Heavens for us 1 Pet 1.3 4. This is that Treasure laid up where Moth consumeth not nor Thieves can purloyn this is a State where no change case or Circumstance of time or things can alter for I am perswaded that neither Death nor Life nor Angels nor Principalities nor Powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8.38 39. Thirdly this State is a State of Compleat Happiness we have formerly seen the emptiness of all Human and Temporary Enjoyments That therein Happiness cannot be expected from the uncertainty and vexatiousness even under the Enjoyments thereof but here in this State is fulness of Joy and â—â—easures for evermore he that spared not his own Son but freely gave him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8 32. Violence shall no more be heard in thy Land wasting nor destruction within thy Borders but thou shalt call thy Walls Salvation and thy Gates Praise the Sun shall no more be thy Light by Day neither for Darkness shall the Moon give the light but the Lord shall be to thee an Everlasting Light and thy God thy Glory thy Sun shall no more go down nor thy Moon withdraw it self for the Lord shall be thy Everlasting Light and thy God thy Glory Is 60.19 20. they shall Hunger no more neither Thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them or any heat and the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them and lead them to living Fountains of Waters and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes Rev. 7.14 15 16 17. Chap. 2 3 4. We are come unto Mount-Sion the City of the living God the Heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable Company of Angels and to the general Assembly of the First-Born which are written in the Heaven and to God the Judge of all and to the Spirits of Just Men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant and to the Blood of sprinkling which speaketh better things than the Blood of Abel Heb. 12.22 23 24. Cbap. 3. The Seventh and great end Christ hath in Chastising his People is that which is the great end of the Gospel which is to raise Mens Hearts up to and fix their desires on that great prize of Salvation and Eternal Life as all Actions of Men have their Scope at which they chiefly Level this is the chief thing and ought principally to be driven at for these Reasons First this Great Salvation is for Gods Glory Secondly It is of all things most Profitable therefore most desirable Thirdly It hath the greatest Encouragements attending it Fourthly The Prize contended for is unvaluable First by Mans Salvation ariseth to God great Glory for as Christ is the Alpha and Omega and First-Born of his Brethren and though Originally perfect in himself and Glorious without Addition from Creatures being the express Image of his Person in whom the God-Head dwells bodily by whom all things were made and for him and to his own Glory and all things upheld by him his great goodness is such that he promotes Mans Happiness and sets it before him as his own Glory gave himself to Death for Man and made himself the Captain of that great Salvation by enduring all the Indignities of Human Contempt and his Fathers Wrath by personating Man and taking the Chastisements of his Sins upon him and this he proposeth as his Glory looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the Glory that was set before him endured the Cross dispising the shame and is set down at the Right Hand of God Heb. 12.2 As I live saith the Lord I desire not the Death of a Sinner but rather that he should Repent and live this being not only our Interest but Christs Glory how much and chiefly should we be concerned to promote it Secondly this is Mans most profitable concern all Men Level their Designs and Actions to the most Advantageous Interest and this of Eternal Life according to Christs Advice is most profitable What hath a Man profited if he gain the whole World thou Fool this Night thy Soul shall be taken from thee then whose shall these things be that thou hast wherefore do ye spend Money for that which is not Bread and Labour for that which satisfieth not Hearken diligently unto me and eat that which is good and let your Soul delight in Fatness Luke 12 16. to 21. Is 55.2 Thirdly As this is most Advantagious so it is that in which most encouragement of help and assistance is offered and promised The whole Book of the Holy Writ is full of the great promises of Encouragement and Assistance to the People of God in their pursuit of this great Salvation yea it is Christs great desire that all Men should be saved How often would I have gathered thee as a Hen gathereth her Brood under her Wings Luke 13.34 Is it not and hath it not been the Coursâ— and Care of Christ all the Prophets and Apostles to gather and bring Men to the Kingdom of God Christ made a purchase of Sinners but on his own Expences he is that kind Samaritan who Helps Cures Supplies and Recovers when other helps fail when Priests Levites and others pass by without Compassion or Relief he it is who of his own good will brings Deliverance as we see in the often repeated Scriptures Luke 10.10 to 37. Eze. 16. to 9. When we were without strength yea Enemies and Sinners Christ dyed for us so great is Christs Love to Sinners that nothing can stop the Current of his Mercy from them Rom. 5. to 11. First the Multitude of Sins do it not I have blotted out as a Cloud thy Transgressions and as a thick Cloud thy Sins return unto me for I have Redeemed thee Isa 44.22 Secondly the greatness of Sins cannot hinder his Love though your Sins be as Scarlet I will make them white as Snow though they be red like Crimson I will make them as Wooll Is 1.18 Let the Wicked forsake his way and the Unrighteous Man his Thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have Mercy upon him and to our God for he will abundantly Pardon for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my Thoughts higher than your Thoughts Is 55.7 8 9. Thirdly Cloudiness and Darkness of Condition cannot do it who is amongst you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the Voice of his Servant that walketh in Darkness and hath no Light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Is 50 10. Come my People enter into your Chambers shut the Doors about thee hide thy self for a Moment until the Indignation be over-past Isa 26.20 I will go and return to my place untill they acknowledge their offences and
him and by the Apostle James's Doctrine know ye not that the Friendship of the World is Enmity with God whosoever therefore will be a Friend to the World is the Enemy of God James 4.4 These words must be meant in the second Sense as when the World by Adams Transgression was accursed and as it were Escheated and put in Bondage Ro. 8.20 21. to Satan the Prince of the Power of Darkness and not when it stood straight with God and was all good in his Sight and by these words the Love of the Father is not in him seems an Anathema and Curse to all the Lovers of the World as the Apostle elsewhere pronounceth a Curse if any Man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Marenatha 1 Cor. 16.22 so that the love of the World as it is under the Dominion of Satan in the second Sense cannot be consistent with the Love and Honour of God It cannot be doubted that the Father having given his Son for a Ransom for Sinners but with him also he will give them all things and that they have in his right a surer and better Title to the World and lawful use of the things thereof than the Wicked can pretend to for that the Godly are Heirs of all things and the Wicked only Usurpers of what they have in possession without right therefore by the Doctrine of Mortification Holiness and Contempt of the World they are not forbid and not only permitted but commanded a lawful Enjoyment of the Worlds good but in these different respects First That they shall use the World as not abusing it that is they shall use it as Pilgrims for the present sober and moderate subsistance to carry them on in their Journeys Heaven-ward and not to sit down under the shadows of Worldly Pleasures as the wicked do whose Portion it is with a Curse upon it to them Wo to you that are Rich for you have received your Consolation Luke 6.24 but the Godly are not to sit down with the Rich Husbandman to Solace their Souls only in the things of this Life lest with him they share of his Judgment Thou fool this Night will I require thy Soul at thy Hand then whose shall all these these things be which thou hast Luke 12.16 to 22. Secondly The Children of God do not nor should rely only on the visible Enjoyments of the Creature as capable of themselves to give satisfaction but on God by Faith and on his Blessing to make them useful Mans Life consisteth not in the abundance of what a Man hath Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God Luke 4.4 Behold the Lillies who take no care and spin not how they are Cloathed above Solomon in all his glory the Ravens Sow not and yet are fed Luke 12.22 to 32. All the Power of the Creation is in Gods Hands as he hath the Power to restrain and suspend or give a Blessing upon the Creatures so hath he the Store-house of Heaven in his Hands and he can send such plenty as there may not be room to store it up in Mal. 3.10 See all the great and Manifold Promises to his People in Poverty Streights and Wants Is 41.17 18. Is 45.3 I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness and the Hidden Riches of Secret places Thirdly The People of God do and ought to use their Enjoyments vertuously and do not squander them on unlawful Lusts and Pleasures but Moderately use them for their lawful and sober Subsistance or in Charity and do use vertuous endeavours and improvements but the Wicked feed their Lusts upon Gods bounty wherefore the Lord in his Justice often Blasts their Enjoyments and either takes them away from them or makes them a Curse in the Enjoyment thereof Ye Eat and have not enough because ye spend on your Lusts James 4.1 2 3. and in that other place therefore I will return and take away my Corn in the time thereof See Hosea 2. all The People of God use all the Dispensations of God to them in Sobriety and vertuous Industry and depend upon God for a Blessing to their Indeavours but the Wicked live voluptuously in their Enjoyments and do not principally ascribe to God the success of their Husbandry nor depend on him for it and therefore in the Justice of God he either takes from them what they have or Blasts their Enjoyments in the success of it see the Parrable of the sluggish Servant in mis-improvement of the Talent which was taken from him and he punished with utter Darkness see Gods Judgment upon such as do not trust God with a Blessing upon their Labours Mat. 25. Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy Salvation and not remembred the Rock of thy Strength therefore shalt thou Plant pleasant Plants and set them with strange Slips in the Day shalt thou make thy Plant to grow and in the Morning shalt thou make thy Seed to flourish but the Harvest shall be a heap in the Day of grief and of desperate Sorrow Is 17.10 11. See that other Eminent place for this purpose they Hatch Cockatrice Eggs and weave the Spiders Webb he that Eateth of their Eggs Dyeth and that which is crushed braketh out into a Vyper their Webbs shall not become Garments neither shall they cover themselves with their Works their Works are Works of Iniquity and Violence is in their Hands Is 59.5 6. See farther to this purpose Ye shall Sow your Seed in vain and your Enemies shall eat it I will make your Heaven as Iron and your Earth as Brass and your strength shall be spent in vain for your Land shall not yield her increase neither shall the Trees of your Land yield their Fruit Lev. 26.16 to 22. They shall eat and not have enough they shall commit Whoredom and not bring forth because they have left off to take heed to the Lord See Job 8.11 to end Hosea 4.10 Consider that further Judgment upon the Wicked who trust to the Flesh and not to God ye have Sown much and bring in little ye eat but ye have not enough ye drink and are not satisfied ye Cloath you but there is none warm he that earneth Wages earneth to put in in a bag that hath holes Haggai 1. to 11. See the Manifold Judgments of God Denounced against Vanity Pride and Prodigality and it shall come to pass instead of a sweet smell there shall be a stench and instead of a girdle there shall be a rent and instead of well set Hair baldness and instead of a stomacher a girdle of Sackcloath and burning instead of Beauty Is 3.16 to end Fourthly The Wicked spend and use the Creatures to their own Pleasures and live in the delight of them but the Godly are Dead to the World and delight in nothing but in Christ I am Crucified to the World and the World to me nevertheless I live and yet not I but Christ that
Christ may dwell in thy Heart by Faith and that being Rooted and Grounded in love thou canst be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge Eph. 3.17 18 19. and that thou mayst be filled with all the fulness of God In all sincerity is the earnest Prayer of thine in Christ Jesus our Lord. FINIS THE Anatomy of Man SInce Man's Woful Apostacy from God Sin is become so habitual that the Custom hath taken away the Conscience of it and Corruption is so condensed in mens hearts without the due sense thereof that unless upon gross out-breakings little remorse is expressed for Sin and Guilt for most part is only owned from actual Transgressions and men do not charge themselves with the guilt of Original Sin as supposing that forreign to them as coming from Adam's particular Act and Transgression and take themselves not to be accountable therefore as being the single Act of another and if any thing of that guilt be owned it is only by roate and as coming from education or the customary profession of Religion without the due sense or conscience of the guilt and in regard that Original sin hath more in it than one single act though that one act of disobedience was cause enough of all the misery that followed and that the consequence of that disobedience hath fallen upon and concerneth all the Posterity of Adam we shall therefore consider First What Original Sin was in Adam Secondly How far the Posterity of Adam are therein concerned or chargeable and affected with it Thirdly We shall make some practical Inferences and Uses from thence First If we consider Adam the first and root of all Mankind that he was of God created after the Likeness of God in his Image Gen. 1.26 27 28. and at his first Creation had power and command given him to increase and multiply and subdue and have dominion over the Fish of the Sea the Fowls of the Air and every thing that moveth on the Earth under restriction from eating of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil with a penalty upon eating thereof that he should surely dye Gen. 2.15 16 17. Thus Man made after the Likeness of God and in the Image of God let us examine what this Likeness and Image was The Holy Apostle Paul tells us that it was Righteousness and true Holiness Eph. 4.24 The same Apostle elsewhere informs us that it was in Knowledge after the Image of him that Created him Col. 3.10 By these words of Righteousness true Holiness and Knowledge we may understand that Adam in his first Creation was endowed with all suitable faculties of the Mind to understand the Nature of all Beasts Fowls Fishes creeping Things and Vegetatives how to use and apply them to his own use and govern them in order to their subjection to himself and congruity among themselves as we find by Gods bringing the Creatures to Adam to vest him with Soveraignty over them and that he might express his faculty of understanding by giving to them names Gen. 2.19 20. and as some naturalists observe he gave to them names significant or expressive of their nature which implied his Knowledge of their several Natures from that primitive Knowledge given to him in his first Creation By Righteousness rendred in the Latine Justice as it is the Likeness and Image of God we must understand all integrity of Mind leading to what is right and forbearing what is wrong By true Holiness we must understand all purity of Mind Will and Affections in Sincerity and Truth to affect only and desire what is just pure holy and good and to shun all Thoughts Affections Actions or Purposes to the contrary as God is of purer Eyes than can behold Iniquity And by that Knowledge of God according to the Image of him that created him we must understand effectual and sufficient knowledge not only of things natural but also of Spiritual Truths by which man was made effectually capable to understand and to do good to abstain from and resist evil Thus Man being composed in such excellent frame capable to understand all things as well of God himself as of the Creatures and that he had his Being of God and sufficiently understood the Terms under which he was confined to his Allegiance and Obedience to God and the consequence of his Disobedience and there being given to him entire Integrity not tainted by any pollution or disabled by infirmities in full possession of all secular enjoyments with the knowledge of the glorious soveraignty of God and Majesty in the Creation sufficient to delight himself in God and glorifie his Maker in the Station he had placed him If David after the Apostacy when for Sin the World was degenerated and brought under the Curse and Bondage did then admire Mans Excellency Power and Glory how much more when in Mans Integrity unity of the Creation without Enmity Jarring or Discord Emulation or Contention the Morning Stars sang together Job 38.7 and all the Sons of God shouted for Joy How had the first Man reason to cry out How excellent art thou Lord in all the Earth And what is Man that thou remembrest him or the Son of Man that thou art mindful of him And what reason had he And how much had it been his and the happiness of all Posterities to have sate down contentedly in admiration and obedience of God and in quiet possession of all created enjoyments and subjection of the Creatures to him Thus Man Created in Righteousness true Holiness and Knowledge after the Image of God made Lord of all the Creatures and in possession thereof having sufficient knowledge to understand his Duty and Interest and to know the advantage of Obedience and consequence of breach of Duty breaks the Chain of his Obedience and eats the forbidden fruit Gen. 3.6 Whereupon God in his Justice according to his Promise and Terms of Mans first Creation deprives Man of his Soveraignty over the Creatures puts Enmity between Man and the Creatures and accurseth Man and the Earth for his sake Gen. 3.14 to the end This being the Matter of fact in Mans Creation under the Penal Law and his Breach and Rebellion against God and the punishment of his disobedience we come next to examine the nature of this first and original sin and consider whether it consisted only in this single Act of eating of the Tree of Knowledge or what other sins were or are complicated in it If we consider Man as truly endowed by God with Knowledge Righteousness and true Holiness and under the Prohibition of a Penal Law we shall find all the sins committed and discovered in after Ages under the growth of Corruption to have been in that transgression First That wilful breach of Gods Law and Sin cannot be palliate under the excuse of the sin of Ignorance for that mans knowledge was strong and sufficiently
the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his Judgments and his Ways past finding out for who hath known the Mind of the Lord or who hath been his Counsellor Rom. 11.33 34. And with the same Apostle That ye being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth and length and depth and heighth and to know the love of Christ which passeth Knowledge that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God Eph. 3.17 18 19. And to admire Infinite Goodness with the Holy Prophet For since the beginning of the World Man hath not heard nor perceived by the Ear neither hath the Eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him Isa 64.4 And further of the mistery of this love read 1 Tim. 3.16 Psalm 139.17 18. Having thus viewed the first estate of Man in his Innocence and his estate of Apostacy from God and being informed of the mistery of Gods Love and eternal good Will to Man in Christ Jesus we come next to consider how in infinite Wisdom the Redemption of Man is contrived We have already discovered how God of his bounty made man in a happy and glorious estate after his own Image and upon the Condition and Covenant of obedience he was made Lord of all the sublunary Creatures and that God putting Mans Stock in his own hand and though he was sufficiently enabled to perform Obedience nevertheless through the Concupisence of his Heart he broke his Allegiance to God and incurred to himself and posterity the forfeiture of all the glorious Dignities and Priviledges given to him and he and his Posterity were concluded under Misery and Wrath because of Sin so that having no capacity in himself to be reconciled to God and retrieve his loss the Infinite Wisdom and Bounty of God from all Eternity as above is discovered did determine mans Restoration to a better and surer Estate and Condition than what he was in at his first Creation and that same Infinite Wisdom foreseeing that Man having corrupted his Way and Heart the Fountain of Actions And that the Thoughts and Imaginations of his Heart were evil and only evil continually Gen 6.5 And that his Heart was deceitful and desperately wicked Jer. 17.9 And though he intended Mans Restoration and Eternal Happiness yet because of the pravity of Mans Heart he was neither to be treated with upon his own Integrity nor fit to be trusted with a new Stock in his own strength and therefore Heavenly Wisdom appoints the only begotten Son of God and Second Person of the Holy Trinity to be a Mediator for Man and by him enters into an everlasting Covenant with Man which shall be demonstrated in the ensuing Discourse and that as well to satisfie Divine Justice for Mans Transgression as to secure to Man the future Stock of Gods bounty granted unto him by vertue of this New and Second Covenant and what this Covenant is and the terms of it shall be the next Subject of Discourse This Covenant commonly called the Covenant of Grace is mutual between God and Man through the Mediator Jesus Christ who in Scripture is called the Mediator of the New Covenant considering this Covenant we shall First Take notice of the freedom thereof Secondly Of the terms of it First As to the freedom It being apparent that God of his Free-Will and Goodness without any tye necessity or obligation upon him for his own Glory Created the World and Man in that glorious and stately Condition as we have heard and that Man by his Rebellion departing from God had incurred the execution of Justice upon himself and all after Posterity and that the Pravity of Mans Nature was such that it grieved and repented God that he had made Man Gen. 6.6 There lay no obligation upon God to restore lost Man but that God intending to make Bounty and Mercy as it were to triumph over Justice and magnifie his Infinite goodness by the Council of Heaven this mystery of Christs love is contrived by which Justice is satisfied and Man is not only relieved from the servitude of Sin and delivered from wrath to come and insured in a better estate than what he was in at first but also is made Heir to all the most excellent priviledges contained in this new Covenant which shall be branched forch in the ensuing Discourse The frequent testimonies of the Spirit in the New Testament witness the freedom of this Covenant Having Predestinated us to the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his Will Eph. 1.5 But God who is rich in Mercy for his great love wherewith he hath loved us even when we were dead in sins hath he quickened us together in Christ by Grace ye are saved Eph. 2.4 5 11. And not by Works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour that being Justified by his Grace we should be made Heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life Titus 3.5 6 7. For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his Righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God to declare his righteousness that he may be just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus Rom. 3.21 to the end When we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet Sinners Christ died for us for if when we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life Rom 5.6 to 11. Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification Rom. 4.25 and other innumerable places of Scripture as Rom. 9.11 15 16. Ezek. 16. to 15 and Ezek. 36.17 to 33. James 1.17 By all which we see the blessing of this Covenant coming freely of Grace by the Council of Heaven Christ undertaking for impotent helpless sinners and enemies and this undertaking approved and accepted of by the forbearance of God and the suffering of Christ coming as a propitiation and satisfaction to Justice for Mans offences who was in no capacity to help himself the freedom and excellency of this love of Christ in this new Covenant appears yet more particularly in these respects First As man was of himself incapable to make satisfaction to Justice and reconcile himself to God so he was not fit to be treated with by God in his own person because he had altogether defiled himself and was of no Integrity therefore Jesus Christ
new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the Stony Heart out of your Flesh and I will give you a Heart of Flesh and I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them Ezek. 36. all He that spared not his own Son but freely gave him up to death for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8 31. to the end I am persuaded that neither Death nor Life things present nor things to come nor Principalities nor Powers nor Height nor Depth nor any other Creature shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8.31 to the end Ask and it shall be given you seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened for every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh it shall be opened Mat. 7.9 Thou calledst in trouble and I delivered thee I answered thee in the secret place of Thunder I proved thee at the Waters of Meribah Exod. 17.6 The People of God are his Temple and he dwells amongst them therefore he assists comforts and protects them For ye are the Temple of the living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Know ye not your own selves how that Christ is in you except you be reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 And are built upon the Prophets and Apostles Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a Holy Temple in the Lord in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God thorough the Spirit Eph. 2.20 21 22. Christ is as a Sun over his House whose House we are if we hold fast the confidence and rejoycing in the hope unto the end Heb. 3.6 Eye hath not seen Ear hath not heard neither hath it entered into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what good he hath prepared for those that wait on him 1 Cor. 2.9 The great Physitian of Souls hath not only offered his temporal Mercies in general afflictions but also hath proportionate his Promises to the particular Cases and Conditions of his People in their afflictions which may be chiefly in these First Under Sickness Weakness or Infirmities of Old Age. Secondly In Poverty Want or Oppression Thirdly Under Captivity Restraint or Imprisonment Fourthly Under Revilings Reproaches or Slanders Fifthly Under unkindness or forsaking from Friends or Relations First In Sickness or Weakness As it is Christs own saying in another sense what hath a Man profited if he gain the whole World and loose his own Soul So it may be said what comfort can a Man have of Honour Friends Riches and all other enjoyments of the World when by Sickness Infirmity or natural Decay and Weakness he is not able to find a relish of these Enjoyments his Palate is so out of order that all are insipid and tastless to him And as it s said by Christ What shall a Man give in exchange for his Soul what will not the greatest Misers the Lovers of Honour or Wealth give to ease the gnawing pains of a lingering and loathsome Disease when by sickness or pain all the Channels of Comfort are stopt and a Man can have no breathing but is tortured and racked by fainting fits or tearing pains how cheap would he sell all his pretensions to breath freely and he eased of his Pains and Sickness which drain all the Faculties from the Sensor Use of any other enjoyments And how miserable is the richest wisest most honourable and best related when the Heart is stunned with faintings and the body with torturing pains nevertheless this is the Christians comfort that there is Balm in Gilead and a Physitian in Israel and one who not for filthy lucre but one who of free love hath not only promised to cure them but also never to leave nor forsake them Heb. 13.5 Am I a God at hand and not afar off he is present when trouble is near Jer. 23.23 Behold I will bring it health and cure I will cure them and will reveal unto them the abundance of Peace and Truth I will restore health unto thee I will heal thee of thy wounds because they call thee an outcast saying this is Zion whom no Man seeketh after Jer. 30.17 Which are born by me from the Belly which are carried from the Womb even to your old Age I am he even to your hoar hairs will I carry them I have made and I will bear even I will carry and I will deliver you Isa 46.3 He alone hath that universal Medicine who hath â—hte Keys of Hell and Death and none can rescue out of his Hands of this David in his Affliction and Decay of Strength being sensible applieth himself to the proper Physitian I am a Wonder unto many but thou art my strong refuge cast me not off in time of Old Age forsake me not when Strength faileth now when I am Old and Gray headed forsake me not Psal 71.7 18. I have seen his Ways I will heal him I will restore Comforters unto his Mourners I create the fruit of the Lips Peace Peace to him that is afar off and to him that is near saith the Lord and I will heal him Isa 57.18 19. He maketh sore and bindeth up he woundeth and his Hands make whole Job 5.18 Come and let us return unto the Lord he hath torn and he will heal he hath smitten and he will bind us up after two days he will revive us in the third day he will raise us up and we shall live in his sight Hos 6.1 2. Behold the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him and hope in his Mercy to deliver the Soul from Death and keep them alive from famine Psal 33. â—8 19. The Lord will strengthen him upon the Bed of languishing thou wilt make all his Bed in Sickness Psal 41.3 They cry unto the Lord in their trouble he saved them out of their distresses he sent his Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions Psal 107.19 20. Secondly In Imprisonment As all Afflictions for the time are grievous and not joyous Restraint or Imprisonment wants not its aggravations for that it restrains a Man from that freedom of Nature in converse which is most desirable by Man as the Philosopher defines him to be a sociable Creature It restrains him from the Comfort of such in whom he delights Relations Friends and Acquaintance It deprives him of the Improvement of his Talent for Religion or Vertue for God his own Family and Common-wealth It abridgeth his Comfort in other Enjoyments It lessens health creates sickness and oppresseth the vitals often to fatal effects and here in this House of Darkness the Lord appears to support his People by manifold Promises either of deliverance or his strength and presence to comfort and uphold them and often to
seek my Face in their Afflictions they will seek me early Hosea 5.15 by all which we see the Lord in Mercy often clouds his Face from his People not in Anger but to rouse them up to enquire into the cause of his withdrawing and by Afflictions to set them more eagerly on returning to him by Repentance that he may return to them with a healing in his Wings Fourthly No Extremity of Condition can hinder the Love of God to his People he brings back the Captive he raiseth the Dead Bones and causeth them to take flesh and live he unites divided Brethren who are at Enmity and Cements them in Love for all which see Eze. 37. Isa 43.2 25. Ps 91. all Neither Death nor Life Heighth nor Depth things present nor things to come Principalities nor Powers Angels nor Men nor any other Creature can separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom. 8.35 to 39. Fourthly The greatness of the Prize to be contended for should raise our great pursuit of that Salvation to our Souls the Holy Scriptures are full in the Enumeration of the many excellencies that attend that great Interest that they are almost infinite and it may be well applyed to that which the Holy Prophet saith That Eye hath not seen Ear hath not heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what good things The Lord hath laid up for them that fear him Is 64.4 However the great Salvation of Man may be in some measure considered under these Heads First It 's the restoring of lost Man from the deepest State of Misery without power in himself to a State of Happiness in Christ Jesus in the Day thou wast born thy Navel was not cut thou wast in thy Blood no Eye pittyed thee thou wast cast out to the loathing of thy Person but when I passed by it was the time of Love I said to thee â—ive in that often repeated place Eze. 16. to 15. and Rom. 5. to 10. wherein we have the perfect emblem of Mans Misery in Nature and by Sin and the lively Discription of the love of God to lost Man Secondly All in this State are intituled to and are made Heirs of all things and called to an Inheritance Incorruptible as in these foregoing Scriptures Rom. 8.32 and 1 Peter 1.3 and 4. Thirdly They are exempted from all manner of Evil are happy in their Death and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more Death Sorrow nor Crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away Rev. 7.14 to 18. ch 21 4. Fourthly they have all Compleat Happiness and Fulness of Glory are united to God in Christ Jesus and Crowned with his Crown of Glory and admitted into the Inseparable Fellowship of Christ Saints and Angels according to that great Scripture that they all may be one as thou O Father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us the glory which thou gavest me I have given them that they may be one even as we are one I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one I will that they may be with me where I am to behold my glory John 17.21 to 25. And for the Fellowship of the Saints with God Christ Jesus Angels and just Men made perfect in the New Jerusalem see that often repeated place Hebrews 12.22 23 24. Thus this great Prize should in the Apostles Exhortation raise our Encouragement to hasten our motion to the New Jerusalem where for being compassed about with so great a Cloud of Witnesses let us lay aside every weight which hang down and the Sin that doth so easily beset us and with patience run the Race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the glory was set before him endured the Cross dispising the shame and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God Consider him which endured such contradiction of Sinners least ye be wearyed and faint in your Minds Heb. 12.1 Thus as Salvation Eternal Happiness the Incorruptible and Undefiled Inheritance of all things the inseparable fellowship of the Holy Trinity Angels and Saints is the undeniable Prize at the end of our Race the Interest and valuableness thereof ought to raise our constant zealous and patient pursuit thereof for which besides what hath already been said we have these manifold and superexcellent Encouragements First our Salvation is freely of Gods pure Love in Christ Jesus Secondly Christ made and redeemed the World without Mans help Thirdly We have the examples and instances of Christs great humiliation and sufferings on Earth Forthly The different and sure estate of the Redeemed far more excellent and sure than Mans Estate in his first Creation Fifthly The great Priviledges and Excellencies of the Saints in Heaven First God being infinite in Power Wisdom and Holiness absolute and perfect in himself without the help or necessity of any humane Being being to accomplish his Soveraignty of himself of his own free Will and for his Glory he made the World and upholds it Who is the Image of the Invisible God the first born of every Creature by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in the Earth Visible and Invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him and by him all things consist And to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 8.6 Secondly As Man The World and all things were freely made by Ood so Man and the World are freely Redeemed by Jesus Christ This of the Redemption of Man by Jesus Christ being one of the most incomprehensible mysteries of free love It may be branched out thus First That it is free without paction or condition of any retribution or satisfaction but meerly by love and good will Secondly That this Salvation is to such who are utterly incapable of helping themselves and in such circumstances as they are in most incapacities and disadvantages Thirdly That it brings with it all means of comfort and suitable supplies Fouthly That it is compleat and full and nothing can lessen the enjoyment or bar the sense of it except obstinate wilfulness and a refusing of the offer Fifthly The Method and Way by which this great Salvation is accomplished to wit by Christs taking on him the humane Nature and in the flesh suffered for Mans Transgressions do much heigthen the mistery of Redemption Sixthly That the Mediator when he hath compleated that great work makes the Redeemed sharers of his own and Fathers glory First That this Salvation is freely of love and good will without paction of any recompence from such as expect and receive the benefit of it appears from these
oblige Men beyond their pretended Interest what Allyances or Treaties tye Princes from Usurpation or Encroachments may it not be too much charged on most of the greatest form on Earth which was said of Philip of Macedon amicitias utilitate non fide colebat his Interest not his Promise obliged him Secondly If we look on the World in respect of the Politick Constitution what Nation Country or People shall we find quiet from Commotions Disturbances Rebellions or Mutinies either from the Oppression Tyranny or Usurpation of the Soveraign or the Murmurings Jealousies and Mutinous Uneasie and Discontented Humours of the Subject Doth not Judah vex Ephraim and Ephraim envy Judah Is 11.13 doth not the Church Complain Servants have ruled over us and none delivered out of their Hands Kings are hanged up by their Hand the faces of Elders were not Honoured Lam. 5.8 12. Is not the whole World at Enmity Nation against Nation and Nations divided by intestine Wars and Contentions This Enmity is not only between Man and Man but hath also infected the Beasts of the Field Fish of the Sea and fouls of the Air whereas in Mans first State he had all of them given him for use with Dominion over them they are turned wild run into Rebellion and not to be subdued or made useful but by force and many are not only useless but destructive and they also are at War amongst themselves destroying one another so that in place of all the Sons of God shouting together for Joy as in the first State we now hear the noise of Wars Malice Envy and Destruction and whereas at first God looked on all that he had made and it was very good Gen. 1.31 afterwards for the Degeneracy thereof It repented God that he had made Man on the Earth and it grieved him at his Heart Gen. 6.6 and whereas all things were good when first Created and given to Man for use the Scripture tells us That the Friendship of the World is Enmity with God and whosoever will be a Friend of the World is the Enemy of God If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him Ja. 4.4 1 Jo. 2.15 If then the Heavenly Harmony Union and joyful Shoutings of the Sons of God was Ravishing and Refreshful even to sitting down under that shadow with great delight and being sick of Love when Man and the Creation was in its first Integrity when we look on the black and defaced Countenance of Man and Creatures defiled with all manner of Sin and Pollution and the World with all Deformity of Wickednesses and Contention and being Branded with Gods displeasure How great reason have we with the Church to cry out How is the Gold become Dim How is the most fine Gold changed and with David to say Wo is me that I Sojourn in Mesech and dwell in the Tents of Kedar Ps 120.5 If the Soul of Righteous Lot was grieved at the Iniquity of Sodom how much more Reason have Men now adays to grieve for that universal Deluge of Abominations which overflow the whole while earth in serious Reflection of Man in his Integrity and the Beauty of the Creation and the present Degeneracy under Sin and Misery and being Anxious to understand that Mystery why the World once approved of God to be good and given to Man should afterwards be stamped with Gods Curse and Displeasure as in the foregoing Scripture I was entertained with that of Eliphas the Temanite Shall Mortal Man be more just than God shall a Man be more pure than his Maker Job 4.17 which lead me to enquire into the particular causes of this great Catastrophe and to understand the meaning together with the Justice of God and the Mistery of his Love to believers in Christ Jesus In this enquiry I was led up to the Fountain of Gods bounty to Man by which he was made in the likeness of God in Righteousness true Holiness and Knowledge according to the Image of him that Created him and had the other Creatures given to him for use with Dominion over them under the Tenure of his Obedience and under the Commination and Assurance of Death on his Transgression I had no sooner viewed the Happiness of his first Estate when I was led to the Record of his Transgression by putting forth his Heart to Rebellion and his Hands to the Trespass and then found the Judgment entred against him by which he was degraded of his Soveraignty and Enmity was sown between him and the Creatures and the Earth accursed for his sake Gen. 3.14 to 20. And here with the Prophet we may put the question is Man the Darling of the Creation made lately in Gods own Image and Lord of all the Creation is he now a Servant a Home-born Slave why is he spoiled The Answer is in the Text hast thou not procured this to thy self In that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God for my People have committed two Evils they have forsaken me the Fountain of Living Waters and hewed themselves Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water Jer. 2.11 13 14 17. And with the same Prophet we may cry out with Astonishment Be Astonished O Heavens and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord Jer. 2.11 And here is this Riddle resolved shall Mortal Man be more Just than God Shall Man be more pure than his Maker Man hath forsaken God and followed his own Inventions therefore God must be just to bring upon him the Judgment threatned viz. the forfeiture of all his Priviledges and make him smart under the folly of his own Devices They hatch Cockatrice Eggs and weave the Spiders Webb he that eateth of their Eggs dyeth and that which is crushed breaketh into a Viper their Webb shall not become Garments neither shall they cover themselves with their Works their Works are Works of Iniquity Is 59.5 6 7. Hence we find God is Just in punishing Man for his Transgression and Man by his Folly hath brought himself and Posterity to ruin who through the Pride of his Concupiscence abode not in his Integrity but in repining against God hath brought himself and Posterity under Servitude to Sin Misery and Death Thus while with Rachel weeping for her Children and refusing to be Comforted because they were not Jer. 31.15 I was plunged in oppression of Thoughts and heavily Lamenting that so glorious a Fabrick of Gods Handy-work as in the first Creation in Holiness and Integrity should be polluted by Sin and defaced from the primitive Beauty and as Moses pleading with God from the Arguments of his own Glory and Power in behalf of his People of Israel Num. 14.11 to 17. heartily wishing that glorious and first Image might again be restored in Man after the Image of him that Created it I was led to that Scripture My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are
his Church In all their Afflictions he was Afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his Love and in his Pity he redeemed them and carryed them all the days of old Isa 63.9 Secondly This Love is extensive to all wants and necessities or else it is empty and profiteth not Whoso hath this Worlds good and seeth his Brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of Compassion how doth the Love of God dwell in him 1 Joh. 3.17 And the Apostle James is to the like purpose If a Brother or a Sister be naked and destitute of Daily food and one of you say to them depart in peace he ye warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not these things which are needful to the Body what doth it profit Jam. 15.16 Seventhly Is it so then of a lamentable truth that all men are concluded in Adams Apostacy and that there is a woful Degeneracy in the Soul of Man from that primitive Knowledge Righteousness and Holiness and that all men in Nature are dead in Sin and have their Conversation with the Lusts of the Flesh fulfilling the desires thereof and of the mind according to the Course of this World according to the Prince of the Power of the Air the Spirit that now worketh in the Children of Disobedience and are by Nature the Children of Wrath. Eph. 2.1 2 3. And that there is even amongst the renewed a Law in the Members warring against the Law in the Mind Rom. 7.23 Ch. 8.1 And that by reason of Sin the Creature is Subject to Vanity and the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain for the Adoption and Redemption Rom. 8.20 22 23. And that in this degeneracy a mans life is his burden and there is no true pleasure under the Sun confirmed in Solomons experience Therefore I hated life because the work that is wrought under the Sun is grievous unto me for all is vanity and vexation of Spirit Eccles 2.17 all Seeing then this Earth is but a sojourning and no abiding place and that here is neither Pleasure Rest nor Happiness how much is it mortal mans concern anxiously restlesly and with a believing Impatience to pursue close after these two things First That as by one man Sin entred into the World and Death by Sin so Death passed upon all men for that all men have sinned Rom. 5.12 And that as by the offence of one man Judgment came upon all men to Condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men to Justification of life Rom. 5.18 That man would seriously apply himself to the Throne of Grace that he may be found in the Faith that he may be intituled into Eternal Life in Jesus Christ that only mediator and for that the first Image of God in man was wilfully abolished or defaced by man that by the bounty of Free-grace he may be begotten again by the regeneration of the Spirit unto a lively Faith and that he may put on the new man of Righteousness and True Holiness Eph. 4. â—â— And may be renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that Created it Col. 3.10 And may be set free from the Law of Sin and Death by the Law of the Spirit of Life And that he may be spiritually enlightned not by the Spirit of the World but by the Spirit which is of God and that he may know the things freely given of God 1 Cor. 2.12 And that he may be spiritually minded that enmity of the Carnal mind may be removed so as he may no more mind the things of the Flesh but the things of the Spirit Rom 8.5 6 7. That being raised from the Death of Sin by the Spirit of Christ he may seek these things that are above where Christ is Col. 3.1 And may be accounted to be called a Child of God an heir and Joynt heir with Jesus Christ and may also be glorified with him Rom. 8 17. That he may be dead and crucified in Christ to Sin and may also live with him in Glory Rom. 6.8 Secondly Seeing the Earth was accursed for mans sake Gen. 3.17 18 19. And that the Creature was made Subject to Vanity not willingly but by reason of him who Subjected the same in hope Rom. 8.20 And that the whole Creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together for redemption from the bondage of Corruption unto the glorious liberty of the Children of God Rom. 8.21 22 23. That he may watch and be always ready with Oyl in his Lamp for the coming of the Bridegroom who cometh as a Thief in the night Rev. 16.15 And may earnestly pray that the Bridegroom would hasten the coming of his Kingdom and the new Heavens and the new Earth and set the Sons of God at liberty from the Liberty of Sin and Corruption and that the glad Tydings of that Heavenly Proclamation may be heard Behold the Tabernacle of God is with Men and God shall dwell with them and they shall be his People and God himself shall be with them and be their God And God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more Death neither Sorrow nor Crying neither shall there be any more Pain For the former things are passed away Rev. 21. to 6. Having thus viewed Adam in his Primitive Integrity in Glory Honour Righteousness true Holiness and perfect Knowledge with absolute Soveraignty over the Creatures the Darling and Friend of God and all the Creation at Unity and Peace with him and in Subjection to him and in Amity amongst themselves And afterwards by Man's falling from God Man the declared Enemy of God and by a guard of Angels barred out of Paradise deprived of his Soveraignty and Enmity sowed between the Creatures and the Earth accursed and the Creation brought under Bondage and the Posterity of Adam once the apparent Heir of all Righteousness true Holiness Knowledge Honour Glory and Soveraignty over the Creatures disabled and cut off from that glorious succession and exposed unto all misery and under the servitude of Sin and Wrath Rom. 3.23 Eph. 2.3 And in place of that Unity of the Sons of God and shouting together for joy nothing to be seen or heard but Subjects rebelling against their Soveraign and the whole Creation Split in Enmity and Envy Malice Oppression and Unrighteousness to have filled the whole Earth where is that corner of the World where ambition for Dominion Covetousness for Wealth private or publick animosities have not drowned the sense of all comfortable enjoyments Man raging against the Creatures and they against him and each in contention devouring one another and nothing to be seen but a woful Convulsion and dismal complexion and the degenerate frame of that first and beautiful Fabrick of the Creation from its so late purity and glory This then being the Tragical Condition of all Mortals Subject to Sin and Misery as entailed on them from the Inherent Corruption of Nature Job 5.6 Who can
on their Repentance and to check that heat of uncharitable judging or reviling which is freequently pressed in Scripture especially by the Holy Apostle Eph. 4. Throughout the whole chapter where he exhorteth to unity peace and love in particular instances and expresseth the same by many arguments First They are all of one body and one spirit one hope of our Faith verse 4. Secondly One Lord one Faith one Baptism ver 5. Thirdly One God and Father of all by which they are Brethren ver 6. Fourthly They have all several gifts and all useful and therefore none either to be despised or envied all being given for edifying of the body ver 7 to 16. Fifthly They are all joined and compact together in the unity of the Spirit as the Joints and Sinews unite the Body they are Members all of the same body ver 16. Sixthly They are all Members one of another ver 25. And therefore concludes with the Command of these Heavenly Duties be ye angry and sin not let not the Sun go down on your wrath neither give place to the Devil Let all bitterness and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put from you with all malice and be ye kind one to another tender hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you ver 26 to end And the same Apostle elsewhere let us not Judge one another any more but judge this rather that no man put a stumbling block before his Brother Rom. 14.23 Put on therefore as the Elect of God holy and beloved bowels of Mercies kindness humbleness of mind meekness long suffering forbearing one another forgiving one another and above all these things put on Charity which is the bond of perfectness Col. 3.12 13 14. See how zealous this holy Apostle is to unite the People of God in Love throughout his whole writings Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves look not every man on his own things but every man on the things of others Phil. 2. to 9. The whole Scriptures run in this strain above all things have fervent Charity amongst your selves for Charity shall cover the multitude of sins 1 Pet. 4.8 and add to Godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1.7 And above all this we have the express command of our great Lord and Lawgiver Jesus Christ be ye therefore merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful Luk. 6.36 a new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another John 13.34 To conclude this discourse it were desireable that all of the Profession of Christianity though of different methods and worship would seriously consider how much it is the incumbent duty of all Christians to study the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace how agreeable it is to the Command of Jesus Christ from his own Mouth as also by his Messengers as well in the old Testament as under the new Have we not all one Father hath not one God created us why do we deal treacherously every Man against his Brother Mal. 2.10 How much it would remove the stumbling of Heathens Idolaters Atheists and the Prophane who are much scandalized by the Divisions of Christians and more especially of the reformed Churches how much it would strengthen their hands against the Enemies of Truth and what great inducement it might be to invite the dissolute and prophane to join in a body or Church incorporated by love and serving of God with one consent what ease satisfaction comfort and delight it would create to each other when differences janglings and contention about lesser things were removed and the substantial part of Religion to wit holiness towards God Charity and Brotherly kindness with one another were more sincerely pursued How much it would adorn the pretious Gospel of Jesus Christ such unity would be like that pretious Ointment on the Head which run down to the Skirts of the Garment Psalm 133. and would give a most pleasant savour to all the beholders and to Christians themselves like the Churches Spikenard Myrrhe and Camphire Cant. 1.12 13 14. and being once experimentally found will constrain them to sit down under the shadow of God who is Love 1 John 3.16 and Wisdom Pro. 8.1 with great delight and would undoubtedly find his fruit pleasant to their taste Cant. 2.13 This also would be a special mean to entangle others into the Net of the Gospel From all which we plainly see the unexpressible freedom of this Grace and love of the second Covenant which as first founded in Free-grace is also accomplished unto us by the mystery of his love and to enquire into the Tenure and Condition of this Covenant cometh next in course This Covenant of Grace Mercy and Salvation is between God and Man by the Mediator Jesus Christ and the Conditions thereof are mutual on Gods part and Mans part The Justice of God being offended by Mans falling in disobedience and the Counsel of Heaven designing Mans Restoration by means above mans apprehension and capacity the bounty of Heaven makes a Proclamation â—f indemnity and free pardon and God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life Joh. 3.16 This is the great Magna Charta of Mans Restoration and Eternal Happiness and as it come of the good Will of God is free nevertheless for the honour of Justice and for the further security of Mans future happiness this Covenant is circumscribed with conditions First On Gods part a free Pardon and reward of Eternal life Secondly On Mans part believe But as we have already shewed that Man rendering himself incapable of doing any good much less to satisfy Divine Justice or in his own strength to manage a new stock of mercy the Wisdom and Infinite Goodness of God in the Counsel of Heaven before the World began hath setled this contrivance that Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God and Second Person of the Holy Trinity should become surety to Justice and undertake for poor lost Man and as Christ is responsable to Justice for Man so Man is tyed up also in the New Covenant to terms so that the Covenant stands also on Conditions between Christ and Man Christ performing to God for Man and procuring to Man the benefits of that new Covenant viz. absolution from Sin and Eternal Life Man performing new obedience to God The terms then of this Covenant on Christs part are that he becomes between God and Man a Prophet a Priest and a King First A Prophet the office of a Prophet is to teach instruct declare and reveal the mind of God to his People And that Christ is that only true Prophet the whole Scriptures concur in Testimony he is that Prophet foretold by whom that Everlasting Covenant was made with Abraham
sort of communication or delight in sin with an abhorence as infectious can any touch Pitch and not be defiled with aversion as an infectious Plague jealous as of the Wiles of the Devil as Intanglements and Fetters Fourthly Zeal With great anxiety after a thorough discovery of every sin in its blackest dress in its Nature Root Branches and Tendencies zeal for full purging and washing not leaving Root or Branch of any Sin unmortified or subdued without any tampering or listning to new affinities or terms of reconâ—iliation or inticements hotly and warmly pursuing every Sin to utter death and destruction Fifthly Vehement desire Like one curious to paint to the Life the Nature Monstruous shape and mischievous quality of every sin as well in its offensiveness to and detestableness with God who is of purer Eyes than to behold Iniquity as in its perniciouâ—ness to Man exposing him to the wrath of God and barring him from entring into the Heavenly Jerusalem where â—o unclean thing can enter in Rev. 21.27 And as the only Enemy of Mans Eternal Happiness and blasting with a Curse all his temporal enjoyments and the disturber of the Peace of Mans Conscience in a Communion with God and diverts him from enjoying of God in place of Lust and Sin The Sixth qualification is Fear Watching and Praying lest we enter into temptation being always mindful that the subtile Enemy of our Salvation the Devil goeth about night and day like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour And therefore in watching put on the whole Armour of God Eph. 6.14 15 16. and watch over our Thoughts Words and Actions having a continual Eye on the Enemy without as a Sentry standing in view of the Enemies Camp day and night observing the voice of all Gods Providences and Dispensations not putting the evil day far from us but being on our watch with oyl in our Lamps and our Lamps burning knowing that the Bridegroom cometh as a Thief in the night not knowing what hour he will come and therefore to be always ready lest when he comes we sleep and that the door of Mercy may not be shut on us for ever Mat 24.14 The Seventh qualification of true Repentance is Revenge Holy revenge consisteth â—t a restless discovering of sin and not only giving up all society with it and entertainment of it and contradicting or implacable prejudice and hatred to it but also knowing that corruption and sin is such an infect and that of venomous Nature that every piece and crum will excite to a new Rebellion against God And therefore by a holy reâ—enge to give up every Sin and Lust though never so dear intirely to Divine Justice as well to appeale the Wrath of God and avoid his Dishonour as to secure our selves from falling into disobedience and new rebellion by tampering with the seditious deceit of Sin and Lust Cast out the Bondwoman and her Son Gen. 23.10 Be not again entangled with the Yâ—â—k of Bondage walk in the Spirit and ye shall not â—uâ—fiâ—l the Lusts of the Flesh for the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and they are contrary one to the other Rom. 5.1 16 17 24. The next Duty incumbent to Man in order to Eternal Life is to search the Promâ—â—es in Christ Jesus and believe them all men are anxious to have good Titles to their Estates and to know them how much more ought Christians to be solicitous for the knowledge of sacred Records to insure their Interest of something with Christ Christs Promises to his People are either for things Spiritual or Temporal first of things Spiritual which may be considered under these three First The free love of God in sending Christ a Ransom for Sin Secondly All suitable graces and spiritual blessings given by God to the called according to his promise Rom. 8.28 Thirdly Eternal Life and Salvation given to all who believe in Jesus Christ As to the first Scriptures are full of the Records of Gods free love in redeeming Man by Jesus Christ when Man was in no condition to make terms for himself and that early instance of Gods compassion on Man when he had so soon fallen from his Integrity I will put enmity between thy Seed and her Seed It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Gen. 3.15 Here is a clear promise of the Messiah of victory over Sin and Satan And when we were without strength in due time Christ died for us and when we were yet sinners And that compassion of God when Man was contemptible and without help and no Eye pitied thee to do these things to thee and when I passed by thy time was the time of Love and I said to thee live yea I said to thee live And that Evangelical Invitation Ho every one that thirsteth come to me drink of the Waters of Life buy wine and milk without money and without price come to me and I will make your Souls live and make an everlasting Covenant with you Let the wicked forsake his wickedness and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and to our God and he will abundantly pardon him Isa 55. to 8. This strain constant current and Ocean of free Love flows upon free terms upon the most miserable and without any terms or expectation of any return from Man but freely without recompence I am found of them that sought me not I am sought of them that asked not for me Isa 65.1 2. From all which may be seen that great mystery of the Love of God to Sinners which passeth understanding The second thing in spiritual blessings is Gods furnishing Believers with all suitable Graces blessings and Indowments And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God who are called according to his purpose for whom he did foreknow them he also did Predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8.28 29 32. Eye hath not seen neither hath Ear heard nor hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what great things he hath laid up for those who wait on him Isa 64.4 Ask and it shall be given seek and ye shall find whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name believe ye have them and they shall be given you Mat. 7.7 The last instance of divine bounty is Eternal Life To them who by patient continuance and well doing seeketh for glory and honour eternal Life Rom. 2.9 When Christ who is our Life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in glory Col. 3.4 God so loved the World that he sent his only Son that whosoever should believe in him should not perish but have eternal Life Joh. 3.16 And the glory that thou gavest me I have
nothing and vanity He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings And his dominion is without end or limitation of time he is glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Isa 40.12 to 18. Psalm 68.17 Revelation 17.14 Exod. 15.11 Thirdly He is infinite in Wisdom who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord or being his Cousellour taught him with whom took he Counsel and who instructed him and taught him the Path of Judgments and Knowledge and shewed him the way of understanding he is Prince of Peace wonderful Counsellour the everlasting Father Isa 40.13 14. Isa 9.6 7. chap. 11. to 11. Fourthly He is matchless in Beauty He is the Rose of Sharon White and Ruddy the choicest of ten thousands His Head as the most fine Gold his Locks are bushy and black as a Raven his Mouth is sweet yea he is altogether lovely Cant. 2.1 Cant. 5.10 to 17. Fifthly He is of everlasting continuance all created Beings are either tainted with inherent and natural defects or imperfections Riches canker and consume beauty failes with the complexion friends power and humane glory are Solomons vanities and perish in the using or are cut off with time but he made all things and of his Kingdom there shall be no end he is Alpha and Omega Rev. 1.8 Sixthly He is absolute Soveraign and Conquerour of all Enemies even of Death and the World be of good-Comfort I have overcome the World the Issues of Death belong to him he hath the Keys of the House of David he can shut and no man open he can open and no man shut I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I live for evermore and have the Keys of Hell and Death Rev. 1.8 chap. 5.9 The seventh reason why the Lord Jesus Christ doth afflict and chastise his People is to exercise their Faith and Patience upon his Promises to them in their afflictions It being the Lords way with his People to afflict them to trials and confirmation not to their destruction or overthrow to chastise them in Measure and not to leave them altogether unpunished for I am with thee saith thee Lord to save thee Jer. 30.11 Though I make a full end of all Nations whether I have scattered thee yet will I not make a full end of thee but will correct thee in measure and not leave thee altogether unpunished The Lord knoweth the complexion of his People and therefore deals warily and gently with them by his afflicting hand he intends not their destruction but to frame them for Vessels of Love and Mercy he intending they shall be the Temples of the Holy Ghost he refines them and chuseth them in the Furnace of Afflâ—ction to scoure off the natural and sinful uncleanness And thus he deals in a tenderly and fatherly way Jer. 48.10 chap. 9.7 In measure when it shutteth forth I will debate with it he stayeth the rough wind in the day of his East-wind and all his Billows do not blow at once Jer. 27.7 8 9. He will not overcharge them but proportions the Physick of Affliction to the strength he will give them No temptation hath befallen you but what is common to Men the Lord is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above measure but with every temptation will give an outgate that ye may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10 30. 2 Cor. 4.17 18. And therefore the Wise Physician of Souls who will not break a bruised Reed nor quench a smoaking Flax. Isa 42.3 To prevent the discouragement of the Christian Patient in their afflictions affords them the Cordials of his Infallible Promises to stay support and uphold them against the sourest gripings of Temptations and Trials which is his Fatherly Potion that he measures to them in this Life And these Promises are suited to all the Christians Lot on this side of time as well to their Spiritual State Trials and Difficulties as to that of the Temporary Troubles and Afflictions Isa 11. all Isa 61.1 2 3. And First for their Spiritual state in these three particulars First In Spiritual darkness and desertion of Gods presence for their Cloudiness in the sense of Gods favour Secondly Under the sense or apprehensions of greatest Sins And Thirdly Under repeated Sins or Relapses First In Darkness and Soul Desertion as every throw or gripe to the diseased do discompose and aggravate so much more when afflictions the Arrows of the Almighty are upon any and that their Spiritual state is clouded and they have not the comfortable presence of God so as they are under fears and darkness that the Lord is not their Salvation or cannot be satisfied that these Chastisements are in Mercy and not in Wrath from the Hand of a Father how is the Soul hurried and curdled like a Cheese and roars with David as distracted with terrours a wounded Spirit who can bear this of all conditions is the most anxious and comfortless as on the other hand when the Countenance of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus looks thorough the deepest Cloud of Afflictions the Soul rejoyceth in Tribulation Some will say who will shew us any good but Lord lift thou up the Light of thy Countenance which will make our Soul more joyful and more glad than when their Corn and Wine encrease in great abundance Psal 4.6 7 8. And in this doleful state the Lords Promises are rich and manifold Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant that walketh in darkness and hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God Isa 50.10 Unto the Righteous there ariseth light in darkness Psal 112.4 Light is sowed to the Righteous and Joy to the Upright in Heart Psal 97.11 I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not I said behold me behold me unto a Nation that was not called by my name before they call I will answer and while they are yet speaking I will hear saith the Lord Isa 65.1 24. Before she travelled she brought forth before her pain came she was delivered of a Man Child and as soon as Zion Travelled she brought forth her Children shall I bring to the Birth and not cause to bring forth shall I cause to bring forth and shut the Womb saith the Lord Isa 66.7 8 9. The great Physitian of Souls like a just and wise Physitian useth ordinary means in common Distempers but in extremities and dangerous Distempers Cordials and Rich and Choicest Medicines are not with held when all ordinary helps fail his special Love and Power manifests it self when we were helpless yea Enemies he brings succour comfort and relief and makes with us an everlasting Covenant Ezek. 16. to 8. Rom. 5.6 7 8. Thus he sheweth his Prerogative of curing as well as his Love when no other help appears when my Father and my Mother forsake me then the Lord shall take me up Psal 27.10 Isa 49.15 chap.
63.5 The Sheepheard of Israel is that tender hearted Physitian who sympathiseth with his People In all their Afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his Presence sayed them In his Love and his Pity he Redeemed them and bore them all the days of old Isa 63.9 His compassion is great his Bowels yearn and are turned for them how shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Adma how shall I set thee as Zeboim my heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled Hos 9.8 Is Ephraim my dear Son is he a pleasant Child for since I spoke against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my Bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord Jer. 31.20 Am I a God at hand and not a God afar off Jer. 22.23 The Lord cannot forget his People though the Cloud of darkest afflictions may hinder their apprehensions of his love and care of them I have even called thee by thy name though thou hast not known me I am the Lord and there is none else besides me I guarded thee though thou hast not known me I Form the Light and Create Darkness I make peace and create evil I the Lord do all these things Isa 45.4 5 7. He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds wherefore although the pale and dark side of the Cross should look grim upon the Christian he is by Faith and Patience to look thorough the Cloud to the Conquerours and lay hold of him in his Promises though the Vision tarry wait for it it will speak at last and he that will come shall come and will not tarry Hab. 2.3 No Man did look thorough a paler Cloud than this Prophet Although the Fig-tree shall not blossom neither shall fruit be in the Vine though the labour of the Olive and the Fields shall yield no meat the flock shall be cut off from the fold and there shall be no Heard in the Stall yet will I rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of my Salvation the Lord is my strength and he will make my Feet like Hinds Feet and he will make me to walk upon my High Places Hab. 3.17 18 19. The holy Prophet Micah after he had viewed the folly of all humane expectations weakness and deceitfulness of friends relations and all other Men puts his confidence alone in God and thereby takes great courage and resolution and seems to make Inference of Faith upon the view of humane vanities Therefore I will look unto the Lord I will wait for the God of my Salvation my God will hear me rejoyce not against me O mine Enemy when I fall I shall arise when I sit in darkness the Lord shall be a light unto me He will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his Righteousness Mic. 7.1 to 11. The second branch of Gods Promises to his People is of his great Mercy Love and Reconciliation under the greatest Sins the Lord doth not measure his dispensations as Men do their benevolences by scanty measures and do pardon lesser and not greater offences for that Sins of the deepest dye are no bar to his Mercy He came not to call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance In the Language of his Mercy the whole need no Physitian but the Sick Luke 5.31 32. His Invitation is look unto me and be you saved all the Ends of the Earth Isa 45.22 And come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy loaden and I will give you rest Mat. 11.28 My Thoughts are not as your Thoughts neither your Ways my Way saith the Lord for as the Heavens are higher than the Earth so are my Thoughts higher than your Thoughts c. Isa 55.8 9. Come now let us reason together saith the Lord though your sins be as Scarlet they shall be made white as Snow though they be red like Crimson they shall be as Wool If you be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the Land but if ye refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured with fire Isa 1.18 19 20. Christ makes a free Market of Mercy and puts no limitation to his bounty but offers freely upon the Sinners acceptance by Faith and Repentance Ho every one that thirsteth come to the Waters buy Milk and Honey without price c. Isa 55.1 2. his satisfaction is for all and for all manner of Sins upon Faith and Repentance God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in him should not die but have eternal Life John 3.16 17. Christs love is free and respects not the greatness of Sin but the sincerity of Faith and Repentance yea When we were Enemies and without strength Christ died for us Rom. 5 6 7 8. Davids uncleanness and Murther of Uriah was no bar to Divine Mercy 1 King 21.29 Nebuchadnezzar on Repentance found Mercy Dan. 4. Manasses Idolatry Witchcraft and other great Abominations received Mercy on Repentance and When He was in great affliction he sought the Lord and humbled himself greatly before the God of his Fathers and Prayed unto him and he was intreated of him and heard his supplication and brought him again to Jerusalem and into his Kingdom Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God 2 Chron. 32.12 13. Thirdly His Promises upon Relapses although it is ill complexion to sin after receipt of Mercies as with the Dog to the Vomit and the Sow to the Mire yet Repentance in its due qualifications gives a rise to Mercy The Lord had to do with the most stubborn People on the whole Earth who revolted from God in most heinous manner And yet how often did he renew his Mercies to them the whole tract of the Israelites Life was Rebellion and Revolts nevertheless he regarded their afflictions when he heard their cry see their backslidings and the Lords wonderfully renewed Mercies towards them Psal 106. Psal 107. all The Lords wonderful free and early Mercies were eminently manifested to Israel nevertheless see their stupid revolt and ingratitude but they rebelled against him and converted all his kindness and mercies to the feeding of their lusts and abominations of Idolatry Ezek. 16. from 15 to 37. Wherefore the Lord in his Justice sends them under severe punishments to verse 60. and then the Lords anger is pacified towards them and he remembers his Covenant with them when they are ashamed of their sins and abominations and return to the Lord by Repentance to the end of the chapter That thou mayest remember and be confounded and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame when I am pacified towards thee for all that thou hast done saith the Lord. The Lords Ear is always open to the cry of a Penitent sinner The Lord is nigh to all that call upon him in Truth Psal 145.18 Repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity
shall not be your ruine why will you dye O House of Israel for I have no pleasure in the Death of him that dieth saith the Lord wherefore turn your selves and live Ezek. 18.25 to 33. chap. 26. As the Lord doth exercise the Patience of his People in Spiritual Promises for Spiritual things so also to trust his Promises in reference to temporals and these may be branched out in these two First His Promises to the People of God in general without reference to particular cases of suffering and these comprehend God's complex or full purpose to his People Secondly These Promises may relate to the several cases or exigence of Gods People First For Gods Promises in general not relating to particular cases the Scriptures are so full that it 's impossible to collect them however we shall touch some of the most obvious In all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his Presence saved them in his Love and in his Pitty he remembred them and carried them all the days of old Isa 63.9 His Anger endureth but for a moment sorrow may be at Evening but Joy cometh in the morning Psal 30.5 For thou Lord wilt bless the Righteous with favour wilt thou compass him as with a Sheild Psal 5.12 The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed a refuge in time of trouble for they that know thy name will put their trust in thee for thou hast not forsaken them that seek thee Psal 9.9 10. Though you have lyen among the Pots yet shall ye be live a Dove whose Wings are covered with Silver and their Feathers with yellow Gold Psalm 68.13 For thou Lord wilt save the afflicted People but wilt bring down high looks he is a buckler to all those that trust in him Psal 18.22 30. unto the upright there ariseth light in darkness surely he shall not be moved for ever the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance he shall not be afraid of evil tidings his Heart is fixed trusting in the Lord Psal 112.4 6 7. Alas for that day is great there is none like it it is the day of Jacobs troubles but they shall be delivered out of them all Jer. 30.7 The Prophet Isaiah sets down in many places Gods universal care over his People O Israel fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine when thou passest through the Waters I will be with thee and through the Rivers they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest thorough the Fire thou shalt not be burned neither shall the flames kindle upon thee Isa 43. all The Lord will be a Sun and a Sheild he will give Grace and Glory and no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly Psal 84.11 Psal 86.5 13 15. The holy Psalmist is full of Prophetical Promises of Gods universal good to his People he that dwelleth in the secret of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty I will say of the Lord he is my Refuge and my Fortress my God in him will I trust surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the Fowler and from the noisome Pestilence he shall cover thee with his Feathers and under his Wings shalt thou trust his truth shall be thy shield and buckler Psal 91. all And of the numerous and large Promises of God to his People and of the Halcyon days of Zion all the Prophets abound for the Law shall go forth of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem he shall judge many people and the Nations afar off and they shall beat their Swords into Plough-shears and their Spears into pruning hooks Nation shall not lift up a Sword against Nation neither shall they learn War any more but they shall set down every man under his own Vine and under his own Fig tree and none shall make them afraid for the Mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken it I will assemble her that halteth and her that is driven out and her that I have afflicted and I will make her that halted a Remnant and her that was cast far off a strong Nation And the Lord shall reign over them in Zion from henceforth and for ever thou shalt go even to Babylon and there thou shalt be delivered there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine Enemies Arise and thresh O Daughter of Zion for I will make thy Horn Iron and thy Hoofs Brass and thou shalt beat in pieces many People and I will consecrate their gain and their substance to the God of the whole Earth Mic. 4. all Awake awake stand up O Jerusalem which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the Cup of his fury thou hast drunk the dregs of the Cup of trembling and thou hast wrung them out there is none to guide her amongst all the Sons whom she hath brought forth neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the Sons whom she hath brought up these two things are come unto thee who shall be sorry for thee desolation and destruction the Famine and the Sword by whom shall I comfort thee thy Sons have fainted they lye at the head of all the Streets they are full of the fury of the Lord thy God therefore now hear this thou afflicted and drunken but not with Wine Thus saith the Lord the God and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his People behold I have taken out of thy hand the cup of trembling even the dregs of the Cup of my fury thou shalt no more drink it again but I will put it into the hands of them that afflicted thee who have said to thy Soul bow down that we may go over and thou hast laid thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over Isa 51.17 to end Is Ephraim my dear Son is he a pleasant Child for since I spoke against him I do earnestly remember him still my bowels are troubled for him Jer. 31.20 Thus saith the Lord because the Enemy hath said against you a hah made you desolate and swallowed you up for a possession to the Heathen and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers and are in Infamy to the People and are a prey and derision I have spoken in my Jealousie and my fury because ye have born the reproach of the Heathen ye shall shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit for behold I am for you and ye shall be tilled and sown I will multiply you and settle you after your old Estates and I will do better to you than at your beginning and ye shall know that I am the Lord I will take you from among the Heathen whether I have driven you and I will bring you into your own Land then will I sprinkle you with clean Water and you shall be clean from all your filthiness and from all your Idols a new Heart also will I give you and a
My Brethren have dealt deceitfully with me as a Brook John 13.18 This also was the sad Condition of the Church Thou hast heard their reproach O Lord their Imaginations against me the Lips of those that rise up against me their devices against me all the day long behold their sitting down and their rising up I am their Musick Lam. 3.6 62 63. David was as among Lions their Teeth were as Spears against him and their Tongues as sharp Swords they wrested his words Psal 57.4 Psal 56.2 5 6. He was the Song of the Drunkards Reproach hath broken my Heart I am full of heaviness I looked for some to take pity but there was none and for comforters but I found none Psal 69. all Our Soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those that dwell at ease and with the contempt of the Proud Psal 123.4 The sixth reason why God thus chastiseth his People is to make them sensible of the different measures by which he deals with his People in their Afflictions and with the wicked by his Judgment upon them and that consists in these six respects First He chastiseth his People in love and for their good but his Judgments on the Wicked are to their Everlasting Loss and Condemnation Secondly He unwillingly and with reluctance corrects his People but taketh pleasure in his Justice upon the Wicked Thirdly He corrects his People in measure and moderation but Rains down the Vials of his displeasure upon his Enemies Fourthly The Chastisements of his People are but for a moment and not to make an end of them but the Wicked are totally cut off without expectation or hope of recovery Fifthly The Godly though afflicted are comforted by Gods presence they have communion and fellowship with the Father and holy Trinity but the Wicked have no hope in their end or punishments Sixthly The Godly by their afflictions are taught to know the difference between Spiritual and Carnal enjoyments Temporal and Eternal Mercies First The Godly's Chastisements are for their good although all Trials Afflictions and Temptations are a dark Cloud and carry a pale Face yet when the Godly do search out the purpose of God in this and are desirous to know his Intentions therein they will see this to be in love when the Godly enjoy all sensual pleasures without any intermission they are apt to surfeit upon Mercies and turn lazy and forget God as the slothful Man by luxuriant feeding ease and gluttony contracts a Lethargy so are the best of men apt to forget the Fountain of Mercies and wax wanton against God as the People of Israel in their quiet and plenteous enjoyments Exod. 15 ch 17. Num. 11. ch 16. Deut. 11. Therefore the Lord visits his People with Rods to rouse them out of their laziness to make them turn to their rock for their good and safety Psal 106. Before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I learned to keep thy Word blessed is the Man whom thou chastiseth and teacheth out of thy Law Psal 119.67 71. This is the end to the Godly to take away his sin Isa 27.9 Whom the Lord loveth he chastneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth If ye endure chastning God dealeth with you as with Sons for what Son is he whom the Father chastneth not but if ye be without Chastisement whereof all are partakers then are ye Bastards and no Children we had Fathers of the Flesh who chastised us after their own pleasure and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and life for they for a while corrected us according to their own pleasure but he for our profit that we may be partakers of his holiness now no chastning for the present seemeth joyous but grievous but afterwards it bringeth forth the perfect fruit of Righteousness to them that are exercised thereby Heb. 12.5 to 12. But see the Issue of the wicked and ungodly they shall be like the chaff which the Wind driveth away Ps 1.4 5 6. Secondly The Lord doth not afflict his People willingly but with great reluctancy How shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Adma how shall I set thee as Zeboim my Heart is turned within me my repenting is turned together Hos 11.8 Is Ephraim my dear Son is he a pleasant Child for since I spoke against him I remember him still earnestly my Bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord Jer. 31.20 Repent and turn your selves from your transgressions so Iniquity shall not be your ruin cast away all your transgressions and make you a new Heart and a new Spirit for why will you dye O house of Israel for I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner therefore turn your selves and live See Ezek. 33.11 Luk. 13.34 35. Ezek. 18.30 31 32. Thirdly The Lord corrects his People in measure and not in extremity as he doth the wicked hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him in measure when it shooteth forth thou wilt debate with it he stayeth his rough Wind in the day of his East-wind Isaiah 27.7 8. Fourthly The Afflictions of the Godly are but for a short time for a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercy will I gather thee in a little wrath I hid my self from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee Isa 5 4.7 8. They shall go into Babilon until I deliver them I will visit them there and restore them to this place Jer. 27.22 Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears for thy work shall be rewarded and they shall come again from the Land of the Enemy and there is hope in thine end and thy Children shall come again in their own border Jer. 31.15 16 17. Thus though the Lord deals severely with his People nevertheless it is but for a time and in moderation and giveth them a happy delivery and eternal rest with himself in the end but he deals otherways with his Enemies never withdrawing his Judgments from them until he hath accomplished their destruction and avenged their malice against his People Wherefore it shall come to pass when the Lord hath performed this whole work upon mount Sion I will punish the stout-heart of the King of Assyria and the glory of his high looks Isa 41.15 16. I was wroth with my People I have polluted mine Inheritance and given them into thy hands thou didst shew them no mercy upon the antient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoak thou saidst I will be a Lady for ever for that thou didst not lay these things to thy Heart neither didst remember the latter end of them therefore hear thou this thou that art given to pleasure that dwellest carelesly that sayest in thy Heart
Scriptures for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Rom. 3.23 24 25. Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rom. 8.29.30 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and compassion on whom I will have compassion Rom. 9.15 16. So that it is not of him that wilâ—eth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy Ephes 5.8 In hope of eternal Life which God that cannot Lye hath promised before the World began not by works of Righteousness which we have done but according to his Mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour Tit. 3.5 6. Secondly This Salvation is to such as are incapable of helping themselves and under most miserable circumstances Christ is that charitable and kind Samaritan to the wounded man by the Thieves who brings help when the Levite and Priest whose Office preach charity passed by without giving any â—elief See that â—â—mous and often repeated place â—n instance of mercy and relief when Man was exposed to all imaginable misery in most contemptible and helpless condition where the bowels of mercy are liberally extended and relief is brought from meer love and pity Ezek. 16. to 9. And that other famous Scripture demonstrate the freedom and fulness of love when Man was in the worst of circumstances when we were without strength Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us for if when we were Enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved throug his Life Rom. 5. to 12. Nothing can be a greater instance of love pity and compassion than the relieving of one in a helpless state so that Christs redeeming of Souls is unparallelled who relieved Enemies without their own help or capacity to relieve themselves and that famous Scripture of causing the Dead Bones to take flesh sinews and life and become a numerous host is a clear emblem of the Infinite and Free love of God and mans incapacity to relieve himself Ezek. 37. And in that famous place of Gods interposing for his People when all friends and relations are treacherous and helpless Micah 7.4 5 6. From all which we may see the eminent instances of Mans self incapacity and miserableness and of the fulness and freedom of Gods Love and early mercies for him Thirdly The third excellency and encouragement in this great Salvation is that it brings with it all suitable helps and supplies to assist us to promote that great Salvation we find the Apostle discovering to us Gods eternal purpose of Mans Redemption he resolved to bring Man to a conformity with his own Will and Image For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he might be the first born among many Brethren Rom. 8.29 Whereby we find God purposed to have the ransomed and such as shall be saved by Christs Blood to be compleatly supplied with all things necessary to adorn and compleat that great Salvation and this is most manifest in the Scripture He that spared not his own Son but gave him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Rom. 8.32 He will give Grace and Glory and no good thing will he with-hold from such as fear him seek first the Kingdom of God and the Righteousness thereof then all things else shall be added thereunto Mat. 6.33 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters and he that hath no money come come ye buy and eat without money and without price and let your Soul delight it self in fatness Isa 55.1 2. Here we find a full free and cheap Market of all supplies from whence may clearly be implyed Gods purpose to have his people whom he adopteth heirs of his Kingdom to be compleatly furnished with all things necessary thereunto Fourthly The fourth and sixth may be comprehended in one that this great salvation is compleat and full in that it hath the enjoyment of God in union of the Father by the Son in the Spirit and the Heirs of that Inheritance are made sharers of all Heavenly excellencies In thy presence is fulness of Joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore this is more particularly expressed by the manifold priviledges of the glorified Saints and their blessed Inheritance First As it is the restoring of Man from the deepest state of misery and exalting him to the highest pitch of happiness as hath been already shewed Secondly These of that estate are entituled to all things as hath been alreardy shewed Thirdly They shall be exempted from all manner of misery sorrow and grief They have compleat happiness and enjoyment of all things as being eternally united to God by Jesus Christ The fifth and last mystical excellency of this great Salvation is in the method taken by Heavenly Wisdom in the accomplishing of it to wit by Christ the Mediators taking upon him the humane nature and therein making an attonement for Sin in the Flesh This is so great a mystery that it merits all admiration that Jesus Christ though he was from the beginning and from all eternity cloathed with all Majesty and Glory and the first born of all the Creation the Heir of all things by whom the World was made and by whom it subsists who being the brightness of the Fathers glory and express Image of his Person and by himself upholding all things the only begotten Son of God whose Throne is in glory for ever more who laid the Foundations of the Earth and the Heavens are the Workmanship of his Hands nevertheless according to the Counsel of his own Will he abased himself to enter into a Virgins Womb and came into the World and under the infirmities of humane Nature suffered the highesâ— indignities that the vilest wretches could have been exposed unto And at last though he knew no sin he gave himself unto Death to make satisfaction for our sins this is that mystery which was hid from the beginning of the World Ephes 3.9 This is the riches of the glorious mystery of love to the Gentiles Col. 1.25 26. Christ the hope of glory And oppositely it is said by the holy Prophet and Apostle Paul Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what great things he hath treasured up for them that love him 1 Cor. 2.3 And though the Tongues of Angels and Men are not able sufficiently to express and unfold this great mystery nevertheless we may sincerely view it in these four heads First The unsearchable dimensions of the love of God to Sinners in his eternal purpose of redeeming the World by Jesus Christ before the World began To make all men see
him that asketh thee and from him that would borrow of the turn thou not away Math. 5.43 Remember them that are in Bonds as being bound with them and them which suffer Adversity as being your selves also in the Body Heb. 13.3 What doth it profit if a Man say he hath Faith and hath not Works can Faith save him if a Brother or Sister be Naked and Destitute of daily Food and one of you say unto him depart in peace be you Clothed and be you Filled notwithstanding you give him nothing James 2.14 15 16. of these things which are needful to the Body what doth it profit 1 John 3.17 Mortification if thy Right Eye or Right Hand offend thee cut it off and cast it from thee it is better one of thy Members perish than thy whole Body should be cast into Hell Math. 5.29 30. Hence we are taught the Subduing and Mortifying of all Lusts of whatsoever esteem they may be and as dear to us as any of our Members we are to admit no enjoyment of them in Competition with true Holiness and new Obedience He Preacheth up the Doctrine of Love and Charity to all Men even to Enemies you have heard that it hath been said love thy Neighbour and hate thy Enemy but I say to you Love your Enemies Bless him that Curse you do good to them that hate you pray for them that dispightfully use you and persecute you that ye may be the Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to rise on the Evil and on the Good and the Rain to come down on the Just and the Unjust for if you love them that love you what reward have you do not even the Publicans do the same and if you Salute only your Brethren what more do ye than others but be ye perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect Math. 5.43 to end See that great Doctrine of Mutual Love and Charity he that saith he is in the Light and hateth his Brother is in Darkness even until now he that loveth his Brother abideth in the Light and there is no occasion of stumbling in him but he that Hateth his Brother is in Darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth because the Darkness hath blinded his Eyes 1 John 2. to 18. We know that we have passed from Death to Life because we love the Brethren he that loveth not his Brother abideth in Death whosoever hateth his Brother is a Murderer and ye know that no Murderer hath Eternal Life abiding in him hereby perceive we the Love of God because he hath laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our Life for the Brethren but whosoever hath this Worlds good and shutteth up his Bowels from the Brother how dwelleth the Love of God in him 1 John 3.14 15 16 17. Let us Love one another for Love is of God and every one that Loveth is born of God and knoweth God he that Loveth not knoweth not God for God is Love in this was manifested the Love of God towards us because God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live through him herein is the Love of God Manifested not that we loved him but that he Loved us and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our Sins if God so loved us we ought also to love one another if we love one another God dwelleth in us and his love is perfected in us 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 1 Jo 4.7 to end A New Commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you that you love one another Jo. 13.34 from all which we are instructed of the Nature and Extent of Charity that it doth not consist only in naked and bare profession of Friendship good wishes and pretended Respects but in the Bowels of Tenderness Compassion Simpathy and suitable Supplies to the necessities of others that Charity is not to be straitned and confined to Relations Friends Benefactors and these in Amity and perswasion with us but is to be extended to Enemies as well as Friends and to all whose Necessities call for our help and assistance in any respect towards their Relief He Preacheth up the Contempt and Denyedness to the World lay not up Treasure on Earth where the Moth Cankereth and Thieves break thorough and steal but seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness then all these things shall be added thereunto and lay up store for your selves in Heaven Math. 6.19 20 32 33. See Christs own Discourse of the Rich Man in the Gospel that it is easier for a Camel to go thorow the Eye of a Needle than for a Rich Man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Math. 19.23 24. See the Parable of Dives who received his good things in this Life and is eternally Tormented and Lazarus who was pinched with Want Hunger Cold and Diseases on Earth was received into everlasting Happiness Luke 16 19. to end See the Parable of the Rich Husband-Man who took anxious care for his Earthly Store but made no Provision for Eternal Life but God said to him thou Fool this Night will I require thy Soul at thy Hands then whose shall all these things be which thou hast provided so is he who layeth up store for himself and is not Rich towards God Luke 12 16. to 22. See the wo the Lord of Life pronounceth against the Rich Wo to you that are Rich for ye have received your Consolation Luke 6 24. And to forward our Mortification to the World let us consider the Advice given by the Holy Apostle Love not the World nor the things of the World for if any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him for all that is in the World the Lusts of the Flesh the Lust of the Eye and the Pride of Life is not of the Father but of the World 1 Jo. 2.15 16 17. And the World passeth away and the Lusts thereof but he that doth the Will of God abideth for ever 1 Jo. 2.15 16 17. The Holy Apostle James doth eminently discover the danger of loving the World know ye not that the Friendship of the World is enmity with God whosoever therefore will be a Friend of the World is the Enemy of God James 4.4 Let us further consider the Apostle Pauls Character of the World we brought nothing into the World with us and it is certain we shall carry nothing out and having Food and Rayment let us be therewith content but they that will be Rich fall into many Temptations and a Snare and many foolish and hurtful Lusts which drown Men in Destruction and Perdition for the Love of Money is the Root of all Evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the Faith and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows
1 Tim. 6.7 8 9 10. This Blessed Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Wisdom Light and truth it self teacheth his People to a dependance on himself by Faith and Submission in all Providences and as in the foregoing Scriptures we are taught the emptiness of all other supports besides himself and the emptiness of all other Enjoyments his purpose therein is to wean our Hearts from thence and fix them on himself by Faith and Submission in all Providences he tells us that a Mans Life consisteth not in the abundance of what a Man hath in the foregoing Instance of the Rich Husband-Man and that Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God this was the Doctrine of Moses to the People of Israel when in the Wilderness they murmured for want of Bread and when they were shut up from expectation of help and all probabilities of supply were hid from their Eyes he minds them of the great wonders God had wrought for them in their Deliverance from Pharaohs Servitude and designing to wind up their thoughts to God by Faith that he would as well relieve them in that straight as well as he had done from under former difficulties and therefore tell them Man liveth not by Bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God Deu. 8.3 Implying that the sole pleasure of God influences all the Creatures and that God in his Omnipotence and Wisdom is not confined to the Methods and Appearances of Men but can in his own way accomplish his purpose at his own pleasure his Blessing on the Creature can Augment them to such a Pitch as he designs he can make a little Pot of Oyl swell to many Barrels when he designs to manifest his Power and good Will to Man 2 Kings 4. to 8. he can make one or two single Meals feed and refresh for forty Days and forty Nights he can make five Loaves and two small Fishes feed five thousand Men and cause the Fragments left to exceed the first bulk Luke 9.12 to 18. he can open the Windows of Heaven and give a Blessing so as no room is for it to be stowed Mal. 3.10 he Cloaths the Lillies and feeds the Ravens without their Care or Industry so that Faith and Submission to his Blessed Will and Care will answer all things He it is that Commands seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened whatsoever ye ask the Father in my Name believe ye have it and ye shall receive it Math. 7.7 to 13. Now as Christs Doctrine is full and without Parallel so his Sufferings are without example as being without Sin not only against God but upright also and perfect so as he could not offend against Mans Law and that all his sufferings were voluntary of pure love not for Friends but for Sinners and Enemies wherefore such as believe in him and have the Hope of eternal Life ought chearfully and patiently to endure Temptations and bear their Afflictions in the Flesh and willingly take up and bear the Cross and more paraicularly for these Reasons First To bear the Cross is Christs Command Secondly For this we have the Example of Christ his Prophets Saints and Martyrs Thirdly We have his Manifold promises of Assistance Fourthly The Cross is the inevitable Path and Way by which he leads his People to the Kingdom of Heaven Fifthly It is the means by which he fits his People by Holiness for that eternal Union and Communion with himself Sixthly The Reward of Eternal Life at the end of the Race is exceeding great First Patient suffering and bearing the Cross is Christs Command Christ Jesus the Word of God by whom is forgiveness of Sins and Redemption through his Blood who made our Peace through the Blood of his Cross Preacheth this Doctrine come unto me all ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden and I will give you rest take my Yoak upon you and learn of me for I am Meek and Lowly in Mind my Yoak is easy and my Burthen is Light Math. 11.28 29 30. When he sends out his Disciples to Instruct and Convert the World he tells them he sends them as Sheep in the midst of Woolves he Commands them to be wise as Serpents and harmless as Doves and that they shall be brought before Kings and Governors and hated of all Men for his sake and that they could not expect better Entertainment than he their Master that they must deny Father and Mother and all other Relations and things dear to them for his sake and if they loved their Lives or any thing else better than him they should loose them and he that taketh not up his Cross and followeth not him was not worthy of him Math. 10.10 to end This also hath been the strain of all the Prophets and Apostles to Preach up Patient bearing of the Cross to you it is given saith the Apostle not only to believe but also to suffer Phi. 1.27 to 31. let us go forth therefore saith the same Apostle unto him bearing his Reproach Heb. 13.12 to 16. Count it all Joy saith the Apostle James when you fall into divers Temptations knowing that the Trial of your Faith worketh Patience but let Patience have her perfect works that ye may be entire wanting nothing James 1. to 6. take the Prophets saith the same Apostle for an example of suffering affliction and Patience ye have heard of the Patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is very pittiful and of tender Mercy Jam. 5.7 to 12. For even hereunto are we called saith the Apostle Peter because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Example that ye should follow his Steps who did not Sin neither was guile found in his Mouth who when he was reviled reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that Judgeth Righteously 1 Pet. 2. to end ch 3 14 25. Whos 's own self bore our sins in his own Body on the Treâ— that we being Dead to sin should cleave unto Righteousness by whose Stripes we are healed see further of this 1 Pet. 4.12 to end Secondly We have the Sufferings of Christ and his Prophets Apostles Saints and Martyrs for our Examples the Holy Scriptures give an account of the Opprobious usage of Christ his patient Sufferings his Ignominious death who willingly gave up his Life for Enemies see this more particularly under four heads elsewhere These Holy Scriptures Isa 51.6 chap. 53. all Psalm 22. all John 14.31 Mat. 27. all give the fuller history of the Particulars The whole book of Holy writ offers to our view a large Catalogue of the sufferings of Prophets Saints and Martyrs with their patient deportment therein how patiently did Moses the mildest of Men bear the revilings of Aaron and Miriam and prayed for Miriam Numb 12. so the Lord healed her How humble was David under his Son Absolom's Usurpation
and even to your Old Age I am he and even to Hoar Hairs I will carry you I have made and will bear I will carry and will deliver you Is 46.3 4. I will defer mine anger I have refined thee but not with Silver I have chosen thee in the Furnace of Affliction Is 48.9 10. A Woman may forget her Sucking Child and not have Compassion on the â—â—uit of her Womb but I cannot forget thee saith the Lord for I have graven thee upon the Palms of my Hand 's thou art mine thy Enemies shall go forth of thee and they shall go far away the Children thou shalt have after thou hast lost the others shall multiply that thou shalt be straitned for room for them and thou shalt say in thy Heart who hath begotten me these seeing the other were lost seeing I am Desolate a Captive and remove to and fro who hath brought me up these where have they been thy Captive Children shall be brought back by the Enemies in their Arms and on their Shoulders Kings shall be their Nursing Fathers and Queens their Nursing Mothers they shall bow down to thee and lick the dust under thy Feet for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh and make them drunk with their own Blood as with sweet Wine and all flesh shall know that I am the Lord thy Saviour Is 49. all Who is among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the Voice of his Servant that sitteth in darkness and seeth no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God Is 50.10 Heaven and Earth shall pass away but my Salvation shall never fail fear not Reproaches and Reviling of Men they shall consume as a Moth and Worms shall eat them up Awake awake O Arm of the Lord art not thou it that cut Rahab that wounded the Dragon that Dryed the Sea and made it a way for thy Ransomed to pass over thy Redeemed shall return with Joy and Gladness and Sorrow and Sighing shall fly away I am he that comforteth thee be not afraid of a Man or the Son of a Man awake stand up thou that hast drunk and wrung out the Cup of mine Anger there is none to guide her or take her by the Hand of all the Sons that she hath brought forâ—â— Desolation and Destruction Famine and the Sword are come upon thee behold I have taken out of thy Hand the Cup of Trembling and I will put it into the Hands of them that afflict thee who have said to thy Soul bow down that we may go over thee and thou hast laid thy Body on the ground and as the Street to them that went over fear thou not for thou shalt not be ashamed thou shalt forget the the shame of thy Youth and the Reproach of thy Widow-Hood for thy Maker is thy Husband and thy Redeemer the God of the whole Earth Is 51. all For a small Moment have I forsaken thee but with great Mercy will I gather thee in a little wrath have I hid my self from thee for a Moment but with everlasting kindness will I have Mercy upon thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer no Weapon formed against thee shall prosper Is 54.4 to 9. The Lord is the avenger of his People Vengeance is in my Heart and the year of my Redeemed is come and is a Deliverer when all other helps fail I looked and wondred that there was none to help therefore mine own Arm brought Salvation and my fury it upheld me in all their Afflictions he was Afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pitty he Redeemed them and saved them all the days of Old Is 63.3 4 5. The Lord never puts his People to Work but doth furnish them with Assistance shall I bring to the Birth and not cause to bring forth shall I cause to bring forth and shut the Womb Is 66.9 When Christ sends forth his Disciples to Convert the World he forewarns them of the Difficulties and usage they should meet with but assures them of his present support outgate and eternal life are their reward Mat. 10.16 to end Chap. 16.24 to 28. Chap. 19.28 29. the Holy Apostle gives Christian Combatants great Encouragements for their full bearing the Cross for as much as Children are partakers of Flesh and Blood he also took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the power of Death even the Devil and deliver them who all their Lifes were subject to Bondage Heb. 2.14 15. We have an High Priest which cannot be touched with the failing of our Infirmities but was in all things tempted as we are yet without sin let us come therefore boldly to the Throne of grace that we may obtain Mercy and find grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.15 16. No Temptation hath befallen to you but what is common to Men but the Lord is gracious who with every Temptation will give an outgate that ye may be able to bear it 1 Cor. 10.13 These Crowning Mercies promised in the Revelations are sufficient encouragements to bear the Cross and fight chearfully under Christs Banner to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life in the midst of the Paradise of God and to eat of the hidden Manna and give him a white stone and in it a new Name and he shall be Clothed with white Rayment and I will confess his Name before my Father and his Angels and he shall sit on my Throne Rev. 2.7 17. Ch. 3.5 21. The Valiant and constant Soldiers of Christ are Sealed in their Forehead and are Clothed with White Robes with Palms in their Hand and these are they which come out of great Tribulation and have washed their Robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb and are before the Throne of God Day and Night and Jesus Christ dwells with them they shall Hunger no more neither Thirst any more neither shall the Sun light on them or any Heat for the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne of God shall feed them and lead them to living Fountains of Water and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes Rev. 7.29 to end They live in Holiness and are Blessed in their Death Blessed are they which dye in they Lord the cease from their Labour and their Works follow them Rev. 14.4 13 The third thing Remarkable in this Duty of Perseverance is that Christians thrive and grow in the Continuance of their Duty of patient waiting on God as in all Trades Vocations Arts and Sciences the frequent and constant practice begets perfection so we find in the History of the Church Militant in all Ages that the more Persecution the Church met with she did grow in greater Power Zeal and Purity and the professors did more chearfully out-dare Temptations and Embraced the Truth and this is
Righteousness and as a tender hearted Father leaves not the Child altogether unpunished yet he corrects in measure thus the Lords exercising his Peoples Faith Patience and Obedience can never be said to be their Discouragement or contrary to any of his gracious promises to them in Scripture but should rather be atributed to that gracious promise of never leaving or forsaking of them Jer. 30.11 chap. 31.18 19 20. Isa 43.2 And in his chastising of them he distinguisheth between them and Bastards Heb. 12.7 8 9. But on the other hand it is the unhappy Lot of the Wicked to be let run on in all manner of Ryot without punishment and their Eyes to stand out with fatness to be given over to their own Hearts Lusts to their utter destruction and to be given over to a reprobate sense and to take no pains upon them but gives them leave to swallow down the Consolation of their Lusts with the bitter Pill of Eternal wo. Wo to you that are rich for you have received your consolation wo unto you that are full for ye shall be hungry wo to you that laugh now for ye shall weep wo unto you when all men shall speak well of you for so did their Fathers to the false Prophets Luke 6.24 25 26. Job 21.30 Obj. The third Objection is This Doctrine seems to be contrary to and disparageable of the Nature of God who is holy loving just and tender hearted to suffer his own Children who love and serve him best to be hampered with all the ill usage of Mortal Life yea put to Death for his sake and amongst men it would be great ingratitude for a Man to suffer his Children and best Friends to be thus used Answ The Lords suffering his Children to lye for some time under the smart of the Rod can never be imputed to his want of tenderness for them for as a Father can hear the complaints of a Disobedient Child under correction at the same time his Bowels of Compassion turn after him and yet he Corrects the Physitian loves and takes care of the Patient though he will give him no Cordial until the Physick work neither will the Chirurgeon take off the Plaisters though they smart until the wound be clean and whole so the Lord suffereth the Rod of Afflictions to work up the sinner to a Conviction that the Cordials of his Love when reconciled may be more accepted of notwithstanding in the mean time his Compassion faileth not In all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his Presence saved them in his love and in his pity be redeemed them and bore them all the Days of Old Isaiah 63.9 How shall I give thee up O Ephraim how shall I deliver thee O Israel how shall I make thee as Zadma how shall I set thee as Zeboim my Heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled Hos 11.8 I have heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoak is Ephraim my dear Son is he a pleasant Child for since I spoke against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my Bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him nevertheless I will correct thee in measure and not leave thee altogether unpunished Jer. 30.11 chap. 31.18 19 20. Secondly The Lord cannot be counted unkind much less ungrateful to his Children when for a moment he chastiseth them and recompenseth with eternal Salvation I reckon that the sufferings of this present Life which are but for a moment are not worthy to be compared to the Glory that shall be revealed in us Rom. 8.18 For our light afflictions which are but for a moment work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory while we look not after these things which are seen but after these things which are not seen things which are seen are temporal but things not seen Eternal 2 Cor. 14.17 18. For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great Mercies will I gather thee in a little wrath I hid my self from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee saith the Lord Isa 54.7 8. For his anger endureth but for a moment in his favour is Life weeping may endure for a Night but Joy cometh in the Morning Psal 30.5 Thus then the Lord by his temporary Chastisements cannot be said unkind or ungrateful to the best of Saints when he exchangeth the momentany afflictions with Oceans of his goodness In thy presence is fulness of Joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore Psal 16.11 Besides all this Consider the Godly's stumbling at the Wickeds Prosperity Ye have said it is in vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his Ordinance and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts and now we call the Proud happy and they that work Wickedness are set up yea they that tempt God are even delivered Mal. 3.14 15. Job that Pattern of Wisdom Patience and Experience gives also an account of the prosperous state of the Wicked and their arrogancy against God And in the second part he gives an account of their end Job 21. to 16. thus Their Candle is put out destruction cometh on them God distributeth on them sorrows in his anger they are like the Chaff before the Wind his Iniquities are stored up against his Children his Eyes shall see his destruction and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty what pleasure shall he have in his house when his Months are cut off in the midst of them the wicked is reserved to the day of Destruction they shall be he brought forth to the day of wrath Job 21.16 to end See the Issue of the Rich Glutton clothed in Purple and fairing daintily and poor Lazarus begging the Crumbs at his gate and the Dogs licking his Sores remember that thou in thy Life receivedest thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and thou art tormented Luke 16.19 to end Hence we may clearly see Gods bounty and gratitude to his People and well may they relye on his promises of rich rewards for their Faith and Patient sufferings for him Verily I say unto you that ye who have followed me in the Regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the Throne of his glory ye shall also sit on Twelve Thrones Judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel and every one that hath forsaken Houses or Brethren or Sisters Father Mother or Children or Lands for my sake shall receive one hundred-fold and shall inherit everlasting Life Mat. 19.28 29. The Godly may be persecuted and suffer Death but shall be happy in their Death Blessed are they that dye in the Lord they cease from their Labour and their Works follow them And this is their reward these are they which come out of great Tribulation and have washed their Robes
I have not appointed the Ordinances of Heaven and Earth then will I cast away the Seed of Jacob and David my Servant I will not take away any of his Seed to be Rulers over the Seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob for I will cause their Captivity to return and have mercy on them Heaven and Earth shall pass away but one Jot of my word shall not pass away Jer. 33.25 26. Thirdly The third and main point in this Covenant are the qualifications given by God to man to perform this Covenant for He it is that works all our works in us in him we live move and have our Being and without him we can do nothing These qualifications are principally Faith and Holiness Faith by the Apostle is defined The Evidence of things not seen the Substance of things hoped for Heb. 11.1 Faith by the same Apostle elsewhere is thus described If thou wilt confess with thy Mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe with thy Heart that God hath raised him up from the Dead thou shalt be saved for with the Heart man believeth unto Righteousness and with the Mouth Man's confession is made unto Salvation Rom. 10.9 So that Faith is the giving credit to the Word of God in all his Judgments Threatnings Promises and disengaging our affections to sin and lusts of the flesh and turning to God with all our Souls Hearts Minds and resting confidently and quietly on the Accomplishment of what is promised patiently waiting for the same and this grace of Faith is accomplished and wrought in the Hearts of his People by the Spirit of God by Grace you are saved not of Works lest any should boast but by Faith in Jesus Christ not of your selves it is the gift of God Eph. 2.7 8 9. and this Grace of Faith hath he promised in his New Covenant they shall be my People and I will be their God and I will give them one Heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and their Children after them Jer. 32.38 39. this qualification also hath he promised to give his People in that often mentioned Scripture of the New Covenant A New Heart a New Spirit will I give them I will take away the Stony Heart and give you a Heart of Flesh and put my Spirit in you and cause you to walk in my ways and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them Eze. 26.25 to 29. of this grace and qualification of Faith we have spoken elâ—ewhere The Second qualification to those in this Covenant is Holiness for without Holiness it is impossible to please God of this grace and qualification of Godliness we have spoken elsewhere The Fourth excellency of this Covenant are the many Advantages attending it which may briefly be summed up in these four First To these within this Covenant belong an universal Inheritance of all things Secondly The certainty of that Inheritance Thirdly The excellencies of the Companions of that Covenant Fourthly The many Priviledges belonging to those within this Covenant Although the whole Scriptures are full of the great excellencies of the Heavenly Inheritance and that place herein is verified Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entred into the Heart of Man to conceive besides thee O Lord what he hath prepared for those that wait on him Is 64.4 Ps 31.19 however they may be thus hinted at The first is it is an universal Inheritance He that spared not his own Son but freely gave him up for us all how shall he not also with him freely give us all things Ro. 8.32 All Monarchs Princes and Propriators of the Earth have certain Confinements and limits to their Territories and some enjoy what others cannot pretend unto either in respect of the extent of their Countrys or Qualities or Wealth thereof but none can pretend in the right of their Inheritance or Possessions to that unlimitted Interest of fulness of right that the Partners of this Covenant may for in Christ Jesus all things are theirs and they are Heirs of all things and shall Inherit all things Rev. 21.5 6. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made to us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Let no Man glory in Man all things are yours whether Paul Apollos Cephas or the World Life or Death or things present or things to come all are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.21 to 24. Secondly this Covenant is certain all pretentions of right or possession of Earthly things are uncertain and ambulatory and in the experience of most admit of their Eclipse in this Life witness David Solomon Haman Mordecai Herod and all the great Heroes of this Life who had their ebbings and flowings and have not been exempted from the fate of changes and with Solomon have found all but vanity and vexation of Spirit and that often repeated place the 1 John 2.15 16 17. describes the uncertainty and perishing condition of the things of this Life and doth ascertain the Interest and certain condition of the fellows of this New Covenant as is more plainly expressed elsewhere and if they continue in this Life they leave a Man at best at his Grave For we brought nothing into the World with us and it is certain we shall carry nothing out 1 Tim. 6 7 17. Thirdly The third excellency of this New Covenant is in the Company Fellowship and Society the fellows of this Covenant have by vertue thereof Men may have Honour Wealth and all other Human Delicacies and all this may be marred and imbittered to them by the uneasiness unsuitableness and disagreeableness of their Companions or unavoidable Society but the Companions of this New Covenant are all desirable grateful acceptable and advantagious the Soul of Lot was vexed by the wickedness of Sodom Job in his Affliction was Tempted by his own Wife and heavily grieved by his three Friends David Sojourned in Mesech and dwelt in the Tents of Kedar and this marred and lessened their quiet and deprived them of that content they could have had in more agreeable Society but the Blessed Harmony of the Saints increased the Comfort of all their Enjoyments they are all so framed qualified and adorned with Holiness Righteousness Love and Unanimity as they all mind the same things and cannot jar or disagree and their joynt song is Holy Holy Lord God of Sabaoths the whole Earth is full of thy Praise for through him we both have an Access by one Spirit unto the Father now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Forraigners but fellow Citizens with the Saints and the House-hold of God and are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the Building fitly framed together groweth into an Holy Temple in the Lord in whom also ye are built together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2.18 to
no Murderer hath Eternal Life abiding in him 1 Joh. 3.15 Secondly The second branch of Divine Love approved of God to make up the Union of the Saints with God is that laving out the Bowels of charitable assistance in the supply of the Saints necessities like the good Samaritan in the Gospel not only to see and pity his affliction and condition but to support it God is not only a bare Spectator of our misery and maladies but also a healer of all our wounds and is that only Physitian of Israel and hath and applies that balm of Gilead even the Balsom of his own Blood to cure us hereby know we the love of God for us because he laid down his Life for us and we ought to lay down our life for the Brethren 1 John 3.16 But whoso hath this Worlds good and seeth his Brother have need and shutteth up his Bowels of compassion from him how doth the love of God dwell in him 1 John 4.9 If God so loved us we ought also so to love one another Greater Love hath no man than this that a Man lay down his Life for a Friend Joh. 15.13 to 18. The Duty of Christian charity is recommended and commanded as the evidence of Christian sincerity The blessing is to the liberal the liberal Soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered himself Pr. 11 24 25 26. See the exhortation from Christs own example But ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that tho' he was Rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his Poverty might be Rich and that famous exhortation consider them that are in bonds as being bound with them and such as are in adversity as being your selves in the Body Hebrews 13.3 See how the Apostle James challengeth a naked beholder of the poor naked and indigent If a Brother or Sister be naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say depart in Peace and be you warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not these things which are needful what doth it profit Jam. 2.15 16. So that it is not bare profession which makes Love but the fulfilling of the Commandment love thy Neighbour as thy self as Christ loved his Church and laid down his Life for her so ought we also for whom Christ died Hence we see how great is the Priviledge of Believers for whom Christ both died and is risen again and taken possession of Heaven for them and that the Father will love them with the same love with which he loved his only Son before the World was so Believers should not be affraid for Love admits no fear There is no fear in Love for perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment he that feareth is not made perfect in Love 1 John 4.18 What quiet and comfort therefore may Believers have who find that love of God constraining them to wait on him by Faith may with David say we will not fear what man can do unto us and with the Apostle if God be with us who can be against us be of good courage for God will strengthen your Hearts Fourthly As the Saints are one with God and Christ 1. In Spirit 2. In Holiness 3. In Love So 4. In Glory which is the highest priviledge imaginable and is clearly held out in the Text And the glory thou hast given me I have given them that they may be One even as we are One. Father I will that they also which thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me John 17.22 24. And as God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son to dye for Sinners so Christ continues his Love that he will have all for whom he died to share of the same glory with himself and this is the highest exaltation and expectation of the Saints contrived by the Wisdom of God and accomplished by the Death and Resurrection of Christ and his being set down at the right hand of Glory for us This superexcellent state of the Saints Glory and Eternal Happiness is branched out in a fivefold consideration First In their blessed Death Secondly Their Spiritual and Immortal Bodies Thirdly Their being admitted into the Presence of God and Host of Heaven Fourthly Their being continued in that state for ever Fifthly All Sorrow Tears and Mourning to be everlastingly done away First Man in his first Creation was made Lord of all Creatures and tho' after his Fall by the Wisdom of God and infinite Love of Jesus Christ was reconciled to God by a new Covenant of Peace nevertheless was continued in a Prison of Clay subjected not only to all Natural weakness sickness cold hunger thirst and other natural infirmities of the Flesh and uneasiness of Life but also while in the body obnoxious to the Temptations of Sin and grief of Soul through the weakness of the Spirit under the clog and coverture of the Flesh as the experience of all Men Witness that this Life is but Labour and Sorrow therefore the Wisdom and Goodness of God and love of Christ Jesus hath so contrived that the Soul a Prisoner to misery and infirmities should have the Chains of Mortality knocked off by Death and be let free to Eternal Life And this is the first step of Saints effectual Happiness The Holy Apostle clearly testifieth that whilst we are in the Body we are absent from the Lord and therefore not only we but the whole Creation groan under these Infirmities and long for the Liberty of the Sons of God even the Redemption of our Bodies and therefore it 's revealed that Death is as it were the opening of the Prison Door to the Prisoners of Hope to set them at liberty from all the miseries of Mortality and Temptations to sin and gives them a free Pass to the Land of Rest Blessed are the Dead thy dye in the Lord they cease from their Labours and their Works follow them Rev. 14.13 And this is a great Consolation to Believers for as Death is the end of all Fleshly pleasures it 's also the end of all sin and Misery so the way of Death and the Grave ought not to be loathsom or irksom to them for that Christ the Captain of our Salvation hath proved both ways and for us led Captivity Captive O Death where is thy Sting O Grave where is thy Victory and the last Enemy is Death who is led Captive by Jesus Christ he will swallow up Death into Victory he will Ransom them from the power of the Grave I will redeem them from Death O Death I will be thy plague O Grave I will be thy Destruction Repentance shall be hid from mine Eyes Hos 13.14 The Second instance of Eternal Happiness is to have Spiritual Bodies The glory of Heaven and presence of God which is Eternal Happiness being designed for the Saints therefore the Lord in his Eternal Wisdom hath
disposition that nothing can satisfy except a total ruine and exterpation of the Enemy and their adherents in root and branch and thus it must be with Christians they must not be Neuters or luke-warm but must be mortified to the flesh and the Body of Death Corruption and Sin must be so subdued in them that they must be Dead to the World and the World to them so as they can take no more pleasure therein than the living can have in the Dead with which they can have no Communication I am Crucified to the World and the World to me nevertheless I live but not I and the life that I live in the Flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God Gal. 2.20 chap. 5.24 Hence we see all the Combatants of Christ are wholly his and not divided and can by no means Parley with the Enemies of his Cross the Devil the World and the Flesh and this is their indispensable and commanded duty that they must fight till they overcome for to such alone is the prize of Eternal Life He that overcometh shall sit with me in my Fathers Kingdom even as I overcame and am set down with my Father in his Kingdom Rev. 3.21 They must live to the Spirit and not to the Flesh with that holy fear over themselves having an Eye on the Enemies Camp and watching against Sin and the Flesh that they may not again return to their folly and that they may place no Earthly thing in their Hearts above Christ and all the days of their appointed time they must wait till their change come As this Christian warfare is continuing and must only end with our lives we are to consider for our encouragement that Christ doth not leave Christians unprovided for such great expedients but provides them a great Train of Artillery as the necessaries of their warfare which is held forth to us in that description of the Armour of the Spirit by the Apostle put on the whole Armour of God c. Eph. 6.13 to 19. First The Loyns girt with Truth which is inward sincerity and constant loyalty to the Cause of Christ Secondly The Breast-Plate of Righteousness to be blameless and of upright conversation towards God and to avoid scandal to the wicked and be an example of Justice and Godliness Thirdly Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace to be peaceable charitable humble and meek and conformable to the Laws of the Spirit and not of the Flesh Fourthly The Shield of Faith believing God in his Attributes of Omnipotency Holiness Justice Goodness and Faithfulness and in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the World in all his Promises and Providences by which we may be able to resist the fiery Darts of Satan in answering all objections of unbelief and discouragements from Temptations in the World Fifthly The Helmet of Salvation to believe that Eternal Life is the prize at the end of the Christian race and this is cure against all Trials from want or difficulties in the Way to Heaven to be as assured of Eternal Life as we are cloathed with that Helmet of Defence It is Christ that died who shall condemn Sixthly Praying and Watching as good Souldiers on their Posts waiting for the word of Command to march at all times after the General and Captain of our Salvation Jesus Christ and to be ready with Oyl in our Vessels and Lamps burning waiting for the approach of the Bridegroom to enter into the Marriage feast of the Lamb. Thus seeing this War is constant and for the greatest prize even Eternal Life and though against the most Potent Enemies Principalities and Spiritual Wickednesses in High Places yet Christ the unconquerable Champion is Captain and the Camp is furnished with such compleat warlike provision Christians ought to fight chearfully for these following reasons First Salvation and Eternal Happiness is the prize contended for And we have Christs Promise if we fight in Faith and continue to the end we shall obtain it John 3.16 17 18. Gal. 6.9 Secondly As we are to fight and contend for Eternal Life so it is not only promised to us on our chearful fighting but it is also obtained for us by Christ who on the Cross fought that good fight and freely gives us the booty and prize when we were not capable to do any thing for our selves For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet Sinners Christ died for us much more then being now justified by his Blood we shall be saved from wrath through him Rom. 5.6 8 9. Ezek. 16. to 9. This is that great bait for ambition and desire this is that all which should swell the Thoughts and Affections of all Men. This rightly considered is sufficient to invite all Courage Patience and new Obedience to fill all Hearts with Joy gladness and thanksgiving and stifle all murmurings repinings and discontents under trials or difficulties of worldly concerns and in our Way to Heaven This should induce all to a hearty submission to the yoak and chearful fighting under Christs Banner These Combatants of Christ have the greatest booty rewards and priviledges that any Soldiers can pretend unto and that both of Spirituals and Temporals and those Spirituals are in many respects First They are under an everlasting Covenant with God and God with them I will make with them an everlasting Covenant Rom. 11.27 29. Isa 60.20 21. Hos 2.19 20. Isa 59.20 21. Secondly They have remission of all sins though of the highest and blackest Nature though never so numerous and as a Cloud or a thick Cloud Mat. 11.28 29 30. Isa 1.18 ch 44.22 23. Thirdly They have comfort in Spiritual Darkness and Desertion their case can never be so cloudy melancholly and dark to them but Gods word hath a promise for it Light is sowen to the righteous and joy to the upright in Heart Isa 50.10 Mal. 3.12 Fourthly They are Heirs of all things and shall inherit all things they have the Promise of the things of this Life and of that which is to come Gal. 3.29 chap. 4.17 18. Eph. 1.11 14. Col. 1.12 13 14. Rev. 21.7 Rom. 9.7 8 Fifthly They shall be united to God in Christ in Spirit Knowledge and Glory and be inseparable from him in Christ Jesus John 17.21 to 25. Sixthly They shall be set down with Christ and God in Glory and continue with them for evermore Rom. 8.35 38 39. Rev. 3.21 Thus we see the unquestionable Spiritual advantages of the Godly which no other Interest can bring and as the Saints advantages and excellencies are Inexpressible as to Spirituals so the security and advantages are no less in Temporals as we have already in this Treatise discovered First In general Secondly His Promises in all particular cases As First In Sickness Secondly In Imprisonment Thirdly In Poverty Fourthly Under the unkindness and forsaking of Friends Fifthly Under reproaches
themselves with a Heavenly Harmony and their Sentiments is one amongst themselves Like the pretious Oyntment on the Head which ran down upon the Beard and as the Dew of Hermon and the Dew on the Mount of Zion Ps 133. As they all accord in Sentiments they are guilty neither of Murmuring Rebellion or Mutiny but Holy and Peaceable therefore all their desires are acceptable with God and are written and recorded by him in his Book of Life and they that feared Lord spoke often one to another and a Book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and thought often upon his Name Mal. 3.10 Then to conclude if it be of a Truth that Believers shall have Eternal Life Jo. 3 16. Are they under an everlasting Covenant with God Hosea 2.19 20 Is 59.20 21. Is 60.20 21. Ro. 11.27 29. Do Remission of Sins of whatsoever degree or quality belong to them Is 1.18 Is 43.26 Mat. 11.28 29 30. Shall they have Comfort in Darkness Is 50.10 Mich. 7.8 Mal 3 16. Shall they be Heirs of all things Rev. 21.7 Ro. 8.32 Gal. 3.29 Eph. 1.11 14. Shall they be one with God in Christ Jesus in Wisdom Spirit and Glory Jo. 17.21 to 25 Shall nothing present or to come separate them from him Ro. 8.35 37 38. Shall they sit on the Throne of God with Christ Rev. 3.21 Shall Christ have Universal Sympathy with them in all their Afflictions Is 63.9 Shall they have Universal Protection by Christ Is 43.2 Ps 91 all Ps 107. all Shall their Chastisement from God be in moderation Is 27.7 8. Jer. 31.20 Shall the end of their chastisement be to take away their sin and for their good Is 27.9 Heb. 12.5 to 11. Shall the Afflictions of the Godly be but for a short time Is 54.7 8. 2 Cor. 4.17 Shall the Afflictions of the Godly be exchanged with greater Mercies 2 Cor. 4.17 18. Hebr. 12.11 Are the Chastisements of the Godly with Reluctance from God Jer. 31.20 Hosea 11.8 9 10 11. Hath he given to his People Promises in Poverty Ps 25.4 Ps 34.9 10. Isa 41 17 to 21. Is 44.2 3. Is 45.3 Have they promises in Captivity Jer. 30.18 ch 31.10 ch 32.37 Have they promises under Reproaches Ps 22.6 to 11. Ps 31.9 to 14. Ez. 36.3 15. Ps 38.10 11 12 15. Pro. 42.10 11. Ps 51.7 8. Have they promises in Sickness Is 38. all ch 40.28 to 32. Jer. 33.6 Ps 41.3 Is 46.3 4. Is 47.18 Have they promises when forsaken of Friends Ps 27.5 to 15. Is 49.15 to 22. Is 54.5 to 11. Is 66.5 ch 6 3 15. Jer. 30.11 to 18. Shall all their Trials and Troubles turn to Everlasting Joy Ps 116.6 10. Ps 91 all Ps 68.13 Have they Christ for their General and Saints their Companions in their Warfare Is Christ Wise and Wisdom it self Pro. 1.2 ch 8. all Is Christ for Experience the Antient of Days Maker and Preserver of all things Col. 1.15 16 17. 1 Cor. 8.6 Heb. 1. to 14. Is his Wisdom unsearchable Job 32.8 ch 38. all ch 39. ch 40. Pro. 8. Is he who furnisheth Wisdom James 1.5 Pro. 1.23 John 1. to 6. Job 38.36 ch 32.8 Is this Wisdom the fear of God Pro. 1.7 ch 9.10 Jere. 9.23 24. Jo. 17.3 7 8. Is Christ all in all to the Saints 1 Cor. 1.30 31. Is he infinitely powerful Omnipotent King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 17.14 Is 12 to 29. Job 38. ch 49. ch 40. ch 41. Dan. 17.25 Jer. 27.5 Is 45.7 Is he experience to fight for his People see the large account of the Victory for his People before Hath he overcome the Devil the Antient and Powerful enemy of Man Mat. 4 to 8. Hath he overcome Death and the Cross by his Death and Resurrection Mat. 27.50 ch 28.6 Hosea 13.14 1 Cor. 15.54 to 57. Hath he in the Signal of his Victories that rare Trophy the Hand-Writing of Ordinances blotted out which was against Man Col. 3.13 14 15. John 3.16 17 18. Ro. 5.5 to 9. Is the Cross of Christ the Standard Royal and Saints Glory Gal. 6.14 And hath he in it the Motto of Saints Salvation Jo. 3.14 to 18 and blotting out of their Sins Col. 2.14 Have all the glorified Saints of Heaven Travelled thither under the Cross of Christ for our Example Is Christs Command for chearful fighting under his Banner Jo. 14 to 5. Col. 3.16 17. 1 Thes 5.18 Phi. 1 to 8. Psa 105. all Heb 12.1 2. Shall Christs Combatants have Victory for them before the fight Is 61. to 5. ch 66.7 8. Heb. 4.15 16. ch 6.9 20. ch 12.4 ch 7.25 to 22. ch 9.12 to 28. Is Christ our Advocate making intercession for us 1. Jo. 2.1 Heb. 7.25 Hath he taken possession of Heaven for us Heb. 6.20 ch 12.1 2. Are the Wounds of Christs Combatants cured by his Blood Is 53.4 5 6. 1 Pet. 2.21 to 25. Are the Combatants of Christ always Conquerors Ro. 8.36 37 2 Cor. 4.14 Mat. 10.32 Are all the Combatants of Christ so framed and armed that they can resist all Attacks Ez. 36.26 27. Eph 6 12 13 14 to 19. Are all Christs Soldiers choice and chosen before the World began Ro. 8.29 30. Tit. 1.2 ch 3.5 6. Are they all Marked and listed in Christs Muster-Roll Isa 5.3 Ez. 8.4 5. Rom. 7.3 ch 2.7 ch 3.5 12. Jo 17.6 Are they all secured by Christ that they shall never be lost Jo. 17.24 Psa 91. all Isa 54.17 ch 59.2 16. Are all Christs Combatants of one mind of one spirit will and harmony Eze. 36.26 27. Joh. 17.21 Ps 133. Mal. 3.16 If these be the undeniable Truths of God and Priviledges of such who fight the good fight of Faith under Christs Banner what should hinder but that they should draw near with full Heart and Assurance and rejoyce in the great Salvation purchased to them by Christ Jesus and chearfully close with the Apostles Exhortation wherefore seeing we are compassed about with such a Cloud of Witnesses let us lay aside every weight that hangeth down and the sin that so easily beset us and let us run with patience the Race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the Joy that was set before him endured the Cross dispising the shame and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God for consider him that endured such Contradiction of Sinners against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds Heb. 12.1 2 3. And further Let us draw near with a true Heart and full Assurance of Faith having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our Bodies washed with pure Water let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering for he is faithful who hath promised Heb. 10.22 23. Let us imitate that Holy Apostle I have fought the good fight of Faith I have finished my Course henceforth for me is laid up a Crown of Righteousness which the Righteous
Judge shall give me at that day and not only to me but to all them also that love his appearing 1 Tim. 4.7.8 What can or should hinder the Joy and rejoycing of the People of God who are so well secured and assured of their everlasting Interest in him There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8.1 If God be for us who can be against us Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is God that Justifieth who shall condemn Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again and sitteth at the right hand of God and maketh Intercession for us Rom. 8.1 31 to 35. Are there or can there be greater causes of Joy and Satisfaction than in the assurance of Eternal happiness given in Scriptures to Believers no casualty of condition in life or death can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus Heb. 2.9 to 15 Rom. 8.35 to 40. And whatever troubles or afflictions shall attend them in this World though their days may be spent in sorrow labour and tragical afflictions their end shall be joyous and comical He that soweth in Tears shall reap in Joy he that goeth forth and weepeth bearing pretious Seed shall doubtless come again with rejoycing bringing his Sheaves with him Psal 126.5 6. The condition of the Godly in the end shall certainly be happy Though you have lyen among the Pots yet shall ye be like the Wings of a Dove whose Feathers are covered with Silver and her Wings with yellow Gold Psal 68.13 Therefore to conclude all let us imitate the Holy Apostle Be ye stedfast unmoveable abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as ye know that your work is not in vain in the Lord 2 Tim. 4.7 8 1 Cor. 15 58. In all these things we are more than Conquerours Rom 8.35 to end and let us in thanksgiving acknowledge the Soveraign excellency of Christs love with Psalms 148. Psal 149. Psal 150. And lastly Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 Now unto him by whom the World was created and subsists who bounds the Seas who reveals to man his Thoughts who doth in the Armies of Heaven and Earth what he pleaseth and none dares say to him what dost thou Dan. 3.47 Who was dead and is alive and liveth for evermore who hath the Keys of Hell and Death Rev. 1.18 Who leads his people to the living Fountains of Water and wipes away all Tears from their Eyes and Crowns them with everlasting glory Rev. 7.16 17. Who is the way truth life light and resurrection John 14.6 Who shall come in the glory of his power to restore all the Kingdoms of the Earth from Antichristian tyranny and servitude of Sin and deliver up the Kingdom to his Father 1 Cor. 15.24 and who is now at the Right Hand of Glory be all Honour Power Glory Praise Majesty and Dominion from henceforth and for ever FINIS The Index of the Contents 1. § MAN was Created in Holiness Righteousness and knowledge and hath Dominion over the Creatures p. 2. by Righteousness is meant a Disposition to do good and shun Evil. p. 2. By Holiness Integrity of Life and Manners p. 3. By Knowledge Understanding of all things in reference to God Man and other Creatures p 3. Man in his happy State was a glorious thing and all the Creatures were pleasant and in unity one with another p 3 4 Man broke the Chain of Obedience is deprived of his Soveraignty the Earth accursed and Enmity sown p. 4. What Original Sin is 1. not of Ignorance but wilful 2. Not of Infirmity but against knowledge 3. Of great Pride and Ambition p. 5. 4. It was the Sin of Unbelief p. 5. 5. Of Murmuring and Ingratitude 6. Of Imprudence p 5 6. 7. Had in it the Lust of the Eyes Lust of the Flesh and Pride of Life p. 6 7 8. It was the Corruption of the whole Nature of Man which hath tainted the Blood to all Posterity p. 7 8 9 10. Man lately a Soveraign now Outlawed a Rebel and Slave p. 10. This Sin is charged on all Posterity by the Corruption of Nature of which all Men are come p. 10 11 12 13 14. Mans Posterity are thereby Subject 1. To Death 2. Disabled in Natural Enjoyment and Spiritual Capacities p. 14 15 16. proved from the Corruption of Nature from Scripture and from experience p. 16. 17. In Thoughts Words Actions and Religious Duties p. 17 18. 19. Many Inferences 1. All Men of one Blood the Nobler should not dispise the Base 2. All Men are of a bastard and defiled Blood so no Man hath cause to glory p. 19 20 21. 3. Look on this sin as a Fountain of all sins p. 21. 4. Murmur not at Losses because by this sin Man grudgeth God reserving from him the Tree of knowledge p. 22. 5. Let not the Richer dispise the Poorer he is his Brother of the same Family p. 22 23. 6. All Men are Brethren and Members of each other therefore should have Simpathy p. 24 25. From this are two Duties 1. We must seek Reconciliation in Christ p. 25. 2. We should seek for the second coming of Christ p. 26 27 Use of Lamenting Mans lapsed State p. 27 28 29 30. The Mistery of Mans Restoration by Christ p. 30 31. The Contrivance of Mans Redemption by the Covenant of Grace through Christ p. 32 33. The free The freedom of that Covenant p. 33 34 35. The difference between Christs becoming surety for Man and one Mans surety for another p. 36 37 38. Use of Watchfulness to the godly p. 39 40 41. Reproof of Censoriousness and Slandering 41 42 43 44 45. Advice for Compassion and Charity p. 46 47 48. The parts of the Covenant of Grace on Gods part a free Pardon p. 49. Christ to Man is a King Priest and Prophet and first a Prophet p. 50. 51 52. Christ a Priest and the difference between his Priesthood and Mans p. 52 53 54 55 56 57. Christ a King to Believers p. 58 59. To Rule by his Law p. 60. To protect his People p. 60 61 62. To reward by his bounty p. 62 63 64. Use of Comfort to Believers from Christs Mediation p 64 65. Use of Comfort from his being King p. 66. Mans part in the Covenant of Grace p. 67 68. As God requires performance he assists with Grace and Ability p. 69. He Rewards Obedience p. 70. The Difference between Christs bounty to Man and the kindness of one Man to another p. 70 71. Exhortation to mutual Charity p. 71 72. Five Duties incumbent to Man p. 73. 1. Trace Man from his beginning 2. Set originally sin before us p. 73 74. 3. Mortification p. 74. 75. 4. Repentance p. 75 76 77. 5. Search the Records