and have keeped Christ so long at the door and so have foresaken your own Mercies and have loved death rather then life Ionah 2.8 Prov 8 36.4 Endeavouâ— earnestly to win free of this estate and to bâ— Partakers of this singular and unspeakable advantage to have Christ in you Seek unto to him who hath the Kings keys and the kâ—ys of of David and that openeth and no maâ— shutteh That he may put his hand into the holâ— of the lock and cast open the leaves and unbolt the dear of your heart and come in 5 Whatever ye do Be carefull that ye wâ—onâ— none of them Ye see who is near hanâ— them and whose House and Habitation â—hey are Do â—hem no hurt left ye bring on youâ— selves the wrath of him that dwelleth iâ— them Vse 3 For Application of these comfortable Truths aright there are several Dutieâ— required of Believers themselves 1. They must make use of Christ for Light Counsel and Direction in all their wayes Seeing â—e is so near unto you that he is even within you then make all your difficulties knowâ— unto him Undertake nothing without his Advice Believers are to trust in the Lord witâ— all â—heir heart and in nothing to lean untâ— their own understanding acknowledging him in all thâ—ir wayes and he shall direct theiâ— pathâ— Prâ— 3 5.6 Thus therefore as theâ— received Christ Jesus the Lord so should theâ— walk in him Col. 2.6 Setting him up for their Patern and Example and so walking as be walked in the World in all Humility Patiâ—nce Love Zeal Holiness and Uprightness â—hat thereby it may appear that Christ is in â—hem and that they are rooted and built up â—n him and established in Faith 2. They must lay to Heart that great Duty of growing in Grace and bearing Fruit in him Ioh. 15.2 That this Union with Christ may appear For when found fruitful in him â—hen it appears that they are united unto a Fruitful and sappy Root and that the founâ—ain of Life and influences is in them And on â—his account are they to be the more diligent in â—hese following Duties As 1. Live in the constant and real Convictions of your Impoâ—ency to do any thing of your selves knowing â—hat ye are not sufficient of your selves to â—hink any thing as of your selves 2 Cor. 3.5 â— Acknowledges that all your sufficiency is in Christ through whom ye can do all things â—hilip 4.13 Believe his All-sufficiency and â—eadiness to help and bear through Difficulties â—ll such who will imploy him and his Grace â— In confidence hereof go to him for help â—epend on him for assistâ—nce according to the â—romises lay the weighâ— of the Duty on him â—y Faith 4. Lean and rest on him by Faith â—nd so venture upon every commanded Duty â—ith uprightness of Heart 3. The Believer must lay to Heart the Duâ—y of rejoycing in him and of boasting alone in him And that in these respects 1. As having all what they have in and through and for him alone As also all they have to expect for the making of them compleatly happy must run through this Channel so thaâ— the Believer is alone Compleat in him Col. 2.10.2 Because they will find all their wants through Loâ—ses Crosses Tossings sharp Dâ—spensations c. Richly made up in Him in whom Dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead Bodily Col. 2.9 For He is in theâ— 3. Because that through Him they are brought to the highest pitch of Honour and Credite imaginable as having Christ abiding and dwelling in them 4. Because that through Him they have the â—urest hope of seeing God and of dwelling in Glory eternally For Christ in them is the hope of Glory 5. Because that in Him they have cause to triumph over Death Hell the Grave and Corruption and over a Body of Death Rom. 7.24 25. 1 Cor. 15.55.6 Because they have him near at hand to go to is all their Needs Miseries Doubts and Questionings Weakness c. He is ever at hand for he is in them 4. Seeing Christ is come so near unto them that He is in them so they are to keep near Communion and Fellowship wiâ—h him and that in these following respects 1. That they converse with him in their thoughts separating themselves from all others singly to speak with him adoring and admiring his Love and Condescendency towards them and with delight continuing in the Meditation of his Person Offices and Mediatory Works c. 2. That they be often speaking with him in Prayer And thus keeping up a Correspondence with him laying out all their wants before him pouring out their Souls in his Bosome going to him on all occasions 3. That they seek advice of and consult him in all Emergents attempting nothing without giving him notice first thereof 4. That they set hâ—m up conâ—inually as their Patern that they may be Followers of God as dear Children Ephes. 5.1 He haâ—h left us an example that we should follew his steps 1 Pet. 2.21.5 That they unbosome their whole Secrets to Him seeing He is their Heart and bosome Friend and seeing this is the real and sure token and demonstration of resting in and crediting of Him 6. That â—hey approach unto Him or unto God through Him with all Christian freedom and familiaâ—ity with an assurance of accepâ—ance seeing He is come so near to the Soul For in him We have boldness and access with confidence by the Faith of Him Eâ—hes 3.12 And through Him we â—oth have an access by one Spirit unto the Father Ephes. 2 18.5 Seeing it hath pleased Christ â—o worthy and excellent a Guest to take up Lodging in the Souls of Believers they must beware of gâ—ieving Him We should be loath to let a good Guest go to the door upon the account of our incivility Now among other things these following will grieve Christ and and provoke him to depart 2. In case we have not that high esteem of Him as we ought any will soon weary in Company where affronted and slighted 2. Providing due honour and Respect to him be not intertained and fostered notwithstanding of all our forementioned freedom and familiarity with him For homliness must not spill good Manners He is a great King and Jealous God A Sen Honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master If then I be a Father where is mine Honour And if I be a Master where is my Fear saith the Lord of Hosts c. Mal. 1.6 3 Providing we have not strong hearty and sensible desires after him For as Love and Kindness waxeth cold so Friendship dryeth up His Love iâ— strong and love must be answered with love otherwayes it turns into Jealousie He is a jealous Lover And as his Love has mounted far above all Love yea above all the Love of Women though distilled into one Therefore we should carry our selves as ever sensible hereof continually praying that ouâ— Hearts might alwayes be directed into â—he Lorâ— of God 2 Thess. 3.5 And
be done away and all their clouds scattered and they would obtain a full assurance But this is a mistake Christ may be and Faith in him may be where this certainty is not never was and likely shall never be until the Soul come within the view of the Land of Glory Yea the Scripture is â—ull of such like Complainâ—s of the Saints and of their often expressing their suspicions It is the Disease that follows the Royal Blood incident to the most Heavenly Spirits Moses David Heman Asaph Iob Ieremiah the Câ—urch Psal 120. Lam 1. and 2. and 3. â—nd 4 And that under the Church and Saints of the New Testament as well as the Old 1 Cor 10.6 Now these things were our examples with v. 1.1 2 Cor 1 8 9 2 Cor 2.11 2. Cor 7 4 5 6. 1 Pet 1.6 7. Yea Christ may be there where the Soul through the power of temptation peâ—emptorly concludeth that he is not in them â—therwayes woe to not a few 4. Because Strangers to some sensible and â—omfortable manifestations which some win â—t They see not neither find they as with â—ome the Rayes and reall Blinks of his smiling Countenance But this is no sure Mark Christ â—ay be where these things are not or otherâ—ayes woe to many poor Soules These are â—he free outlettings of his Love wherein the LORD dealls as a Soveraign Allowing some â—o come near him for so â—e thinketh fit and â—thers to stand farther off and think it sufficiâ—nt if but admitted to stand within the portall â—f his Pallace All Subjâ—cts are not Courtiers â—or all Courtiers alike high The Mother will â—ake the one Child and kiss and dandlâ— it upon â—he knee and not the other So Christ takes â—ot all his Children into his Banqueting house â—â—ither spreads he his Banner of Love over â—hem in a sensible manneâ— Each one is not â—ayed with Flaggons and comforted with Apples Every one hath not Christs left hand undeâ— their head and his right hand embracing them Some must be satisfied to want these manifestations until they ascend into the Higher House 5. Because they know not what it is to have their Hearts lifted up in the wayes of the LORD They know not what that Joy in the Holy Ghost meaneth nor what it is to chear themselves with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory O is this sufficient ground to conclude that Christ is not in them What a gross mistake is this Do all Christians attain to such high Attainments Alas Some must be well satisfied to creep to Heaven and never once get up their back untill they win within the very ports of Glory Some in stead of rejoycing must carry the tear in their eye the whole way and never get it washen away untill that Christs soft hand once for all wash it off and then they shall weep no more being arrived there where no sorrowing nor sighing shall be heard for then sighing and â—orrowing must flee away 6. Because their Graces shine not nor have not that Beauty and Lustre Which they believed to have had Providing Christ were in them Where Faith Hope Love c. is nothing to what it should or must be thinâ— they if Christ were in them But they notlâ—â— not that there are degrees of Grace All arâ— not Saints of the first Magnitude Each ones Faith even true Faith is not Assurance Christ is where the least grain weight of Grace is And sometimes Grace will go in litle Room Christ is where there is but one smoaking Flax and but one broken Reed 7. Because they are not only without Comfort and Joy but are also full of terrours fears and trembling whereof they imagine they should be free providing Christ were in them Alas poor Soul why thinks thou thus Were it so as ye imagine what should have become of excellent Heman Psal 88.15 Who from his youth up was afflicted and ready to die and was distracted with the Terrours of GOD which he suffered What should ye then say of the good King Hezekiah who became to chatter like a Cran or a Swallow and to mourn as a Dove Isa 38.14 And of others whom we could name 8. Because they see no Grace growing in them all seems to be going back with them I grant it is most lamentable when it is so and a case much to be condolled Nevertheless it may readily appear to be so when really it is not so Christ may be where this grouth in Grace is neither seen nor observed Yea Christ may be where there is a sinful decay for a time by reason of some Winter â—lasts and storms or by reason of some worm or such like at the root Nevertheless the seed shall remain and where the seed is there is Christ so that this is but a false Mark 9. Because they observe so much Hypocrisie in their Actings undoubtedly say they if Christ were in us it should not be so with us But as to this we should mark that however he who hath Christ in him can be no Hypocrite For a Hypocrite is such whose state is without Christ Nevertheless he may have much hypocrisie in him even as he hath morâ— or less of other corruptions Every act of hypocrisie will not say that that man is a hypocrite There is great difference between yellow brass and Gold that hath scumm mixed with it the best of our Mettals have dross in them The State of perfection is not here 10. Because they cannot perform commanded Duties without opposition and greaâ— fighting Whereas if Christ were in them imagine they their wheels would move more Lightly But this is also a mistake and a perverted rule to judge by For in the best that Live there remains much of the old man that never rests But continually setts it self against every Good motion and work that is in hand so that the good that they would they cannot get done But the evil that they woulâ— not that they are made to do the Law oâ— their members warring continually against the â—aw oâ— their mind making them cry Out Owre châ—d man that I am who shall deliver me from the Body of this Death Rom 7.14 15.24 11. Because corruption is not weakned but as they imagine is on the growing hand which could not be providing Christ were in them But herein is also a mistake the one or other special corruption may in respect of some temptation grow more at one time than at another nevertheless Grace under no decay nor corruption growing in the whoâ—e Body The leaves will abundantly fall off â—he Tree yea and three times more in the Harvest than at another time and yet be under no decay Corruption through temptation may be discovered while neverâ—heless neither growing nor in strength And at other times they may be less seen and feared when most strong and dangerous An unseen and quiet devil may be more hazardous than a seen and a roaring devil Corrupâ—ions growâ— not alwayes most when they
Invasions So is Christs Reâ—gniâ— as Head Law-giver and great Commandâ— in the Souls of his People by hâ—s Laws aâ—â— Statutes So is he said to Reign over the house 〈◊〉 Iacob Luk 1.33 with 1 Joh 4 4. 2. As the Master of a Family in his owâ— House where he dwells with Contentmenâ— Ease Satisfaction Pleasure and Delight 〈◊〉 beholding his House Even so Christ â—welâ— in the Hearts of his People Eph 3.17 Aâ—â— therefore called his own house Heb 3.6 And an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph â— 22. Christ standing before the door promiseth to such as will open to him to come it Revel 3.20 3. Christ is in the Believer as a Tradseman in his Shop doing the Work of his Calling I say so is Christ advancing the Work oâ— Grace in the Believer for beliveth in them Gal 2.20 And if Christ be in you the body iâ— dead because of sea but the Spirit is Life becausâ— of Righteousness Rom 8 10. As the GOD this World that is the Devil is and dwelâ— in them to whoâ— the Gospel is hid and whâ— are lost blinding the minds of them whicâ— believe not 2 Cor 4.3 4. And as the prince 〈◊〉 the power of the air that evil spirit doth worâ— in the Children of disobedience Ephes 2 2â— Even so Christ having cast out this strong man comes to the heart and takes possession â—hereof and worketh therein what is well pleasing in his eyes 4. Like into one in his obtained possession â—nd in his Garden delighâ—ing himself in the â—njoyment of what he hath gotten and purchased Even so is Christ in Believers havâ—ng purchased them unto himself and that with his own Blood pâ—ssâ—ssing them as his own and there delighâ—eâ—h he himself as in his Garden Song 6.2 My Beloved is gone down â—nto his Garden to the beds of Spices to feed in â—he Gardens and to gather Lillies So that this Expression Christ in you holds â—orth 1 Christ reco0ncilled with them by Faith He stands no more at the door knockâ—ng but he is let in and there is peace betwixt Him and â—hem he is come in 2. Christs â—nward Affection to them He cannot but love â—hem in whom he dwells and abides In whose bosome he layeth his head and in whose Heart he hath his Throne 3 â—hrists â—pecial acknowledging them â—o be his ransomâ—d Ones for his peculiar Treasure for his House and constant dwelling Place 4. Christs working in them the work of Holyâ—ess and drawing in them more and more â—vely Draughts and Lineaments of his new â—mage that the new Man of Grace may be â—tronger and stronger they made more and â—ore conformable to the Prince of their Salvtion in all the Graces of the Spirit 5. Christs reigning and sweying his Scepter in the Soul And that his Laws are obeyed his Statutes followed and that there is no willing subjection to any other Master That Christ having cast out the old tyrant usurper he is acknowledged as the Alone and Lawful Soveraign 6 Christs resting himself in his Love to them For where he loves there iâ— his resting place there he makes his abode 7. Christs being in them as their life the Fountain and Well spring of all Life and Operations Gal 2.20 8. In a word It holds sorth â—hat Christ is in them to do in and for them to bring them up to Glory to lead them through difficulties to strengthen them against opposition to comfort them against discouragements and to support them under crosses and so in the end to bring them home Question But how is He in the Believer I Answer He is there not only as GOD For so is he over all neither is he there meerly as Man For he is so in Heaven at the Right Hand of the Father where he must abide until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets since the World began Acts. 3.21 Buâ— as Mediator not in Person but by his Viceroy and great Lord keeper of his Room the Holy Ghost For he is the Comforter that â—hall ever abide with us And for whom Christ prayed the Father and wâ—â—m he was â—o send Ioh 14.16 17.26 Ioâ— 15.26 and 16.7.13 Question But is it by the Spirit himself that Christ lives and abides in the Believer Or is â—t alone by the Graces Effects and Operations of the Spirit Answer By whatever of the two it be by this way of Christs in dwelling is every way strong ground of Consolation and affords solide Joy and a sure well grounded Hope of Glory Notwithstanding there are several Expressions in Scripture that seems to plead â—or the Spirit himself As 1. The Believer is said to be the Temple of God of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor 3.16 17. and 6.19 Which gives to know more than that they have his Graces as the design ground of the Apostles reasoning holds forth Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God And that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy For the Temple of God as holy which Temple ye are Here three times they are called GODS Temple And not only so but as if the Apostle would further lay forth the business he adds And that the Spirit of GOD dwelleth in you All which may be said very properly of a Person and more properly than of any work wrought by the Spirit To the same purpose the Apostle speaketh 1 Cor 6.19 What know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you which ye have of God The Holy Ghost is said to be in them as a Temple 2. The Spirit is spoken of as a Gift with a dâ—fference from his Works and Effects oâ— Grace Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us Rom 5.5 Here is the Grace of Love wrought by the Holy Ghost And moreover the Apostle sayes that it is by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us So that the Holy Ghost himself is given as a special Gift besides that of his Fruit and Operations in the Soul Compared with Ezek 36.27 And I will put my Spiriâ— within you 3. Christ promises to send him in hâ—â— Room and mentions him alwayes as a Person that he will send to dwell and abide with them to work in them â—o saith he Iob. 14.16 17. And I will pray the Father and he shall givâ— you another comforter that he may abide with yoâ— for ever So that it is the Comforter himselâ— that he promiseth here and not simply hâ—â— Comforts And who is this Comforter Eveâ— the spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him bâ—â— ye know him And as if this were not sufficienâ— he adds further for he dwelleth with yoâ— and shall be in you And yet further v. 26. Buâ— the Comforter which is the Holy
that effect 5. Mark Where Christ is there He gets the Heart for there he lives Ephes. 3 17. So that what evâ—â— it bâ—â—hat presents its self to the Soul though never so taking yet He has still the precedency disposing and chief room unless it be for a time that the Soul may be over poured and carried away with some lâ—st or other These that have Christ in them they Confess that Iesus is the Son of God 1 Joh 4.15 And so altogether Matchless For all such dwell in Him and He in them So that He is unto them White and Ruddy the chiefest among ten thousands Song â— 10 And whatever is his is altogether lovely ver 16. For unto them which believes He is precious 1 Pet. â— 7 I acknowledge this love and esteem will not alwayes be the same nor appear in the like degree Nevertheless it is for the most part pâ—edomining and reigning and where these â—hings are not so it is a sad token that Christ hath not as yet taken up his abode 6 Mark Where Christ is there is a forsaking of all former Lovers for now they have changed Masters They shall say to their former Idoles get you hence as if they were so many menstruous cloaths Isa 30.22 Then they say with Ephraim What have we to do any more with Idoles Hos 14 8. For where he comes all these must give place to him as being worthy of all There old J liveth no more Gal 2.20 But where the old lovers keep their possâ—ssion where the old idoles the old sinns have the old esteem and the old service and not as yet cast out with loathing and shame it is not as yet â—ight there Christ when he comes binds the old man sets the old Tyrant that possessed the Soul out of doors 7. Mark Where Christ is there is a compleat change that word is realy felt 2. Cor 5.17 If any man be in Christ he is a new creature Now is he as he were in another world drawing his breath in another element They are no more the folks they were They that are Christs have Crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 5 24. They look on those lusts and affections as their enemies and declares themselves enemies against them wars against them in root and branch and against all their motions whether they be sinful aâ—fections and passions such as these whereby the mans Mind doth suffer and is troubled and affected with or whether they be sinful lusts such as these stirred up by fleshly carnal Baits and Pleasures as motions to Intemperance uncleanness c. Now those who are Christs are said to cruciâ—y and put to death all these because they have engaged themselves by profession and Covenant Sealed in Baptism so to do Rom. 6.3 4. And have actually begun thâ—s woâ—k so that though this Body of corrupâ— flesh be in them yet through the Spirit Rom. 8.13 And by imitating his Cross Rom. 6 5. They are upon the work of Morâ—ifying it suppressing the endeavours and smoothering the â—ffects of it Rom. 6.12 They resolve now to walk in newness of Life Rom. 6.4 From this time forth they have a new understanding renewed in the Spirit of their mind no more sâ—bject to the Dominion of fleshly Lusts whicâ— is enmity against God They â—ave a new will which is now flexible to Godâ— will and Command neither doth it now rebel as formerly They have new Desires new Inclinations new Work new Ends before â—â—em new Followship no more Fellowsâ—ip wiâ—h the unfruitâ—ul works of Darkness 8. Mark Where Christ is there is a resting on him for Liâ—e and leaniâ—g on him for Righteousness Adopâ—ion Justification and Sâ—â—vation wiâ—h â—aul Phil 3.9 Who desired to be found iâ— him not having his own Righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the Righteousness which is of GOD by Faith The Soul inâ—ends to live thâ—ough this way alone to râ—st in to hide himselâ— in Christ until â—o speak so a bitt oâ— the Man cannot be seen that when he is calleâ— for it may be answered LORD I am in Christ not having my own Righteousness If Christ be in you saith Paul the Spirit iâ— Life â—ecause of Râ—ghteousness Rom 8.30 The Soul resolves alone to live through this way through his Righteousness I◠〈◊〉 LORD â—ave we Righteousness and strenâ—â—â— say they Isa 54.24 In the LORD expâ—câ— they only to be Justifiâ—d and to Glory â— 2â— 9. Mark Where Christ is there is a grea◠〈◊〉 to eshâ—w sin Joh 3.6 Whosâ—eâ—er 〈◊〉 in him sinneâ—h not To wit with that 〈◊〉 as formerly They may be overtaken in a fault as Gal 6.1 But â—hey are not wâ—llingly intangled again with the yoke of bondage Gâ—l â— 1 Somâ—times they may be carried away with the stream of a temptation as David and Peter yet they give not themselves willingly deliberatly over to the will of their Lustâ— But even when corruption has the upper hand there is a party within them that protesteth against that course and usurpation Rom 7. That which they do they would not and that which they do not they would willingâ—y do The Spirit warreth against the flâ—sh Gal 5.17 Hereby it is that â—â—ey walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom 8.1 10. Mark Where Christ is there is a real fast resolute care endeavour to keep the Commandments of Christ 1 Joh 3.24 And he that keepeth his Commandments dwelleth in him and he in him And again 1 Joh 2.5 Hereby they know that they are in him because they keep his word They will cast at none of his Laws but have respect unto all his Commandments Psal 119.6 This is their work and design to be conformable in all things to his Law and their faillings are the cause of much sorrow unto them 11. Mark In whom Christ is they live in Love as in their Element 1 Joh 4.16 And we have known and believed the Love that GOD hath to us GOD is love and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in GOD and GOD in him Also 1 Joh 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit A humble and condescending Spirit a tender and simpathizing Spirit a Spirit of Wisdom and counsel a Spirit oâ— Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD We may see what for a Spirit it is that is given unto Christ without measure Isa 11.2 Where it is called the Spirit of Wisdom and Vnderstanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD So that these who have Christ living in them are more or less partakers of this Spirit For they are one Spirit with Christ their darkness is in part removed their pride killed and they made more conformable to Christ their Head and Husband 12. Mark Who have Christ in them they walk after the Spirit Rom 8.1 That is they have
he is still carrying on â—hâ— work of these Offices untill he hath deliverd up the Kingdom to GOD even the Father Cor 15.24.8 That he for the carring on of this work of Redemption was well satisfyed to endure the Cross dispising the shame Heb 12.2.3 c. To be assaulted with and tempted of the Devil Ma 4.1 2 3 c. Luk 4.2 c. Heb 4.15 to be persecuted unto death yea to the death of the Cross Isa 53.9 10. Yea and to bear the wrath and curse of GOD Almighty which we had deserved Gal 2.13 Luâ— 22 44 Isa 53 5.6 10. How may men anâ— Angels stand astonished at these Mysteries oâ— love that he undertook and all for such unto whom he was never can never be obliged yea even for his enemies Rom 5.10.9 Thaâ— he as a publick person head and Representative of the Elect which were given unto him to be saved after that he had remained undeâ— the power of Death until the third day Act 2.24 25.26 Râ—se again from the dead by hiâ— own Power Joh 10 18 And thereby with poweâ— declared himself to be the Son of GOD Rom 1 4 And that he had satisfied Justice having payed the price and come out of Prison Rom 8.34 Heb 2.14 here are Mysteries full of hope soul consolation 10. That he as head and representing his ransomed Ones should ascend up unto Heaven triumphing over principalites powers leading captivetycaptive to take possession in their Name prepare a place for them Heb 6 20 Ephs 4.8 Joh 14 3 The Apostles stood gazing on him and so do ye lift up your heartâ— to gazâ— on him by faiâ—h and view him in that act as pâ—ssing along unto Heaven as leading sin hell death and devils in triumph at his Charioâ— whâ—els when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive then he led captive all our Spiritual enemies that would have ruined enslâ—ved and captivated us Now leading of captives is alwayes after a compleat Victory And therefore whereas at His Death He had conquered them at His Rising scattered them now at His Ascension He leads them Captive O what a Mystery of Hope and of full Assurance is here 11. That even when exalted to that high state of Honour Power and Mâ—jesty having got a Name which is above every Name Phil. 2.9 And glorified with the Father Himself with â—hat Glory which He had wiâ—h the Father beâ—ore the World was Ioh. 17.8 He should not â—orget His poor Members on Earth but that He daily now appears in the presence of GOD â—or them Heb. 9 12.24 7.25 Rom 8.34 Anâ—wering all the particular Accusations brought â—n against them 1 Ioh. 2 1. Tâ—king care that â—hey and their Performances be accepted â—phes 1.6.1 Pet. 2.5 Revel 8.3 How shall â—e attain unto the knowledge of these Heart-â—omforting Cordials and Soul-strengthening Mysteries but alone through the Gospel 12. That He by His Word and Spirit should make real and effectual Application of the good and great Things that are purchased by giving them Saving Grace Repenâ—ance and Remission of Sins Act. 5.31 and Faith Tit. 3.5 6. Ephes. 2.8 2 Cor. 4.13 Ephes. 1.17 18 19. And His Spirit establishing and strengtheâ—iâ—g their Faith Ioh. 14 16 17 26. And bringing the begun work unto perfection through the continual Iâ—fluences of His Spirit And at lâ—st â—â—owning them with Gâ—ory Psal. 110.1 1 Cor 15.25 Who thô such as the Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entered into thâ— Heart of Man to take up Isa. 64.4 1. Cor. 2 9 Neither doth it yet appear 1 Ioh. 3.2 Nevertheless is the Revelation of these unknowâ— tranâ—cending Mysteries of Glory only madâ— known to us by the Gospel The Third principal Point is of these Mysteries which the Gospel revealâ— to us of GOD These are also many we shall name but a feâ— of them As 1. His Love and Goodness iâ— finding out a way of Salvation and for thâ— end sending His own Son unto the World Well might Iohn say Chap. 3 16. For God solved the World that He gave His only â—egotten 〈◊〉 that whosoever believeth in Him should not perisâ— but have everlasting Life For who can sayâ— express what sort of Love or how great thâ— Love was Heathens without the Churcâ— may observe and see much of His Love in thâ— common tract of Dispensations and His Gooâ—ness should lead them to Repentance Act 1â— 17. But thereby they can never attain sucâ— length as to see and understand this Lovâ— this everlasting Fountain of Love This Loâ—â— and Goodness oâ— GOD is only manifested uâ—to Men through the Gospel Tit. 3.4.2 Hâ—â— Eternal Purpose and Decree of Saving 〈◊〉 Sinners in a way unspeakably tending to 〈◊〉 Praise of His glorious Attributes especiaâ— of His Justice Mercy and Wisdom Nature â—hereat must sing dumb Nature can discover nothing how He has chosen some of us in Christ before the foundation of the World having predestinated them unto the Adoption of Children by Iesus Christ according to the good pleasure of Hes Will To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace Ephes. 1 4 5 6. Only the Gospâ—l doth this Vers 9. Natuâ—e cannot learn us how the Children unbâ—rn not having as yet donâ— either Good or Evil should hâ—ve it said unto them the Elder serve the Younger That the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of Him that calleth Rom 9 11 12 13 3 His Soveraignity is in this matchless Remedy in choosing oâ— some and not all in undertaking for some and not for others sending the glad Tydings of the Gospel to some and not to others reaching the Heart of some through the Preaching of the Gospel and not of others 4. His Justice in punâ—shing of Sin even in His own Son when standing in the place and room of Sinners which is a greater Demonstration of GOD's Justice than ever could be obtaâ—ned by all the Plagues and Judgements whereby He hath ever punished the greatest of Sinners Rom. 3.21 22 25.26.5 His Mercy in pardoning passing by Sinners according to the satisfaction of Christ and in accepting such as believe as Righteous according to â—he good pleasure of His Will Ephes. 1.6 7 8. Can there be a greater Evidence of Mercy than this A greaâ—â—â— cannot be imagined Therefore the Gospel 〈◊〉 called the Grace of GOD. 6. His infinit Wisdom is herein discovered in so ordering thâ— whole work of our Salvation that Justâ—ce should be fully satisfied and Mercy havâ— place so that Mercy Truth should kâ—ss eaâ—h other This is called His manifold Wâ—sdom â—phes 3.10 All Wisdom Ephes. 1.8.7 Hâ—â— Truth in letting loose all His Threaâ—nings upon the Cautioner when the principal Debter was spared From all which it is more than evident thaâ— the Gospel holds sorth the great Plot of Salvation more clearly and distinctly than all â—he works of Creation and Providence could have done But 10. The Gospel is called a Mysteey
not go down over the Prophets nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6 And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart and give us darkness in place of light for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the pâ—â—cious Gospel 3. We should be much it Pâ—ayer to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amonst us that it may shine in the midst of us in its Glory and Beauty as the power of GOD unto Salvation 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome â—he Gospel amongst us and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operationâ— of the same O let the Glory thereof shine it our Hâ—arts And for that effâ—ct let us lay opeâ— our selves to the Beams of the same that they may have free entry into our Souls Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols and receive this Light and Glory in love 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtaiâ— a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery To wit 1 That this Gospel discovers to us our Wreâ—chedness Emptyness Madness Poverty Nakedness and every way Undonâ—nâ—ss 2 That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ in His Person Nature Offices Works and Employments in the World 3 That it draws Hearts to Him and from our selves and from all other Lovers and Vanities wherewith heretofore we have been betwitched 4 That it unites our Souls to Him through Faiâ—h that we may live in Him and He in us and be one in Him 5 That it enclineth our Hearts unto a sweeâ— Union with the Gospel Commanâ—s and to a living by Faith in Christ and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation through His offeâ—ing of Himself and through His Mediaâ—ory Righteousness offered and holdâ—n forâ—h in the Gospâ—l and impuâ—ed â—o Believers thâ—ough Fâ—ith 6 Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us â—â—ll in love with Holiness anâ— to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling leaning on Jesus by Faith drawing Life and Power from Him who is given â—or a Covenant unâ—o the People that we might so gâ—ow up and beaâ— Fruâ—t in Him and go from strengâ—h â—o strengâ—h in Him untill we appear beâ—orâ— GOD 〈◊〉 Zion 5 Use. This requires â— selâ—-searching whether or not we havâ— ever attained a savâ—ng siâ—ht of this Glory the Riches of the Glory of â—his Mystery And we may know it by these Markâ— As 1 Mark The light of the Gospel discoverâ— a Fulness a sensible Fulness a Soul-satisfyâ—ng and a Soul-saving Fulness and a free and gracious Fulness in Christ. 2 Mark The light of the Gospel discovers I say where this glorious Light comes it discovers selâ— emptiness self deceitfulness and loathsomness 3 Mark It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choise of Christ for all to esteem of Him above all as the chief among ten thousand And to lay hold on Him on His own Terms with Heart and Hand and to accept of Him for all our Wants and for all that we desire and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him 4 Mark It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs to give Him constant employment in all His Offices until He bring them home and land them in Glory 5. Mark It makes the Soul that hath a right discovery thereof fall in love with Holiness and to make Conscience of their ways to walk circuâ—spectly to the Glory of GOD and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession to the engaging of Strangers unto the â—eceiving of the Gospel 6. Mark It will give them a high esteem of all even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ and make them careful â—o keep them pure and to improve them to the right end and will make them help to maintain His Croâ—â— rights and Priviledges â—s King in His owâ—â—â—urch and chief Commander in â—is own House Among the Gentiles These 〈…〉 of Glory 〈…〉 things 1. 〈…〉 â—â—credible in thâ— begâ—â—â—ing of th◠〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Priviledge and exalâ—ed to 〈…〉 Glory For 1. 〈…〉 oâ— Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained 〈…〉 first offâ—â— of the Gâ—spel 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5 〈…〉 whoâ— are 〈…〉 Enemies or 〈…〉 couâ—â— not only not tolerate tha◠〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to sprâ—â—â— to 〈…〉 thâ— be saved 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worlâ—â—either 〈…〉 of Heaven 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to gâ— and Teach and Baptize all Nations Math. 28 18 19. And notwithstanding they were foâ— that end qualified and furnished with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost yet could hardly be perswaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles For we find that Peter wâ—â— examined by the rest of the Apostles for bâ— going unto Cornelius Act. 11.2 3.3 Thâ— Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye anâ— contemned therefore called Sinners of thâ— Gentiles Gal. 2.15 And as without Christ so aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel aâ—â— strangers from the Covenants of Promise havinâ— no hope and without God in the World Ephes. 12.4 Yea they were accounted Dogs anâ— unworthy to eat of the Childrens Bread seâ— on that ground Christ seemed to cast off thâ— poor Cananitish Woman to whom He answered I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel Math. 15. 2. Notwithstanding of all this the Lorâ— so ordered it that the Gospel got entrancâ— under the Gentiles while He sent His Apostleâ— among them and blessed their Labours amongst them Act. 13.46 and 14.27 aâ—â— 15 3 7.14.15 17 and 18 6 Yea the Ieâ— rejâ—cting of the Gospel occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles Aâ—â— 23 46. and 8.6 and the diâ—â—iâ—â—shing of 〈◊〉 Iews was the Riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.12 3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ and His Kingdom fulfilled The Root â—f Iesse must stand for an Ensign to the People and the Gentiles must seek into it Isa. 11.10 and 60.5 His Name must be great among the Gentiles Mal. 1.11 And to such had Christ a Commission to come in an appoinâ—ed time Isa. 42.6.49.6 Act 13.47 Luk. 1.32 So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles Isa. 42.1 Math. 12.18 see Rom. 15.9 10 11. 4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom Love and free Grace which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD Ephes. 3.3 4 5 So was iâ— that the Apostles who for a time were unsatisfied therewith at last held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life Act 11.18 And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles Ephes. 3.7 8. And magnâ—fied his Office thereby Rom 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein 1 Tim. 2.7 2 Tim. 1.11 Which as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that
every way useful and absolutely neâ—essary 5. That we receive Him for every Work and Imployment for Sanctification as well as Justification 6. That we jointly deny our selves take up His Cross and follow Him Mat. 16.24 3 dly In this Gospel we have the Nature of this Union viz. The indwelling of Christ manifested unto us For here is declared 1. That is indwelling of Christ and union with him mysterious profound unsearchable and comprehensible Ephes 5.32.2 That is wholly Spiritual so that they become â—he Spirit 1 Cor 6.17 They are made parkers of His Spirit Rom 8.9.3 That it a near and inward Union so that no Comâ—â—rison can sufficiently demonstrate it as we â—â—ve heard before 4. That it is permanent â—â—d inviolable nothing can make a separatiâ—â— here Rom 8.38 39.5 That it is Gloâ—â—ous Exceeding Excellent 6. That it is very useful and profitable Union having â—â—effably great and wonderful Advantages â—oth here and hereafter 4 In this Gospel we have what Christ did for â—â—e carrying on of this Union how he is beâ—â—me a Mediator Cautioner taking upon â—â—m to make peace and reconciliation and so 〈◊〉 satisfie Justice for their sins How in the â—â—lness of time he has come and has given a â—â—ll and perfect satisfaction according to his â—ndertaking how he hath purchased of the â—ather all that was accounted necessary for the â—â—rrying on of this Union in respect of the Eâ—â—ct How he lives forever as an Intercessor â—â—r that end and effect How he as King and â—ead of the Church hath appointed ordinanâ—es and Laws How that he hath blessed them â—â—cording to his good pleasure for that Effect â—nd how he hath sent his Spirit to work up his Chosen to a cheerful receiving of his offer Aâ— this and much more is made known in the Gospel 5. Here is held forth and cleared what is required on our part in respect of obtaininâ— possession and to be possessed of this Noble Spirit and to win at this Union Namely 1. Thaâ— we forsake all our Righteousness with alâ— other Idols and lovers which possâ—sâ— our Soâ—lâ— 2. That we acknowledge and be convinced oâ— our own inability and natural unwillingnesâ— to open unto him 3. That we attend on thâ— means appointed and on him in the meanâ— 4. That we lay a side all prejudices 5. Thaâ— we lay our selves open to his approaches 6. That we cry and long after him and his company so as we can 6. Here in this Gospel is made known thaâ— this opening of the heart for Christ is a woâ—â— above nature and that Christ is the Auâ—hoâ— and finisher of Faith Heb. 12.1 2. And that no man can come until the Father draw him Ioh. 6.44 7. Here is also discovered that notwithstanding â—he LORD wonderful in Council mighty indeed hath thought good through the foolishness of Preaching to save those that believe 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.21 And to make use of Planâ—ers anâ— waterers albeit neither of them can do good providing he give not the increase 1 Cor. 3 5 6 7. And therefore hath he sent Labourâ—rs to his Vine-yeard to labour and work there â—o that they are Labourers together with GOD Cor. 3.8 9. He sends his servants as so â—any Ambâ—ssadors to Court a Bride for Christ. â— Cor. 5.20 and 11 2. Therefore they â—ome in their Masters Name and lay forth â—he Articles of agreement and reconciliation â—nd he himself must and will through his Spirit â—etermine and perswad unto an opening Vse From all that is said appears that the Gospel and the preaching of the same is the â—eans appointed of GOD for this end and â—hat it is the chief and grand design of the preached Gospel to work up the Soul into this Unâ—on with Christ and make the heart to open â—hat the King of Glory may enter in Which â—hould incite to these things 1. To a high esâ—eemation of the Gospel as being such a noble mean ordained for such an excellent end To account highly of it I say and of such who are appointed to carry these glad tidings of the great Salvation and to haâ—ken unto it them as such noble means of Gods appointment 2 That we may have this end before us in the Administration of the Gospel The Ministers should so preach it and the People should so hear it as a mean ordained for that end and never to rest sâ—tiâ—fied or much less to think all is well until this end be first attained to wit that Christ be formed in the Soul O! it were desireable to see that the Ministers in preaching of the Gospel were as it were traveiling 〈◊〉 Birth to obtain this end Gal. 4.19.3 That 〈◊〉 lament the estate of such who miss this glorioâ—â— gospel of those who have but the sound of tâ—â— Gospel without the power thereof 4. That 〈◊〉 be thankfull for this inesteemable priviledgâ— and so be sensible of the same and be careâ—â—â— that we provoke not God to remove this advaâ—tagious most useful Candlestick 5. That 〈◊〉 have compassion on those who are desperatâ— wicked that they are so wearied of this precâ—ous Gospel that they hate oppose ruine yâ—â— persecute the same O what a misery is thâ—â— for Poor Souls to forsake their own unspeaâ—able riches The third thing is that this Vnion to witâ— Christ in the Soul is the riches of the Glory 〈◊〉 this Gospel Mysterie And this appears 1. In thâ—â— it is the principal and chief business which thâ— Infinitly wise GOD had beâ—ore him in the Eternal Counsel of his will to work out by thâ— dispensation 2. The LORD who is the Authoâ— of this Gospel is thereby Gloryfied in his Glorious Attributes Christ exalted and made 〈◊〉 see the travel of his Soul and the pleasure oâ— the LORD prosper in his hand and the greaâ— designe therein principally intended next thâ— Glory of GOD to wit the Eternal compact between GOD and the Mediator is then begun 〈◊〉 be accomplished 3. All the Draughts of thâ— Glorious Gospel terminate here as in a Centeâ— 4. Then beginneth â—he Soul to knâ—w what are the excellenâ— Riches of the 〈◊〉 of Love Grace and wâ—sdâ—m that are broughâ— to light througâ—t the Gâ—spel then and not untill then begin â—hey to be partâ—kâ—rs thereof Vse This serves to set us all a woâ—k to a serìous enquiry and tryal if the Gospel hath had these noble Fruits in us which may be known from what hath been formerly mentioned of Christ his being in the Soul And we are never to think we see or know any thing of the Râ—ches of the Gospel how great soever a measure of knâ—wledge otherwayes we may have attainâ—d or be partakeâ—s of unâ—il this Union be wrought and provâ—ding this be wrought then we may well sit down contented what ever other things we want as having now in thiâ— Union the whole Riches of the Gâ—spel as in a Treasure laid up in our Souls O what a condition must this bâ— The last thing iâ— that thiâ— Fruit of the Gospel and â—his shâ—rt compend of the Riches of its Glory is of GOD and wroughâ— by Him He makes iâ— known and the reason is clear â—or 1. Man by nature hates Christ will noâ— welcome Him much less let Him in to dwell in the Soul they hate boâ—h Him and His Father Ioh. 15 24 2ly The lâ—ghâ— which must discover this enmitie together wiâ—h the miserie that accompanieth their estate who are wâ—thout Christ is Divine these Saving discoveries are only attainable through a divine supernatural illuminatiâ—â— Now it is GOD alone that openeth the eyes of the blind 3ly As it is GOD alone that taketh away the natural blindnesâ— of the understanding and sends Divine Light into the Soul so must He guard off and remove the natural pravity of the will and do away the stony heart and make his people willing after this manner must He open thâ— heart as He opened the heart of Lydia Acts 16 14.4ly Even so must GOD by His immediate powerful Grace effectually work the consenâ— unto the offer made in the Gospel And how ever this work of the LORD be powerfull and irresistable overcoming all opposition from without and within nevertheless it is without force and violence For though He draw yet He draweth with the cords of Men and Bonds of love strongly convincing making the Soul effectually to submit and give it self over seing the heart is in his hand He can turn it whether He will as He pouers in Grace so He makes the Soul willing 1. Vse This should serve to teach those who are made partakers of this Union to know whom they have to thank for it and who should have the praise and the honour of this noble and glorious Work and make them far from thinking or saying that they themselves have made the difference or from offering sacrifice unto their own net in respect oâ— his Grace 2 Vse This should also learn others where the right door is whereunto they must betake themselves O! poor Souls look to him and to him alone and wait at the Posts of his door forsaking your own strength and despairing in and of your selves FINIS