hearts desire and with-holds not from him the requests of his lips he did oft-times hear Moses but once when he request somewhat for himself the Lord said unto him let it suffice thee speak no more to me of this matter and would not grant him his desire but God never turns away the face of this his anointed one but hears him alwayes Joh. 11. 41 42. And as before is intimated his end in making intercession it is not only that mens lives might be a little longer continued much less is it that he may aggravate their condemnation though if men still refuse and rebel their condemnation will be hereby aggravated and God will wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalpe of such as go on still in their trespasses Psal 68. 18 21. but that they which live and have their lives prolonged might live not to themselves but to him who dyed for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. and therefore while he intercedes for further sparing it is that he may dig about by his corrections and chastenings in which he hath a gracious end while it is called to day Job 7. 17 18. 33. 19 29. and dung them with his mercies and goodness to lead them to tepentance as Luk 1. 3. 6 8. So also the Apostle signifies in that motive and argument he layes down to move the Coriâ—â—hians not to receive the grace of God in vain for he to wir the Father saith to Christ I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee I say therein is signified that while God hears Christ and that is all the time he is mediating he is also using means and succouring him in his ministration that men might receive the grace of God to purpose and so all this while it is an accepted time and day of salvation in which men may seek the Lord and he will be found 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Isa 55. 1 6. And hence the Apostle Peter instructs to account the long-suffering of our Lord to be salvation that is not only an evidence and witness of that salvation wrought and compleated in the person of our Lord though it is so also Psal 68. 18 20. nor only that during that time of his exercising long-suffering he is saving them from destruction but also to signifie what the end of our Lord in procuring it for us and exercising it toward us is namely He is long-suffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish no not those scoffers that walked after their own lusts and said Where is the promise of his coming while it is called to day but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 4 9 15. Prov. 1. 22. for he hath no pleasure none at all neither secret nor revealed in the everlasting destruction of men while the day of his grace and patience continues and that is while Jesus Christ mediates and that is while God is calling men by any means and stretching forth his hand which he doth while he calls Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should dye saith the Lord God and not that he should return from his wayes and live Ezek. 18. 23. 33. 10 11. Isa 49 8. 50. 1 2. and therefore when men have so provoked God as that they have deserved to be presently cut off and he is threatning to bring upon them such judgments as in which many would have their lives taken away and so dying in their sins be sealed up to the wrath to come because he hath no pleasure concurring with their destruction while there may be hope he is through the Mediation of Jesus deferring his anger and waiting that he may be gracious and exâ—â—â—ting himself that he may have mercy upon such Isa 30. 8 18. such his grace to man-ward while it is called to day But now in his present work and office he is especially the Saviour of them that believe the Apostle and High-Priest of their profession to whom he is more abundantly gracious he giveâ—h grace to the humble He forgives them their iniquities that come unto God by him and retaineth them no longer in heaven against them but justifieth them freely by his grace and ever lives to make intercession for them to take away their manifold mixtures weaknesses and infirmities and is therefore able to save them to the uttermost yea they are justified in believing by him from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses even from rebellious iniquities and to them he imputes righteousness without works and they are made accepted in the beloved Heb. 7. 25. Act. 13. 39. Tit. 3. 7. Rom. 4. 5 7. yea God is daily and continually tâ—â— just fier of him that believeth in Jesus through him as the propitiatory Rom. 3. 22 25 26. and so To them he gives power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name and they are the subjects of peculiar grace and favour Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us that we should be called the sons of God even such as were sometimes the children of wrath even as others 1 Joh. 3. 1. Eph. 2. 3. Jesus Christ loves them with the same manner of love as wherewith the Father loves him and the Father loves them with such manner of love as wherewith he loves his Son Jesus Christ Joh. 15. 9. 17. 23. even with a delightful and well pleased love yea therefore he loves them because they have loved Jesus Christ and have believed that he came forth from God Ioh. 14. 21 23. 16. 27. And because they are sons he sends forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts to them he pours forth his Spirit and makes known his words Gal. 4. 6. Prov. 1. 23. He gives unto them the Spirit of Wisdom and Revâ—lation in the knowledge of Christ opening and enlightning the eyes of their understandings that they may know what is the hope of his calling c. Eph. 1. 17 20. And this he doth not because of any perfection of their coming to God by Christ but from his own goodness he is pleased to make and repute them as his people and to favour them with such favour Henâ—e the Psalmist ascribes it principally to the graciousness of the Lord that he still and further teacheth them and makes known his words Good and upright is the Lord therefore the meek he will guide in judgment and the meek he will teach his way and the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant his Son whom he hath given for a Covenant of the people and in whom all the promises of God are yea and Amen Isa 42. 6. 2 Cor. 1. 20 Psal 25. 8 14. He gives them his good Spirit to guide them into all truth to teach them all things and bring all things to remembrance which Christ hath
sanctified and made meet for the inheritance 1. What it is to sanctifie and who they are that are sanctified To sanctifie and to be sanctified in Scripture signifies these two things 1. To separate a person or thing from common and profane use and so from uncleanness and filthiness as it usually signifies in our types of old So Hezekiah commanded the Levites to sanctifie themselves and to sanctifie the house of the Lord and to carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place and accordingly they sanctified it by carrying out the uncleanness out of it as is signified 2 Chron. 29. 5 15 18. and so the sanctifying the people it was a separating them from those things that we e provâ—king in the eyes of God or forbidden by him Lev. 20. 2 8 a severing them from the pollutions and manners of the Nations whom the Lord cast out Levit. 20. 23 26. 2. To set aparâ— forthâ— Lord and for his pâ—culiar use and service any thing or person a devoting or dedicating it to the Lord that it may be his aâ—d unto him as were the Priests and Levites and â—emple c. So setting apart unto the Lord answers to and is the same with sanctifying unto him Exod. 13. 2 12. So here They are said to be sanctified who are cleansed from the errors and polluâ—ions of this world and devoted to the Lord separated from uncleanness and set apart for the Lord such as come out from among men and are separated and touch no unclean thing Such as in the light and strength of God's promises do cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. 7. 1. and so the sanctified are such as are daily turned from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God Act. 26. 18. 2 Tim. 2. 21. such as so receive the grace of God as to redeem them from all iniquity and to purifie them unto him a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2. 11 12 14. 2. The means whereby God in Christ by his Spirit doth sanctifie as to persons I mean that are come to years of capacity are 1. The chief and principal medium is the word of his grace in which is declared and commended to us the free grace of God in the blood of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is said to sanctifie with the washing of water by the word even with the kindness and love of God our Saviour Eph. 5. 26. and so he is said to wash in his blood in which the love of God is commended and men are said to be sanctified with the blood of the Covenant Rev. 1. 5. Heb. 10. â—9 that is the blood of sprinkling whereby the heart is sprinkled from an evil conscience and the conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 10. 22. 9. 14. and so they are said to be sanctified by the Spirit in the testimony and so by the Word 2 Thes 2. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Joh. 17. 17 19. Act. 26 18. and these three agree in one 1 Joh. 5. 6 8. And indeed the principal means whereby men may be sanctified born again and saved now it is by discovering and commending the love of God to mankind in lifting up the Son of man by the Spirit in the testimony So our Saviour signifies in answer to Nicodemâ—s when he asks How can these things be namely that a man can be born again in answer thereto he tells him As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of man be lifted up c. For God so loved the world of mankind that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3 5 9 14 17. So that which the Apostle preached in order to the sanctifying of the Corinthians who were unholy and prophane the first thing he delivered to them was that Christ died for their sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and tells them they were washed sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus even in and by that good report of him in which the Father's love was manifested and by the Spirit of our God Compare 1. Cor. 15. 1 4. with Chap. 6. 10 11. So the Apostle signifies that the means whereby he and other believers were saved from their ignorance disobedience and serving divers lusts it was by the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour to man-ward which is the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost Tit. 3. 3 6. It is not the Law as a Law of works or any observance thereof by men or indeavouring to frame their hearts thereby to love God and men and to avoid the evils forbidden that is the way or means whereby God doth sanctifie nor is the Law first to be preached to the effecting this sanctification though men may seek to sanctifie themselves and purifie themselves thereby and in so doing account themselves Saints and be so accounted by others yet these are none of God's Saints or sanctified ones but these shall be consumed together Isa 66. 17 nor is it any peculiar manner of love to mens persons in a personal consideration first discovered to or working in men before they believe that is the means for effecting this sanctification but it is done by the Spirit in glorifying Christ and therein commending God's love to the world sinners and ungodly ones Act. 26. 18 23. this is the supream means 2. And in subsâ—rviency and â—ubordination to the former he doth also cleanse and wâ—sh with afflictions even with the manifold trials and temptations which he is ordering to men while it is called to day in which he is also purging and causing the scum to swim aloft that by this men might be purged and that the iniquity of his Jacob might be purged Isa 27. 9. that he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from him Job 33. 17 19. then he sheweth men their work and their transgressions that they have exceeded he openeth also their ears to discipline and commandeth them to depart from iniquity Job 36. 8 10. and sheweth unto men the vanity of their idols in which they have been trusting and by which they have been lifting up themselves according to that When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth surelâ— every man is vanity Psal 39. 11. He then sheweth that all flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of the field even all their wisdom strength goodness c. and so is cleansing and purging them from their sins and idols that they may live to him and bring forth more fruit Joh. 15. 2. So the Apostle saith he chastens us for our profit that we may be partakers of his holiness Heb. 12. 10. that we may be delivered from our filthiness for stripes
and large dominion than over the works of God's hands here below yea that nothing no person or thing is exempted from being under his Lordship except him who hath put all things under him though this be not so gloriously manifested now as it shall be in due time Thou hast set him over the works of thy hands thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet sor in that he put all in subjection under him he left nothing that is not put under him Heb. 2. 7 9. Oh great grace toward mankind and especially for the good of those that shall be heirs of salvation Hence that admiration What is man that thou art mindful of him Psal 8. 4. Heb. 2. 6. 1. 14. This is that grace in Christ as to the first branch of the testimony even that he by vertue of his blood hath delivered us in himself from the guilt of our sins which occasioned the first breach and from that so great a death and hath obtained forgiveness of all our sins all grace and truth into himself and a great and glorious Lordship and authority And by vertue of what he hath done and hath received he is become the one and only foundation the living stone and chief corner stone the head of the corner 1 Cor. 3. 11. 1 Pet. 2. 4 6. yea to the disobedient the head of the corner 1 Pet. 2. 7. the Saviour of the world Joh. 4. 42. 1 Joh. 4. 14. the way the truth and the life Joh. 14. 6. the only door â—f approach to God by whom only we may come to the Fâ—ther Ioh. 10. 7 9. the true light the light of the world Ioh. 1. 9. 8. 12. the bread of life and water of life Ioh. 6. 35. the true vine Ioh. 15. 1. he is beauty and glory excellency and comeliness for our escape Isa 4. 2. the Lord and Christ Act. 2. 36. a Prince and Saviour Act. 5. 31. yea in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily and in him we are compleat who is the head of all principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord who can shew forth all his praise Psal 106. 2 3. his love is that which passeth knowledge Eph. 3. 19. And great cause and good ground have we to pray for our selves and one another that God would strengthen us with might by his Spirit in the inner man that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith in what he hath done and is become that we being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height even of his grace Eph. 3. 16 18. where the excellency of this love and grace is set forth in like expressions as is the unsearchableness of the Almighty for God is love See Iob 11. 7 9. there we have these several dimensions spoken of though in a contrary order The breadth of this grace is such as that it is broader than the Sea though that be famous for its breadth and therefore called the great and wide Sea Psal 104. 25. yet he hath given to it its decree that the waters should not pass his commandment Prov. 8. 29. there is an end of that but his love is exceeding broad and his commandment his Gospel in which it is declared this is more capacious infinitely exceedingly wide who there-through hath in our nature obtained dominion now and shall exercise it gloriously from Sea to Sea he is that place of broad rivers and streams and shall be so gloriously manifested Isa 33. 21. and they that from the excellency of his loving kindness put their trust under the shadow of his wings shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of his house and he will make them drink of the river of his pleasures now in a first fruits of the Spirit and hereafter in a full injoyment for with him is the fountain of life Psal 36. 7 9. 46. 4. As to its length it is longer than the earth as to its duration and continuance for it is everlasting Jer. 31. 3. And he hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace 2 Thes 2. 16. and it is by vertue thereof that the earth and all the inhabitants thereof which were dissolved by the sin of man are upheld he bears up the pillars thereof upholds all things by the word of his power Psal 75. 3. Heb. 1. 3. whereby all the inhabitants of the earth are in him redeemed from the curse of the Law and whereby there is peace on earth good will towards men and which extends in the vertue and fruit of it to all the inhabitants of the earth in every age and generation and that to a gracious end Hence all the earth called upon to make a joyful noise to be thankful unto him and bless his name c. Psl 100. to look to him and be saved Isa 45. 21 22. The depth of it is deeper than hell even that wherethrough he hath destroyed Satan in his first work and is fitted and impowered to destroy him in his second and will do it in due time he hath spoiled principalities and powers Destruction and death say we have heard the fame thereof with our ears Job 28. 22. Satan had laid his plot very deep and by his subtlety having beguiâ—ed our first Parents and drawn them into the transgression and so into the desert of curse and death thought to have made them for ever necessarily alike miserable with himself and indeed the condition into which he brought them and they by listening to him brought themselves was such as they could never suffer this death so as to overcome in suffering no man could redeem his brother c. and yet the death must be suffered and overcome or no mercy could be shewn to mankind but now our God and the Father in him the man Christ Jesus hath counterplotted and underuinâ—d him and in what he thought to have dealt proudly he was aâ—ove him in that very destruction in which he though to have destroyed us for ever is he taken and fallen our Jesus hath through death destroyed him that had the power of death even the Devil and hath obtained the victory and his triumphing Song is Oh death where is thy sting Oh hell where is thy victory Death in him is swallowed up into victory and abolished and he hath overcome hell and out-witted Satan in the net which he laid for us and into which we were fallen is he himself taken Oh infinite pity and love to man-ward and through Christ God gives us the victory that we may rejoyce in his salvation and in the name of our God list up the banner 1 Cor. 15. 55 58. Psal 20. 5. 98. 1. 47. The height of it is the height of heaven for there-through and by vertue of what he hath done thereby he being raised from the dead hath offered himself a
spotless sacrifice unto God through the eternal spirit and is ascended â—ar-above all heavens into heaven it self that he may fill and fulfil all things he is gone up into heaven and is on the right hand of God and by means and by vertue of what he hath done there is peace in heaven Luke 19. 38. When man had sinned and brought themselves under the sentence of banishment God's love and pity was toward them but such was the holiness of God and his truth and justice that there was no mercy to be shewed forth to mankind until his justice was satisfied his truth fulfilled and his righteous Law answered For heaven and earth shall pass away but not one jot or title of the Law shall pass till all be fulfilled But now Jesus Christ becoming under the Law by the will of God he bare our sins and dyed our death and is raised again so as in him mercy and truth are met righteousness and peace have kissed truth is sprung out of the earth in his resurrection and righteousness looks down from heaven in all the streams of God's goodness and compassion to us and now there is cause to sing peace in heaven and glory in the highest he is ascended upon high and is set down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens Oh infinite love Oh unsearchable riches of grace 2. This word of his grace discovers his grace to us in what he is now doing to us from heaven in the name and authority of the Father and in the anointing of the holy Ghost And in what he is doing in heaven for us with the Father in both which he is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. his end in both being that he might bring us to God his end in what he hath done for us in breaking down the middle wall of partition that was between God and us and between Jew and Gentile and having abolished in his flesh the enmity it was that he might reconcile both Jew and Gentile unto God in one body by the Cross Eph. 2. 14 16. His end in his having made peace was that he might reconcile all things and so all men as persons sometimes is included and meant in that expression 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. Col. 1. 20. And indeed that his end was to reconcile all men appears to be included in that expression in that he immediately adds And you who were sometimes enemies and alienated in your minds c. yet now hath he reconciled Col. 1. 20 21. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. and so his end in what God hath now appointed Christ to and in which he is faithful is the same not to condemn the world but that through him the world might be saved and the Apostle doth hereby demonstrate and prove the graciousness of God's heart towards all men by shewing what he hath appointed Christ unto in his present work and office God saith he will have all men to be saved ' and come to the knowledge of the truth To evidence that he saith For there is one God namely not only to distinguish him from all other who are called Gods but to denote to us that he is one not divided hath not a secret will contrary to his revealed but he is light and in him is no darkness at all and so he is the same he hath manifested himself to be in abasing his Son to dye for us and crowning him with glory and honour that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man And one Mediator namely as before not only to distinguish him from all others that are called so and so to signifie that he is the one and only Mediator appointed by the one God though that is true and may be principally intended but also to assure us that he is one the same Jesus Christ the same yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13. 8. And so in what he is appointed to to day he is one and the same with what he was yesterday even the Saviour of the world the anointed Saviour of men while they are not wholly given up to and become one with Satan and reckoned fully of his seed and for such in that consideration he was never a Saviour and so he is one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus even he that had such infinite grace to all men that he gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. If God had not willed and desired that all men should be saved he would never have appointed such a gracious Mediator between him and them and such a faithful testimony Now then to this end that men might be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth in this day and this in order unto their eternal salvation 1. Jesus Christ is a testimony of God's graciousness to men in due time even to all men as they come to years of capacity that they might be reconciled and their hearts turned to the Lord the enmity that was in the state and condition of mankind Jesus Christ hath already slain and hath taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us but yet still men while abiding in their natural state are enemies in their minds to God there is a secret enmity and contrariety in their hearts to God through that ignorance that is in them Now then that this may be purged out and their minds turned to the Lord Jesus Christ is seasonably by all means witnessing his and his Fathers pity and love to them and is by his goodness discovered moving to repentance for it is the goodness of God leadeth to repentance even those that are not led by it Rom. 2. 4 5. It is his love manifested and discerned that begets love to him again 1 Joh. 4. 7 10 19. Grace is poured into the lips of Jesus Christ Psal 45. 2. and he is in some measure giving some witnessings of God's mercifulness and goodness to all yea to those that had not the Word and Oracles committed to them as Israel after the flesh had He left not himself without witness of his propitiousness through a Mediator but gave them rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling their hearts with food and gladness Act. 14. 17. 17. 26 27. that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them for the invisible things of him from the Creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead even his mercy goodness and wisdom c. That he is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him which whoever believes having no more clear discovery comes to God acceptably Rom. 1. 19 21. Psal 19. 1 6. 145. 8 10. Heb. 11. 6. The grace of God brings salvation to all men Tit. 2. 11. even some discovery of
the salvation Christ hath wrought and obtained in himself for them So it is said Wisdom 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ cryeth without without the pale of the professâ—â— Church without where are dogs Rev. 22. 15. She uttereth her voice in the streets she cryeth in the chief place of concourse in the opening of the gates in the City she uttereth her words namely speaks of excellent things to them and the opening of her lips are right things She declares good things to them the goodness and graciousness of God toward them and right true things also that which is faithful and worthy of all acceptation Prov. 1. 20 21. with Chap. 8. 1 4 6. And so it is said the Spirit of the Lord God is upon Jesus Christ because the Lord hath anointed him to preach the Gospel c. and so to preach it as to comfort all that mourn as distinguished from Zions mourners even all that mourn whatever be the occasion Isa 61. 1 2. and without controversie he is without sin herein he is faithful in what he is appointed to yea not only faithful from the ingagement and obligation of an appointment but his own gracious heart and cordial affection to all moves him so to be for he is the Son of the Father in love Hence that Good and upright is the Lord therefore will he teach sinners in the way Psal 25. 8 9. He is not simply upright but good gracious and thence also upright therefore will he teach such as are out of the way even such as have missed the way and mark as distinguished from meek ones and fearers of the Lord. And in and with his witnessings of God's goodness he is also faithfully reproving and convincing men of the sinfulness of their sin and of the vanity of their idols he is shewing unto them the emptiness and unprofitableness of all those things in which naturally they are seeking rest So it is said Prov. 1. 21. Wisdom uttereth her words this is the first thing she doth namely speaks of excellent things as before and in and with this reproves How long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity and the scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge ver 22. He is making gracious proclamation and invitation to every one that thirsteth to come to the waters and he that hath no money no gracious frame or qualification and therewith reproving them for and convincing them of their folly and unreasonableness in spending their money for what is not bread and labouring for that which satisfieth not Isa 55. 1 3 41. 29. with Chap. 42. 1. Psal 4. 2 3. 62. 8 10. Prov. 8. 4 10 21 32 36. 9. 1 6. All things that are reproved are made manifest by the light for whatsoever doth make manifest is light The true light doth not simply reprove but makes all things manifest it discovers things in their right and proper colours that men might flee from the things reproved wherefore he saith Awake thou that sleepest that hast fellowship with men in their unfruitful works of darkness and arise from the dead both from dead persons and things forsake the foolish and Christ shall give thee light Eph. 5. 13 14. Prov. 9. 6. It is the work and office of the Holy Ghost to reprove and convince the world of sin because they believe not on Christ of righteousness and of judgment and this he doth by glorifying Christ and taking of his things and shewing unto men John 16. 8 14 15. And together with this discovery of God's goodness to all in due time vouchsafed and reproof of mens evils and discovery of the sinfulness of their sin and emptiness and unprofitableness of their objects of rest and satisfying in which in vain they seek what is not in them Jesus Christ is also preventing men in due time with some capacity to behold what he is commending to them and what he is condemning and faulting This is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world Joh. 1. 9. God hath put his Spirit upon him and so furnished him and as so furnished he hath given him to be a light of the Gentiles to open the blind eyes Isa 42. 1 7. Hence that If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth liberally to all men and upbraids not Jam. 1. 5. The poor and deceitful man meet together the Lord lightneth both their eyes Prov. 29. 13. Jesus Christ is the light of the world the great manifestation of God's goodness to men and the giver of light to men Upon whom doth not his light arise Joh. 8. 12. Job 25. 3. He doth seasonably open mens eyes and unstop their ears that they might behold what he is presenting and hear what he is speaking and is also turning men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God even Jews and Gentiles that they might turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God and so by his Spirit preaching not to their outward ears only but to their spirits who still continued disobedient Act. 26. 18. 1 Pet. 3. 18 20. Not only bowing and moving them by a moral swasion as some speak but giving some supernatural light and power unto them as in his hand is power and might and strength so in his hand it is to give strength unto all and he is faithful hereto in due time 1 Chron. 29. 12. The bread of God is he that cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world unto the dead world who are dead in sins and trespâ—sses John 6. 33. and he so cometh down in such manner and to such end that a man any man may eat thereof and not dye ver 50. He is not only calling to men but also stretching forth his hand unto them in the means vouchsafed Prov. 1. 24. And indeed otherwise men could not come unto him No man can come to Christ except the Father who hath sent Christ draw him Joh. 6. 44. they have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves to think any thing that is good they have no light in their understanding no freedom of will no inclination or affection to anything that is spiritually good in them as of them and from Adam dwelleth no good thing but now that they might come he is vouchsafing the cords of a man some demonstrations of his goodness through a Mediator and is drawing them with the cords of a man with the bands of love and is to them that refuse to return as he that taketh off the yoke on their jaws and layes meat unto them Hos 11. 3 5. Jesus Christ draws all men unto him even such as break his bands and cast away his cords from them and despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance c. Joh. 12. 31 32. Psal 2. 3. Jer. 5. 5. Rom. 2. 4 5. And it is mens refusing their own mercies for lying vanities and neglecting and abusing such capacities given
2. They are free from alâ— pâ—â—secutions in words gestures or actions they are hid in the secret of God's presence from the pride of man and kâ—pâ— secretly in a pavillion from the strife of tongues Psal 31 19. after the body is dead their enemies have no more that they can do Luk. 12. 4. there the wicked cease from troubling and there the weary are at rest there the prisoners rest together they hear not the voice of the opprâ—ssor Job 3. 17 19. The reproaches laughâ—ers scorns and persecutions that here they met with did seem to be grievous to them as to what they themselves thereby indured Psal 69. 20. as well as also as to their enemies it caused great grief to them rivers of waters run down their eyes and they were troubled in spirit because men kept not God's Laws but persecuted them wrongfully and were enemies to them for following the thing that was good Joh. 13. 21. this caused heaviness to them to consider the greatness of their iniquity and severity of the judgment they were pulling upon their heads by such iniquities They are now out of the danger of miscarrying and from henceforth there is laid up for them a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give unto them in that day 2 Tim. 4. 8. there is now a great gulf fixed and no passing from one place to another no altering of their condition no not for ever Luk. 16. 26. Eccl. 11. 3. Now abiding in Christ they are safe he that abideth in him sinneth not transgresseth not and misseth not the mark but if a man abide not in him he is cast forth its possible that such as have begun to run well may turn aside from him that called them into the grace of Christ 1 Joh. 3. 6. Gal. 1. 6. 5. 7. but then no change of their state and their works follow them all their work of faith and labour of love and patience in tribulation these shall not be forgotten but be recompensed in the resurrection of the just Luk. 14. 14. And now they are present with the Lord as here they were not when at home in the body seeing and beholding in their spirits the glorified and glorious body of our Lord Jesus and then walking by sight as now they do not for they are more excellent and therefore sorrow not for them as those that have no hope Isa 57. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 6 7 8. Phil. 1. 23 24. 2. It discovers his grace to all of this body both in soul and body when Jesus Christ shall appear the second time without sin to salvation Heb. 9. 28. in which his Israel shall be saved with an everlasting salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Isa 45. 17. this is that which Peter exhorts the believers to hope for Gird up saith he the lions of your minds be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 13. and this he calls the grace of life 1 Pet. 3. 7. and indeed that eternal life they shall then inherit gloriously it is not wages as death is of sin buâ— a gift of grace Rom. 6. 23. Zech. 4. 6. And this grace that shall then be brought to them is so exceeding great as none here fully knows Hence that admiration Oh! how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men Psal 31. 19. since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear by any thing they have heard in any declaration vouchsafed neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him Isa 64. 4 These things were indeed revealed to the Apostles by the Spirit as in formâ—r times they were not and so they have declared them and yet they did but see in part and therefore Prophesie in part 1 Cor. 2. 9 10. with Chap. 13. 9. This grace is inexprâ—ssiâ—ly yea inconceivably great it hath not entred into the heart of man and much less can I declare it in order who have seen so little of it in the testimony but yet as I may be helped I shall speak a little of it 1. They that sleep in Jesus shall be raised and the living changed when Christ shall descend from heaven and so before the rest of the dead 1 Thes 4. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. As in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive but every man in his own order not all at once Christ the first fruits he is risen from the dead already and is become the foundation of the resurrection from and of the dead for if he be not raised there could be no resurrection and he shall be the effecter of it and is become the first fruits of them that are fallen a sleep in him especially like to whom shall be that lump Rom. 11. 16. afterward they that are Christ's at his coming then or afterward as ver 5. the end namely after the end of the thousand yeaâ—s of Christ's and his Saints reigning on the earth there will be the second and general resurrection when the dead small and great shall be raised and stand before God Rev. 20. 7 12 13 15. 1 Cor. 15. 22 24. So the Apostle John saith I saw to wit in vision the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipped the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years but the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished Rev 20. 4 6. Isa 26. 19. 2. In their being raised they shall be saved wholly from all sin death and other enemies And so From sin he shall present them to himself a glorious Church not having spot Eph. 5. 27. they shall then be sanctified wholly in spirit soul and body and be presented blameless before the throne of his glory 1 Thes 5. 23 24. 3. 13. Jude 24. No sin in them but as the first fruits Jesus Christ is holy so will be the lump then compleatly nor any imputation of sin to them or remembrance of sin upon them their sins shall then be compleatly blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord and he shall send us Jesus who now is preached to us There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit but yet there is sin in them and if any of them say they have no sin they deceive themselves and the truth is not in them yea and there is some remembrance of sin upon them And as to those that dye in the
do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think the Father hath committed all judgement to him and so infinitely loved him because he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the Cross that he hath not given the Spirit by measure unto him but hath filled him immeasurably therewith and hath given all things into his hand Joh. 5. 22. 3. 34 35. with Chap. 10. 17 18. yea herein is imported his sufficiency and readiness to assist them and dispense unto them according to their needs and capacities whatsoever was good unto all their services and sufferings and unto the utmost saving of them that they might be preserved blameless unto his coming and so not fail of his grace 1 Thes 5. 23 24. Heb. 7. 25. 2. As with respect to himself who now commended them even the Apostle there is signified 1. That he had the care of these lying upon him and indeed upon him came daily the care of all the Churches he was a steward to whom a great trust was committed and it is probable was the first that planted the Gospel among them and so might be an instrumental father of them and now he shews his love to these who had first given themselves to the Lord and afterwards to him and his fellow-labourers by the will of God as 2 Cor. 8. 5. and his faithfulness to his Lord in returning the charge of them to him from whom he received it herein imitating our Saviour the great shepherd of the Sheep Thine they were saith he and thou gavest them me and now I am no more in the world but these are in the world and I come unto thee holy father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me Joh. 17. 6 11 13. And thus our Brother who was counted faithful and put into the Ministry and had a trust committed to him when departing to shew his faithfulness to the chief shepherd and love to the sheep returned his charge to him from whom he had received it 2. His assurance of his faithfulness and ability to whom he commends them it was to him whom he knew by experience to be gracious and had proved faithful in all things who had been exceeding abundantly gracious to him and had stood by him and strengthned him even as Israel blessed Jacob and intimately commends him and his to one whose faithfulness he had proved The God saith he which fed me all my life long unto this day the Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless c. Gen. 48. 15 16. He knew whom he had believed and he was perswaded that he was able to keep that which he committed to him against that day as 2 Tim. 1. 12. he was well assured of and satisfied in his infinite faithfulness and therefore safely trusts in him and commends these unto him 2 Tim. 4. 17 18. 3. As with respect to them whom he commends he may intimate unto us 1. That they were children such as had not attained either were already perfect Phil. 3. 12. and could not keep themselves they were all little children though there might be diversity among themselves some fathers experienced believers who might be instruments of begetting others through the Gospel and some young men who were strong having the word of God abiding in them and some weak and babes yet in this respect all little children they had not yet attained to perfection as 1 Joh. 2. 12 14 18. they yet needed a tutor but not such as they were under during the ministration of the Law in which though sons they differed nothing from servants but such an one as became sons even Câ—rist as a Son over his own house and the word of his grace and so the Law of faith and not of works they were not perfect as to attainment and therefore needed to be committed to one who would be careful of and faithful to them yea and that they had many enemies who would indeavour to corrupt them from the simplicity that is in Christ and if possible defraud them of their inheritance and so beguil them of their reward many evil men violent persons and many seducers that would indeavour to pervert them and subvert their souls by removing them from him who had called them into the grace of Christ they were weak in themselves and had strong enemies whose end was destruction and therefore they needed an helper 2. To instruct them to commit themselves to and leave themselves with him Psal 10. 14. to submit themselves to God and commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing as unto a faithful Creator and to be ordered and guided and taught by this Law of grace and to have all their expectation from him and it for their being kept by his power in this Gospel through faith unto salvation 1 Pet. 4. 19. 1. 5. And indeed this is the most pâ—rfect means by which he doth now help them assist instruct and strengthen them and preserve them from evil the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. This is the way whereby he keeps the souls of those committed to him so much may be signified to us in this That when the congregation of God's poor cry out to him Help Lord for the godly man ceaseth c. God doth then create the â—â—uit of his â—ips peace and speaks good words and comfortable to them in first assuring them that in committing themselves to him he would care for them and prethem and then he or the Prophet in his name directs them where they might meet with his gracious keeping guidance and preservation he will set his poor and needy ones in safety but wherewith and where may they expect this so as to commit themselves and way thereto The words of the Lord of or concerning the Lord in which is shewed that he is the Lord and by what means he is so become and the grace of God in him and so the words that are spoken by the Lord in the words of the Holy Ghost and not which mans wisdom teacheth are pure words that is they are pure in themselves in what they testifie of the Lord and of all things faithful words there is no lye of them and worthy of all acceptation they give a true and right discovery of all things and a good and gracious report of the Lord and they are pure in their effect and efficacy inlightning the eyes Psal 19. 7 8. and purifying the heart Act. 15. 19. and so purifying from all filthiness of flesh and spirit Jam. 3. 17. Joh. 15. 3. by this means then God saves and helps even by his words and therefore he is commending them to us that we might in them and by them expect his performing all things for us Now then in that he saith I commend you to God and to the word of his grace therein is imported to us that his desire and counsel
injoyed while they are preserved together in the Land of the living and causeth them to live as strangers or separate one from another Act. 15. 39. and even provokes God to separate them one from another and in anger to divide them who could not agree one with another Lam. 4. 16. with Jer. 9. 4 8. All the Law saith the Apostle is fulfilled in one word even in this thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self but if ye bite and devour one another take heedâ—ye be not consumed one of or by another Gal. 5. 14 15. For this cause many were sick and weak amongst the Corinthians and many slept because they did not discern the Lord's body namely they did not highly and honourably esteem of his personal body that was broken so as therein to consider the infinite grace of God to sinners and to examine themselves in that perfect Law of liberty in which the infinite excellency of it is discovered so as to have pride hidden from them Or they did not discern his congregational body so as to esteem them to be of the body of Christ and every one members in particular how poor and mean soever but there were contentions divisions strifes and envyings amongst them and there were some that did shame those that were poor either in this world or poor in knowledge or utterance and that had not what they had listing up themselves by their knowledge and despising or dealing in proud wratâ— with oâ—hers 1 Cor. 1. 11. 3. 3. 8. 1. 11. 18 22 28 30. 2 Cor. 12. 20. To the same purpose the Apostle speaks to the Philippians I know I shall continue with you only let your conversation be as becomes the Gospel of Christ and what he means by this conversation he himself declares however as to a great and principal thing in it to wâ—t that ye stand fast in one spirit that into which ye have been made to drink with one mind design affection and love striving together not one against another c. Otherwise they might deprive themselves of the mercy of his being continued with them and hence also with powerful arguments beseâ—cheth them If therefore there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of love if any fellowship of the spirit if any bowels and mercies fulfil ye my joy that ye â—e like minded having the same love being of one accord of one mind let nothing be done through strife or vain glory c. Phil. 1. 25 27. 2. 1 3. So it 's said They angred Moses at the waters of strife where they did things in strife and chod with him so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes Psal 106. 32. wiâ—h Numb 20. 3. And this root of pride and these fruits of it envy strife contention c. provoke God to hide his face that he will not hear So much I conceive the Apostle James signifies If ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and â—ye not against the truth â—ay not this is zeal for God this wisdom descends not from above for where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work from whence come wars and fightings or brawsing among you come they not hence even of your lusts that war in your members Ye lust â—reagerly desire and have not ye kill as those also do that despise the poor Jam. 2. 1 2 5 10 11. and desire to have and cannot obtain ye fight and war yet ye have noâ— because ye ask not ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy but he giveth more grace whereby we might be preserved from pride and thâ—se envyings and strifes wherefore he saith God resisteth the proud that receive not his grace to save them he puts them at a distance from him and shuts cut their prayes but giveth grace to the humble that receive his grace to hide pride from them and to strengthen them to cease from their own wisdom that descends not from above submit your selves therefore to God Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you Jam. 3. 14 16. 4. 1 5 8 11. Isa 58. 3 4. Oh that we may judge our selves that we be not further judged and therefore let us examine our selves in the light of God's testimony and there with in the light of his judgments for his judgments are as the light that goeth forth Hos 6. 5. and not in the light of our own heartâ— for the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked and â—e that trusteth in it is a fool Jer. 17. 9. Prov. 28. 26. All the wayes of a man are clean in his own eyes but the Lord weigheth the spirits Prov. 16. 2. 21. 2. with Chap. 12. 15. But now in the perfect Law of liberty as in a true glass we may see our hearts it gives light for discovering all things and it gives understanding to the simple or capacity to behold what is manifested so wonderful are God's testimonies and especially the entrance of God's word even the word of the beginning of Christ the first thing to be declared and which enters the heart and is the entrance for our understanding all things the key of knowledge for opening all things to us Psal 119. 129 130. The commandement is a lamp and the Law light and the reproof of instruction are the way of life Prov. 6. 24. His testimony doth so discern and discover all things as that he that is an hearer of the word and not a doer hath this great advantage put into his hand he beholdeth himself the secrets of his heart are made manifest as 1. Cor. 14. 24 25. but then this is his great evil and iniquity because he is not willing to take shame to himself and to continue beholding his spots which are discovered in the glass therefore he shuns the light and goeth his way and straightway forgets what manner of man he waâ— This was brought to his view by the word of truth and the discovery was made and advantage given him by that now therefore departing from that he immediately lets slip what an one he was there manifested to be and is now ready to think and say he is not polluted or hath not such spots as before in the glass he beheld himself to have Jam. 1. 23 24. In that word of truth then let us examine our selves and search and try our wayes even narrowly search them and consider them our wayes and not God's wayes so as to search for some unrighteousness or unevenness in them for his wayes are equal the Lord our God is righteous in all he hath brought upon us And our wayes as distinguished from other mens wayes so as to lay the blame on them for if we had been or were willing to judge our selves we should not have been or should not yet further be judged Yea
who in all ages have disallowed the living stone who is the foundation and corner-stone lest your bands be made strong but incline your ear and come unto him who is the rock and whose work is perfect Isa 28. 12 16 22. Psal 118. 22. Mat. 21. 42. Act. 4. 11 12. 1 Pet. 2. 4. 7. Yea and he is the foundation as distinguished from the purposes and decrees of God and so from any purpose of his which he hath purposed in himself concerning his loving some with peculiar manner of love Indeed he was purposed from the beginning to be the foundation and this was his decree the sum of his decrees concerning sinful mankind and out of the bowels of which all his decrees issue concerning them that he would raise Christ in due time from the dead Psal 2. 7. and hath fulfilled the promise and purpose but not his purpose and decree simply but Jesus Christ is the foundation the one and only foundation For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ And this appears evidently from that place some men alledge to prove some purpose of God to be the foundation viz. 2 Tim. 2. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure c. Which saying is not only opposed unto the effect of the evil doctrines of the false teachers namely they overthrow the faith of some nevertheless notwithstanding they have corrupted some and removed them from Christ the foundation yet the foundation of God stands steddy but also it is opposed to the doctrine it self of those vain bablers they said the resurrection is past already meaning as appears by resurrection some metaphorical or allegorical resurrection they said not there was no resurrection but they said there was no resurrection of the dead like those 1 Cor. 15. 12. and so consequently that Christ was not raised in that body in which he bare our sins on the Tree and so indeavoured to raze the foundation for if Christ be not raised ye are yet in your sins saith the Apostle preaching faith and hope is in vain But notwithstanding what they say Christ is risen from the dead and is become the first fruiâ—s of them that sleep and so the foundation of God stands sure notwithstanding their babblings and batteries made against him Compare 2 Tim. 2. 18 19. with ver 7. 8. 1 Cor. 15. 12 20. Yea it further appears in that pâ—ace that Christ is the foundation and not some purpose in God concerning some peculiar manner of love to and owning of some persons for his knowing owning and loving with peculiar manner of love is not the foundation but the seal of the foundation the foundation hath this seal for the evidence and confirmaâ—ion of its steddyness and goodness the Lord knoweth owneth approveth them that are his or iâ—s that are built and abide upon the foundation and so no purpose simply but Câ—rist as declared in the tâ—stimony is the foundation And much less is that the foundation of God which men call a purpose or decree of his that is not so viz. such a purpose as in which he hath absolutely purposed in himself and decreed a certain number of persons to salvation before they were born for this is no purpose of his but a device of men who are ignorant of the truth as it is in Jesus See what my Brother and helper in the Lord Mr. Tho. Moor hath spoken more largely to this in his explicite declaration of the Testimony Page 389 410. And so in coming unto and being built upon this foundation they became living stones and were made a spiritual house and habitation of God through the Spirit 1 Pet. â— 4 5. their sins were forgiven them for Christ's name sake on which they believed which is even the sum of all blessedness Rom. 4. 5 7. and that where-through he gives all knowledge and injoyment of further salvation Luk. 1. 77. and therefore it seems the receiving the forgiveness of sins answers unto and is put for the being built up Compare this Act. 20. 32. with Chap. 26. 18. or he quickned them together with Christ and made them lively stones and a spiritual house having forgiven them all trespasses Col. 2. 13. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. And so in being bottomed on Christ as preached in the word of his grace and united to him who is originally and compleatly the temple of God in whom dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily in whom God dwells and will dwell for ever they also became the temple of God in whom he dwells and walks in and through whom he manifests himself and so they were made of the houshold of God 1 Cor. 3. 16. 6. 19. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Eph. 2. 19 22. And as this instruction is for admonition to them that are built on this foundation of God and made of this temple of the living God that they should be clean and not defile the habitation of God which is holy devoted and dedicated for peculiar use and service to him with any filthiness of flesh or spirit lest they provoke God to destroy them and suffer the Boar out of the wood and the wild beast of the field to devour them even those grievous wolves before spoken of for he cannot indure that his habitation should be polluted but holiness becomes his house for ever 1 Cor. 3. 17 18. 2 Cor. 6. 16 17. 7. 1. Psal 93. 5. So the consideration hereof that in coming to Christ and being built on him they were made a spiritual house is of great usefulness to them to incourage them in well-doing to commit themselves to God and the word of his grace for his receiving them and being a father to them when he deprives of faithful instruments for he hath a favour for such they are his building his family the sanctuaâ—y and true tabernacle which the Lord hath pitched and not man no servant hath such right in them or love to or care for them as he This man is counted worthy of more honour than Moses though Moses was faithful in all hâ—s house inasmuch as hâ— who hath builded the house haâ—h more honour than the house Moses was of the house and faithful as a servant in the house bâ—t he that built all things is God the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ And Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant c. but Christ as a Son over his own house they are his own house pitched by him his own family the children God hath given to him members of his body of his flesh and of his bones even begotten by the resurrection of Christ from the dead and holding â—ast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm to the end he doth and will nourish and cherish them when in the wilderness and guide them therein like a flock Heb. 3. 1 6. Eph. 5. 29 30. with Luk. 24. 39 Rev. 12. 14. Psal 78. 52 53. he is
the Minister of them the High-Priest over the house of God who is passed into the heavens and entred within the veil for them â—specially to appear as their Advocate who is also the propitiation for their sins to forgive their iniquities to plead their cause manage their matters fight their battels subduâ— their iniquities sanctifie and cleanse them with the washing of water by the Word teach them and lead them into all truth send from above and save them from the reproach of those who would swallow them up and cause all things to work together for good to them Happy art thou O Israel who is like unto thee O people because there is none like unto thy God the God of Jesurun who rideth upon the heaven for thy help and in his excellency on the skie the eternal God is thy refuge c. Deut. 33. 26 29. Oh therefore cry unto him and say Thâ—u art my refuge from mine oppressors those grievous wolves that come to devour and my portion in the Land of the living when refuge failes and no man cares for thy soul commit thy self thy way and works unto him trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass and though thou now walkest in darkness he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light and thy judgment as the noon-day Psal 142 4 5. 37. 4 7. Though now the Lord calls thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit and hath ordered to thee cause of lamentation in taking away the pleasant teats at which thou hast sucked and through which he hath conveyed the sincere milk of the word yet thy maker is thy huâ—band the Lord is thy Shepherd thou shalt not want He will make thee to lye down in green pastures and lead thee besides the still waters c. Oh trust in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is the rock of ages everlasting strength Isa 54. 5 7. 26. 4. Yea and in that they were come unto Jesus Christ the foundation and head of the corner and so made a spiritual house and from the head fitly joyned together and compacted it was for instruction to them and is for instruction to those of the same body to love one another with a pure heart servently as those whose hearts are purified and principled in obeyed the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren Jesus Christ is the corner stone that câ—uples the building together and in coming unto him they are baptized into one body and made to drink into one spirit called in one hope of their calling c. that they should indeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and that they may do so the way is to indeavour it with all lowliness and meekness c. All lowliness is the first thing instructed to unto this indeavour namely lowliness of mind suffering our pride and high thoughts of our selves by occasion of our learning knowledge gifts utterance attainments riches c. to be purged out and hidden from us and lowliness in our words demeanours and looks having low eyes for only by pride cometh contention that so brotherly love may be continued and preserved amongst us This is the use the Apostle makes of this instruction to this Church for after he had been saying ye are built upon the foundation of the Apostles c. and are builded together even those that are taught and those that teach the teachers not being the Church alone nor made of the true tabernacle at all because chosen by men but both together in coming to Christ are made an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2. 20 22. He having begun to come to the usefulness hereof in Chap. 3. 1. digresses all that Chapter and Chap. 4. 1 6. he shews them what ingagement this put upon them to love as brethren and as a prisoner of the Lord beseeches them not first to relieve him in his bonds but to indeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and directs them to that firstly asa main thing in which they might walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they were called they were called to the foundation and corner stone and made members one of another aâ—d what more sutable hereto than to cleave to the Lord with full purpose and one to another in the fear of the Lord. And so â—rom the like ground and motive the Apostle Peter instructs the believers to love one another with a pure heart servently and to that end to lay apart all evil and bitter roots Sec 1 Pet. 1. 22 25. 2. 1 5. And oh how good and pleasant a thing is it for brethren to dwell together in unity and especially then when he is removing those that have been useâ—ul helpers of them in the Lord. Hence the Apostle when he takes his leave of the Corinthians powerfully presses this exhortation on them Finally brethren farewel be perfect be of good comfort be of one mind live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you 2 Cor. 13. 11. 2. In that he saith which is able to build you up he doth therin intimate that though they were built upon the foundation of God and so made framed into an habitation of God through the spirit yet they needed still to be further built up and to grow up more into Jesus Christ in all things into the knowledge of him union and fellowship with him and conformity unto him even those amongst them who might have attained most those who were overseers over the rest to whom he directly speaks needed still and further to be built up and to go on unto perfection they were not yet perfect as to attainment Though they might be perfect sincere and undefiled in the way and fixed herein to walk and to seek all wisdom righteousness and strength all washing and cleansing by an exercise of faith in Christ and so were blessed yet they were not come to their journeys end but were yet to run with patience the race set before them laying aside every weight and that sin that so easily besets Psal 119. 1 2. Heb. 12. 1. So the Apostle Paul saith concerning himself that he had not already attained neither was already perfect though he had suffered the loss of all things for Christ and did count them as dung that he might win him and be found in him but did follow after if that he might apprehend that for which also he was apprehended of Christ Jesus and instructs others who were perfect to be like minded with him namely to count that they had not attained either were already perfect Phil. 3. 12 15. yea indeed he signifies that he should not attain or be perfect as to attainment till the resurrection of the dead for though the spirits of just men that dye in the Lord are perfect yet they wait for the adoption the redemption of the body and so it
cleanse the inward parts of the belly Prov. 20. 30. and be dedicated to him and filled with the fruits of righteousness and this fruit we reap of it in being exercised to the consideration of the grace of God in Christ that while we were yet without strength in due time Christ dyed for the ungodly and having access by faith thereinto Heb. 12. 2 11. Rom. 5. 2 6. Jam. 1. 2 5. Hence afflictions are compared to water because God is hereby washing and cleansing us Psal 66. 12. Isa 27. 3. and to fire because God is hereby proving and purifying and making white that the trial of the faith of believers being much more precious than that of gold which perisheth though it be tryed with fire might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ Isa 31. 9. 48. 10. Zech. 13. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 6 7. and so the means by which Jesus Christ doth wash baptize and sanctifie are the holy Ghost in the testimony and fire Mat. 3. 11. Luk. 3. 16. 3. How God and the word of his grace doth give and is able to give them the inheritance To this we say as before is noted that he doth not now fully and gloriously give it to them in this day yea Abraham to whom the promises were made and the rest of the Pâ—triarchs they received not the promises Heb. 11. 13 39. God gave Abraham none inheritance in the actual and glorious injoyment of it and he and Isaac and Jacob heirs together with him of the same promise all died in faith not receiving the promises Act. 7. 5. Heb. 11. 13. and though Peter saith he was a partaker of glory yet he saith of the the glory that shall be revealed it is not so yet 1 Pet. 5. 1. But now 1. Jesus Christ doth give it them in giving himself to them in the word of his grace to whom the promises were originally made Gal. 3. 16. who is the heir of all things now actually in our nature Heb. 1. 2. and whos 's the inheritance is and who is entred to take possession for us Heb. 6. 20. and so in receiving him they are made sons of God by faith in Christ Christ is theirs and they are Christs And if sons then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ Rom. 8. 17. The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things unto him and he that believeth on the son hath everlasting life all things are theirs as Christ is theirs even by faith whether things present or things to come and they are Christ's and if Christ's then are they Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Joh. 3. 35 36. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. Gal. 3. 26 29. and so God in giving Christ as raised from the dead in the wâ—rd of his grace makes an everlasting Covenant with believers Isa 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. And so 2. God doth in and through Christ give it in the word of his grace by promise which was confirmed of God in Christ before the Law and now actually ratified and sealed by the death of the Testator whose blood is the blood of the new Testament and everlasting Covenant and so God gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise and they who are Christ's are heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 18 29. that they might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them Heb. 6. 17. 20. and so as Abraham is said to have received the promise even in the word of it and through faith and patience to inherit the promises even so he gives and they are receiving it and are saved by hope and so by faith and in hope they are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be moved Heb. 12. 28. for he is faithful that promised having confirmed the Covenant by his blood and is alive to see it performed and is the Mediator of it that the called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance Heb. 9. 14. Jam. 1. 12. 2. 5. 3. He is giving unto them an earnest now even the holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of the inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession Eph. 1. 13 14. 2. Cor. 1. 22. 5. 5. An earnest is a part of the whole a first fruits and so they receive a first fruits of the spirit Rom. 8. 23. and an earnest is also an assurance and confirmation that they shall have all in due time this spirit he is now giving unto them to make them partakers of the forgiveness of their sins to be a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ and so to indue them with a new spirit judgment and disposition to write his Laws in their hearts and put them in their minds and to fill them with his fruit love joy peace long suffering c. Heb. 10. 14 17. Eph. 1. 17 18. Gal. 5. 16 22 23. and this spirit which is the earnest of the inheritance he is giving unto them and they receive through the word of his grace according to that Received ye the spirit by the works of the Law or by the hearing of faith Gal. 3. 1 5. 4. Yea when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven he will give unto them the inheritance gloriously which here they have been receiving by faith and hope and in the earnest and first fruits of it they shall then inherit all things and God himself will be with them their God and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes c. and this he will give unto them not according to their works of righteousness but of grace yea and according to the rule of the word of his grace for God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the Gospel the word of his grace and so according to that rule he will give eternal life to them that by patient continuance in well-doing have been seeking glory honour and immortality Rom. 2. 7 16. they shall then be judged according to the Law of liberty Jam. 2. 12. and according thereto he that believeth the Gospel and is baptized sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God shall be saved viz. shall obtain that salvatâ—on in Christ Jesus with eternal glory Mark 16. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 10. they shall not then be judged according to the Law of works which is do and live and Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in the book of the Law to do them for according thereto no flesh living can be justified in his sight but by the Law of faith the word of his grace in which is declared to us that this is the will of him that sent Jesus Christ that every one that now seeth the Son and believeth in him should have everlastinglife and he will raise him up at the 〈◊〉 day to the glorious injoyment of it and so of that inheritance which
you or our Brethren they are the Messengers of the Churches c. Wherefore shew ye to them and before the Churches the proof of your love c. 2 Cor. 8. 23. 24. These though they were not Apostles nor might have an Apostolical gift yet were their Brethen 2. Brethren one to another and so to instruct them 1. That they should not lift up themselves one above another or love to have and seek after preheminence as did Diotâ—ephes 3 John 9. That they should not seek to Lord it one over another when he was removed he himself acknowledges that he had not dominion over the faith of others but was an helper of their joy 2 Cor. 1. 24. And it was good to follow him herein and not to seek dominion one over another though yet it is good for others to take notice of their different gifts and of the faithfulness and diligence of such as exceed others therin he may use this expression to seal home such an admonition As our Saviour doth Be ye not called Rabbi for one is your Master even Christ and all ye are Brethren Mat. 23. 8. the Disciples of Christ are incident to this evil and too apt to strive who shall be and be accounted the greatest and now the Apostle that faithful watchman was taken away some might be ready to follow such an inclination and therefore he may give this title to them to instruct humility and to demean themselves one to another as Brethren who had all one Master or otherwise they might fall into that great evil and speak perverse things to draw away Disciples after them of which the Apostle doth premonish ver 30. 2. To intimate that they should love one another and take heed of falling out one with another that as their hearts were purified in obeying the truth thorow the Spirit to the unfeigned love of the Brethren so now especially they should love one another with a pure heart fervently as 1 Pet. 1. 22. It was now high time when this peace maker was taken a way and God making a way for his judgements as ver 20 30. To love as Brethren and to indeavour to seek and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace that so they might if possible stop that breach God had been making and by their being perfectly joyned together Gods blessing might be with them Psal 133. Otherwise they might cause divisions and fit themselves for drawing disciples after them vâ—â— 30. I he way to be kept from evil even from the evil one and evil spirits and their designs yea from all evil is to be one as in judgement and design so in affection so much may be signified in that order in our Saviour's prayer for his Apostles the first thing or the end of the first thing he prayes for them is that they may be one and the next thing that they may be kept from the evil Jâ—h 17. 11. 15. thus our Saviour even when his hour was come within six dayes before his departure oftentimes instructs and commands his disciplâ—s to love one another that so they might be strengthened against persecutors and false Christs and false Prophets see Joh. 12. 1. and 13. 34. 35. and 15. 12. 17. 20. So the Apostle 〈◊〉 1. Joh. 4. 1. 7. 2. And yet the Apostle directs his speech to them as elders for the good of the Church and so as including the Church also and for instruction to them not as if the Apostle only commended the elders to the Lord but it was of concernment to all as Act. 14. 22. And so what our Saviour sends to the Angels of the Churches it was for the good of the Churches Rev. 1. 11. and therefore at the close of every particular Message it is said he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches And so it was them all he commended to God c. 3. The Resignation it self I commend you to God and the word of his Grace In which we shall inquire and shew 1. Who the person is and what the thing to which he commends them 2. What is here meant by commending and what is imported therein 3. Wherefore he now commends them to this person and thing 1. Who the person is and what the thing to which he commends them 1. The person is not such or such an elder or brother among them who might be esteem'd more faithful and able then the rest no he here commends them not to Timothy who was now with him ver 4. though he was appointed to some oversight over them to charge some that they taught no other Doctrine then that according to Godliness and to ordain elders and deacons and it is evident that to this end he was left at Ephesus before this time in that the Apostle saith these things I write unto thee hoping to come unto thee shortly 1 Tim. 1. 3. and 3 14. 15. But now he saith he knew they should see his face no more Yea though the Apostle gave that high account of him that he had no man like minded Phil. 2. 20 22. Yet he commits them not to him nor to any Brother no it was possible there might be infirmity or unfaithfulness found with them And yet this I say not to lead â—hy to neglect the fellowship and helpfulness of Brethren it is good to be companions of them that fear him and to know them that are over us in the Lord and admonish us But the Apostle here shews his great faithfulness and abundant care for these in committing them to him whose they were and to whom none is to be compared or likened yea to him who would in committing themselves to him order the hearts of brethren as might be most for mutual good for all are his servants and he puts earnest care into the hearts of instruments 2 Cor. 8. 16. and so this resignation is like that Act. 14. 22. When they had ordained them elders in every Church and had prayed with fasting they commended them no to the elders but to the Lord on whom they believed The person then to whom he commends them is God not Man simply and yet not to God as absolutely and immediately considered but to God in Christ in whom he is propitious toward us and thorow whom he takes care of us poor sinful ones 't is the God of grace he resignes them to as is imported in saying the Word of his grace Who the person here spoken of is the Apostle helps us to understand viz. That it is Jesus Christ who is said to be the great God and our Saviour Tit. 2. 14. Immanuel God with us who is God in our Nature and for us Isa 9. 6. I say the Apostle helps us so to understand it by the immediately foregoing use of it in v. 28 feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood like that 1 Joh. 3. 16 Herein perceive we the love of
God because he laid down his life for us it was God that was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit and the Father in him 1 Tim. 3. 16. And so it was one that was infinitely worthy one that had bought them there was no reason for any to take offence at this resignation was Paul crucified for you did any among them redeem them no surely but worthy hereof is the Lamb for he was slain and had redeemed them Rev. 5. 9. It was God their shepherd to whom he commits them whose flock thâ—y were v. 28. 29. And whom he had bought with one price after a double consideration according to the will of God and our Father 1. He was such an one as had bought them with his own blood or with himself in the vertues thereof and that in common with all men for he gave himself a ransâ—me for all as 1 Tim. 2 6. Namely for all men as is evident in that it is part of the proof he gives to evidence that God will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth ver 4. And the Apostle there speaks of his giving himself a price of redemption not to but for all it was to God he gave himself a ransome as is also evident that he speaks of it as done in order of Nature before he was Mediator and by vertue whereof he is the Mediator making intercession for transgressoâ—s and to that end he might be a testimony and testified in due time ver 5. 6. And so he gave himself a price of redemption to God for all that he might redeem them unto himself that they might be his and he be their Lord Rom. 14. 9. That the sentence of banishment that was against them might be released to him and that they might be under his dispose that the world thorow him might be saved Joh. 3. 17. He is raised again for our Justification who was delivered for our offences and hath received an acquittance from all our sins imputed to him he was justified in the Spirit 's raising him and hath by himself without any knowledge motion compliance on our parts or any thing required of us purged our sins and this he hath done before he sat down on the right hand of the Maiesty in high Heb. 1. 3 And so made peace slain the enmity drawn all men to himself so as that the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement to the Son Joh. 5. 22. He hath purchased and bought all men and hence all Lands all the earth are instructed to make a joyful noise unto the Lord and to know the Lord is God it is he that hath made us when we had marr'd our selves and his we are we are his people and the sheep of his pasture Psal 100. 1. 3. 4. He hath bought them who had corrupted themselves and whose blot it was that they were not his Children but were a perverse and erooked generation Deut. 32. 5. 6. He hath redeemed them that speak lies against him Hos 7. 13. Yea such as deny him and bring uâ—on themselves swift destruction thereby 2 Pet. 2. 1. in short he is Lord of all men because he dyed rose and revived fâ—r them and this to a gratious end while called to day that all men should honour him as they should honour the Father Rom. 14. 9. Joh. 5. 22. 23. And hath so redeemed them unto himself that no man shall perish for ever in that first death but be raised by the man Christ Jesus and then they shall not be judged by the Law as they fell under it in â—â—â—m but by the Law of liberty in which liberty is proclaimed from the curse of the Law Jam. 2. 12. O what a faithful resignation was this and what incouragement to leave our selves with him and commit our selves to him who hath thus manifested his grace and to moderate our sorrow â—â— that he lives who was dead and is alive for evermore and hath the keys of hell and death Rev. 1. 18. 2. More directly the person to whom he commends them it was God who had purchased them with his own blood namely redeemed them out of the World and from amongst men and that thorow the presenting his blood to them and commending it before them in the pretious and excellent ends and vertues thereof in which he was raised from the dead peace made righteousness compleated spirit received a new testament and everlasting covenant confirmed eternal redemption obtained in glorifying of which by his spirit and rendring it thus pretious in his testimony he had redeemed them and bought them of themselves and from their vain conversation 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19. Redeemed them unto God out of the kindreds and tongues and so from the earth and from amongst men Rev. 5. 9. with chap. 14. 3. 4. Made them willing for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ to suffer the loss of all things and to go on to count them as dung Phil. 3 8. 9. He gave himself to them for them that they receiving him might give themselves to hâ—m Eph. 5. 25. 26. Indeed he is thus buying all men that come to years of capacity in due time reconciling the VVorld to himself calling upon all the ends of the earth to look to him and be saved 2 Cor. 5. 19. 20. Isa 45. 22. But many refuse and when the price is put into their hands they have no heart to accept and imbrace it but when light is vouchsafed they love darkness rather then â—ight and this is their great iniquity and cause of their everlasting perdition that when they are called they are not chosen that they will not be elected Joh. 3. 18. 19. Mat. 22. 11. 14. But these to whom the Apostle speaks he had purchased with his own blood he was their Shepherd and they were his flock in a peculiar consideration his Church his Spouse and such as were therefore the subjects of his peculiar love and most special care Oh excellent one to whom he thus resigns them Oh blessed incouragement to trust in him and not be afraid and to look for his mercy unto eternal life who in his love and pitty had redeemed them of God in common with all from the curse of the Law and thorow the commendation of his pretious blood had bought them of themselves Oh what ground to conclude seeing the Lord was their shepherd they should not want and from his grace in laying down his life for them when sinners and enemies to be confident from his love therein commended that much more being reconciled they should be saved by his life Rom. 5. 6. 10. and 8. 32. Gal. 2. 20. Had the Apostle committed them to any mean man how faithful soever he might have complained of it as a burden Even Moses of whom the Holy Ghost gives this testimony that he verily was faithful in all his house as a servant Heb. 3. 5. Yet complains of that charge