded to enter in And you that have believed already sit not by as if this Exhortation did not concern you but oh believe again imbrace Christ again come to him afresh with fresh and new sweetness with more clearness and establishment in believing so you should do at every time he calls you and sets his Glory before you Joh. 2.11 and so at this time this day Renew your Conjugal Imbraces of Christ Jesus and so your lively hope of this Glory Christ delights to be often asking for our hearts and setting himself before us as the attractive object of them and we should delight to be often giving our hearts to him and clasping about him as the only Glorious Lovely hope and rest and portion of our Souls Now for the pursuing of this Exhortation or pressing the Call of the Gospel by this Argument of Eternal Glory to be had and which we are Called to by Christ Jesus Let us a little improve the point and Text before us 1. By way of motive or quickning and perswasive considerations to draw our hearts to Christ Jesus 2. By way of direction and help to guide us in our believing on him 3. By way of Answer to some Objections that tend to beat us from Believing For the first though it is God only can draw and perswade yet he does it by his word and therefore we must apply our selves to speak and hear to listen to such quickning drawing Considerations as the word of the Gospel does suggest and in that way the spirit breaths 1. If the Lord Call thee to Eternal Glory or to come and receive Everlasting Blessedness through Christ then what does he Call thee from or out of Why from a state of Eternal wo and misery which is that that we are naturally in and that belongs to us as sinners and as in our selves considered 1 Pet. 2.9 Colos 1.13 Joh. 5 24. The word of Christ therefore calls thee from Death to Life Oh consider what damnation is about thee yea upon thee considered in thy self and in thy Natural Estate whereby thou lyest under all sin and under all Wrath Temporal Spiritual and Eternal Rom. 6.23 That work thou hast done and that wages Death Eternal Death belongs and is due to thee thou art sinking under the burden of the Curse lying under it as without Christ Gal. 3.10 and it is all upon thee Joh. 3.36 ready every moment to drop into Hell lyable to everlasting seperation from God to hear that doom Mat. 25.41 Seperation from God thou hast the beginning on 't already in the result of the guilt and power of sin in that dead dark and Godless heart of thine and thy estrangement from God thereby and this strongly tends to perfect separation from God and that is Hell as è contra c. Why this should make this word of Salvation this offer of Eternal Life and Call to come to Christ for it wonderful sweet and acceptable Bread in Famine Deliverance in Emminent dangers Life to him that is going down to the pit how precious is it Job 33.22 24. It is to one that is going down to the pit that the Lord speaks this Calling word should not that go to thy heart As thou art going down to Hell the Lord calls thee up to Heaven When that doom is pronounced in Mat. 25.41 and those multitudes going away to Hell suppose thy self among them and that one should then come with a message from God to call thâ—e back again and to invite thee to go up with Christ in Heavenly Glory what a ravishing thing would that be Why then there will be no place for recovery or hope But now such a like thing is really done to thee thou art going down to the Pit among the Uncircumcised posting on in the way to the lowest Hell under the Curse c. And yet behold now the Lord Calls to thee to turn about and accept of a Saviour and of Eternal Life and Salvation in him Thou poor perishing Sinner if thou hast any mind to Salvation it 's offered thee freely in Christ Act. 16.31 Is not this worthy of all acceptation 2. Remember what Glory it is that you are called up unto or that is to be had by Christ Jesus Here reflect upon all the promises all that hath been spoken of the Excellency of Heavenly Glory which is indeed above what Tongue can speak or Heart conceive Blessedness perfect and Everlasting Blessedness freedom from all evil from the worst of Evils sin all sin that deadly and bitter evil that kills thee all the day long the vision and fruition of God that Ocean of goodness compared with which the whole World is but a drop Should the Lord offer you heaps of Gold and Silver and bid you take them freely what flocking would there be and what hearkning would there be to such a proposition should he tell you of Crowns and Kingdoms and make Proposals about them Should a match be offered to thee that should bring with it Riches and Honours and Treasures in abundance how would thy heart spring and leap within thee at the thoughts of it and you would not need much perswading We offer you this I mean the good and Comfort that is in these things and more ten thousand times more as Mic. 2.11 If poor Ministers had Gold and Silver to tell you of they should be hearkned to Why but we have that that is better as much better as the Heaven is higher than the Earth and this we lay before you in the name of our God The Earth and the Glory of it is too low a business to send his Son Jesus to purchase for you and to bless you with or the Gospel to tell you of But Heaven Heaven if you have any mind to that Eternal Glory that is to be had by Christ Jesus and that the High-Calling of God in Christ calls you to Come will you leave the Earth and go up to Heaven will you throw the World at your feet as dung and dust and go up thither into the bosom of God to have the Love of the Father the Grace of the Son the
Fellowship of the Spirit to all Eternity Why then Christ is for you this is that the God of all Grace Calls us to by Christ Jesus and this is most worthy of all acceptation The Land we tell you of that Coelestial Land of promise is an exceeding good Land some Clusters and Tasts of the Grapes whereof we have shewed you If you be wise go up at once and possess it and let nothing hinder or detain you as Numb 13.30 and 14.7 8. 3. Consider what a wonderful heart-breaking thing it is that the Lord should speak such a word of Salvation to you or give you such a Call to Eternal Glory Verily next to that Call that the Saints shall have at the last day to the immediate fruition of this Glory Mat. 25.34 is this Call that you now have to the possession of it in and with Christ in the Kingdom of Grace The Lord now sayes to thee come come to Christ Jesus Imbrace and possess him as offered in the Gospel and in with him Eternal Glory not seperating the estate from the person think not to have Christs Glory without having Christ himself nor the end from the way to it Heaven from the way wherein you are to walk thither But take altogether Christ and through him Grace and Glory to be obtained in a way of walking after Christ in the Kingdom of Grace and welcome it as the free gift of God Rom. 6.23 Psal 84.11 12. This the Lord Calls you to come and take possession of he bids you now enter Heaven and take your lot there in the promise and beginning of it And what a wonderful thing is this Remember 1. Whom he speaks and Calls unto a vile Sinner and wretched Malefactor that deserves to be turned into Hell and might have expected to hear a doom and Sentence of Wrath only to hear only news of Woe and Wrath and Fire and Blood to hear such a word as that in Mat. 25.41 And will the Lord unto thee say come come to a Saviour and be forever Blessed in and with him 2 Tim. 7.18 19. The Lord speaks to you of a great while to come even of Eternal Glory in the World to come the offer of it unto you all and the promise of it if you do believe 2. Who is it that Calls viz. God in Christ Jesus the God of all Grace Phil. 3.14 He sends from Heaven to Call you up to Heaven I tell you the Bowels of the Lord Jesus now in Glory are now yearning over some of you yea all of you as he is dispensing this word of Salvation to you 2 Chron. 36.15 We are but poor Instruments Messengers whom he imployes and sends It is from the design of Christ to seek and save poor Creatures to bring them to Heaven therefore he sets this great Salvation before you and Calls on you not to neglect it therefore he lifts up his voice that you might hear it as all his sheep shall and follow him that he might give you Eternal Life Joh. 10.27 28. That the King of Kings the Lord of Lords should call up a worm to the Fellowship of his own Glory Luk. 1.43 much more the Lord himself 3. Of what he speaks viz. Eternal Glory i. e. Grace and Glory the beginning of it here the Consummation of it hereafter the former in order to the latter and to the whole of both at once He offers and calls to it at once The best and greatest thing that God hath to give God himsâ—lf hath no greater gift than that Rom. 6.23 and this he thrusts into thy hands the thing that you have most need of absolute need of for there is but one thing necessary and that is to get Heaven to be saved forever the thing that is able to make you Happy a Beatifical good Everlasting Communion with God which is our Blessedness whole Happiness at once this he layes before you 4. When he thus speaks and Calls to thee when Earth is full of trouble about you and there is no rest upon it then he Calls you up to Heaven and to rest there When this lower World is stormy and unquiet then he leads you to the upper region to the Chambers of Glory where Peace dwells as Isa 26.20 when the Sea rages and is tempestuous about you now he discovers an Harbour to put into the fair Haven of Eternal Glory the Bosom of the Blessed God where your Souls may dwell at ease Psal 25.13 In every other dwelling there is some Inconvenience trouble difficulty pinching want or ail that you do not sit at ease some hard knot in every Worldly Pillow that you do not lie at ease But there your Souls shall dwell at ease lodge in goodness as the word is Goodness universal goodness shall be your lodging place Yea when sin had even thrown you down to Hell seperated you from God provoked his wrath yet now the Lord speaks of Heaven to you Yea now he thus speaks and Calls after all your neglects and mispence of time he is yet calling yet offering Christ and Life and Heaven to you this day this hour Behold now an accepted time a day of Salvation a day of Receiving Possessing and obtaining Eternal Salvation in Christ Jesus The offers of Salvation might have long since ceased and ended to you-ward but behold yet they are continued and thou hast this one Call more not only yesterday you might but to day you may hear the voice of Christ Jesus Oh harden not your hearts from so doing It may be thou sayest as Isa 55.5 6. 5. In what way a portion in this Eternal Glory is to be had and obtained in what way the Lord offers it and calls thee to possess it viz. in a way of believing on the Lord Jesus Christ i. e. as I may so express it in a way of leaving and taking Leaving that that is worthy to be left and taking accepting chusing that that is worthy most worthy to be taken Leaving and letting go all evil misery and vanity sin and world as attended and enjoyed in a way of sin Luk. 14.33 And taking all good Christ and all his benefits Grace and Glory all saving good in and with a Saviour This great Estate of Grace and Glory together with so sweet desirable and Glorious a person a match as the Son of God is What a wonderful offer and motion is this and how worthy of all acceptation Hence 4. Consider that they that now in the day of Grace chuse this Eternal Glory in earnest may yea shall have it If you chuse Heaven indeed you shall go thither if willing to have everlasting Felloship with God for your portion you shall have it Why if this be true what more plain than that the offer of of this Glory is free and real what more inexcusable or wilful than the sin and perdition of those that perish What remains but that you be perswaded to chuse and imbrace Heaven and Life