his Power or I will submit to him Which of these is the best way the safest way Are there not a great many in this Age that are as sensible of the Workings of God's Grace for their Conversion as ever you and I were that are as sensible that God hath call'd them to Holiness and Righteousness as any of us can be and yet they have resisted the Grace of God They have said in their Hearts We will not submit to this Power that will make us so holy and so watchful and so careful diligent and obedient for this very reason because it will cross my Interest it will cross my Pleasure it will hinder my Preferment in the World and my Reputation among men and for this reason I will not bear this Yoke I would be glad to hope there are none such here that have made such a Covenant with Death and Hell and yielded themselves up to the Devil to serve him all their Dayes Let us who are at this Time and at this Meeting under the Operation of God's Grace and do feel the Lord calling us by his Grace and working upon us by his Spirit let us enter together into a holy solemn Resolution That we will obey this good Spirit and take him for our Leader and submit though it should be to a Cross Thus People will think they will come to this Resolution when the Work of Redemption is begun in their Souls and when they are convinced of their Sin and their Eyes are opened to see the way of Holiness and though they never take a Resolution to walk in it yet every one shall be convinced and see there was a better waâ— than their own and be convinced by the Grace of God one time or other that in respect of God's working of it it is a beginning but in respect of Man that should join with the operation of God it is not beginning for he haâ—â— no desire to those things which he doth not know he still depends upon himself but when the Soul comes to be satisfied that it is the Visitation of God and joins himself to him in a holy Resignation of his own will and saith This is the Lord he is come to work upon me he is come to change and alter the Frame of my Mind It is the Lord let him do what he will here is a Mind brought to submit to the Grace of God God is able to do that for him which he cannot do for himself When People come to the right Object of their Faith and act their Faith upon that Object they every Day find a Progress a going forward in the Work of Grace according to the Work of Faith in their Souls and there is a Power that inclines them to believe it is not for such to cry If they had Power they would do more he that hath the Spirit of Grace the Spirit of Christ that had all Power in Heaven and Earth given to him to put it forth on purpose for the bringing back of Men and Women home to God he that hath this Object of Faith before him he will not look for Power in his own Will and Affections to redeem him he expects a Power to be daily ministred and dispensed to him as he hath need of it through the Lord Jesus Christ who is present with him in all his Tryals and Temptations He cries Here is a Temptation that will carry me away O Lord help me Put forth the Arm of thy Power and save me plant thy Fear in my heart and deliver me Their Eyes shall see their Saviour saith the Prophet Thus when a Man comes to be joined to the right Object of Faith and doth exercise and put forth lively Acts of Faith upon Christ hi Eyes shall see his Saviour the light that shines into his Heart discovers to him the Temptation and it also shews him a Redeemer at hand his Saviour is nigh him and he trusteth in him and relies upon him and says This Word of God is in my Heart and I do really believe that although the Temptation that assaults me be strong yet it shall not prevail whether it be the Profits the Pleasures or the Honours of the World if I put my Trust in this Power I cannot go near the Evil I am a Christian I am entred into a Covenant in Christianity that I will joyn with nothing but what God approves of now when I have represented to my Mind the Temptation of the Devil and that evil which he sets before me and I know it is contrary to the Mind of God How can I go into that evil and break my Covenant with God after I am entred into Covenant with him to love him serve him and obey him the Power of Grace upon such Souls the Operation of Grace is so powerful that the Temptation comes and goes and they are saved and delivered out of it because God helpeth them but if they comply with the Temptation then Tribulation Wrath and Anguish pursues all such as are rebellious and disobedient to the Will of God Now this Redemption is carried on gradually from day to day the Truth that thou believest it operates by degrees thou art delivered first from one evil Practice and then from another evil Work but there is a great deal more thou rejoicest and art glad that thou art delivered from one sin but thou wouldest be more glad to be delivered from them all I speak to those that are serious for their immortal Souls when they see themselves delivered out of one Evil that they were ready to run into they would be glad that they were redeemed out of every evil that their crosness and perversness their frowardness and Wantonness were removed they should be glad to be delivered from all their Sins What do you think say some that a Man while he liveth here may come to see all Sin all Evil and Corruption brought under and nothing but Holiness and Righteousness and Truth remain in him and that there shall be nothing but Simplicity and Innocence Do you think that such a thing can be Why should not I think so You will grant me That the Power of Grace is able to get such Power and Victory over Sin and Corruption that you may come to hate it as much as ever you have loved it if you grant me that the Consequence will follow he that gave me Victory over Sin can give me Power over all Sin All Christians believe That God's Power is infinite the Scripture testifies All things to be possible to God with whom we have to do If all things be possible to God sure this is possible there is nothing so contrary to God as Sin is and God will not suffer the Devil always to rule his Masterpiece Man Mankind is God's Masterpiece the most eminent Creature in this lower World made after God's likeness and though the Devil hath brought Men into his own likeness now yet nothing can be more
driven away in a cloudy and dark Night be brought to a glorious and blessed Day wherein they may enjoy the Gospel that brings Light to dark Souls that Praises and Thanksgivings may be offered up in thy House for thy Holy Presence with us that we may be fed there when we are assembled together in thy Name accordiâ—â— to thy Promise Continue to 〈◊〉 â—midst of us that living Praises and Thanksgivings may be offered up to thee through Jesus Christ for thou alone art Worthy who art God over all blessed for evermore Amen SERMON II. The Word of God a Christians Life Preached at Grace-Church-street March 14 1687. IT was the Doctrin of the great Master of the Christian Religion the Lord Jesus Christ while he was preaching and publishing and making known the way of Salvation among the Sons and Daughters of Men he then preached and declared That it was not Bread only by which Man lived but by everâ— Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of Goâ— Now the way and means of Mans Preservâ—tion in Life in a living state the Methâ—â— and Course that the God of Heaven doâ—â— open to keep the Sons and Daughters of Meâ— alive is by this Word Every Word 〈◊〉 proceedeth out of the Mouth of God hath a Ministration of Life in it and therefore all that are desirous of the enjoyment of the Immortal Life and of the preserving and encreasing of it they are diligently to wait to be made Partakers of this Divine Ministration Outward Bread is for our outward Preservation but Man is made inward as well as outward he hath a Soul as well as a Body Now Christ to signify to us what the inward Man is nourished and fed by tells us That Man liveth not by Bread only but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God So now in this our day as well as in former Days it hath pleased God to give unto a Remnant an experimental knowledge of the Truth of this that they have been quickned and made alive by the Word of God that is they have heard and felt and tasted of the Word of Life that was with the Father before the World began that hath been divinely ministred to them by the mercy of God through Jesus Christ many that were dead in Sins and Trespasses he hath said unto them Live He hath given unto many an inward sense of their State who sometimes had it not he hath brought many a one to feel sin to b a Burden and an oppressing Load who sometimes before have taken Pleasure and Delight in it This is a great change that is wrought in a Mans Mind that he should come to be loaden with that burthened and oppressed by that which was before â—is Pleasure and Delight yet this great Châ—â—ge hath been wrought in many a Soul by the operation of the word of God of that inward Word that inward Voice when the Lord hath taken Men in hand himself There are many have taken Sinners 〈◊〉 hand and have gone about to convince theâ— and convert them but they were not able to do it but when the Lord hath taken Man in hand himself when his Creator hath undertaken to deal with him himself then the Man cries out I am a Worm and no Man then he cries out under the sense of the judgment of God then he cries out under the indignation of the Lord which he hath kindled by his Sins he cries out for Mercy then he prays for Remission then he wishes that he had never provoked the Lord for the Word that goes out of the Mouth of God hath â— mighty Force and Power upon the Spirit of â— Man so that he is converted and changed â—â— it as the Prophet said of old The Word â—â— God is pure converting the Soul Now where any come to an experimentaâ— knowledge of the Word of the Lord of thâ— inward Voice whereby God speaks to thâ— Sons and Daughters of Men they have râ—ceived thereby an infallible feeling of thâ— own State and Condition this is the firâ—â— Lesson learned by it They come to have certain infallible knowledge of their oâ—â— State and they are sure that they cannot 〈◊〉 deceived for it brings an Evidence with it in their Consciences so that whatsoever this Word of Life signifieth to a Man he hath the knowledge of the same thing evidencing it in his own Conscience as the Apostle saith If our Hearts condemn us God is greater than our Hearts and knoweth all things Now here is a way found out for Men to obtain divine Knowledge by a divine Means for the Lord speaks by his Spirit and if Men come to hearken to that Voice unto that Speaking they perceive readily what it saith unto them The Lord tells People as well now as in former Days what he hath against them and this every one in the Closet of their own Hearts come to understand We read in the Book of Revelations what our Lord Jesus Christ appointed John to write to the seven Churches in Asia that he had a few things against some and many things against others Now that which is the design of our Meetâ—ng when we are Assembled together is that we may know what the Mind and Judgment of God is concerning our Selves How shall we know that unless we ask him and come to wait upon him and enquire at the Oracle of Counsel that God hath appointed in the Bosome of every man For he signifies his mind unto the Children of men by that Light â—nd Grace which Jesus Christ hath Planted in â—hem he hath Enlightned every man that comes â—â—to the world with an undeceiving Light and he hath ministred of his truth and Grace to every man tho' the man be bad and untrue and in the Dark and there be Darkness in him yet the Light shineth in Darkness The Man may be a false Man yet there is true knowledg in him if this false Man harken to the Voice of Truth when the God of Truth signifies what his Mind and Judgment is concerning him and his present State So that here is an opportunity offered and if a Man believe the word of Truth which is administred to his own mind he cannot say such a Man hath deceived him for it is Truth it self which is signified to him which he believeth For the Truth is the object of 〈◊〉 Faith and he believeth it of himself he believeth that while he remains wicked in 〈◊〉 unrenewed state he is out of the Covenant of God and in the high Road to Destruction if he doth not get out of it and return to God and mind his Duty He believeth this and he believeth the Truth It hath been so with many it hath been so with us all this is the firâ—â— kind of Faith and Belief that ever we receive for when Truth signifies to us our fallen state our alinated state when Truth signifies and discovers to us the Partition Wall of Sin and iniquity which we
own Bosom against Whoredom Lying Drunkenness Fraud and other Sins he knows he hath done amiss he is not going to a Confessor that will take off and remove the Guilt from his Conscience he hath offended the Majesty of the great God and God hath signified to him Is not Judgment come and hath not God set it up in his own Heart if through Custom in Sin thou losest the Sense of this Judgment it is not because God hath determined to take Advantage against thee but because thou actest against thy self and comest to be past feeling thou wast once under a sense of these things and thou wast not past feeling if thou at any time told thy Parents a Lie thou hadst Remorse but now thou canst tell a Lie and not feel it thou art past feeling whose Fault is this The Lord would have brought thee to love Truth but thou chusest Lying if thou periâ—◠〈◊〉 Blood will be upon thine own head the 〈◊〉 clear from it They that receive the Word of God 〈◊〉 Life for man liveth not by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God You are sensible of God's speaking this Word to you I exhort you all in the Love of God that you would prize this manner of Speaking and look upon it as the greaâ—est Mercy that ever you enjoy'd that God hath not given over speaking to you and that Conscience hath not given over speaking to you and that the Spirit of the Lord doth yet strive with you he will not always strive you may be of that sort of Fools before you die that make a mock of sin and be as trees twice dead and plucked up by the roots You that are sensible of this inward Voice prize it above all your Mercies Health and Wealth and all other Mercies are not worthy to be compared to this Voice of God speaking in you They that prize this will never complain for want of Power they will find Power in it all the Power in Heaven and Earth is contained in this Truth that shines unto you They that come to be exercised in this Word receive Power from God for God gives it to them he gives them Power by degrees from being Sons of Belial Sons of the Devil to become Sons of God to as many as believe in his name They that receive this Truth grow tender of a Lie of a vain Word they find themselves grow tender feeling and sensible Hâ—â—e is a token that the God of Life is quickâ—â—â— them I am now tender of speaking a Lie to my Neighbour I will not do that thing to another that I would not have another do to me when you come to a tender state which is far better than an hard-hearted state you will have an Evidence in your selves That man liveth not by bread only but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God Blessed are they that God hath brought into Acquaintance with his Word of all Nations and People upon the Earth they are a blessed People though there are manifold Blessings that reach indifferently to all the sun shines and the rain falls on the evil and the good and on the just and unjust yet this is a Blessing that can only make the Soul happy that an Intercourse between it and its Maker is open that there is an open Intercourse for the Lord to hear a Man cry and he to receive his Word all those that God hath brought into Covenant with himself by Christ he hath made sensible of this Intercourse and way of God's speaking to his People which he spake to them by in former days Take heed that this way be not stopt up you know by what it was opened and what will stop it up again when you were in much Trouble and Grief you cried to the Lord and he delivered you But if I regard iniquity in my heart said David the Lord will not hear me You cried to the Lord again it may be and he did not answer you and the Lord cried to you and you answered him not but hearkned to your Lusts Yet the Lord by his long-suffering and patience hath won upon a Remnant and hath brought them over to believe and trust in his Power for Salvation and as soon as ever they came to believe in him they found his Power to remove out of the way that which hindred the Intercourse between God and their Souls What a great Stir was there in removing out of the way the Pride Corruption Enmity Loosness Wantonness and abundance more of evil things that made the Soul like a Wilderness What hacking up and burning up was there God's Word like a hammer and like a fire did break up and burn up these things and the same Word of God like a Sword did cut down those Sins and Lusts which prevailed over you before By this means God hath opened a Way for you to have access to him and for his Word to have access to you When you come to the Lord in this way you know you live by this Word and if you hear the Word of the Lord spoken immediately to you your Joy and Consolation increaseth and you have sweet Communion and Fellowship with God and Christ and with one another by this Covenant of Life How came you into it It was by removing a great deal of Rubbish out of the way If you should let this Rubbish grow up again which kept you from the Joy of the Holy Ghost will it not do it again If your Pride Corruption Enmity Prejudice Looseness and Wantonness if these be suffer'd to grow up in any of you they will do as they did before they will separate you from the Lord and from one another As the Truth brought you to God and this heavenly Fellowship with him so if a wrathful Mind and wanton Spirit get up again it will separate you from God and scatter you from one another then you will live in the outward Life and die to the inward one and perish Remember you were told so Every one that goes from this living Word and suffers any thing to arise of the old Nature so much as that riseth so much will your way of Intercourse with God be stopt sometimes Men cry to God but they have a Bar in their way and they come for Comfort to the Throne of Grace but they cannot receive those Ministrations of Joy and Peace which they desire their foolish hearts are darkned and their minds blinded and they will go on in darkness and be left out of the Holy Covenant which God hath called his People to You that God hath engaged to be his by the Operation of his Power O live in a holy Fear and watchfulness and know this That let your Understanding and Gifts be what they will you have nothing but what is given you and what God he hath given you he can take away Thou hast decked thy self with my flax and my wool and
know it they are not ignorant of one another's Names that are written in this Book they have a Fellowship that no body can declare their Communion is in that Bread and that Cup This is a Cup of Blessing indeed and this hath blessed us and will bless us God will preserve a People in this Fellowship You that are at a distance now you must come nearer to him God will chuse a People by whom his Name shall be magnified Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts we cannot but desire this for all especially for the houshold of faith we cannot but desire their Perfection their growing up in the Grace of God that they might come to be partakers of Heaven And in the next Place our Love is to all People every where we would be glad that all were saved they that despise us when we are speaking of Heavenly things speaking like a Child like a stammering Child speaking of the glorious Excellencies of God of the loving kindness of God speaking of those things which God hath spoken to our Souls they that despise these things we would be glad that they might be saved If they were partakers of these things they would be glad as well as we and they would be more really happy in respect of this World for the Time that they are to live here they would live a happier Life even in this World and they would have everlasting life in the world to come The love of Christ constrains men thus to judge that every one that hath received like precious faith ought to answer that Grace and Faith which God hath ministred to them in a holy Life and Conversation and every one who is a stranger to this thing ought to be of an enquiring Mind and an open Heart to wait for the Day when God will visit them with the same Grace when you give up your selves to a daily Cross as Christ's Disciples you will not be running after any one to teach you to know the Lord for you will all know the Lord from the least to the greatest I that have been but a little convinc'd shall I know the Lord Thou shalt know the Lord thou that art dead in thy sins and trespasses thou that hast not known the Blood of cleansing thou shalt know the Lord to be thy Judge and thy Law-giver to teach thee how thou must live walk and act and is not that a good knowledg This is the way they reckoned upon in old Time it is a notable Expression The Lord is our Judge there is the beginning he began there Judgment began at the house of God those he brings into his House he brings them under the Discipline of his House The Lord is our judge he is our king and law-giver and he will save us this same Exercise of Discipline under Judgment brought to them the Faith and Experience of his being their Law-giver and this brought them to a Faith of the last Sentence we shall be saved and the Lord answers such a People That he will bring salvation to them Salvation shall be for walls and bulwarks Did the People of this Nation but know Salvation was brought near to them and that it was their Bulwark there would not be a crying up this and the other rotten thing for a Bulwark We talk of a Bulwark as well as others we have a Bulwark blessed be the God of Heaven made of better Stuff than theirs for it is the Salvation of God which hath kept us from the Pollution of Sin and from a running into all excess and riot that others have run into it hath kept us from the Evil it hath kept Evils out of us and we have found that certainly true That all things work together for good to them that love God and fear God that all the Providences of God together they have all wrought for our good and this is the Bulwork that we have trusted in and it hath served hitherto and it will serve us and our Posterity to the end of the World This is a Bulwark that will never be stormed that will never be thrown down nor laid waste Though all the Powers on Earth and all the Potentates in this World should agree together they shall not prevail against it we have salvation for walls and bulwarks if I be within these Walls Salvation is round about me If I am got into this eternal Bulwark I am safe from the Devil and his Instruments here is a Bulwark to be relied upon Many wonder we differ with them in some Opinions we have that Confidence in this Bulwark that we desire not another God will last and abide for ever so will this Bulwark all the care that I take and all the care that you should take is to keep within these Walls Do not sally out if you go out the the Devil is watching and seeking continually whom he may devour he will catch Straglers if that People will go out for Profit or for Pleasure or Interest the Devil will catch them What such People talk of Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks the Devil hath got them in his Snare and they are caught in Drunkenness Uncleanness and other Sins the reason is they have gone out of their Bulwark they have sallyed out of their Walls for the Devil could never have fetched them out O take heed says the Apostle lest there spring up in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God as if he had said You are Christians now you are a People come to a good estate in Christ but consider you have no strength to stand but in him no Power to keep your selves but in him Take heed at all times that there spring not up in you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God take heed lest there spring up in you such a Thought as this I may take this Pleasure and the other Profit Consider that thou diest and witherest if thou depart from the living God take heed of taking Liberty above the fear of God It is not our talk of Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks that will do us good but our keeping within these Walls I remember a notable Saying of the Apostle which hath a great Emphasis in it and a great deal of Doctrin he writeth to the Church after they were become a People of professing Christians Take heed lest you come to be beguiled by the serpent as he beguiled Eve he did not speak of Jezabel a wicked Woman but he spoke of Eve a good Woman created after the image of God in righteousness and holiness They were come to a Life of Sanctification to a Life that was hidden from ages and generations You must look to your selves and look upon your selves as in the state of your Mother Eve a Woman brought forth in Righteousness and Holiness that might have stood in that Primitive state notwithstanding all the Subtilty of all the Serpents
in the World but letting her Ear hearken to this Old Serpent she was beguiled there grew up a Consultation in her reasoning part It may be so as he saith I will try So I say to you that are come to a state of Sanctification and in some measure to know the cleansing Power of God and that you have not believed in it in vain but it hath effectually wrought some Change and Alteration in you and is still carrying on the Work of your Salvation Many Temptations will attend you and many Snares will be laid in your way but God hath preserved you to this Day I know the Devil 's Wiles and Temptations are manifold they are fitted to every one's Inclinations fitted to every Opportunity and to every occasion in this World Men are tryed every way by the Tempter to see which way he may ensnare them he tries every way to ensnare and entangle the simple that he may turn them to the right-Hand or to the left that their Souls may be destroyed and perish I cannot speak to you by a more emphatical word by a more familiar Exhortation than this Take heed you be not beguiled as Eve was many will be tempted as she was but I would not have you do as she did and yield to the Temptation Take heed that you do not defile your selves but keep your garments white you that have been washed and cleansed labour to keep your selves unspotted from the world this is pure religion and undefiled that which hath enlightned many a Nation and shall enlighten many of those whose Religion is to be undefiled and to keep themselves unspotted from the world I pray God increase the number of them that so the blessed Work of Sanctification that hath begun in this way may be carried on to his Praise and the Salvation of our Souls to the spreading forth of his Glory and the exalting of his Name that the Strangers which are scattered and desolate may be brought into his holy Way and walk in it that we all in a Fellowship together walking in that holy way may through the Eternal Spirit offer Praise and Tanksgiving to God who is worthy to receive Glory and Honour Power and Dominion for ever and ever Amen SERMON IV. Baptism and the Lord's Supper Asserted Preached at Grace Church-street April 15th 1688. If any man hath not the spirit of Christ he is none of his IF I should say no more there is that in every ones Conscience that will make Application If he that hath not the Spirit of Christ is none of his you may say Whose is he then If they be none of Christ's that have not his Spirit whose are they They are all his whose Spirit rules them every one of us doth belong to him whose Spirit ruleth over us unto whose Power we are subjected You know this distinguisheth People in the World One King knoweth his Subjects from another King's Subjects they are under the Obedience of this that and the other King or Prince his Law is over them they are subject to it so here is a Decision of all the People in the World who they belong to We all of us I hope do expect there will be a Decision at the Day of Judgment and believe the things we read concerning that That there will be a Decision and some will be placed on the right-Hand and some on the left-Hand some will have the Sentence of Come ye blessed and others the Sentence of Go ye cursed but now there is a way of finding out the Decision of the Matter before we go out of the World before the Day of Judgment when there will be no Remedy that is then it must be and abide so now there is no need it should continue so if it be amiss it may be mended if I do not belong to the right Prince if I be not under the right Power and Spirit I may be for now it is a day of Grace a day of Mercy I have been a Rebel to the right Prince I may be pardoned and taken into Favor it is far better for People to know their state now than to know it then because then there will be no Remedy The Apostle in laying down Fundamental Apostolical Doctrines that were to be belived and taken notice of and are in our Age so that we may say Things written of old time were written for our learning he makes this Affirmation and Position of Doctrine He that hath not the spirit of Christ is none of his he doth not belong to him if he be called a Christian he is not a Christian if he hath not the Spirit of Christ It is but a Name he hath got he hath not that which makes him essentially so for nothing can make a Christian but having the Spirit of Christ therefore when they would vindicate their being Christians they prove it thus For he speaking of God hath sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts and we know the mind of Christ we know him that is true or we are in him that is true These things if they were right if they were true were evident Demonstrations that they were a sort of Men who depended more upon thâ— Spirit and spiritual Teachings and Spiritual Guidance than upon Rules and Methods of Teaching that were in the World I speak of this Friends because you know as well as I how averse this Age of ours hath been to have any thing spoken of Spiritual Dispensations or about spiritual Teachings though a Man hath been counted formerly a wise Man a learned Man a Man of parts if once he come to smatter out a little about inward Teaching it is enough to spot him and make him ridicul'd of his Acquaintance as if there were no such thing in the World We have a Book called the Bible it is from one end to the other full of such Expressions of being led by the Spirit you have an anointing which teacheth you all things The whole Tenor of the New Testament is about Spiritual Teaching and Divine Operarations and of Faith being the operation of God and the Old Testament hath abundance of Expressions by way of Prophecy that in the New Testament Dayes if People would look for the Law of God they must look for it in their Hearts and if they would know God they must look to the mediator the Lord Jesus Christ The New Testament seems to go that way Christians should be the most Spiritual People in the World that is the Guide the Rule But say they the Scripture is the Foundation of Faith and Manners Belief and Practice this is but Dissimulation I am afraid that is to be found in some What is the Scripture the Rule of Faith and may People believe what they find in Scripture Yes but say some it is best be aware for fear of Error What is in the Scripture is serious sound and orthodox and did Quakers think you never find in Scripture that People
Bread be held forth to a poor Creature but if he receive it not he may perish for all that it is not his tho' I have appointed it to be his and have separated it from my other Substance to be his If he receive not what I offer and would give him he may Perish for all that Here is Grace and Truth comes by Jesus Christ and God hath offered it to all Men in that he hath raised up Christ from the Dead the Grace of God which bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all Men but all Men have not received it therefore all Men have it not and they that have not the Grace of Christ and the Spirit of Christ are none of his but it doth not follow that they never will be none of his When they have received the Gift by Christ and say I will be his Sheep or Lamb they will come into his Favour by that Gift and shall partake of the good things of his Fathers Kingdom but till they have received this Gift they are not the better for it they have not any Benefit by the death of Christ they have no help no benefit by it except it be the Patience and long Suffering of God who for Christs sake bears with their Weakness and waits to 〈◊〉 â—ious and for Christs sake offers them Favoâ—r but they are not come to the Possession of it till they open their Hearts and receive the Grace of Christ then they are convinced of Christs end and â—hat there is a possibility of enjoying the Spirit of God and of being taught and led by it Take this along with you that it is your absolute and indispensible Duty to wait from day to day upon the great God of Heaven the Giver of every good and perfect Gift that you may have that blessed Gift that you may have the Assistance of a greater Power than your own to lead you out of Sin into Righteousness that through Jesus Christ you may be acceptable to God SERMON V. Christ the Way the Truth and the Life Preached at Grace-Church-street Apâ—â—â— 18 1687. I Fear the high Places are not taken away it hath been so in all Ages and it is manâ—festly so in this Day where the Heart is nâ—â— rightly prepared for the Lord there the higâ— Places are not taken away For all the higâ— Places in the time of Israel's Idolatry theâ— were ever set up when they departed from thâ— Lord and all the high Places now they arâ— up in a time of Ignorance of God when People have forgotten the Lord then they exalâ— themselves then Pride and Arrogance and every evil way prevails upon us but when Men come to seek the Lord with Uprightness that brings down their high Conceits thaâ— brings every one into Humility for every one comes to be convinced in themselves that none can find the Lord but as they are brought to be Humble nay indeed none seek after him aright buâ— such none have the promise of finding him but the Humble Therefore it is the duty of every one that is a real inquirer and seeker after God to know the right preparation of the Mind to know themselâ—â—â— in such a frame of spirit that they may see◠〈◊〉 hope that they may have a right and just expectation of finding him whom they are seeking after for this hath been the reason that a great many 〈◊〉 been frustrated in their endeavours and 〈◊〉 their purposes of seeking after the Lord 〈◊〉 have not been rightly prepared for him 〈◊〉 â—â—nifest himself â—â—to them they have noâ—â—â—wn the Preparaâ—ion of his Sanctuary there was a peculiar preâ—aration that was requisâ—â—â— to those that drew near unto the Sanctuary of God they were Hallowed that is made Holy ere they drew near to the Holy Place but alas this hath been greatly neglected in our Days unholy People with unholy Minds have been seeking after the Holy God they have been enquiring after a Holy way and were not prepared to walk in it there was nothing raised in their Minds in their Souls that was fit to walk in that way For so long as Men or Women stand in Unity with their Sins with their Lusts and Concupisence with the spirit of this World and the way of it they are not capable of receiving that which should lead them into the way of Holiness nay if it appears to them they cannot receive it for it is with them as with other guests there be other Lovers already let in which imploy thâ— Powers and faculties of their Souls so that if the most beloved of all the most excellent if the Chiefest of Ten Thousand do appear they cannot see 〈◊〉 comlyness in him The Prophet speakiâ—â— oâ— this state and condition of Men did prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus Christ when we shall see him there is no comlyness in him why we should desire him and so it hath happened to a great many now adays though the Truth hath appeared to them yet they have not looked upon it as a pleasant way as a way desirable but a 〈◊〉 be shun'd if possible What shifts have 〈◊〉 great many People made 〈◊〉 keep themselves if possible out of the way oâ— Truth arguing for this and that and dispâ—tâ—â— for one way and another that was out of Truths way out of the way of Holiness What was the meaning of all their arguments but to tell us they might be happy they might be saved though they did not come into Truths way and walk in Truths way and though they did abide in those things that were contrary to the Testimony of Truth in their own Hearts yet it might go well with them This is the strength of the arguments of all sorts of all persuasions in the World that have been arguing themselves out of the Truth and would argue us out of the Truth too and would take the liberty to do those things which are not agreeable therewith but now the reason of this is because the preparation is wanting they are those that have no need of Truth and that have no need of God and of a Saviour but think they can make shift without them he is not become the chiefest to them they can abide in the high places the can call upon the name of the Lord and they can worship in the Groves and in the high places both together like as those Nations that were brought to inhabit the Kingdon of Israel when the ten Tribes were carried away they sent for Priests to teach them they sent back to the King of Assyria to send them some Priests to teach them to worship the God of their Coâ—ntry and when the Priest came to teach them he taught them the Ceremonies of the Law and the divers observations that the Jews used to practise in that Country and so they grew into a formality of serving the God of Israel They called upon the Name of the Lord and every Nation Worshipped their own Gods How is this Nation and the
have an Eye to Christ the Author and Finisher of their Faith when Men have a reference to their Faith in Christ this makes their Duty acceptable I cannot do it except the Lord strengthen me therefore I will have respect to the Mediator Christ Jesus who was sent for a Light into the World God sends forth his Grace to every one to lay hold on that generally believe that tho' they are unable to do what God requires yeâ— he will enable them to do it 〈◊〉 aâ— many as receâ—ved him to them he gave Power to become the Sons of God tho' they were the Devils Children before He is the same yesâ—erday to day and for ever He abides alâ—â—â—s the same in his Grace to Men he is in his operation to them the same he offers Grace to them that are out of a frame of Mind to receivâ— it they may know that his Power will givâ— them Ability and that whatsoever they do of themselves will prove fruitless because it is not done in Christ's Name and Power and so not acceptable to God The greatest thing that we are to be concern'd about if we will be Religious and concern our selves about divine Matters about the Kingdom of God and the World to come is to see what frame of Mind we are in at present whether the high Places are taken away whether we are not exalted in our own Conceits of Knowledge and Wisdom and reckon not to be beholden to him for his Grace If we be highly conceited and think we can stand upon our own Legs the high Places are not taken away Men are not prepared to seek the God of their Fathers therefore let every one mind turning to God and see how it is with you see whether there be a Mind brought low enough to be subject to Christ and to the gracious Teachings of his Spirit A Man may say I can make a good Sermon I can make a good Prayer and Exhortation and I can make a Book â—nd 〈◊〉 it abroad I can do all this by mine own Pâ—â—ts and Abilities so thou maist and maist maâ—e it all full of good Words but thou canst never make it acceptable to God for without me saith Christ you can do nothing Tâ—â—â— must have the assistance of the Spirit of Christ else thou canst not make a good Prayer nor a good Book nor any thing good God esteems the very Plowing of the Wicked to bâ— an Abomination to him Where the Mind is not exercised by the Spirit of God if he should pray from Morning to Night and spend all his Days in Pennance it will do him no good If I saith David regard Iniquity you may think I am a Man in favour with God a Man after Gods own Heart yet if I regard Iniquity in my Heart the Lord will not hear my Prayer What signifies Prayers and Sermons made of good Words if they come not fâ—â—m a Heart separate from Iniquity If it be not so it will do no good at all in point of Acceptance with God O let the fear of the Lord enter upon every Heart wait all to feel the Divine Power of the Lord that brings down every high Thought that so you may look to the Preparation of your Heart that is a right Preparation when People are so low so broken and so tender that they are nothing in their own Eyes but what the Lord will make them to be Then they are as Clay to the Hands of the Potter they are fashioned by his Hands and 〈◊〉 the Worâ—â—anship of God in Chrâ—â—â— Jeâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—â—e one Mediator between God and Mâ—â— They must bear Christ Jesus his likeness 〈◊〉 his hâ—â—â—enly Image they must â—â—ve hiâ—â—ualities and have the same Minâ— in them that was in him I do always that which pleaseth my Father saith the Lord Jesus Christ Indeed he hath the doing of things in the Hearts of Men and God is pleased with him and where Men have the doing of them themselves they are thrown back as Dung in their Faces where any aim at infallible Justification where Men have a right preparation of Heart so to seek the God of their Fathers as to find him and be accepted of him it is through Jesus Christ in whom he is well pleâ—â—â—â— In all your Assemblies Prayers Exercises and Meditations you must be separated and drawn oâ—â—â—â—m your former Lovers and you must be joined to him that God hath sent to be a â—eader and a Guide unto you then you will find daily his Assistance and as you have Assistance from him you will find Acceptance wiâ—â— God and he will shew you the Father and that and nothing else will satisfy the Soul hungring and thirsting after God Shew us the Father and it sufficeth us So when Christ the Mediator comes to have wrought so far as the purifying of the Soul and the sanctification thereof and thereby fitted it for his Glory such holy Souls 〈◊〉 behold his Glory For the Lord 〈…〉 Grace and Glory and no good thing will 〈◊〉 hold from them that walk uprightly That you may be brought to this State and â—ept and preserved in it that the Heavens may rain down Fatness upon you and that you may feel the living Vertues that flow from Christ to every Member this is the Labour and Travel of the Servants of God for their own Souls and the Souls of others that are in Unity and Fellowship with the Holy Spirit SERMON VI. Captive Sinners set free by Jesus Christ Preached at Devonshire-House April 29th 166â— THere is nothing will make People live to God but that which they received from God For as all Men by Nature are in a state of Death so there must be something beyond Nature to make them alive again and that â—s it that every one ought to wait upon God 〈◊〉 that you may feel something that is supernatural And that you may be acquainteâ— with God's Gift The gift of God saith the Scripture is eternal life Many find a Life in this World that is not the Gift of 〈◊〉 The Life that People have in Sin it is not the Gift of God the Delights and Pleasures of this World are become a Life unto them The World is that to which every one must die they that are not dead to that they live all to themselves they do not live to God for none can live to God but by the Life that comes from him That which People receive of Man gathers them unto Man that which they receive of God carries them to God So Men have made Gatherings and have communicated of what they have to one another and by vertue thereof have made them a People Many Men have gathered many People â—â—ny Churches and they live to them that gathered them they do not live to God for want of receiving something from God 〈◊〉 all they that come to receive the Gift of God they die to the World and they come to live such a Life as the World doth
bringeth Salvation appeareth to all Men and that is by teaching us What doth it Teach I pray consider it iâ— teacheth us To deny all Vngodliness and 〈◊〉 worldly Lusts and to live soberly righteoâ—â— and godly in this present World Where is 〈◊〉 Sin now if a Man be taught by this Gâ—â—â—â— and the Dictates of it Can a Man live Sin and yet live righteously soberly and godly too Can a Man live in Sin and yet deâ—y all Ungodliness at the same time Where â—ave Mens Understandings been that cannot understand their Mother Tongue and consider sense Where are Mens Understandings that will say I may deny all Vngodliness and worldly Lusts and yet follow the Lusts 〈◊〉 my own Heart You would think I speak Nonsense if I should speak thus and yet we â—â—ve been put off with such nonsensical Stuff as this We must pray to God to send his holy Spirit into our Hearts to enable us to live godly righteous and sober Lives and at the same time believe that we shall never do it but that it is a business of Impossibility Now when Men come to lay these things together and when they consider between God and their own Souls how it is with them many are amazed to think they should ever be put off with such incongruous disagreeing and dissonant things that are not consistent with one another But do you think it is possible for any Man to live without sin Yes or else I would say it is impossible for any to be reconciled to God for God will never be reconciled to Sinners as such for his â—argain and Covenant is made with such kind 〈◊〉 Articles Isa 1.16 17. Wash ye make ye â—â—ean put away the evil of your doings from before mine Eyes Cease to do evil learn to do well c. Then come and let us reason together saith the Lord tho' your Sins be as Scarlet thâ—â— shall be as white as Snow tho' they be Red 〈◊〉 Crimson they shall be as Wool still these 〈◊〉 the Terms Put away the evil of youâ— doingâ— then Patience Mercy and Long Sufferiâ—â— shall be extended to you God will give grace and glory and no good thing will he with-hold what from those that say their Prayers or gâ— to the Church or a Meeting No but no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly Psal 84.11 These are the Men. And when the Lord is distinguishing by his Prophet who he would have among them he speaks of a sort of People that called upon the Name of the Lord Those that feared the Lord and spake often one to another that is of the goodness of God they were a sort of People that Trembled at the Word of God a sort of People that did not do as others did hunt after Pleasures Riches and the Honours of the World but to be acquainted with the inward Word that wrought upon their Hearts In that Day that I make up my Jewels they shall be mine saith the Lord Whose shall the others be Thou wilt own these for thine but whose shall the others be that think not upon thy Name and tremble not at thy Word There is a Place for them too Tophet is â—â—â—pared of old made both wide and large 〈◊〉 Fuel thereof is Fire and Brimstone and 〈◊〉 Wood and the breath of the Lord kindleâ—◠〈◊〉 This is for all that are Wicked 〈…〉 work Iniquity This is in the Old Testament then comes the New Testament in John's Revelations there is a separation again There are a sort of Folk which are called the true Worshippers and the Angel was commanded to go and measure the Temple and those that worshipped therein The outward Temple was not measured but left for the Gentiles to tread in and left without the measure For without are Dogs and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murderers and Idolaters and whosoever loveth and maketh a Lie And then the Lord speaks to his Prophets in the Old Testament again If thou put a difference between the Precious and the Vile then thou shalt be as my Mouth unto them but if thou huddle them altogether and sow Pillows under their Elbows then thou shalt be as my Mouth So that in all Ages God aimed at a separation of the state and condition of his People and one sort of People were purified through the sanctification of the Spirit and Belief of the Truth and another sort were unsanctified and unpurified and remain'd in their Sin and the end of Christs coming into the World it was to call People to Repentance He came not to call the Righteous but Sinners to â—epentance and to leave off their Sin To as â—â—ny as received him to them he gave Power 〈◊〉 become the Sons of God to as many as beâ—â—â—ed on his Name Whose Sons were the other They made as high a rattle of Profession as the other He tells them who is their Father You are of your Father the Devil oâ— he did orderly prove it and that was tâ—â—â— That they did the Devils Works Ergo Tâ—â—â— were the Devils Children It was Christ himself the greatest Doctor of Divinity that evâ—â— was in the World that spake these Woâ—â—â— And this is the manner of Logick whereby 〈◊〉 argues with the Pharisees to make them believe that they were the Devils Children they that do the Devils Works are the Devil's Children but you do his Works therefore you are his Children so they sought to 〈◊〉 him they could not bear such Arguments If one should go and search out a People in thâ—â— City and Nation and see one Man of this Religion another of that Religion and pick them out and use this Argument with them There is a Man professeth high he professeth a Light within if you look upon his Deeds they are dead and dark why then he is one of the Devils Children If you put me to prove this I say he doth the Devil's Works he is an Extortioner a Deceiver and a Drunkard and unclean Person and doth the Devil's Works and so is none of God's Children And so go to another sort and use this Argument it is safe enough you can never fail in this kind of Argument which Christ used and if People would use it with â—â—eâ—selves and think themselves no better 〈◊〉 we should have People confess themselves 〈◊〉 Devil's Children None come to be God's Childrâ—◠〈…〉 come to acknowledge their lost estate 〈◊〉 deplorable condition that they are fallen from God and through Sin and Iniquity are got into a nature that is at â—â—mity with God then they will cry out Who shall deliver me â—rom this body of death and Childship of Saâ—â—â— this Heirship of Wrath I am an Heir oâ— an Inheritance I am an Heir of Wrath and I would fain lose my Inheritance and Heirship and have an Inheritance with the Saints in light we shall never know this till we come to Divinity without Sophistry and without Tricks and Quirks and come to Christ's Râ—â—â—â—ning He that doâ—â—
exercisâ— of Humility and Watchfulness as becomeâ— Christians for there is now as much Danger and Peril in this time of Liberty and Tranquility as there was before If any one in the time of Persecution and Suffering hath said within himself I had better give over and part with the Truth and forsake the ways of the Lord and give over my Testimony for his Name for I shall be undone and ruined in the World this Man by his carnal Fears hath lost his Testimony So likewise if a Man in this time of liberty and freedom of serving the Lord and bearing Testimony to his Name if he shall not intirely trust in the Lord to carry him on in his Work and Service and continue his dependance upon him and wait for the Assistance of the holy Spirit of God to work in him to will and to do of his good Pleasure this Man shall lose his Testimony as well as the other Therefore let every one of you keep up a dependance upon Gods holy Spirit for carrying on the Work which he hath begun in your Souls consider what Work it is that Christ is now at in every one of you I know what his Work was when I was first Convinced he was burning up and hewing down every thing that hindered his carrying on the Work of Sanctification and Redemption and Settledness and Stability in the Covenant of Life and Peace So that our meeting together ought to be â—n the Name of Christ I hope it is so with most of you I hope it is not to see and hear what this or that Man saith but to know within your selves what part of the Work of Redemption the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying on that you may join with him and be a willing People in the Day of his Power and say as Paul Lord what wilt thou have me to do If thou wilt have me part with my all Lord here it is I offer it up and if thou wilt have any Service done Lord here I am Speak for thy Servant heareth let there be in every one of you an attentiveness and an humble waiting upon the Lord and say as the Psalmist Behold as the Eyes of Servants look unto the hands of their Masters and as the Eyes of a Maiden unto the hands of her Mistress so our Eyes wait upon the Lord our God until he have mercy upon us When ever a Christian hath his dependance upon God's Wisdom and Power such a one shall never want Wisdom the Lord will give him Wisdom to preserve him against all the Wiles of Satan and he shall never want Power for the Lord will enable him to fulfil and perform what he requireth of him he shall be replenished with Judgment and Understanding Ability and Power to direct him into the good ways of God and to enable him to walk in them It is the earnest desire of my Soul that every one of you may be exercised in those things which are profitable for you and which may be comfortable to your Friends and Brethren that you may all grow up into a stability and stedfastness in the good ways of the Lord that you may not be shaken and tossed with every Storm and Tempest that when there comes a time for the trial of your Patience and Fortitude and Courage you may not be tossed to and fro like Children but be stedfast and unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord that so living in all holy Obedience and patient continuing in well-doâ—ng you may have a constant Supply of Strength and Power from God ministred unto you by his Holy Spirit SERMON VIII No true Worship without the right Knowledg of God Preached at Grace-church-street May 24. 1688. My Friends THere is no Man can truly worship God till he comes to a measure of certain Knowledge of him for all the Worship in the World where the Vail of Ignorance still prevails upon the Mind is all abominable there is no acceptance with God There must be a knowledge of God before there can be a true Worshipping of him for they that worship before they know God they worship they know not what they worship a God they have heard of but do not know so every one that would be a true Worshipper must first come to that which giveth a true knowledge that raiseth up a certainty in the Mind This is the Lord we will trust in him this is our God and we will serve him And that all People might come to this certainty of Knowledge therefore it is that God hath sent forth his Spirit that the things of God might be communicated by the Spirit of God for without the Assistance of this Spirit Men seek after the Knowledge of God in vain If they seek after the Knowledge of God they cannot find it and if they seek after the Worship of God and after Acceptance with God they cannot find it so that all Religion and religious Performances that People are exercised in where the Spirit of Truth hath not the beginning they will all prove fruitless in the end There be wise Men in the world and they have imployed their wisdom to find out the true God but God in wisdom hath ordained that the world by all their wisdom shall not know him so there is an end of all their Labour How shall they know him then As none can know the things of a man save the spirit of a man that is in him so none can know the things of God but the spirit of God so that they that resist the Guidance Direction and Counsel of the Spirit of God are like unto those that would enter into a House or Pallace and remember not the Door that leads into it People would fain come into the Divine Knowledge and into the understanding of Divine Mysteries but they would come by it another way they would study for it they would learn it by Arts and Sciences they would attain it by their own Industry and herein they labour to excel one another If there comes a Man among them that tellâ— them Friends you are all out of the way then they are angry and instead of enquiring what is the way they are angry that their way must be rejected Friends you will never come to the Knowledge of God but by the Spirit of God then they mock and then they scoff and scorn the Doctrin of the Spirit for the Teaching of the Spirit hath been the common Scorn and Derision of our Age. It is so in our Day with many if they cannot come to the Knowledge of God any other way but by the Spirit they would deny to make use of that to be subject to that and these put their Trust in their own Power and Industry to find out the Mystery of the Knowledge of God so they are ever learning but are never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth How should they How can a People come to the Knowledge of the
and Wrath and Envy and Revenge and Violence to be found among us as if it would pull down Vengeance upon this City They have heard preached in Pulpits much of Holiness and Humility Patience and Meekness That a meek and quiet Spirit is an ornament of great price Men have heard much Preaching against Pride Prophaneness and Drunkenness and Uncleanness but they have heard it like a tale that is told not much concerned about it and have given little Credit or Regard to what they have heard of these things Why are People so wicked The Reason at last results into this Men are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God they are not the servants of Christ but serve diverse lusts and pleasures and are led captive by the devil at his will and so they go on in Iniquity All the Laâ— of Kings and Queens cannot â—â—â—train and curb them when the Law of Christ is not written in their Hearts but when Men come to see a Necessity of Self-denial 〈◊〉 taking up the Cross this will produce a Reformation This is that I labour for and all good Men and Womâ—n will do it It is time to cry for Reformation Vain Fâ—â—hioâ—s and Garbs and Pride have been cried up why should not we cry for Reformation before the Wrath of a provoked God is kindled agâ—inst us and his Vengeance poured down upon the Natioâ— We must reform our Lives How shall Men reform you will say By getting the law of God within their hearts that is pure and holy and heavenly that will be as a light to mens feet and a lanthorn to their paths Now till People come to this they will go on in Sin and Iniquity till they be swept away with some overflowing and dreadful Judgment So that my Friends in the Fear of God and out of Love to you I seek that you may be brought to God through Christ that you may live in the Love and Fear of the Lord and when you come to die you may have Rest and Peace for your Souls There is no Rest for those that are evil-doers There is no peace saith my God to the wicked The Ungodly cry Peace peace and talk of Peace but there is no Peace for them but they shall have for their Portion tribulation and wrath and anguish this shall certainly come upon every one that doth Evil. It is no matter what Religion you are of if you do not obey the Truth but live in Unrighteousness Now Friends my Exhortation to you â—ll is That you will return to the Truth in your own Hearts and do it while you have time I am not pulling and persuading People to love my Truth but to love God's Truth in their oâ—n Hâ—arts to love it and obey it and you cannot do this unless you resolve to take up a daily Cross and be Followers of Christ who is gone before to prepare a Place for them that are his true Disciples and then he will present them to God as holy harmless and undefiled for these are Heirs of that evâ—â—lasting Kingdom which God hath prepared 〈◊〉 them that love him SERMON XII Christians should be often thinking on the Name of the Lord. Being his last Sermon â—â—eached at Devonshire-House July 17th 1692. a while before his Death THE People of God in former Ages did think upon the name of the Lord I would it might be the daily Practice of all that make Profession to be the People of God in our Days to think upon the Name of the Lord. This you know is an inward Exercise invisible and known to none but God he only knows when you are met together whether you are thinking upon his Name whether the Exercise of your Minds is upon his Power or upon whatsoever else your Minds are engaged They whose Exercise and Desire is to feel God's Power and to be acquainted with his Name the Lord is nigh to them to reveal his mighty Power and his Name to them and they are a People that partake of his Goodness and of his Vertue and 〈◊〉 an experimental Knowledge of the divers Administrations of both his Judgments and Mercies to their own Souls and so they can proceed from Thinking to Speaking of the Goodness of God from the Experience that they have in themselves that the Lord is gooâ— to them For all that some do in their manner of speaking of God and his Goodness and crying up the Name of the Lord it is alâ—â— worth nothing it is but Noise But every one that partakes in his own Soul 〈◊〉 somethiâ—â— of the Divine Vertue and Goodness that flows from God invisibly to him through Jesus Christ he hath Assurance in himself thaâ— he speaks the Truth It is not mere Words made ready to his hand but it is his owâ— Knowledge and Experience of that whâ— God hath wrought in him by his own Spirit there are none that think upon the Name oâ— the Lord and his Power and the workiâ—â— of it but they are able to speak of it eâ—â—â—ctually and truly I know it hath been and is the practiâ—â— among many that they are able to speak 〈◊〉 God's Goodness from what they find in 〈◊〉 Writings and Sayings of some that lived bâ—fore them that did bear an honourable Teâ—â—â—mony of God's Goodness in their Religâ—â—â— and they learn to say it over-again iâ— particular Age But what hath this Tale that they have told wrought This Report they have made How God was with the Christians of old the Primitive Christians and Martyrs they have told a Tale of these things and what hath it effected It hath either brought forth Christians or it hath not Therefore the way for People to be grounded and settled in Divine Knowledge is for every one to speak what they know And if they know nothing of these things to say nothing of them And the way for them to come to receive Divine Knowledge is by thinking by meditating by considering of that Converse that God hath with their own Souls for there is a way provided for all Men to converse with God that made them Every Man and Woman may ask Questions of him and may have Answers from him if they have Patience enough to wait for them every Soul here present that shall come to be serious and with seriousness of Mind shall ask of God what their State and Condition is if they were to die presently God will â—ell them He will answer them he will shine unto them by the Light of his Son Jesus Christ and let them know whether they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of their iniâ—uity still or whether they are redeemed out of it and brought into Covenant with himâ—elf But will you believe his Answer I would have no Man go about to ask such a Question of God unless he hath a mind to believe the Answer that God giveth him To what purpose should Men ask if they ask and ask amiss If they ask without Faith they do
not believe except the Answer please them Many in our Days have put up their Petitions and Prayers to God that he would discover to them the State and Condition of their Souls The Lord hath answered them that notwithstanding all the Profession that they have made of his Name and of their Faith in his Son Jesus Christ and of the Work of Redemption yet he hath told a Man Thou art still unredeemed thou art still in thy Sin and Lusts and Concupiscence prevail over thee thou art still in Bondage This is God's Answer to many but there is something ariseth in their Minds that they are not willing to believe this I would think better of my self than this What if thou dost think better of thy self Thou art never the better for â—he word of the Lord stands sure There is no removing of it there is no â—â—nial of the Truth If this Truth condemn thee all the World canâ—ot justifie thee and this Trutâ— by which God condemns the Sinner is in the Sinner's own Heart What will he do with it It is in the Sinner's Conscience it doth not only condemn him by Book out of this Chapter and that Verse out of this Author and the other Author but he is condemned by God's true and faithful Witness in his own Conscience Thou wilt not believe iâ— but if thou believest not this then thou remainest in thy Unbelief of the Truth and nothing else but believing it can save thee No counsel else can deliver or redeem thee So that the best Advice and Counsel that I can give a People in this case is this That when they come to such a religious Meeting as this is they would come with a Mind prepared and fitted to think upon the Lord to think upon his Name and the way by which he brings People to himself for no Man can be called a Child of God that doth not partake of his Nature If a Man be never so wise and rich and great in the World if he be a Prince or an Emperour without this he is a Child of Wrath Now if these Children of Wrath meet with something that convinceth them if they are touched and become a sensible People then Crowns and Diadems are nothing to them Such a one will say If I be a child of wrathâ— a Captive to Sin and my own Lust and Concupiscence yet for all that I will go to a religious Meeting where I hope the Word of God will be preached I hope to meet with something there that will do me good and I have a Desire that I may be translated out of a natural State from being a child of wrath and to be brought into the kingdom of God If I have this Desire in me God that made me wrought it in me for by Nature we cannot so much as think a good thought When Men think of being better and of amending their ways and doing their Souls good these are very good Thoughts in themselves When such Thoughts are begotten in any Men's Hearts I would have them to ascribe them to the Grace of God and nothing else Preachers may do much where these Desires are begotten but it is not in their Power to beget these Desires Many have come to a Meeting with loose prophane and wandring Minds and though many good things have been spoken to them it hath not reached so far as to beget good Desires their Hearts have been so alienated from the Grace of God in themselves which is the great superiour Worker to which we are but Servants and Ministers there is none can beget any thing but he in whom all Power is They that are under the Power of Darkness the Devil begets in them Wantonness and Vaniâ—â— Prophaneness and hardness of Heart Some go away from a Meeting without being touched and perswaded and they have no good Hope of being better But where People are really touched in their Spirits with a desire after something that will do them good they must come to the Fountain of Good the God that made them and think upon him if they cannot see his glory and hear his voice yet they can think upon him This is the least Duty of a Christian to think upon the Name of the Lord and where their Minds are exercised about divine Matters about the State and Condition 〈◊〉 their poor Souls If I die this â—ight what will become of me This and that Sin I have committed how shall I be able to answer to God for one of a thousand of all my loose Thoughts Words and Actions They that come to a Consideration of this and a due Sense of their State and Condition though it is such a State that they do not like of that it is not such as it ought to be yet notwithstanding it may be better they may be brought out of it into a better condition Now this is the duty of all to be waiting upon God the Fountain of all Good that they may receive something from God for every good and perfect gift comes from above from the Father of Lights the Father of thy Light and my Light that Light comes to us from the Father of Lights If we have any perfect Gift bestowed upon us it is bestowed by God therefore you will grant that we are all obliged from the great◠〈…〉 least to wait upon him if we have the 〈◊〉 Expectation from God by a Meeting otherwise we had better keep away But I am apt to judge that the most here are come with some Desire that if it please God they may receive Benefit by their Meeting Where shall they have it They say if such a Man preacheth then I can edifie much by him This is a great Mistake for let who will preach there is no Body can receive any Benefit but it must be from the Lord as the Fountain of Good for the best Preachâ—rs in the World are but Instâ—â—ments in the Hands of Godâ— if God doth not bless his Labours 〈◊〉 â—â—eacher can do nothing to the Souls of Pâ—â—ple bâ—â—â—an sound the Truth 〈◊〉 their Ears outwardly but he can reach no further God only speaks to the Heart If thou mind the Preacher and not God that made thee all his Preaching will do thee no good It may indeed help thee to a Notion or Speculation but that comes not to the Inside that will be no better the Insidâ— wants mending There are great Deformities Scars Spots Stains Wounds and Lamenesâ— upon the Soulâ— of Men by reason of their Sins Lusts and Corruptions and there wants a Remedy and thâ—â—â— is no Physician of value but God that 〈◊〉 us after his own Image The Devil hath brought in Deformity he hath made one proud another cruel another wanton another an Oppressor another malicious this is all the Devil's Work And for this end 〈◊〉 Jesus came into the world that he might destroy the works of the Devil He came to destroy Pride Malice and Lust these are the
be the same thing that I speak of then believe me 〈◊〉 the Truth's-sake believe me beâ—â—â—â—e you find the same Worâ— and Tâ—stâ—â—â—â— within your selves And I m perâ—â—adâ— there is never a one here but â—â—metime 〈◊〉 other they have withstood that Temptaâ—â—oâ— which they have met withal Prâ— tell â—e how they did it Why the Temptaâ—â—â—â— came unto me and it pleased God to shew me the evil of it that it was a bad thing if I yielded to it How didst thou resist it had not the Devil a coercive Power over thee to force thee to it whether thou wouldst or not That God that shewed me the Evil of it delivered me from the evil of it I was not judged and condemned 〈…〉 because I 〈…〉 delivered from it there are no◠〈…〉 you would not be lazy and id◠〈…〉 might be delivered every Day and h◠〈…〉 â—â—perience in your own Souls that w◠〈…〉 Devil comes and tempts the Lord is a◠〈◊〉 to deliver you 〈◊〉 his Grace and Power So that t◠〈…〉 way for People to be â—â—served from Sin and Iniquity is to haâ—â— a reverent respect to that Grace of God which they have alreaâ—â—â—â—ceived I would haâ—â— that taken out of your Head that vain Conceit that hath loâ—g reigned in 〈◊〉 World When you see a wiâ—ked Husband Wife or Child you say If they had Grace they would be better I say they have from degree of Grace already God hath sâ—nt forth his Grace and Truth to teach men to deny ungodliness 〈◊〉 â—at I wâ—uld not pray that God would give my Hâ—â—band Wife or Child or Friend Grace but tha◠〈◊〉 would break his hard Heart that he may submit to the Grace of God that is already â—estowed upon him I believe there is noâ— a graceless Person here that is utterly void of all Grace but they walk not according to it they trample upon it For everâ— one being endued with a measure of Grace through Christ our Duty therefore is to have a reverend regard to the Grace of God that 〈◊〉 have received What Gâ—â—ce have I received from God may some one say 〈◊〉 received so much Grac◠〈…〉 truly say that I can tell whâ—n the 〈…〉 â—gs a Temptation to me that when 〈◊〉 â—empts me to Uncleanness Theft Wrath 〈◊〉 â—ee or to deceive my Neighbour I have 〈◊〉 much Grace that I can tell I am tempted â—n such a respect the Grâ—â—e of God shews 〈◊〉 this is a Temptation of 〈◊〉 Devil But the Question is Whether I am subject to the Grace of God and do love his Grace better than the Profit or â—leasure of a Temptation It comes as a Bait but the Devil cannot make me do that which he tempts me to it is not in the Power of all the Devils in Hell or of his Servants on Earth to make me do this evil thing The Light of my own Conscience shews it to be a Temptation Now I am free and at my Choice whether I will love the Profit and Pleasure thâ—â— comâ—s with the Temptation more than the Grace of God I believe there is no â—â—â—ly that hath been tryed by a Temptation but they can say so I leave it to him that searcheth and tries all your hearts and knows your thoughts to judge whether you joined with the Temptation that you might have the Profit and Pleasure of it or joined with his Grace that might have resisted the Temptation You thâ—â— have done the one and the other tell me which is the best Bargain When you â—ave joined with the Temptation that you mâ—ght have the Profit and Pleasure of it that came alonâ— with it or when you joined with the Gracâ— of 〈…〉 â—hat sâ—â—wed you th◠〈…〉 â—â—ger of 〈◊〉 Temptation a◠〈…〉 speaks to you that spake to Cain 〈…〉 well shalt thou not bâ— accepted A◠〈…〉 dost not well sin lieâ— at the door 〈…〉 yielded to a Temptation sin lies 〈…〉 there is a Breach made between Go◠〈…〉 Soul The same Man at another time having â—â—ted so deeply for it being judged by his 〈◊〉 Conscience when he meets the Temptatiâ—â— again he saith Let the Profit or Pleasure go where it will if I yield to this Temptation I cannot go to God but as Thief to a Judge Let the Profit or Pleasure be what it will I will not touch with this Temptation Caâ— the Devil force thee to comply with his Temptation No if thou be true to the Grace of God in thy own Heart it will make thee able to resist the strongest Devil in Hell Christ hath purchased for the Sons and Daughters of Men a Power to withstand the Devils Power and all his Devices and Temptations and you shall obtain Victory and have Dominion over them If you have a mind to grow in this Dominion when the Devil comes to temâ—â— you resist him and you shall through the â—â—wer of Christ be enabled to oveâ—come If Satan tell thee of the Profits and Pleasures of this World tell him That the wâ— passeth away and the lust of it b◠〈…〉 with God endures for ever By the 〈…〉 〈…〉 will be able to overcome 〈◊〉 Devil 〈…〉 Angels This Power is given to 〈…〉 â—â—ve and obey the Gospel If you 〈…〉 â—ve Benefit by it you must be exer◠〈…〉 resisting of Temptation and have 〈◊〉 to the Grace of God and the Work◠〈◊〉 it in your own Hearts and then you will be able to say when a Temptation comes pâ—omising Profit and Pleasure How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Turn your Eye to God's favour which is better than life and you will be more than conquerors you will say the Fear of God seized upon my Soul and the Grace of God came in to my Assistance and made me stand like a Bulwark against Temptation Here Praises will go up to God here will be occsion for thee to speak good of his Name Remember what David said My soul praise the Lord that hath delivered me from the horrible Pit Thus David and the Saints of old praised God in their Day and why should not we They breathed forth living Praises and Thanksgivings for the Deliverances wrought for them and shall not we do it Now this cannot be done without thinking upon his Name the Name of that God that made us Here I live in the World I live and breath still I have Health and Strength and an Estate how came I by all this Did I make my self No there is a God that gave me Life and Breath and Beâ—ng he holds forth the Hand of Mercy to gather me to himself and to redeem m◠〈…〉 iniquity that I might serve him wit◠〈…〉 in holiness and righteousness all the 〈…〉 life If I believe all this I shall re◠〈…〉 him and love and pâ—â—ise him and dai◠〈…〉 upon him for the Accomplishment o◠〈…〉 Work He desireth not the death of s◠〈…〉 If 〈◊〉 will believe the Almighty it is 〈◊〉 possible for him to lie all things are possible to him
who didst love us when we were Strangers and preserve us when we were Enemies and brought a glorious Day of visitation upon us and opened our eys 〈◊〉 behold the Light thereof so that we are an engaged People to speak good of thy â—â—me Thou hast declared and manifested to the Sons and Daughters of Men thy good Will and thy universal Grace that thou art daily extending to them that all may be made partakers of the Riches of thy House and of thy great Salvation which by the Lord Jesus Christ thou hast ordained And O thou Powerful God of Life since the Day that thou first gathered us thou hast been with us thou hast been our Guid and our Eyes have been towards thee for instruction thou hast taught us and â—ed us in the way in which thou wouldst have 〈◊〉 to walk thou hast led us O Lord in the way Everlasting â—ith the po◠〈…〉 and the meek of the Earth 〈…〉 placed our Feet O Lord near the Eve◠〈…〉 Mountain which thou hast exalted 〈◊〉 the high Hills of the Earth and thou haâ—â—â—â—vealed the Glory and the splendor of 〈◊〉 House thy Holy Dwelling Place and 〈◊〉 raised Breathings in the Hearts of thy Peoâ— that they may dwell in thy Courts for evâ— And now Holy Father thou hast gathered 〈◊〉 Remnant and brought a peculiar People 〈◊〉 trust in thy Name but still we do all thâ— we do by thee thou must be our Keeper thou must be our preserver therefore we wait upon thee we expect all from thy Hand therefore our applications are unto thee that fâ— Day to Day and from time to time we 〈◊〉 find thy living Presence in the midst 〈◊〉 And O living God of life thou hast give◠〈◊〉 Children large experience that thou art a 〈◊〉 nigh at hand to us in all our Tryals in all 〈◊〉 Exercises as our Eyes have been turned 〈◊〉 thee thou hast preserved us and revealed thâ— Heavenly Power O Lord in preserving and delivering thy Church and People that they may bear a testimony in their generation tâ— thy great love and the great Salvation 〈◊〉 thoâ— hast wrought for them and made 〈◊〉 pertakers of Now Blessed God of Liâ— desires and supplications of thy Peopleâ— unto thee for the glorifying of thy Pâ— the exalting of thy glorious Name 〈…〉 leâ— the mighty operation of thy 〈…〉 〈…〉 and stubborn ones that 〈…〉 â—gainst thee and that havâ— withstood 〈◊〉 tenders of thy Grace and the Motions â—d striving of thy Holy Spirit Thou art â—ole to bow them and to break their stony Hearts thou art able to speak effectually to their Souls and to make them submit themselves to thee Holy and living Father let the progress of thy Word and Gospel be great in our Day let it have a free course and spread it self mightily to those that believe not to beget a Seed of Faith in their Souls that they may believe in thy Name and Trust in thy Power ad wait to see the great Work of Redemption wrought for the Salvation of Immortal Souls before the Daâ— of Visitation goes over Powerful God 〈◊〉 Life thy little Remnant which thou hast â—edeemed keep them by thy Power and preserve them in Uprightness and Cleanness of Mind preserve them in the places and stations wherein thou hast appointed them to dwell and in all their Tryals and Tribulations and Distresses that may come upon them that they may be quiet and still and in patience possess their Souls and let them â—ave strong consolation in that Everlasting â—â—venant which in thy Son thou hast made â—th them and râ—vealed to them and let 〈◊〉 not be moved and tossed with the hurâ— of this World with the tumults and disâ— that evil Men make in it and the Storms 〈…〉 that are raised but let thâ—â—â— Hearts and Minds be â—â—â—yed upon 〈…〉 they may know how to behave then 〈…〉 wards thee and one another and tow◠〈…〉 t◠〈…〉 â—e without and thereby glorify 〈…〉 m◠〈◊〉 thy great Name by the Beau◠〈…〉 Holyness shining in their Conversations wâ— may reach the Consciences of Men that 〈◊〉 that see them may say these 〈◊〉 the Planâ— that the Right Hand of God hath Plantâ—â— and see the Fruits that are brought forth f◠〈◊〉 that Root of Life revealed in Christ Jesuâ— Powerful God of Life carry on thine owâ— Work in this City and the whole Nation and in other places among that People whiâ— tâ—â—u hast chosen and gathered to thy 〈◊〉 of the World Powerful God of Life remâ—â—ber those that groan in secret making 〈◊〉 moan to thee that they cannot lay hold oâ— Salvation for their Souls Prepare them 〈◊〉 that consolation that their Souls are breaâ— afâ—er They are Night and Day wrestling 〈◊〉 thee by earnest Prayer But what will all theâ— wrestling signifie except thy Word and thâ— Power of thy Grace assist them and 〈◊〉 them to lay hold of thy strength that 〈◊〉 may Fight the good Fight of Faith tha◠〈◊〉 may get the Victory and rejoyce in thâ—â—â—â—vation and see the Glory of it Thou se◠〈◊〉 the Children of Men are working anâ—â—â—â—triving divers ways for their own Salvâ— make theâ— to know that all their o◠〈…〉 and inventions arâ—â—n vain Bless◠〈…〉 the de◠〈…〉 â—y waâ—â—â—â—y Heritage and 〈…〉 thou hast gathered by thy Word do 〈◊〉 preserve them that they may serve thee â—â—th sincere and upright Minds all the Days 〈◊〉 their Lives and offer up daily Tha◠〈◊〉 â—ings and living Praises to thee the 〈◊〉 and living God and Jesus Christ whom thou â—ast sent and â—hy Eternal Spirit who alone art worthy who art God over all blessed 〈◊〉 ever and ever Amen A Catalogue of Books Printed for Nath Câ—ouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheapside 1. The History of the Principality of 〈◊〉 in three parts containing 1. A brief â—â—â—unt of the ancient Kings and Princes of Britâ—â—â— and Wales till the final extinguishing of the â—oyal Brittish Line 2. Remarks upon the 〈◊〉 of all the Princes of Wales of the Royal â—â—milies of England from King Edward the first to this time particularly of Edward the Black Prâ—â—ce of Wales who with 30000 English defeated an Army of 100000 French at Cressy and at Poictiâ—â—s with 10000 beat 80000 and took John the French King Prisoner also of Henry of Munmouth afterâ—â—â—d King Henry the fifth who with 13000 〈◊〉 90000 French whose Son Henry sixth was 〈◊〉 King of France at Paris 3. Remarkable â—vations on the most memorable Persons and 〈◊〉 in Wales and of divers considerable passages 〈◊〉 any Hundred Years past with the Birth and 〈◊〉 Actions of Merlin the famous Welsh Pro◠〈…〉 with natura◠〈◊〉 artificial â—â—â—ities 〈…〉 Princi◠〈…〉 〈◊〉 â—wered in above 300 〈…〉 â—ontaining 1. Dreadful Judgments upon 〈…〉 Blasphemers and Perjured Villains 2. The 〈…〉 ends of many Magicians c. 3. Remarkable â—â—â—dictions and presages of approaching Death aâ— how 〈◊〉 event has been answerable 4. Fearful Juâ—â—ments upon bloody Tyrants Murderers c.
THe Works of this Author have obtain'd such general Esteem that many are desirous nothing of his should be lost I have already published two small Volumes of his Sermons the First containing Eight and the Second Ten of his Declarations and the acceptance they have gain'd from Persons of different Persuasions has induced me to emit this Third and Last Collection containing Twelve Sermons more upon several very necessary Subjects none of which have been yet Printed One of them being his last Sermon preached at Devonshire-house London a while before his Death So that now these are all of this Author's which are to be expected from N. C. THE Third and Last Volume OF THE Sermons OF Mr. STEPHEN CRISP Late of Colchester in Essex Deceased Containing XII DECLARATIONS upon several Divine Subjects Exactly taken in Short-hand as they were deliver'd by him at the Publick Meeting-Houses of the People called QUAKERS In Grace-Church-street Devonshire-house and S. Martin's le-grand London And now faithfully Transcribed and Publish'd with some of his Prayers after Sermon London Printed for Nath Crouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheap-side 1694. The Contents of the Three Volumes of the Sermons or Declarations of Mr. Stephen Crisp THe First Volume contains Eight Sermons upon the following Subjects I. The great Mediator of the Everlasting Covenant II. Heart Preparation for receiving the Gospel III. The First and Great Commandment IV. The Standard of Truth V. The necessary Duty of remembring our Creator VI. The Divine Monitor or Light from Heaven VII The Inward Preacher or the Office of Conscience VIII Saving Faith the Gift of God alone THe Second Volume contains Ten Sermons upon the following Subjects I. Truth 's Testimony against the Power of Sin and Satan II. Bearing the Cross the right Mark of a Christian III. The Spirit of Christ the only true Guide IV. Pure and Spiritual Worship V. The Divine Life of Christ Jesus VI. The Kingdom of God within VII The undefiled way to Eternal Rest. VIII The dawning of the Day of Grace and Salvation IX The Excellency of Peace with God X. True Christianity THE Third and Last Volume contains Twelve Sermons upon the following Subjects I. The mighty Work of Man's Redemption II. The Word of God a Christian's Life III. The necessity of an holy Life and Conversation IV. Baptism and the Lord's Supper asserted V. Christ the Way the Truth and the Life VI. Captive Sinners ransomed by Jesus Christ. VII The Sheep of Christ hear his Voice VIII No True Worship without the right Knowledge of God IX The wonderful Love of God to Mankind X. Salvation from Sin by Jesus Christ. XI The acceptable Sacrifice XII Christians should often think on the Name of the Lord Being his last Sermon preached at Devonshire-house a while before his Death And are all to be sold either single or bound up in one Volume by Nath. Crouch at the Bell in the Poultry near Cheapside Price Three Shillings SERMON I. The mighty Work of Mans Redemption Preached at Grace-Church-street Feb. 8. 1687. My Friends WE are met upon the most weighty Affair that can be to every one of us even to wait that we may have a true knowledge of the beginning carrying on and perfecting the mighty Work of Redemption that People may know that Redemption is wrought in their Souls for every ones Soul hath been lost and captivated and led away from the pure Presence of God all have been alienated by reason of Sin which hath become an universal Wall of Partition and hath excluded and shut out unholy Souls from the Holy God all that have been defiled and polluted they have been excluded from his Dwelling-place they have been driven out into the World and the World hath become a World of Misery and of Distraction and Confusion to the Sons and Daughters of Men there hath been Anguish Tribulation and Wrath upon all their Souls and an insensibility hath happened unto many that they have not been apprehensive of the great Depravation they have lain under and they have not been sensible of the Glory of that State and Condition which they were to have enjoyed and in that State of Insensibility they have not sought after the Lord but have been captivated and led away by divers Lusts and Pleasures by which they have wounded their own Souls more and more And in such a State as this it is that the Lord hath found us he hath sought us out and he hath found us cast out into the open Field and wallowing as it were in our Blood and yet this hath been a time of Love and he hath manifested his Love to us in this respect in that he hath awakened us and brought us to a sense of our depraved and deplorable Condition and given unto a Remnant to perceive that there is a more excellent Glory a more excellent Enjoyment to be had than any this World can afford But a great many of those whose Eyes are so far opened that they can see and discern a more excellent Glory yet they cannot receive it for they are not in a capacity for the Enjoyment oâ— it many have the Glimmerings and some little sight of Heavenly Things but they themselves are earthly Many perceive there is a holy Life but it is not theirs for their own Life is unholy and yet they know there is a Life that is Holy and Pure Hereupon Desires are begotten by the divine Word of Life in the Sons and Daughters of Men through the Lord Jesus Christ the Mediator by him Desires are begotten in People that they might come to enjoy that Life of Holiness that they might not only see a better State than what they do enjoy but that they might come to enjoy it and have iâ— for theirs There is an universal Desire in People that they might have Eternal Life and they believe there is an Eternal Life to be enjoyed but every one hath it not and the reason is because they are not fitted and prepared for the enjoyment of it for it is a kind of Treasure that is never put into an unclean Vessel there must be a cleansing and purifying that so earthen Vessels may come to retain and hold this heavenly Treasure and when it comes to this that People must be cleansed and purified here the World turns out to divers Means and Methods some have gone to outward Washings outward Cleansings and Observations of this and the other Ordinance and when all that hath been done they themselves being Judges were yet unclean when they have done all that lies in their Power and Ability towards their Washing and Cleaâ—sing and towards preparing themselves they have found some secret Testimony in their own Consciences that their Hearts were still unclean and that there was defilement still abiding and lodging in the Secret of their Souls and this hath put a great many to a stand what they should do when they have come to the end of all they know not what
to do Many have cried secretly what shall we do to be saved For all what we can do cannot save us We have retained this and the other Doctrin follow'd this and the other Way and made many Observations but all this doth not cleanse our Soul nor purge our Consciences from dead Works this will not bring us to the Inheritance of that Immortal Life that will give us satisfaction We hear many speak of Satisfaction and of Joy unspeakable and full of Glory but here is a weight and burthen still lying upon our Souls Therefore my Friends that all such who are brought so far as to be under such a Burden and Oppression that they might be informed and come to understand where the true Rest is and where that Power can be found that is able to answer those tender Desires that are begotten in them for this cause hath the Lord our God communicated and given the Dispensation of the Gospel of his Son unto a Remnant whom he hath sanctified that they might Speak a word in Season to the weary Soul This is not a day to make a mock of Sin this is not a day to make a Covenaâ—â— with â—â—ath and Hell and to resolve to go on in a wicked Life and continue in it all their Days But yet there are a sort of People that desire to have a Word spoken in Season to them when they are weary How many are there in our Age and Generation that one may reckon of this number that are Sinners and overcome by their Lusts and Corruptions and by the Temptations of Satan and his Instruments But they are weary of it it is a burden to their Souls it costs them many a bâ—â—ter Tear many a Sigh and many a sad and sorrowful Thought in secret that they shouâ—â— have a sight of a more excellent Glory and of a better Life than that of their own and yet know not how to get into it My Friends that same Divine Word of Life by which any of the People of the Lord in any Age were ever restored redeemed and purchased again to the Lord That Word of Life must have been at work in their Hearts and hath been at work in them or else â—hou hadst never been so far opened there hath been something that hath unstopped thine Ears that thou might'st hear and the reason of thy Continuance in thy Bonds after thy knowing something that might have freed thee is because thou hast not heartily closed with that which hath begun the Work God bâ— his redeeming Power in the Hearts of them that believe in Christ to raise an inclination in People to seek after the Lord. You know what the Apostle saiâ—â— It is not of us so much as to think a good Thought But this all People will grant is a good Thought when a Sinner thinks of turning to God and leaving his evil Ways if he had Power and Ability and cries out If I knew how to stand against Tempation I would never sin against the Lord more this must be a good Thought in thy Mind How came it there Who is the Author of this Thought you will say This ought to be attribured to the Love of God in Christ that he hath convinced and persuaded us and that tho' there is Sin and Pollution yet he hath not so forsaken us utterly to cast us off he hath sent forth his quickening Spirit that is the Lord from Heaven that he might stir up and quicken People to consider their condition and bring them to a sense of their present State that they may come into a better State than they are in at present If this may be granted that the Spirit of God and the Grace of God is the Author of all these Desires then it will be granted at the same time that every one of you ought to be sensible that such spiritual Desires stirring in you are from the motion and operation of the Spirit of God that hath raised them in your Souls and then I hope you will grant that if you had but joined with that Spirit and with the assistance of that Spirit all things would have been possible thereunto So that here is the first thing that I would have every one satisfied about in their Understandings whether they arâ— totally exempted from any such Touches and Operations of God or no for it is said by some ignorantly That a great part of Mankind have never had any such Divine Workings of the Spirit of God upon them in order to their Conversion therefore it is not in vain for you to consider your state and condition for if you or I or any here be under such Circumstances that they never had nor are ever like to have any such Divine Operations or Touches of the Spirit of Life in order to Conversion then I am sure you and I had better never have been born If you will consider with your selves and lay aside the Disputes of Doctors and Learn'd men you may know the things pertaining to your selves Things relating to others I may let Disputes alone about them but as for things relating to my Salvation I must have a certain Knowledge of them It concerns you my Friends to know within your selves by an infallible Evidence of the Spirit of God whether you have had such Divine Touches Workings and Operations upon your Hearts as have inclin'd you to seek the Lord. I hope I may believ there are none here but have in their Heatrs an Answer I have had such Touches and Operations in me This is great Love from God more than my Tongue can set forth You will be ready to say I have not deserv'd this I have not so behaved my self towardâ— my Maker as to deserve that he should wait upon me and call upon me When wilt thoâ— turn and amend thy Life and hearken to him that made thee When wilt thou leave serving God's Enemy and serve him that is thy rightful Lord So that now this is a greater Aggravation of our Sin to continue in it and yet to have a Belief that God is still waiting upon us and that he hath such a kindness for us as now and then to touch our Hearts by the inward Operation of his Spirit and Grace in order to Conversion Now when this is agreed and Men settle themselves in the belief of this you know what the consequence will be When I consider with my self I that have been under these Workings have been rebellious wicked and disobedient to God yet the Lord is not so angry as utterly to cast me off but is still waiting to be gracious by the Operation of his Spirit to gather me to himself in order to sanctifie me and heal my my Backsliding to cure my Weakness and Infirmities and at the last to save me and make me an Heir of his Eternal Kingdom What is the consequence of this Love Why the next Resolve must be this I will rebel against his Grace and resist
with my silver and gold and other ornaments and followed thy lovers therefore will I take them away from thee and strip thee of all thou gloriest in Those that forget God of whom they had these things that forget their brokenness of Heart and the Subjection of their Spirits to God if they forget this let them know that let their Partâ— be what they will they will certainly wither and their inward Life will fail you that have regard to your own Souls and do desire heartily at this Time to be quickned aâ—â— find that the Lord hath removed your Deadness and quickned and raised you to such a degree and measure of Life that you can say I find Communion with God and Fellowship with my Friends and Brethren in that one Eternal Life I pray God you may continue in it long and lay down your Heads in this Blessed heavenly Life Now that you may so do keep your selves low and humble and in the Fear of God and keep your Ears always open to his Word and live as becomes those that are born again and begotten of God and are brought to partake of the Divine Life Let Temptations surround you that Life will preserve you he that never sinn'd is with you to keep you from Sin and he that never deceived any will keep you from being deceived To his Consel and Conduct and to his Divin Care and Protection I do now commit you SERMON III. The Necessity of an Holy Life and Conversation Preached at S. Martin's-le-Grand March 16th 1687. O How happy are they that have Bread in their own Houses and that can draw Water out of their own Wells These have a blessed glorious Dwelling-place these are the Children that their Father provideth for All the divine Treasures and the Riches of Heavenly Things are laid up for these O that all that have a Sight of this blessed State were got into it that their Minds might no more wander that People might not be scattered in their Thoughts that when they meet together they might have their Expectations entirely from that God whom they profess to worship Lord thou hast said that thou wilt teach thy people thy self here a Cry goes up to the Lord and their Expectations through Faith are pitched upon God they never meet in vain but a well springs up and the water of life comes to them by which they meet with Divine Refreshments for you know the Promise that our Lord made to his Disciples He that drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst more Why will once Drinking serve Because I have tasted of the Living Water that the Lord Christ gives me will that serve No but he giveth me a substantial River that is the reason why I shall thirst no more it shall be in me a well of living water springing up to everlasting life blessed are the Witnesses of it these are they that are satisfied concerning Religion and Doctrin they are satisfied concerning Worship they are looking after no new things when these meet together they meet in the Name of the Lord and they have their Eyes to him who is a Fountain and they discern a Brightness and a Glory that is unspeakable and the Glory that is speakable that appears many times through Instruments will not satisfie them there is something beyond that which must satisfie this will never do it People will never be satisfied with hearing nor never satisfied with seeing till they come to hear and see that which is unutterable and then they are satisfied Christ had preached many Sermons in the hearing of his Disciples and there were a great many said That there was never any man spake like him preached like him yet one of them that was nearest to him and most acquainted and intimate with him after some Years meeting and hearing of his Sermons he cries out Shew us the Father and it sufficeth us My Friends this comes near to many of your States many of you have heard long and have heard the speakable Word of God that which could be uttered that which could be spoken forth by the Demonstration of the Holy Ghost by them that have received it of the Father this you have heard long and yet there are many of you that if you come to a serious Search you will find a Want you will find still that you have not that Satisfaction that puts you beyond Doubt beyond Fear there is some thing that stands in the way that hinders your Enjoyment of the unspeakable Glory of the unspeakable Word and this will never be removed but by your innocent submitting to the Work of the Power of God in your own Hearts that so you may not only be Believers but come to be really Baptized and then all is out of doubt for our Lord said he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved he doth not say he may be saved but he shall be saved Woful Experience hath told us in our Days That a great many have believed the Truth and yet they are never like to be saved they have made shipwrack of their faith but if they had been baptiz'd if they would have endured the Baptism if they would have been buried with Christ in Baptism they should have been saved every one of them and now there are a great many that remain in the Belief of the Truth and yet they are not Baptized they are not Dead not Buried notwithstanding they have received like precious faith with us that faith which is of the operation of God and that is alike precious in its nature to all that do receive it and would work the same effect in all too if it were not obstructed but notwithstanding they have received Faith towards the saving of their Souls yet their Souls are Captives their Souls are subject to Lusts and Pleasures and Vanities and unto empty and foolish Things and to Passions and Corruptions after they have received Faith For if you take one that is a Believer of Truth that is overtaken with his Lusts and Passions and Corruptions he will commonly own that he believeth the contrary he believeth that these things should not be that it ought to be otherwise This is the signification of Truth against Untruth If it should be otherwise why is it thus then Why he finds a Life to spring up in that which is corruptible that is always contrary to the life of God and at enmity with it What shall I do I believe the Truth I know it is a holy thing it leads all that submit to it to a holy Life and there is this and that unholy thing this and that corrupt thing remains what shall I do It is an evident Demonstration that thou wantest the Baptism of him in whom thou believest thou hast believed in Christ Jesus that cometh after John and was before him and now having believed in him thou wantest to be baptized by him and for want of that the Pollution and
but the grand question that every one ought to enquire about and put to themselves is What progress they have made in this way Whether they are Baptized yet or no Whether they have Put off the old Man and his deeds and put on the new Man and the new Mans deeds which are righteousness and holiness They that find that though they are believers they are short of this they do also find that their shortness is their hinderance their shortness in not coming up to the pattern that hath bin shewed them is their hinderance so that they enjoy not the things here spoken of the being under this sense and really sitting under this sense in a Meeting though there should be no Man speaking to them outwardly yet being come to this faith and made partakers of this baptism People would find in their own Bosoms the hidden Word of life ministring to their condition they would have enough there would not be a famin of the Word unto them nor they should not need to be in expectation of going out to this or the other Instrument but they would be satisfied when they are met together with the presence of the Lord that the Lord is in midst of them ministring to them the Word of life in his operating and working speaking in a tongue that every one can understand it speaking with a kind of Voice and Language that every one may understand his own state and condition and this is the way that God brought up People at the beginning to the knowledge of Heavenly things and opening of the mysteries of Salvation we had it not of Men but of Jesus our Lord he was our great minister we waited upon him and trusted in him and he taught us himself he hath ministred to us at our silent and quiet waiting upon him those things that were convenient for us we might well say he gave us our Food in due season he hath not only given strong Meat unto Men but hath ministred of the sincere Milke of his word unto Babes that lived in sincerity and self-denyal loving God above all things and he taught and conducted us in our way this way of simplicity until our understandings came to be opened until our Souls came to be prepared to receive the mysteries of his Kingdom In those Days there were some that started up in Knowledge and that built their Nets on high and took Flax and Wool and Silver and Gold and decked themselves with them but the Lord found them out and brought them down and took the Crown from their Head and cloathed them with Dishonour So God doth from Age to Age his Judgments will begin at his own House if you would Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ then grow in humility and self-denyal and keep a constant watch upon your Hearts examine your Hearts and Commune with your selves upon your Beds and be still take heed lest you sin against the Lord and provoke him There were some that provoked the Lord of old and they commited two great evils What be they They have gon away and forsaken the Fountain of living Water as much as to say they have not their dependance upon an invsiable power as they ought to have for I am a living fountain and t is by an invisible power that I am able to councel and teach direct and purify and open their understanding but they have forsaken me that is one great evil and the other is they would not be without somewhat they have forsaken the Lord and they would have somewhat instead of God They have digged to themselves broken Cisterns that will hold no Water And how many in this Age have committed these two great evils My Friends examine your selves are there not many that have been guilty of these two great Evils They do not keep their close dependence trust and reliance upon the invisible Power of God as they profess they ought to do but are hurried away from it some by the love of the World some by Lusts and Pleasures some by Passions and others by worldly Interests are drawn away from the Power to do and say that which the Power is against Is not this a forsaking of the Lord the living Fountain What do they do then Are they not for this and that and the other Man for hearing this and the other Mans word and digging to themselves broken Cisterns And have they not their trust and confidence in going to Meetings in commending this and the other way Have they not their trust in their Profession outwardly when it ministers nothing to their Souls so that they secretly wither for all this If you had all the Men and Angels that were ever sent of God appointed to preach to you that could not minister Life to you unless there be that Faith that stands in the Power of God The Faith that stands in any Mans Words that will not overcome your Lusts but the Faith that stands in the Power purifies the Heart it will not suffer any unclean thing there As for Preaching let a Man preach against this and the other Lust and Corruption there it will remain for all his Preaching unless Men know Gods Power and Life in which there is Righteousness for Words and Knowledge and Sight and Speculation will never give People Victory over their Sins Therefore you know every one who is setled must be setled where the Foundation of Religion is it is not coming to Meetings and owning this and the other Doctrin which is the Foundation of our Religion God hath revealed his Power to every one of us God hath not given his Spirit to Preachers and Prophets only for then there would be a Famine of the Word as was in Israel The Priest's Lips preserved Knowledge If you did take away the Priest you did take away their Knowledge The Prophets had the Word of God and they only spake the Word of God If the Prophet was taken away then the Word of God was taken away The Lord threatned to send a Famine among them they grieved and vexed and killed and destroyed the Priests and Prophets therefore saith thâ— Lord I will send a Famine among you not of Bread but of the Word and they shall go from City to City and enquire for the Word of the Lord. Thus it was in the Jewish Church if there was a Prophet they would go 30 40 or 100 Miles to him that had the Word of the Lord They shall go from City to City to enquire for the Word of the Lord But blessed be God we are come to another Day for now the Word of the Lord is manifested in the Hearts of all that believe they know the Word I do not say all that believe do preach the Word or ought to preach but the Word preacheth to them they are not as broken Cisterns that can hold no Water when they find the Word and hear it they speak
an end of Baptism A Man is hungry and when his Time comes to eat he hath no Victuals yet he sits him down as if he did eat will this feed and nourish him So men now a days they have a Baptism wherewith they are baptized but Baptism with the Holy Ghost and with fire is the right Baptism therefore do not baptize until you find the Holy Ghost this will be far better this is the Baptism that they which come to know it are sure of Salvation by it for by this Baptism they are born up and tinctured in their Souls with the Divine Spirit of Christ Jesus proceeding from the Father and the Son till they receive his Likeness and so die unto Sin As many as were baptized were baptized into Christ's death He openeth it himself in that he died he died unto sin once but in that he liveth he liveth unto God so that they that were baptized were baptized into Christ's Death and you that are dead unto sin how should you live any longer therein These that were baptized lived without Sin can that be true never any lived without Sin but Christ only Yes saith the Apostle you that were free from sin are alive to righteousness their Life stood before in Sin and now that Life is taken away by Baptism and they are alive to Christ and he that liveth he liveth to God â—e that comes to be partaker of the first Resurrection if he live Ten Twenty Forty or an Hundred Years he liveth to God he liveth no more in the Pomps and Vanities of the Woâ—ld and the sinful Lusts of the Flesh but he liveth unto God This Baptism whosoever comes to be baptized with it shall be saved so that we do not deny Baptism But we hear say That you deny the Lord's Supper We had never such a Thought God knows there is nothing that our Souls long after more but people have been making a kind of Work of their own they have lost a Reality and make Shadows as Children do who when they see things made in the House for Service they will make the like in Sand and Clay People do not see what a great thing it is to attain to the Supper of the Lord as things came into an Evangelical Opening they spake then more lively and freshly of things Behold I stand at the door and knock if any man open to me I will come in and sup with him and he with me For the understanding of this Text If you go and examine and search all the Commentators you can find see what the learned Men say of it see if they do not apply this to the Inward Call of the Spirit and Grace of Christ to let him into our Hearts and would one think that those that wrote these things should be against the Spiritual Dispensation of things They say that this knocking at the Door of the Heart signifies the Call of God's Spirit at the Door of the Heart There are two sorts of Sinners that God knocketh at the Door of their Hearts one is a Man that is weary of his Sin for his part he wisheth that he might never sin more As soon as he perceives the Knock and is called upon to let in the Grace of God to help him against Temptation he freely opens his Heart to receive it and saith With all my Heart I will entertain and welcome the Grace of God glad I am that God hath had so much Patience towards me and since God offers his Grace I will embrace this Grace of God above all Pleasures and I will take it into my Heart the Grace of Christ is the greatest Jewel that I know Honest Paul he took this Course and prayeth Lord take away this Tempter here is a Temptation that troubleth me and I am not willing to yield for all the Devil follows me with it He cried unto the Lord and besought him three times earnestly to take away the Temptation And the Lord answers him My grace is sufficient for thee What matter if the Tempter buffet thee and the Temptation trouble thee hast thou not received my Grace into thy Heart thou art a Believer and thy Trust is in me and my Grace is sufficient for thee Let the Tempter do his worst keep thou to the Grace of God and thou wilt withstand and overcome the Temptation when it comes If a Man openeth his Heart and receiveth Christ when he comes then you shall find such an Alteration in that Man that go and carry him the same Temptation which prevailed over him the last Week it will not do with him now tho' he be as weak as Water and as prone to Corruption and Iniquity as before yet now having a Faith begotten in him that the grace of God will defend him he keeps out of the Devils Snares Now this Man trusting in this grace till his Sin and Iniquity be purged out now is the time to spread the Table there is a clean Heart and the Heavenly Guests are now come and the Dainties of the Kingdom are brought to him for his Nourishment Now saith Christ I I will come in and sup with him and my Father also will come and we will sup with him and he with us This never happens to any Body so long as the Table and Heart is foul for the Table must be clean and the Devil and Sin thrown out and then will the Lord confirm and ratify and seal the Covenant so that here is a Seal with a Witness When a Man hath this Testimony of the Love of God that God is reconciled to him in Christ then Christ will come in and he will bring his Father and they will sup with him and this is that which will give compleat satisfaction to such a Soul All the Tongues of Men and Angels are too short to speak of these things as they are in themselves but they are all manifested by the Spirit All the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God are manifested by the Spirit of God now to say there is no Spirit to be regarded now adays that is as much as to say we must never regard the Kingdom of God for no Man can discern the things of God but the Spirit of God no Man can tell what they be As no Man can know the things of a Man buâ— the Spirit of God But I must look to this and the other Form and Mark and Method about them for we can know nothing of the things of God themselves I hope you are all of another Judgment and believe that this is a Trick and Cheat of the wicked one People do find the Spirit and will feel it if they will wait upon the Motions of it I do not only mean when you are here together but when you are separated one from another when you feel the Motions of thiâ— good Spirit embrace them and make them yours This Spirit is a Gift that is given so may a Shilling or a piece of
Nations of Europe now inhabited with such a People that are calling upon the Name of the Lord but every one worshipping their own Gods one makes Gold and Silver his God another makes his Pleasure his God another his Honour another this that and the other Lust and they bow down to them that is they yield themselves to their Lusts concupisence and corruptions that they stand in unity with but they call upon the Name of the Lord too they do apply themselves to some kind of form of worship which they say is unto the immortal and invisible God but alas they come not to the Knowledge of God by this All that the Priests could do that the King of Assyria sent back they brought not the Samaritans to the Knowledge of the God of Israel they only brought them to a Report of such a God that had set up such a Law They had the Report of it and for fear that the Lions should tear them in pieces they would enter into that Form but they worshipped their own Gods still So it is now People do not come to the Knowledge of the true God the living God by entring into any Form of Religion for instance Prayer Hearing or any Ordinance or Church-Fellowship these give give not Men the Knowledge of God there is but one way to come to that but only one Men have found a great many it is past your Skill and mine to reckon up the many ways that Men have found out upon the Face of the Earth how they might come to the Knowledg of God and to Peace and Reconciliation with him but they have only play'd the Fools and spent their Time in vain especially they that own the Scriptures of Truth to be a true and faithful Record of the Mind and Will of God they play the Fool abominably for the Scripture that they give so much Reputation to in their Profession doth testifie the way is but one and there is no other way for People to be reconciled to God than by coming in to Christ to be found in him to be regenerated and born into his Nature and have his Qualities put upon them That as he was pure they may be pure that 〈◊〉 that sanctifieth and they being sanctified 〈◊〉 him may become both one and so be recâ—â—ciled to the father through him This you know is the common Profession of Christendom or at least of our Nation And in other Nations the common Profession is There is no Mediator but one no Reconciler but one Indeed some others hold there may be other Mediators and that there are others that may contribute to them by their Mediation and by their Prayers and Merits but the generality of the Nation are otherwise Now for People to fall out and say my way is best and thy way is not best and to fall into Contests about many ways when the Scripture concludes but one Way is not well We were better all agree about this Doctrin That there is no possibility of Reconciliation with God since we are fallen out with him and since Sin hath made a separation there is no way of being reconciled again to God but by and through our Lord Jesus Christ nor by him neither unless we receive of his Spirit to quicken us nothing can quicken us enliven us or recommend us to God but the Spirit of Christ operating and working in our Hearts that he may prepare us for the Father's Kingdom If People would agree upon this there would be an end of all Labour and Toyl and Jangling about the right way for the Consequence and Conclusion would be thus That Man that doth not know in himself the â—anctifying Power of the Spirit of Christ Jesus he is out of the way to Reconciliation with God let his Form and Profession be what it will If therefore he be reconciled to God it must be by and through the Mediator and he will never recommend him to the Father till he hath made him a Temple to let in the Spirit of Christ to work in his Heart to fit him for the Kingdom of God And Men have no other way to come to it for though they be zealous in every Prayer and Form it signifies nothing to any great purpose their Hope will be frustrated There is no other way saith Christ of coming to the father but by me I am the way the truth and the life If I am out of the Truth I am out of the way and if I am out of the way then I cannot come to the end of the Way This is plain reasoning among Men If I tell a Lie that is out of the Truth If I have vain Communication or deceive or wrong my Neighbour that is out of Truth what is manifest in my Conscience to be contrary to the Truth if I am in it I am out of the way though I be strict in the way as to Profession yet I am out of the Way to God I am out of the Truth there is no way to God but by Christ who is the Way the Truth and the Life whoever is out of him is out of the Way which made the Apostle say That his labour endeavour and desire was that he might be found in Christ not having his own righteousness but having on the righteousness of Christ Jesus Many Men think to recommend themselves to God by their righteous just and honest Dealings and doing Wrong to no Body This is good in it self but doth not recommend us to God unless it be done by the righteous and holy Spirit of Christ Jesus unless it be of his Working he must have the working of Righteousness and Truth in us he must plant it and it must grow by his working if it be acceptable to the Father for without me saith Christ you can do nothing A Man out of Christ a Stranger to his Spirit may do something but nothing available to the well-being of his Soul till he have Reconciliation by Christ Jesus If he be reconciled to God this Mediator must be the Reconciler and he must fit and prepare him for Reconciliation with the Father All the Divisions Sorts and Sects of Religion they all come to an end if this Measuring Line be laid to them they all appear too short and there is nothing will do a Man good but that Religion that obligeth and tyes him to the good Pleasure of God through the Spirit of the Mediator which he feels working in him by which he is raised from Death to some degree of Life When he is sensible what a Burthen sin is to his Life and that godly Life which he hath is burthened with every Sin and oppressed with every vain Thought and every vain Word If he be not in some measure quickned 〈◊〉 â—ot sensible of this Burthen but being quickned he is sensible of the Burthen that lies upon his Life by reason of his Sin and then being under the Weight of his Sin he calls to God
elswhere we pay down our Mony for their Redemption but we will not pay our Mony if they be kept in their Fetters still Would not any one think himself cheated to pay so much Mony for their Redemption and the Bargain be made so that he shall be said to be redeemed and be â—â—lled a redeemed Captive but he must wear his Fetters still How long as long as he hath a day to live This is for Bodies but now I am speaking of Souls Christ must be made to me Redemption and rescue me from Captivity Am I a Prisoner any where Yes Verily verily he that committeth sin saith Christ he is a servant of sin he is a Slave to Sin If thou hast sinned thou art a Slave A Captive that must be redeemed out of Captivity who will pay a price for me I am poor I have nothing I cannot redeem my self who will pay a Price for me There is one come that hath paid a Price for me That is well that is good News then I hope I shall come out of my Captivity What is his Name is he called a Redeemer So then I do expect the Benefit of my Redemption and that I shall go out of my Captivity No say they you must abide in Sin as long as you live What benefit then have I by my Redemption I could have been in Captivity no longer if I had not been redeemed I must wear my Shackles and Fetters still and be subject to my old Master and Patron and when he will have me be drunk I must be drunk and when he will have me be unclean I must be unclean Thus many profest Christians there be you see it with your Eyes that will tell you they believe all the Articles of the Creed and they have been baptized into the Christian Faith and can rehearse all the Principles of the Christian Religion and perform the Duty of Christians in going to Church saying their Prayers and in giving Alms too it may be they are such as would be called Christians they would be called so yet they are not Redeemed from their vain Conversations for what makes their Shackles and Fetters about them When their old Master bids them be Drunk they will be Drunk and when he bids them commit Whoredom or Lie or Cheat their Neighbour they will do it You do believe the Devil leads you to this you will not say the Spirit of God led you to it If one demand How did you do it You say the Devil prevailed upon me What hath the Devil Power over Men after they are Redeemed What sort of Redemption is this Then comes in the old Shift again we are Redeemed from the Punishment of our Sin but not from the Act of it Now if those that are called Ranters had told me this Tale it had been like them but when Doctors of Divinity tell us this Tale it is so unlike Divinity that it is Carnal Sensual and Devilish To tell Believers they are redeemed from the Punishment of Sin but not from the Act of Sin that this is the benefit which we receive from Christ's Sufferings that we may sin on free Cost that there is no Guilt contracted by it will any Man or Woman that understands they have a Soul venture their Immortal Souls on this Divinity I hope not They will not venture their Soul on this Foundation-Doctrin I hope God will awaken the Consciences of People that they will not hazard their Souls upon such a carnal devillish Foundation that if the Devil should preach he could not preach a worse Doctrin than this to persuade Christians they may live in Sin and Sin will not hurt them nor impair or break their Peace with God and Reconciliation with him I will tell you how it hath been with me in my Childhood if I had spoken a vain Word or a false Word I had contracted such a Guilt thereby that I was ashamed to draw near to God to pray to him I knew he would not hear Liars I knew there was no way to be accepted without Repentance and Amendment of Life I believe others have met with the same dealing from God by the secret Strokes of Conviction that have come upon their Hearts when they have sinned against God So that I am still of the Mind that the Persons that depend upon this kind of Doctrin do at some times especially when Sickness comes and Death looks them in the Face or in times of common Contagion or Pestilence at such a time they have a weight of Guilt upon their Consciences for this Doctrin will not support them at Death but that then they believe they have contracted Guilt or committed Sin I have wished many times that the Lord would open the Eyes and Hearts of the People of this City and of this Nation to see how miserably they have ventured their Souls Will Merchants in this City ever venture their Goods at such a Rate as Men commonly venture their Souls What will they venture their Goods in a Ship without a bottom before she goes to Sea Now this Doctrin hath not a Foundation shall I believe a Person that tells me I do not contract Guilt when I feel it upon my Heart when I commit Whoredom and Drunkenness and Cheat my Neighbours shall any one persuade me that I do not contract Guilt O Friends we are speaking of great Matters it is about Eternity that we are speaking it is about the hazard of Eternal Happiness therefore I pray let every one be serious and consider what I say for I speak â—n Gods Name and on your behalf Men are â—o come to a true search in themselves what a Life it is that they live Many support themselves by the Doctrins and Precepts of Men and they buoy themselves into Conceits of Salvation let them examin whethâ—â— it be a Life that hath its supportation by tâ—â— Spirit of God this is material for every oâ—â— to consider There are none can live tâ—â—â—d buâ— by the Life they receive from God The grace of God which bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all Men Now here is an universal Doctrin There are a sort of Men in this City and Nation that tell us That saving Grace is given only to the Elect. Saving Grace is given to all Men but you must construe those Words all the Elect where they are somewhat injurious and would cast off the condition of the Text if they make a distinction in the latter part of the Sentence for it will not be good Sense The Grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all the Elect teaching us to deny all Vngodliness c. Here is Vs taken out of the All. The same Grace that is our Teacher appears to be the Teacher of others tho' they turn it into Lasciviousness The Grace is the same tho' they make many School-distinctions between common and saving Grace The Apostle explains it by telling what Grace he means The grace of God which
〈…〉 Works is the Devil's Child then â—â—ey wiâ—â—â—â—nfess this is of the Devil and â—he other 〈◊〉 the Devil This is an evil Wâ—â—k an◠〈◊〉 that I had need be brought into another condition When People come to an Acknowledgment of the Truth and of their own Condemnation then they are one Step towards Redemption and Salvation No one ever took one step towards their Salvation till they â—cknowledged their own Condemnation He that sanctifies and they that are sanctified are all of one and they that are joyneâ— to the Lord are one spirit An evil tree saith Christ cannot bring forth good fruit When Christ spake this he spake it to Men and Women â—nd he spake it of Men and Women and not of Trees And when he said No man can gather grapes of thorns nor figs of thistles he speaks of a Generation of Men as if he had said 〈◊〉 this Thorn must be translâ—â—â— changed into another nature before 〈◊〉 bring forth Grapes and this Thistle 〈◊〉 changed into another nature before 〈◊〉 forth Figs. There must be a Change in the naâ—â— Man before there can be a Change 〈◊〉 Fruit and Effect of his Doings Whaâ— he sows thâ—â— he shall also reap whatsoâ—â— man doth in the body he must give an 〈◊〉 thereof at the day of judgment for th◠〈◊〉 will be opened and men judged according to 〈◊〉 thinâ—â— written in those books If there be 〈◊〉 Booâ—â—or thee and me I le warrant thee thâ—â— is a great deal in it there is a Recorder anâ— a Clerk for the Book which God hath opened in every Man's Conscience and there 〈◊〉 set down every Manâ— Transgressions and hiâ— Sins Saith one Thâ—â— hast written my Transgressions as with the point of a diamond thou hast ingraven it so deep that it seems impossible that it should ever be blotted out again Some have had their Sins so deeply ingraven in their Consciences that they have thought they would never be blotted out they were written as with the Pen of a Diamond When People see and consider that they have ventured their Souls upon such 〈◊〉 Grounds I hope they will be awaked to 〈◊〉 after Righteousness when they see the 〈◊〉 nothing good in them Where there is 〈◊〉 thing good it is God that hath given it 〈◊〉 them Some will say If I be pervers◠〈◊〉 〈…〉 wicked I cannot hâ—lp it therefore 〈◊〉 be beholdenn to my Maker to help 〈◊〉 â—lse I must never be helped Now beâ—â—â—â— God knows that we are helpless he 〈◊〉 â—id help upon one that is mighty that is 〈◊〉 Lord Jesus Christ and Christ hath sent 〈◊〉 his spirit into the world to convince the 〈◊〉 of sin and to lead his people into all 〈◊〉 And this Grace that comes by Jesus â—â—â—ist hath been so universally shewed and 〈◊〉 universally extended to all Men that I never met with a Man yet that had none of it But let them be as bad and as dark as they could yet the Light of Christ shined â—o that Darkness into the darkest Heart that ever I met with in all my Life He sheweth Men That his light shineth in darkness and the darkness cannot comprehend Therefore the Worâ— that God hath set us about and the Service which he requires at the Hands of many of us is to turn Men from their own Darkness unto the Light of Christ their Saviour and from the Devil's Power that hath enslaved them to the Power of God that can redeem them and yet we are far enough from that which they call Free Will we are far enough from this We say a man can never be saved till he learn to deny his own Will it is God's Will that every one â—â—ould be saved But some will not be saved they will keep their Wills and not resign them up to God they have a Free-will to go to Destruction As for Salvation if they will obtain it they must part with 〈…〉 and they must take a Yoâ—◠〈…〉 on them before they can b◠〈…〉 â—â—â—ple can have theiâ— Wills they will 〈…〉 Christ's Yoke upon them He that 〈◊〉 Christ's Disciple must deny his own Wâ—â—â— take up his daily Cross These are â—he 〈◊〉 of the Gospel But you will say No Man by 〈◊〉 Power he hath can redeem himself 〈◊〉 Man can live without Sin We will say Amen to it But if Men teâ—â— us That when God's Power comes to help uâ— and to redeem us out of Sin that it canno◠〈◊〉 â—ffected then this Doctrin we cannot awaâ— with nor I hope you neither Would yoâ— like it well if I should tell you That God puts 〈◊〉 his Power to do such a thing buâ— the Devil hinders him That it is impossible for God to do it because the Devil doth not like it That it is impossible that any one should be free from sin because the Devil hath got such a Power in them that God cannot cast it out This is lamentable Doctrin hath not this been preached this Doctrin of Impossibility of living without Sin It doth in plain Terms say Though God doth interpose hiâ— Power it is impossible because the Devil hath so rooted Sin in the Nature of Man Is 〈◊〉 Man God's Creature and cannot he nevâ—â— make him and cast Sin out of him If 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rooted deeply in Man I say 〈◊〉 〈…〉 deeply rooted but Christ Jesus is enâ—â—◠〈…〉 the Root of the Nature of 〈◊〉 that he hath received Power to destroy 〈◊〉 evil and his Works â—nd to recover and 〈◊〉 Man into his Primitive Nature of â—â—â—hteousness and Holiness or else that is 〈◊〉 That he is able to save to the utmost â—â—at come unto God by him We must throw 〈◊〉 the Bible if we say that it is impossible 〈◊〉 God to deliver Man out of Sin Is not â—â—â—ist entred into the root of our Nature And hath he not taken upon him the Seed of Abraham after the Flesh Is he not entred into the Root of all Men's Natures and tasted death for every man that he might quicken every one that is dead in sins and trespasses All these things speak the Love of God to Mankind in order to â—â—â—ir Salvation Much might be said to these things these Clouds of Error and Darkness that have overspread the Nation yet this I say if one were to speak of it never so long it must be by the Eye that God gives you that you must see it it is he that opens the Hearts of Men as he did Lydia's If there had not been the Power of God that reached her Heart Paul could not have opened it When all is said that can be said the Counsel of God which hath sounded in your Ears is recommended to you that every one may retire in quietness and stillness of Mind to 〈◊〉 for the feeling of that quickning Pâ—â—â—â—r of the Spirit of Christ that is sent inâ—◠〈◊〉 Hearts of Men that that may open 〈◊〉 Eyes to see your present state then you 〈◊〉 see a better state 〈◊〉 further
state and 〈◊〉 you see with your inward Eye that your 〈◊〉 is not so good as you would have it â—o 〈◊〉 then trust and rely upon the all-sufficient 〈◊〉 powerful Operation of God's Holy Spiâ—â—â— mend your state and give you Power 〈◊〉 your Corruptions and to go on from one 〈◊〉 to another towards the Cleansing and Sanctiâ—â—cation of your Souls so that you may receive something from God to enable you to live to God for all that you receive from Men will only make you live to Men but that which you receive from God will help you to live to God that will purifie you and sanctify you and make you clean through the word So through the Word you will come to Cleanness Purity and Holiness And when you are come to the way of Holiness you may believe you are gotten into the way of God's Kingdom and never till then It is not enough to make a Profession but we must live up to the Profession of that Religion that we make it is not holding this Tenet and the other Tenet and saying This Minister I am sure preacheth the Truth thou mayest be a Child of the Devil for 〈◊〉 that I now speak indifferently to all People without respect to any fort They thaâ— believe they are walking toward the Kingdom of God and yet their way is not a holy 〈◊〉 â—hey have cheated themselves and deceiv'd their â—wn Souls and they had need look about them â—nd take heed what they do the Glass is â—â—nning and Time is hasting away and our â—ife may end we know not how soon It is â—ood to prize and improve Time while you â—ave it and bring your Deeds to the Light â—ee what Reproofs Instructions Counsels and Openings you have met with from the Lord and see how you have answered aâ—d been obedient to them and so you will come to take a sound and infallible account of your condition and if it be not so good as it should be wait upon the Lord to mend it he that made you can mend you he that made your Ears must unstop your Ears to hear the Word of God To that Power that carries on the Work of Sanctification and Redemption by his word to that word I must leave you and to his Spirit I commit you This word will be with you and if you part not with it it will not part with you it will go with you to your Houses and to your Shops and to your Beds it will lie down with you at Night and rise with you in the Morning To that end Christ he is a Leader and Governour and the Captain of our Salvation to lead the Van and carry you on in the way of Salvation and as many as follow Christ and are led by the spirit of God they are the Children of God SERMON VII The Sheep of Christ heaâ— his Voice Preached at Devonshire-House May 10th 1688. My Sheep saith the true Shepherd hear my Voice THE Sheep of the true Fold hear the Voice of Christ the good Shepherd and know the Voice of Strangers too But saith he the stranger they will not follow This Scripture hath been a Mark of Distinction in all Ages that hath been peculiarly bestowâ—â— upon the People of God that they have hâ—â—â— a discerning Knowledge to make a certain distinction between them that were of God and those that were of the World Now they that are of God hear us saith the Apostle Now that you may all find in your selveâ— this peculiar Gift of God to be able to understand and discern between the precious and the vile that you might know the Ministration of Life from the Ministration of Dâ—â—th you must all be gathered inwardly into â—hat which you have received 〈◊〉 God for they â—â—at are only exercised 〈◊〉 Gifts and Parts and Acquirements that appertain to this world they have been always subject to Delusions apt to be led away into a by-Path and crooked way that leads to destruction but they that are under the Government and Direction of the Gift of God they have been able thereby to make such a Distinction of Voices and of Sounds that they have been preserv'd from the Delusions of the Age. This was the difference of old between the Prophets of God and the false Prophets between the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ and the false Apostles the difference was not so much in their Words for they had in a great measure the same Words if the true Prophets used to say Thus saith the Lord the false Prophets would say so too if the true Prophets declared against Sin the false Prophets likewise would do so for the false Prophet stole his Word from his Neighbour But the great Matter by which the People of the Lord were preserved was that hidden and divine Wisdom they received of God by which they understood the Voice of the Spirit from the Voice of Strangers from the Voice of them that were of the Flesh and that was the Cause that Christians in the Primitive Days did not adhere to and follow those false Apostles that came to them in their own Names and held a form of Godliness but denyed the Power of it But they amongst them into whom theiâ— witchcrafts did enter they went away from thâ— spirit and saught to be made perfect in the flesh they went to the outward observation and to the beggarly rudiments of things that perish with their using and from the Law of the spirit of Life in Christ Jesus And as it hath been in those Ages of which we have read so it comes to pass in this our Age in which a dispensation of the spirit of Truth is manifested and revealed unto the Children of Men there is a remnant that have received the Testimony of Eternal Life and have believed the Testimony and waited on him of whom the Testimony is born not to have Life by the Testimony but to have Life in him so they receive their Life by the ministration of the spirit of Christ and they live to God and others who have received no Life from him but have a Life in the Words and Sounds and Noizes and Terms and distinguishing Phrases of things their Life 〈◊〉 there they live not to God but to themselves their Glorying is not in the Cross of Christ but in the Words and outside of things so that every one had need at such a time as this to approve their Hearts unto the Lord who knows the inside of Peoples profeâ—sion the inside oâ— of their Religion that knows how the Heart is concernd towards God and what they say and do upon the account of his service so that all that are met together might come to receive more and more of the Life and vertue that sanctifies the Soul of him that receiveth it For Alas my Freinds it is not the gathering together of the most excellent Words about Religion and about worship and service which will approve any Man in the
Truth without the spirit of truth that reveals it Can any come to the Knowledge of Christ unless he that sent him reveals him Where are People's Books where are their Bibles where is their Rule they call it so that all their Endeavours for many Ages have proved fruitless in respect of the Knowledge of God This is but your say so may some say How doth it appear that we have not attained to the true Knowledge of God and to the true Worship and to the true Religion I will tell you how it appears for all in all Ages that have attained to the Knowledge of God they have been made partakers of his divine nature and his Divine Qualities they have brought forth a sort of Fruit in their Lives and Conversations that hath been of the same Nature it hath been Holy and Divine They have known the Sanctifier and they have been a sanctified People so they have become one with him and have shewn forth the Beauty of Holiness in their Lives that is a Demonstration that may shew the Knowledge of God for without it they live another Life an unholy one a corrupt one a Life of Self-love a Life of Pride Vanity and Enmity and that they never had from God but from another Root a Life of Iniquity and Sin it came from another Seed so that they are still without the Knowledge of God And again all that have come to the Knowledge of God they have trusted in him that People cannot do now-a-days except here and there a few that do know him the generality of the Age they cannot trust God they must have something else to rely upon and trust to for in him they cannot trust Now the Lord said by the Prophet of old They that know my name will trust in me thaâ— is enough if People know God whom to know is life eternal even to know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent This is Life Eternal if People were coâ—â— to this Divine Knowledge they would never take care or study for any Refuge or set up this or that or the other thing to lean upon A rich Man he trusteth in his Ricâ—es one trusteth to one thing and another to another but they would trust in the Living God and he should be their God and their Rock and they would venture their Concerns upon him both in this World and that which is to come if they did but know him People may talk as much as they will but he can never properly be said to be my God and thy God till we cast our care upon him and can venture our concerns upon him both in this World and that which is to come and can say He is our God and our Relyance and Dependance is upon him Now this is the Effect and Consequence of this Knowledge of God such as come to partake of it they shall not need to be bid to worship him You shall not need to make a Law that this People shall worship the God that they know there needs no Law to command the People of God to worship him his law is written in their hearts and they that know him will worship him There was never any Man on Earth that had the Knowledge of the true and living God that needed be put upon worshipping him that needed a Law to oblige him to it for the very Knowledge that is given of God through Christ this brings forth naturally an Adoration of the invisible Power which Men put their Trust in it produceth an Adoration that is true Worship it causeth an humble Reverence of that Power it brings the Soul upon its Knees as it were it brings the Soul to stoop and bend and bow upon all occasions to God as his God It raiseth his expectations to receive Counsel and Judgment and Understanding from him as the Fountain of Wisdom and hereby People are taught to worship in the right Divine Knowledge But to tell Men of the Worship of God before they know him though you make as many Laws as you will to force them to worship that God they do not know yet you can never do them any good nor make their Worship acceptable nor make them devout you can never bring Devotion nor Divine Adoration into their Hearts by all the Laws that you can make But there is a Spirit of Life that sets the Soul at liberty from its former Bondage to Sin and Satan and when this Law comes to be revealed in my Heart what saith this Law Worship God give Honour and Glory to him This Law saith Submit thy self to him that redeemed thee thou art his thou art no more thine own This Law being written in the Heart obligeth a Man to a true Worship and to worship God in spirit and truth for this Man hath done imagining among the Heathen that there are Gods many and Lords many He hath done imagining what God is and where he is for he is now come to Knowledge he is come beyond the best Scholar in Athens let him be never so mean and despicable in the World if it be never so poor a Lad or Lass they are beyond the best Scholar in Athens for the best Scholar there came only so far as to contradict their fellow Scholars Some of them were for Mars and some for Jupiter some for one God and some for another These Scholars by some Beam of Divine Light shining in them had come to perceive that the Influences that were in Mars Jupiter and Venus and the Sun and Moon and other Planets they received them from an higher Power that is God They denyed not that these Planets had Power and Influences given to them sometimes they are called heavenly Bodies the Sky or Canoâ— of the Earth and Sun Moon and Stars 〈◊〉 called Heavenly Bodies they have Power and Influences but this was given them and that Power must be greater than theirs from whom they receive their Power Vertue and Influence even that God who is the maker of all things The Scholars at Athens were gotten so far as to see there was a God greater than the Planets which the Nations worshipped they thought that God was to have an Altar as well as Jupiter and Mars and those other Gods and therefore they built an Altar to the unknown God whom they ignorantly worshipped If thou and I are come to the knowledg of the true God then we must know more than these Scholars of Athens who erected an Altar to the unknown God When the Apostle comes to Preach Divinity among these Scholars of Athens there were Masters of Arts and sciences he begins to Preach to them about an unknown God whom ye ignorantly Worship saith he him declare I unto you we do not need to declare to you the Gods of the Nations for you Worship them but to declare to you the unknown God whom ye ignorantly Worship these were the â—reat Scholars of Athens that the Apostle sâ—â—ke to
upon â—oâ—'s Sanctuary this Priests Lips shall preserâ—e knowledge All that come to God's Church are taught of this Priest he is a high one the high priâ—â—â— of our profession we have not such another he is not set up by a Carnal Commandment his Induction came not from any Priest in this World but his Induction came from the God of Heaven and Earth his Father set him up for a Priest he comes by a heavenly Induction and Commission he is a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek not after the Order of Aaron If you come to God's Church you may hear this Minister Some have called a House of Stone 〈◊〉 Wood a Church but that will not do noâ—â— therefore there are People that know better than they when they gather Churches of living Stones Men and Women are gathered to these Churches Now the Apostle saith the Church is in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ if you will come to Church you must come to Jesus Christ the Church is in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the general Assembly the Congregation of his faithful People What do you mean by a Church Ask a learned Man that understands Greek and Hâ—brew what is the meaning of the Word A Church saith he is the Congregation of the Faithful it is an Assembly of the Faithful People congregated together Where must they meet they must meet in the general assembly of the first-born whose names are written in heaven The Hebrews were come to that Church though they lived many hundred Miles asunder in Asia Cappadocia and Bythinia You are come to the general assembly of the first-born there is a Priest there is the high priest of our profession the Lord Jesus Christ who is a priest after the order of Melchisedeck not after the order of Aaron How long is this Priest like to stay in his Priesthood For ever He is a priest for ever not after a carnal commandment but the power of an endless life The Priests that were after Aaron's Order they could not continue Death snatched one away then they must have another Priest but here is one that hath a Priesthood higher than the Heavens by the Power of an endless Life Here is the Priest of God's Church and the Teacher of God's People so that when God's People come to Church that is to God the Father there Christ teacheth them according to the old Prophecy I will teach my people my self We have laboured to bring People to this Teaching that they might come to the Knowledge of the Living God Now there needs none to teach them for they are taught of God blessed be God our labour hath not been in vain we see the fruit of our labours and are satisfied We have been labouring to bring Men to know the Lord new all shall know the Lord from the greatest to the least and bow before him and worship him they hear that their high priests lips shall preserve knowledge If they do amiss he chastiseth them for it if they do well then he comforteth them by his Spirit Now our Labour is that all may be brought to this and that every one may know the Lord and may fear him and serve him and worship him in his Temple Our Bodies are a Temple for that use to worship God in know you not that youâ— bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost you musâ— worship in your selves you must go into youâ— selves you must know the Exercise of the Graces of the Spirit in your selves and thâ— Workings of the Spirit of Truth in youâ— selves and that your Souls that are in yoâ—â— Bodies may be bowed to the Power of the Spâ—rit and that your Worship must be in the Spirit you must pray in the Spirit and give Thanks in the Spirit Though those that set up Worship in the Church talk 〈◊〉 Divinity and Religion in every part of it yet the Substance of all the Shadows of the Law are fulfilled in the Gospel the Substance of all the Modes and Rites and Forms of Religion are fulfilled in the Gospel-way So then let every one compare and examine their State and consider how the case stands between them and their Maker what Knowledge they have of God and what Trust they have put in him that so they may be persuaded and prepared to come within the Pale of this Church But you must first come out of the World else you can never come into that Church that is in God if you be in the World you must go to the World's Church and be the Members of the World's Church and you shall have this for your Pains the World will love you but if you come out of the World's Church into God's Church the World cannot love you Be as good as thou wilt thou canst never bâ— so good as Christ Jesus and they loved him not because he was not of the World if you were of this world saith Christ the world would love its own but since you are not of the world but I have taken you out of it therefore the world hates you if they do so to the green tree â—hat will they do to the branches Are you better than I saith our Saviour the servant is not greater than his Lord Those that are the Disciples of Christ must be content to be persecuted reviled and hated for his names sake for thus they treated him who 〈◊〉 holy and harmless and undefiled who gave them a good Example and who did them no hurt but did them good yet the World hated him and it is but reasonable that you should suffer from the World in the same manner and bear it at their Hands If you come to this Church that is in God the Father and Jesus the mediator the church of the first-born that are written in heaven and come out of the World's Church then the World will be about your Ears all the World will set themselves against this Church against the Woman that shall bring forth a Birth that shall rule over the Nations There appeared a great wonder in heaven a woman cloathed with the sun and the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars and she being with Child cryed travelling in birth and pained to be delivered And there also appeared another wonder in heaven a terrible thing and behold a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and the dragon stood before the woman that was ready to be delivered for to devour her child as soon as it was born and she brought forth a man child that was to rule all nations with a rod of iron and her child was caught up to Gâ—â— and to his throne When the Dragon 〈◊〉 ready to devour this Birth God took it into his own Care in spite of the Devil and all his Instruments and he will save the Child and preserve the Woman he that fits in heaâ—â—â—â—ill laugh at his Enemies and defeat them 〈◊〉
that is in every Man to the reforming of his ways and the changing of his Heart and leaving of his corrupt and vitious â—ncliâ—ations without the divine â—elp and assistance 〈◊〉 the Grace and Spirit of God Now they that are thus far sensible of their alienation by nature from the Lord and 〈◊〉 also sensible that the time they have here 〈◊〉 the only time they have for their â—â—â—â—â—ing and being fitted for that Everlaâ—â—â—â—â— Kingdom which we all woâ—â—â— enjoy Hâ—w ought this to affect the mind of every â—ne that while they have time they might â—â—rize it and improve in and come to an 〈◊〉 sense of the love of God that for they 〈◊〉 have a love raised in their Hearts again to God for People will never be obedient unto God till they love him nor never love him till they are sensible of his love to them Therefore that which is the means and way of Gods making known himself to the Sons and Daughters of Men that meanâ— and that way ought every one to embrace every one ought to be 〈◊〉 â—â—ted with â—t and have 〈◊〉 exercise of thâ—â— minds in it that so we might come to the knowledge of God and might know by an experimental and sensible feeling the kindness of God to us And truly Friends they that are 〈…〉 to spend their time and exercise themselves in thâ— consideration of the mercy and kindness of God thâ—â— have worâ— enough for their whole life-time â—â—e consider and contemplate the manifold Mercies of God bestowed upon them for we have our Life and Breath from him whom the whole World obeys and serves God that made all living Creatures hath created us preserved us he hath had long suffering and patience towards us until now 〈◊〉 he is yet minded to do us good which â—â—eâ—â— dâ—â—ltly manifest by the invitations and promisâ— he hath mâ—â—e us and the workings of his Hâ—ly Spirit that he hath made us acquainteâ— withal For who is there in this Assembly that God hath not made sensible of the tenders of hiâ— grace and invâ—â—â—â—ions to Repentance and Reformation that they that live loose 〈…〉 vainly in the World might turn to the Lorâ— with all their Hearts and consider their waâ— and doings God hath waited to be gracioâ—â— the Sons and Daughters of Men and his â—â—â—cy and patience hath been beyond all huâ—â—â— patience beyond the patience that 〈◊〉 did bestow upon any this the Lord 〈◊〉 shewed upon you therefore I intreat 〈◊〉 hooâ— the love of God let this â—â—â—â—deration sink deeply into your spirits thaâ— you may be affected with the kindness of God and his patience towards you and his long-suffering while you have been sinning against him But some will say How shall I know this After what manner may I experience this love of God to me How may I be sure that the Lord hath a love for me My Friends it is not only temporal kindness that we enjoy from God it is not only the lengthening out of our Days that is an evident token of the love of God to us but there is a demonstration and manifestation of iâ— that is universally extended to the Sons and Daughters of Men in that he hath sown his Word in them and hath sown his Truth and his Grace in their Hearts that every Man tho' never so wicked neâ—er so â—oolish and vain yet hath many times checks and reproofs in his own Heart I know it and I doubt not but you do Pray whence comes it that which doth stop you in a course of sin and châ—â—k and reprove you for sinning against the Lord If you come to mind this and consider of it you will find it comes from God it comes from him from him comes our life and Breath then People â—â—ould be incited to receive the Grace of God â—â—e favour and mercy of God which he hath â—estowed upon them in order to their salvatiâ—â— The Scripture tells us that Grace and â—â—â—th came by Jesus Christ I◠〈◊〉 hast any good it came by Jesus Christ and if thou hast any Truth it came by Jesus Christ who is the Fountain of Truth and the Fountain of the 〈◊〉 of God it is he by whom God hath mâ—de known himself to the Sons and Daughters of Men it is Christ alone that God hath ordained to be a Mediator between God and Man that so he might be the Minister of an everlasting covenant which we are brought into with God so that now People should comâ— to the consideration of the way and means that God hath ordained for their redemption namely that he hath given Jesus that great and unspeakable gift of his love and kindness to the Sons and Daughters of Men here iâ— Grace and Truth that came by Jesus Christ How is it conâ—â— It is come into my Heart Tho' Sins and Lusts and Corruptions perhaps have a placâ— in many yet Christ hath a place too He haâ—â— made his grave with the wicked and was numbred with the Transgressors he was like that Seed that lies under the Clods anâ— iâ— the least of all Seeds yet when it comes out of the Ground it riseth high and spreads abroad its Branches and brings forth Fruit this love of God this unchangeable Holy Truth is in every one why then should not every Man bâ— ruled and governed by it But some Men will say is Truth bâ— than Falsehood and Grace better than 〈◊〉 and Corruption You may see that by the Light that is d◠〈◊〉 in the inward parts Let every Man 〈◊〉 inward to the Grace of God turn to that Light that shews it self in the Creature and see what it will do for us This is the Doctrine that the Apostle was sent withal he waâ—â—â—nt with a Commission to turn Men from Daâ—â—â—â—ss to Light and from the power of Satan to God Why did he do it It was for this end that Men might have remission of Sins and that they might come to an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord so that this Gospel is the same that it ever was though Men have divers ways of preaching and several methods and ways of declaring the Truths of the Gospel blessed be God the Apostolical Doctrine is pâ—â—ached again and the blessed Gospel hath the same power attending it that was in former Days and 〈◊〉 have the same effect and that this may be the Portion of every one of you this iâ— the end of our Labour And we have i◠〈◊〉 Eye but two things I. First to discharge a good Conscience in the sight of God who hath given us his Word to Preach and to turn Men from Darkness to Light and from the power of Satan to God that we might keep our selves free from the Blood of all Men. II. Secondly another end is the desire that God â—â—th placed in our Hearts that all Men every â—here might be Saved this is Gods Will if aâ— be Damned it is their own will and the
bâ—â—â—â—ed to the Day of Redemption I will never do this though I hazard my chief Interest 〈…〉 World This is the Tempâ—â— of a true 〈…〉 â—nd I pray God make all of you of th◠〈…〉 And now my Friends you that 〈◊〉 to see this great Work wrought in your selves commit the whole Work to God and trouble not your selves about it 〈◊〉 sure God will carry on his own Work and bring down the Devils Kingdom and rebuke that â—â—clean Spirit that is gone forth over the 〈◊〉 Nation and pour out abundantly of his hâ—ly Spirit to carry on a glorious Reformation This I believe God will certainly do from what he hath wrought 〈◊〉 my own Soul 〈◊〉 I know not what Instruments are to be emâ—â—oyed in the Work I leave that to the Lord but the Kingdoâ— of Christ shall be advanced and it shalâ— be outwardly and a 〈◊〉 Deâ—truction â—â—ll sweep away all his Enemies from the Earth and the Wrath of God shall burn against â—â—em only there is an obduration hath 〈◊〉 â—pon the Nations of the World and â—thing hath stood in the way in all-Generaâ— But howe◠〈…〉 I am sure wicked Men 〈◊〉 En◠〈…〉 may well say That Chrisâ— is the S◠〈…〉 Men but especially of theâ— that believe He hath saved this City and Nation from the Plagues and Vengâ—â—â—ce thaâ— hang over us Many Years the Lord hath spared us and waited to be gracious for a long-time to see if we will at last turn to him 〈◊〉 long the Mediator will intercede on 〈◊〉 beha◠〈…〉 â—l there is a time whoâ— the 〈◊〉 â—iffering of God will come to an end God hath brought a Scourge upon the Nations round about us and the Flames of his Wrath â—â—ve kindled upon them and Destruction hath overtaken them how soon iâ— may be our Lot we know not all our Mony our Silver and Gold and Valour and Courage will not be able to stave it off if the Lord but blow upon us It is even at the Door there is but one way to save us and that is turning to the Lord and crying to the Lord for the continuance of his Mercies and Long-suffering and Patience towards us In this Cry let us all cry to the Lord that are Lovers of the Nation and let us join our earnest Supplications in this Work seeing the Lord hath made us the Monuments of his Mercy and preserving Goodness This Island hath been continually surrounded with War and Blood and Flames and Destruction and the Cry of the Orphans hath been heard from other Nations And while they have been consumed with Flames â—nd deluged in Streams of 〈◊〉 we haâ—â— sat under our own Vines and 〈…〉 but Judgments hang over the Nation and whether they will fall or not the Lord knows But shall we do for the good of our Nation and Cities and Families but labour every one in the Fear of God to reform your Lives and to take heed that we sin not against the Light lest we die and perish in the midst of those terrible Judgments that hang-over us Let us turn from our evil Ways and depart from all Iniquity that the Kingdom of Christ may be set up in our selves It is the Righteous in the Nation that the Lord looks at and for their sakes he will spare a Nation If there be a People among us that walk in Humility and lament and mourn for the Abominations committed in the midst of us God will have regard to them and he will hear the Cries and the Supplications of a praying People Friends You that cannot make use of Sword and Spear for the saving of a Nation you may do good by your Prayers and turning to the Lord with an unfeigned Heart and let your Sincerity appear before him if I would take a Common-Prayer-Book in my Hands and pray never so devoutly and solemnly if I be not sincere what will that do Or if I pray without Book or if I pray without a Form or reject the Forms that others have made for me what will this avail But the Cry of the Poor and the Sighing of the Needy and the effectual fervent Prayer of thâ— Righteous hath availed much for the saving oâ— this Nation many Years Therefore I exhort you all as you love the Nation and as you love your selv◠〈…〉 â—our Families and Relations sin not aâ—â—â—nt the Lord for he is now setting up Righteousnâ— Equity and Justice and it shall prevaâ—â— in thâ— Nation God hath been please â—o gather in many that have been Enemies in it that are now turned from sin to God and led Captive by the Truth and it is their greatest Joy that now they are no longer Servants of Sin but are now become the Servants of God Now Truth will prevail and Righteousness go forth as the Morning Sun and 〈◊〉 hope the Lord will shew Mercy to us for thâ— glory of his own Name tho' we are an unworthy People It will be matter of joy and gladness to us if the Kingdom of God be come then we may say our Prayer is answered We have often prayed Thy Kingdom come and thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven If the Will of God be done then I can do mine own Will no longer then I can be led away by Satan no longer the Devil will have little Power if I do Gods Will on Earth as it is done in Heaven then Praises will arise in the Hearts of every one that delight to do the Will of God and God will carry on his Work for the glory of his own Name and for the Redemption of his People that Christ may be Preached for Soâ—â—tion to the Ends of the â—â—rth SERMON XI The Acceptable Sacrifice Preached â—t Grace-Church-street July 3. 1692. ALl People that would worship God and meet together for that purpose they had need have a great Reverence upon their Minds and a holy Fear upon their Spirits that when they enter into the House of the Lord and draw nigh to the living God they might not offer the Sacrifice of Fools but may offer to God that which may be acceptable to him For all Worship and all Religion and all Offerings and Oblations that ever were offered to God by any People they have had a return upon the Offerers and Worshippers either of acceptance or rejection Many you know have been rejected tho' they have offered and many have been accepted of God and their Offerings have been a sweet smelling Savour in his Nostrils and I hope we are all of that Mind that we would be glad to have our Worship and Service and Offerings to God accepted in his sight and that our present assembling together might be for the better and that every one might have an Answer of Peace and of acceptance in their Bosoms but that can never be unless Men be qualified and prepared in their drawing nigh to God and that in all our Offerings and Worship that we perform our Hearts be prepared
according to the Preparation of the Sanctuary the Preparation of Gods Dwelling and holy Place The Worshippers must be holy there must be the Fear of God and a reverence of the great God upon their Minds before People can offer an acceptable Sacrifice unto him as the holy Apostle saith Heb. 11.6 He that cometh to God must believe that he is which signifies that a Preparation ought to be in the Minds and Hearts of People that would draw nigh to God or perform any Service or Worship to God they must have the knowledge of the God whom they worship they must first know that he is and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him Here is a qualification for Worshippers for religious Persons as they expect when they meet together to find the Lord in the midst of them they must be qualified accordingly there must be an Awe upon their Minds I am in the Presence of God I have an expectation from God that he will open his abounding Treasury and minister some good unto me or else to what purpose do People draw nigh to God It is because they would have something of him but they must come in an humble petitioning frame He giveth Grace to the Humble It is the Lofty the Proud those that exalt themselves the Fat and the Full that want nothing These saith the Prophet the Lord beholdeth afar off A proud Man or Woman cannot draw nigh to God the Lord looks upon them afar off nor do they partake of those divine and heavenly Comforts and Blessings and Counsels and Instructions that the humble Mind hath the Promise of and will certainly enjoy The humble God will teach he will instruct the Meek in his Way but what is this to the lofty Mind What is this to one that is exalted and conceited and puffed up and reckons himself full and wanting nothing while he is swimming in the Streams of the Pleasures of this World and savours only the things of the Earth the Pleasures of a sensual Mind These Persons are not hungry and so they are not fed they are not thirsty and so they never obtain that which can satisfie the Soul Our Lord Jesus Christ pronounced a Blessing upon them that hunger and thirst but that is nothing to them that are full and lack nothing So my Friends in this and all other religious Assemblies a great care ought to be upon every one that their coming together to wait upon the Lord may be in that reverence and fear and that hope and expectation at the Hands of God that they might be bettered by it or else they all lose their labour as Cain did he would be an Offerer he offered Sacrifice but was not accepted because his Miâ—â— and Heart wiâ—â—â—ot right before the Lord 〈◊〉 Sacrifice was rejected It was before he had killed his Brother â—he had great Guilt upon him before he had â—illed his Brother he wanted a well-doing If thou dost well â—â—â—lt thou not be accepted But if thou dost noâ— wâ—ll Sin lies at thy Door Hâ— was got into evil doing and an evil Mind hindered his acceptance with God so iâ— doth with all Men and Women in the World that meddle with religious Worship and Sacrifice to God if they meddle with evil doing There must be a taking off the Mind frâ—â—he evil of Sin and Corruption and the Min◠〈…〉 be brought over to something that they have received from God before ever they can be accepted You know the general Doctrin of all Protestants is That we have no acceptance with God but through Jesus Christ we have no way to please God nor can do any thing that shall be liked of in his sight but only through one only Mediator Now if so be I go to worship God or perform any religious Duty without respect and reference to the sense and participation of the vertue and power of that only Mediator how can I be accepted And it hath pleased God out of his infinite Love to Mankind to send this great Mediator into the World that every Man that comes into thâ— World is made a Participant of something of the Life and Vertue of that Mediator So you read John 1.4 In him was Life and the Life was the Light of Men the true Light that lighteth every Man that cometh into the World and that with respeâ—â— to Men whether they are good or no both to good and bad tho' Men are bad as all Men are by Nature So that tho' they are Children of Wrath and Heirs of Eternal Damnation and in their natural State by reason of Sin yet for all that this one Mediator in whom this Light hath shined he hath sent forth that Light among the Sons and Daughters of Men that is the Light of Men that enlightens every one So there is an Offer made of something that presents it self to the view of every Man that is good if he apply his Mind to it he may have that Good that comes by Jesus Christ he may draw nigh to God as bad as he is he hath some good that God hath bestowed upon Men good and bad There is no Man such a Liar but he hath some Truth in him there is no Man so ungodly but he knows that which is pure and holy that which hath reproved him checked convinced him of his Ungodliness This presents it self to the view of every Man and Woman and calls them to Repentance Now for Men to make a shew and pretence to Worship and not have regard to the glory of God how can they draw nigh to God or God draw nigh to them Our Lord Jesus Christ saith That where two or three are gathered together in my Name I will be in the midst of them but if People meet together in their Sin and Wiâ— me◠〈…〉 â—hey hâ—ve a looâ— and a vain Mind â—nd intend to 〈◊〉 Wicâ—edness and Sin if theâ— meet 〈…〉 â—et not in Christs Name but in the Devils Name and he is in the midst of them and he works and Rules in the Hearts of the Câ—â—â—dren of Disobedience So that this hath been the ground and reason why abundance of Meetings upon this account have been fruitless as to any Benefit to their Souls and Peoples Expectations have been frustrated as to their Salvation they have not met with that in which the Blessing is and to which the Promise is made The Promise is not made to People that the Devil rules there is no Promise to such but the Promise of Eternal Wrath to be executed upon them with the Devil and his Angels to all Eternity if you can make that a â—romise The Promise of Life and Salvation which is recorded bâ—â—â—â—e Prophets and Apostles it hath always relation to the Seed that are iâ— Covenant with God In this the Covenâ—â—â— stands saith God to Abraham Gen. 17â—â— I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy Seed after thee in their Generations for an everlasting
Deâ— Works that Christ came to destroy 〈◊〉 doth he not do it He will destroy 〈◊〉 Devil hath wrought in every Man that will be subject to him Can a Chirurgeon set a Bone if the Patient be not subject to his Hand But this is far beyond all comparison Christ hath received all power in heaven and earth yet he â—â—â—â—ays looks for a willing People he sends 〈◊〉 Day of his Power upon a People anâ— he worketh upon thâ—â—r Heâ—rts by an invincible Power he makes them willing to be helped and mended and healed and cured and then he cures them I dare say there is not one here that is willing to be reformed and to submit to Christ to be saved and redeemed by him but he will do it He that is willing and obedient shall eat of the good of the land and shall know the Good of Redemption See whether it be come to a State of Redemption here is universal Grace offered for the light of Christ Jesus lightneth every one of you It shews you your lost State and Condition When you see yoâ—â— Condition bad that it is not as it ought to be who would not have it better What means Prayer that Christian Duty 〈◊〉 us What shall we pray for Must not People be sensible in themselves what they should pray for before they come to pray And what is it that will make them sensible but the Light and Grace of God They see their own Wants when God worketh Faith in their Hearts and they believe that God can supply those Wants Why should I go to a Beggar to pray him to give me an hundred Pounds I believe he cannot do it therefore I will not pray to him for it Now necessity brings People to go to Prayer but there must be Faith in him to whom 〈…〉 he is able to supply their Wants 〈…〉 relieve their Necessities Upon this acco … the Apostle saith H … cometh to God 〈◊〉 believe that he is and that he is a rewarder 〈◊〉 them that diligently seek him He must 〈◊〉 know that there is a God to come unto anâ— then that he is a Rewarder Here is the Foundation of all true Religiâ—â— and true Worship they that go to God 〈◊〉 say their Prayers and joyn with others in â—â—â—ing their Prayers if they have no 〈…〉 God they had as good hold their 〈…〉 for their Praying is to no purpose They 〈◊〉 pretend to believe in God without an expâ—â—â—mental Power of God working upon 〈◊〉 Hearts their Belief is not worth a Strawâ— without their Respect to the Power of God all their Belief is nothing but if they know that God hath such an Operation upon them that no Man of Woman in the World can discover that to them that God discovereth then they know that God is the searcher of hearts and the tryer of the reins Jerem. 17.10 Suppose I know that there is a God and at the same time I believe that he will never hear me that I am a reprobate Creature and that he hath cast me off for ever and that he hath sealed Condemnation upon me to all Eternity What reason hath such a one to pray This is a desperate condition But while we believe there is a God and that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rewarder of them taht diligently seek him it is not in vain to pray yet there is someâ—â—ing antecedent to to Prayer there is Knowâ—edge and Faith upon that Knowledge that God is a Rewarder He that hath this let him pray in God's Name But what must he pray for He must not offer the sacrifice of fools he must have regard to his Lips if it â—e mental Prayer he must pray for that he â—â—ands in need of it is for something he prays â—â—at God hath revealed by his Holy Spirit â—e stands in need of it is for something that he needs it is Power to overcome Corruptiâ—n and Power to overcome Temptation that â—e stands in need of he stands in need of a Mediator to procure for him the Pardon of his Sins These things he stands in need of then let him pray He that is afflicted let him pray So that if a Man or Woman go to Prayer they must pray to God in the Belief of his Goodness â—d Mercy that he will bestow some Blessing upon them that may be for the better that may be for their good When they come to a Meeting to worship God and hear the Word spoken outwardly they must pray for something that may be for their good Lord give me something that may support my Soul and something that may withstand Temptation People should have their Minds thus exercised and they should think upon the Name of the Lord according to their particular Necessity they should pour out their Supplication to the Loâ— This is such Worship as God looks for 〈◊〉 such as he likes and is pleased with he wâ— deliver those that thus pray to him out 〈◊〉 Temptations so that they shall not prevailâ— over them One Man's Temptation is of one sort another's of another sort but they are all delivered by â—e Grace of God and helped over them upon their Prayer to God for they find by Experience that God is a God hearing prayers Now when we have â—â—â—yed what is thâ— next Work It is to â—â—it for an Answer of our Prayer I prayed 〈◊〉 other Day to God for Power to withstand such a Temptation when that Temptation comes agâ—â—n I do expect that God will answer my Prayer Dost thou so Then I pray thee have an Eye to the samâ— Grace â—f Gâ—d that convinced thee and shewed thee the Tâ—mptâ—tion and have thy Faith exercised upon that Gâ—â—ce of God and thou wilt find it sufficient for thee I will warrant thâ—e Let the Devil come with a Temptation never so suiâ—â—ble and subtil keep thine Eye upon the Grace of God and it will deliver thee This was the Case of Paul when a messenger of Satan was sent to buffet him he besought the Lord thrice The Temptation did attend him and God gave him an answer of his Prayer My grace is sufficient for thee As if he had said Let the Devil come with never so much Power he shall never overcome â—hee I speak to those that are well skilled in 〈…〉 of Work and have met with sharp Temptations and sometimes perhaps they â—ave been overcome by them and at other times they have withstood them What is the difference why one while they are loose and careless and did not pray for the Assistance of Divine Grace anâ—â—her while they kept close to it and were delivered Therefore when you come to Meeting with a desire to receive Benefit from God with you Expectations God-ward to receive Comfort from the Hands of the Lord let your Eye be upon â—im and the Working of his Grace in your own Hearts and hearken to that Voiâ—â— that is within you and it will be more effectual than mine If you find thâ— Work of Grace in you to
except that he saith He would not the death of him that dies What would he have then He would have you turn and live What means doth he use What I would have done I would use means for it You will say What means doth God use I am ready to say What means hath he not used 〈◊〉 What is it that God doth more wish for thâ—n that Men would repent return and live and be happy for ever He hath created them and given them Life and Breath and continued them twenty thirty forty or fifty Years that they might have Time to prepare for Eternity and he hath given his good Spirit to instruct them but they have rebelled against him He hath sent forth his Word the Gospel of Salvation which hath been preached to them and he hath waited to be gracious and â—xercisâ—d much patience and long-suffâ—â—◠〈◊〉 towards them so that I may say what meâ— hath he omitted He hath planted them as a vineyard in a very fruitful hill and he haâ— fenced it and gathered out the stones thâ—â—â— and planted it with the choicest vine and 〈…〉 in the midst of it and made a win◠〈◊〉 therein and he looked that it should 〈◊〉 foâ—th grapes and it brought wild grapes 〈◊〉 I pray you saith â—he Lord between me 〈◊〉 my vineyard Whâ—â— could have been done 〈◊〉 to my vineyard that I have not done in it But notwithstanding all your unfruitfulness the Day of your Visitation is continued the Lord is willing to shew Mercy to your Souls This is all the Lord your God requires of you That you would think upon his Name believe in him and trust in him and wait upon him for the Operations of his Grace in the Use of his Ordinances and your Attendance upon them and hearkning to his Voice and obeying it and so to hear that your souls may live I will affirm that there is never a one of you here present whether you be Quakers or no but you may meet with the Divine operations of the Power of God in your own Hearts if you will regard it and when you meet with these operations and regard them not I cannot help it if you will resist the good things of the Spirit of God I cannot help it if you will be of that Mind always to resist the Holy Ghost If as your â—athers did so do ye then you must all perish both you and your Fathers there is no escaping but by being subject to Christ Jesus and his â—â—ickening Spirit if there be any Divine â—â—â—â—rations that you meet with in your own Hearts let me perswade you to s◠〈…〉 have regard to them for I know th◠〈◊〉 is near at Hand and when People 〈◊〉 with Divine operâ—â—ions in their Soul◠〈◊〉 humble them and bring down their Pâ— and convince them of the danger of their â—â—â—dition the lies in the way and suggests 〈◊〉 poysonous thing that takes off the edge oâ— these operâ—â—iâ—â—s that they may dislike them It is true◠〈◊〉 meet with convictions of Sin but they reckon they have that Faith and belief in â—hrist that doth in the sight of Goâ— obâ— all their Sins that can be laid to thâ— charge both past and to come If I would look say they to the Divine operations or any thing wrought in me it wâ—re enough to make me mad I look wholly for the meriâ— of Câ—rist my Mind is wholly fixed upoâ— him who iâ— the Auther of Eternal Salvâ— his merâ—â—â—â—ious sufferings and obedience 〈◊〉 obliterâ—â—â—nd blot out all my Sins My Mâ—â—ds I tell you many a Poor Soul hath spâ— upon this Roâ— by undervaluing the Divine operâ—tions of the Spirit upon 〈◊〉 Hearts they mâ—ke a false and wrong application of the merits of Câ—â—â—st which indeeâ— are so grâ—â—â— that no body can ovâ—â—value them but we must not make a false application 〈◊〉 them For this purpose was the Son of 〈◊〉 manifested that he might destroy the Worâ—â— the Devil He takes away the guilt o◠〈◊〉 noâ— that you might live in it still Whoâ— bâ—lieveth iâ— Christ shall hâ—ve Po◠〈…〉 〈◊〉 and not be 〈◊〉 the dominion and 〈◊〉 of Sin Sin shall not havâ— dominion over 〈◊〉 for you are not under the Law but under 〈◊〉 But God be thanked you were the servants 〈◊〉 Sin but you have obeyed from the Heart the form of Doctrine which was delivered you being then made free from Sin ye became the Servants of Righteousness Rom. 6.14 18. But you will say I am guilty of agre at deal of Sin already what shall become of me for the guilt that I have contracted If we confess and forsake our Sins he 〈◊〉 â—kfull and just to forgive us our Sins and to â—â—â—anst us from all unrighteousness and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all Sin 1 John 9.9 Here is a true application of Christ his Merits and Righteousness when there is a confessing of Sin to Goâ— and a forsaking of it here is an offering and a Sacrifice made to God by our Lord Jâ—â—us Christ for the expiation of Sin he 〈◊〉 by his precious Blood pâ—â—â—hased the pardon of all my Sins that he might present me to God without Spot and Blemish here is a true application the Righteousâ—â—â—â— of Christ but how can I apply it to my self while I live in Siâ— Here Gods Witness in the Conscience of a Sinner pleads against the Sinner when he hath got a trick to believe that his guilt is taken away and all his S ns past present and to come are pardoned while he continue to live in 〈◊〉 and Sin hath yet dominion over him Take heed you split n◠〈…〉 if you be humble well grown Ch◠〈…〉 will think upon the Name of the 〈…〉 when ye find the operation of Gods 〈◊〉 begetting good desires in you to hate Sin 〈◊〉 love Righteousness you will then believâ— you will then Pray to the God of all Grace for the Prayer of the Faithful is acceptable to him The effectual fervent Prayer of a Righteous Man avails much Jam. 5.16 Let your supplications therefore be poured forth unto God to endue you with Power and Wisdom to subdue all your Spirituâ—â— Enemies and to conquer your concupiscence and the inordinate desires and affections of your own Hearts that you may take up the Crosâ— of Christ and follow him as your greaâ— Patrâ—n and in his Name and by the hâ— and Aâ—â—istaâ—ce of his Holy Spirit you mâ— know how to â—â—ercome all Temptations His Prayer after Sermon MOst Glorious Lord God wonderful is thy great Power over all which thou hast revealed and made manifest in this thy blessed Day Thy Arm O thou Almighty God is stretched forth thou hast touched a Remnant with a sense of thy Divine love whom thou hast gathered unto thy Name thou hast revealed thy great Salvation and therewith thou haâ— made glad the Souls of thy Children thou hast endeared thy self â—â—to us by the discovery and manifestation of thy abounding love