A MOTIVE TO HAVE SALT Always in Our SELVES AND PEACE One with another Whereunto is annexed Some Considerations on Rev. 22. v. 14. To do his Commandements LONDON Printed by H. Brugis for L. Southwood at the Star next to Sergeants Inn in Chancery Lane 1671. To the Reader CHristian Reader this Discourse being writ near five years since to some Friends at London in the time of the great and spreading Pestilence hath by some been thought to be in all Times Needful and Useful And so I was enclined to Copy it out again desiring what is by the Testimony said may be received and no more if any may receive edifying by it I have my desire and so praying that we all may be rightly framed and edified in the Faith and preserved in suitable walking I commit my writing to the Lords dispose and rest Thy Welwiller Thomas Moore A Motive alwaies to have Salt in our selves CHAP. I. The Preface Mark 9. 49 50. For every one shall be salted with fire and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt Salt is good but if the salt have lost its saltness wherewith shall it be seasoned have salt in your selves and peace with one another SUch and so great the infinite grace and Free Love of God in Christ to manward in the cost he hath been at for us in such xcellencies and fulness of Grace Truth Spirit and life he hath received in the man and is impowred as mediator to bestow on us And such his faithfulness in his mediation for and mercies extended to us And such the glory he will after give to those that receive him in his gratious teachings that it justly requireth and if beleivingly minded forcibly moveth to love him with all the heart and above all things so as to love his waies and love to be like him and to love as he loveth and that he loveth c. 1 Iohn 4. 9 10 11 19. Psal 116. 1 2 7 8 12. So as what ever any man knoweth or professeth of Christ yet if the love of Christ known gain not the heart to love Christ even to love Christ above all things And so to love whom he loveth and as he loveth he knoweth nothing as he ought to know nor is approved of God not meet to be Christ's Disciple 1 Cor. 8. 1 2. 3. Mat. 10. 37. Luk. 14. 26. And this love issuing from his love beleived abiden and walked in doth shew forth it self in denying a mans self in his own humane wisdome righteousness strength confidence and designs for Christs sake and that in him discovered yea in every thing that will not stand with this love of Christ and the Services of it as is seen in the places last cited and Mat. 10. 38. Mar. 8. 34. Luke 14. 26. 27. Ier. 9. 23. 24. Phil. 3. 7. 8. 9. Ioh. 12. 25. 26. So he that from the knowledge and belief of this love of Jesus Christ heartily doth love him as is sayd would rather submit himself to bear any shame or affliction and to lose any Honour Reputation Gain Relation or life then for the getting and retaining them to offend Jesus Christ in deviating from the Faith love and services of Christ in and according to the Gospel or occasion others so to do and so to take offence at Christ and his Word way and Cross so as to deviate or give occasion to others so to do knowing also from our Saviours one affirmation Whatever any man seeketh to save or saveth that way he certainly loseth more abundantly and incurrs unspeakeable loss vers 42. Matt. 18. 6 and 11 6 and 16 25 26. Mar. 8. 35 36. Our Saviour therefore as he exhorted them to continue his love and how to continue in his love he also shewed them even by keeping his commands in believing on his name and loveing one another as he hath loved us and that such love him Joh. 14. 21 23 and 15 9 10. 1 Joh. 2. 24 25. and 3 23 24. So in this chapter he councils directs and chargeth them to avoid such things as if closed with will certainly deviate them from this love of Christ and so from loveing him And so he saith in verse 43. And if thy right hand offend thee thy best humane wisdome and furniture or that which is dearest to thee and appears as most necessary and gainful and occasions thee to offend or moves thee for the getting or retaining thereof to a slighting of or deviating from Christ in his mind and waies discovered in the Gospel or to cause or occasion others so to do cut it off or cast it from thee reject and put by all such thoughts motions and councel arising therefrom and suffer what ever deprivation or loss may come to thee thereby c. 45. And if thy foot offend thee thy power and strength affections and demeanor for persuing such and such a design cut it off cast aside the use of such power and satisfying such affection and the use of such demeanor for persuing such a design what ever loss or suffering comes to thee thereby vers 47. 47. And if thine Eye offend thee any beholding or looking on any thing below for any goodliness beauty gainfulness c. that appeareth in it pluck it out reject such views and suffer not thy eye to gaze on it and the same councel and charge given on the same ground Mâ—â— 18. 8. 9. namely with this advise It is better for thee to enter into life halt and maimed and so with one hand or one foot or one eye then having too to be cast c. That is it s better with suffering any loss or damage in things below and with enduring any shame suffering or death to enter into life and into the Kingdome of God then with having enjoyed all desierable here to be after cast into hell into fire unquenchable where the worm dyeth not and the fire never goeth out the same also here vers 43. to 48. implying that what beleif soever men profess yet unless they do cut off the hand the foot the eye in that wherein they cause to offend by denying themselves in that whatever it be Honour Lands Riches Relations Life c. when the getting retaining oâ— saving thereof leads and canseth to offend c. as aforesaid if he do not then reject it lay it aside and submit to suffer the loss thereof it will turn him aside from the Faith And so he will be cast into unquenchable fire And as our Saviour hath in all this intimated Trouble recoverable fire quenchable and exprest a loss irrecoverable and fire unquenchable so least any should deceive themselves in conceiting and hoping by their wisdome to avoid both that fire here and that hereafter also and so slight â—his councel and charge of our Saviour Ouâ— Saviour here sheweth the vanity of such thoughts and hope and presseth to receive his councel â—nd charge and this by a threefold affirmation and an exhortation joyned the two first
in his blood and acceptance in his righteousness enlivning by his spirit also our nakedness yea so as without him we can neither receive nor do any good 2. Cor. 5. 19. 21. Ephes 2. 13. 18. 1 Pet. 2. 24. Isa 42. 1. 8. and 61. 1 4. Ioh 15. 1 4 8. and so likewise it discovers 3. The heighnous and grievousness of sining against such grace made known In neglecting so great salvation and refusing to turn at his reproofs and walk in his teachings Ye knowingly to do contrary thereto so casting such disesteem on his cost c. As is such a rewarding evil for good and being Adversary to him for his love c. Heb. 2. 3. and 10. 29. and 12. 25. 2 Sam. 12. 7 9. and 2. 27 29. 1 Kings 11. 9. Psal 109. 4 5 and so it discovers 4. The infinite great Terror Torment and Justness Equity of the second death to be inflicted on all and every of those that willingly persist in retusing to turn at his reproof walk in his teachings to recieve his love to be saved by it in his waies or having begun to recieve it do willingly for any other thing depart and persist in that Apostacy So crucifying him again to themselves and make him of no effect to them for saving Prov. 1. 24. 32. Ezek. 24. 13. Mat. 23. 37. Psal 69. 21 28. Heb. 6. 6. and 10. 30 31. and 12. 25. 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. 2 Pet. 2. 1 2 20 21. Jude â—â— Cal. â— 4. 2 Thes 2. 11 12 and yet farther 5. As it discovers Gods Soveraignty Wisdome Mercy Righteousness and Goodness in ordering and government of the world and every particular Creature therein so it also therein discovers him what ever he be that faulteth his government and ordering any thing in what ever he doth to be a hater of right and so not fit to appoint or govern but to be reproved Job 34. 57 7 17 c All which discoveries proceed from the Testimony and so as the Testimony of 〈◊〉 is a light and giveth light to the simple and 〈◊〉 a word of life and truth bringing salvaâ—ion so all these discoveries and efficacies thereof are also as Salt to purge out of mortal men that which hinders them from recieving his salvation tendred and also makes the light life and saving desirable to be recieved Prov. 27. 67. And the Salt of the Testimony being in the reproofs of Instruction that are the way of life are as fire and have a fiery nature Prov. 6 23. Jer. 23. 29. And it hath its saltness and savoriness in the efficacies in such as in believing the Testimony with the heart recieve its salting and purging reproofs Rom. 1. 16. 1 Thes 2. 13. Ier. 31. 18 19. Psal 119. 103 104. And yet though it be Salt and good and hath its saltness in it self and is purging where it comes yet those that do not in believing the Testimony recieve and imbrace these salting reproofs so as to yield up to them though he purge them they are not purged and so it hath not its saltness in them but they recieve the grace tendred in the Gospel in vain and become hardened and lose their own mercies Ezek. 24. 13. Rom. 2. 45. 2 Cor. 6. 1 Jude 4. Prov. 1. 30. Jer. 3. 3. and 6. 15. And if such have any faith it is in them but a form of faith a dead faith 2 Tim. 3. 5. Tit. 1. 16. Jam. 2. 20 21 26. Yet will this Salt it self in its fiery nature have its effect on them in another day to theâ—r everlasting Torments Joh. 12. 22. and 16. 8 9. Rom. 2. 16. Isa 30. 33. Mar. 9 44. 46. 42. Thus it appears the discoveries of reproofs with their effects by the Testimony of Christ are spiritual Salt and here ment And so also 2. The Testimony of Christ believed and in that believing these discoveries of reproofs believed and the efficacies of them recieved and reteined in the mind and heart so as the Believer is framed and guided suitably to these effects Those effects are Salt in the Believer purging that filte in the Flesh as the blood of Christ purgeth the Conscience Heb. 9. 14. so framing and efâ—ecting in him to make savory to him the things of Christ 1. A loathing of himself as from Adam and so of that carnality and sinful lusts in him Rom. 7. 14. And thence a dispising of himself and all his best things as of himself filthy Ioh. 14. 4. with an inward grief and melting of heart for his light estimate of Christ and not answering but sining against his light and so great salvation discovered and helpfulness afforded so as for this he counts himself the chief of siners Ezra 9. 6. 10. 14. 1 Tim. 1. 15. 2. A discovery of ones great need with an inward high prizing of and hearty thankfulness for the deliverance wrought by Christ and the grace in him wrought by himself having redeemed us from the curse of the Law and procuted also forgivness of following sins and spirit and grace to dispense now calling us and mediating for us and so procuâ—ing extention of means and grace to bring us into himself such we needed and yet were altogether unworthy which same raiseth desires of enjoyment of him Prov. 27. 7. Psal 42. 1 2 3 4 Phil. 3. 7 8 9. and from both thâ—se â—ormer 3. An inward abasement of ones self also in respect of ones self counting our own humane wildome foolishness thoughts vain best deeds unclean strength weakness and designs deceiâ—â—â—l and dangerous and no true helpfulness but in and from Christ and in the enjoyment of him for all Prov. 30. 2 3. Psal 73. 22. and 119. 13. Isa 64. 6. â— Cor. 3. 5. Psal 121. 2 3. And so â—nâ—lines to deny ones self with all ungodly worldy and sinful lusts Yea ones own wisdom thoughts confidence and designs for Christ sake Tit. 2. 11 1â— Joh. 10. 2 3. Mar. 27. 9. 4. It breed an awful fear of believing oâ— considing for life and favour with God in any humane or seen thing or any thing besides the testimony of Christ But only from that discovered in the Testimony to believe in God for what in that he hath ascerted and promised and that also in abiding in and not going out of his way that so confidence may be sencere Isa 8. 20. 1 Cor. 4. 6. 2 Sam. 7. 21 28. Psal 56. 4 13. Iohn 7. 37. Psal 37. 34. Matt. 43. 7. 5. An inward fear and dâ—ead of the name of the Lord so as the heart trembleth at his word Dent. 28. 58. Isa 66. 2. 5. Yea even at his judgement threatned against Trangressours Job 31. 7 24. Rom. 8. 13. Heb. 3. 16. And at the minding of the Truth Verity Righteousness Equity and Terribleness of the second dâ—ath affirmed to be executedon all that peâ—sist in willing refusal of and rebelling against the faith of Christ or after some beginnings willingly persist in departure from
salt with its saltness that our members on earth may be mortified and given up as weapons of righteousness unto righteousness Pro. 26. 3. Coll. 3. 5. 6. Rom. 6. 16. 19. Therefore in obedience to our Saviours command Let us have salt in our selves that is let us have it in our mind perswasion and usefulness as habituated and dwelling in us as the truth and righteousness of the spirit reprooving discoveries in the testimonies of Christ and the efficacies of it as mentioned Chapter 4. at 1. 2 3. have them habituated and dwelling in us And so have in us even all of them namely 1. That low and base estimate of our selves as Adams sons of our Wisdome as Folly our strength weakness our best deeds as filthy rags our sins vile our selves wretched and miserable which was discovered to us and effected in us in the appearance of the Grace of God in Christ Crucified for us Isa 53. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Rom. 7. 14. 24. 25. 2. That more vile estimate and judging our selves base and vile in respect of our willing sinning after we came to understanding and had means used towards us which was effected in us in and by the appearance of the infinite mercy love and compassion of God in Christ to manward in calling us thereby when we were such foolish and disobedient ones overcoming evil with goodness Tit. 3. 3 4 5. 3. That faâ—ther low estimate of our selves in respect of our short answering that grace and great scantiness in likeness to him and many unkind usages and ill requitals of his love being in this respect with the former the chief of sinners which the infinite riches and excellencies of his grace dispensed and continued to such unworthy and ill requiting ones did in such appearance of it effect in us 1 Tim. 1. 15. 4. That contempt and low estimate of the fellowship friendship applause honours dignities riches and pleasures of this world and all the conceited righteousness and priviledges thereof which was effected in us in and by the excellency of the knowledge of Christ as discovered in the whole of the testimony of him to us Phil. 3. 3. 7 8 9. 5. That abhorring and hatred of Idolatry Perjury Blasphemy Profaness Murder Adultery lying oppression covetousness drunkness c. which was effected in us in the appearance and dispensation and our receipt of the mercy of God in forgiveness and righteousness and hope given us Psal 119. 110. 128. 6. That acknowledgement of our need that poorness of spirit with prizing of and hungring after Christ and his righteousness which was by his grace effected in us by and in our receiving of his grace and mercy in beleiving Isa 4. 2. Psal 119. 123 124. And herewith that loathing of our selves and love of him and his word and wayes Psal 119. 98 c. 7. That perswasion of the terror of the Lord and the terribleness of the second death with trembling at his word and judgements that was effected in us in our beholding and belief of the truth of his testimony when he drew us in to beleive in him 2 Cor. 5. 10. 11. Psal 119. 119 120. Let us not content our selves to say we have had but let us have all these habituated and dwelling in us in usefulness as mentioned Chap. 4. And so have salt in our selves And to move us hereto the command of our deer and loving Saviour so earnestly prest might be enough to prevail with us it being that which is good and equal And yet a word or two more may be added to warn us as that 1. It is required in and suitable to the teachings of the spirit in the testimony who in discovery of the knowledge of Christ the wisdome love mercy riches of grace righteousness and life in Christ and the mind of God in him to be desired beheld and received doth therein and thereby discover folly in us and waies as foreshewn with such strength of his as in accepting we might in that season turn at his reproof in disowning and so denying our own wisdome thoughts desires designs and waies which if then we do not the spirit will not be poured forth to us to make known his mind in his words and teach us so as this is suitable to his teachings and the way to understand and receive the same Prov. 1. 22 23 24. and 10. 17. and 12. 1. and 15. 31. 1 Cor. 3. 18. 2. The having this saltness in us is verily needful and necessary for us there being in us of that self wisdome will and sinful Iusts proceeding from the corrupt disposition in the flesh which the spirit in the testimony discovers sinful and to be denyed which if not denyed on his reproofs we can neither receive his tendred knowledge grace teachings and life nor walk after the spirit in his teachings but certainly errâ— and go astray Prov. 1. 29. 32 and 3. 7 8. and 10. 17. Tit. 2. 11 12. For 1. The Pride and corrupt disposition in us in the flesh will â—ise up in its Iusts even when we are hearing reading or meditating of the spirits testimony and his mind and sayings stirring with conceits of our own ability to understand with readiness to sancy an understanding Ioâ— 11. 12. And a thinking we know before that known â—ath its saving work in us Gall. 6. 3. 1 Cor. 8. 23. Yea a presuming to be salting and seasoning the sayings of the testimony which is to salt and season us which not receiving we count hard dangerous and absurd and so would be seasoning them to make them easie and safe to our conceptions Iohn 33. 27. and 21. 22. Prov. 3. 2. 6. Isa 40. 13. 14. with other vain thoughts and Iusts many which if at the reproofs of the testimony we do not disown and deny we certainly e rt and cannot rightly receive his grace savingly to our selves nor be accepted of God Psal 2. 3. nor find knowledge Pro. 15. 12. 31. 32. and 14. 6. and 12. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 18. 19. 2. This Pride and corrupt disposition stirreth and moveth when God in the meanes is by and according to the testimony tendred to us forgiveness mercy peace instruction consolation and spiritual gifts And when we approach to God in hearing prayer praise or fellowship with brethren And when we are declaring the word to others c. to conceit of our own furniture and ability to receive and do to aspiring after more then seen in the testimony to desires of applanse to ones self vain glory selâ—advancement and prehemenency above others and many wandrings and fleshly lusts besides Rom. 7. 21. 23. 1 Cor. 4. 6. Gall. 1. 11. and 5. 17. 4. and 4. 2. 3. which if not denyed at the reproofs of the spirit in that testimony c. 3. In that which pertains to ones self for conversation and managing affairs in this life this corrupt disposition in the flesh raiseth motions of Pride self exaltation and satisfying and so to inordinate affections
in beleif of his love to us and for his love sake We love one another as he hath loved us 6. That we intend and seek the glorifying him in all these forementioned and not applause or satisfying to our selves in any self designs nor humoring men but this glory and the good of men seek in all we do 7. That in all we in patience possess our souls waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ 1. That we beleive his testimony and the sayings therein in their own plain import true good and concerning us as that by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all for that all have sinned And as by the offence of one unto all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one unto all men to justification of life Rom. 5. 12. 18. So that Iesus Christ by the grace of God hath tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. dyed for our fins and rose for our justification Rom. 4. 25 1 Cor. 15. 34. And so gave himself a ransome for all 1 Tim. 2. 6. and is the Saviour of the world the propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Iohn 4. 14. and 2. 2. And yet that such as know not God and obey not the Gospel of Christ shall perish c. 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. and such as do the works of the flesh Adultery Fornication Uncleaness Wantonness Idolatry Heresy Blasphemy Witchcrast Hatred Variance Emulation Wrath Strife Seditions Envyings Murders Drunkenness Revelling c. That they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdome of God Gall. 5. 19. 20. 21. Ephe. 5. 4. 5. 6 1 Cor. 6. 9. 19. And that Christ is exalted with and on Gods right hand a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins Acts 5. 31. The true light that lighteneth every man that cometh into the world The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world the Saviour of all men of sinners Iohn 1. 9. 29. 1 Tim. 4. 10. and 1. 9. 15. being filled with spirit to send forth to the rebellious that God might dwell among them Psal 68. 18. and in sending forth his spirit in the testimony he convinceth men of sin of righteousness and of judgement Iohn 16. 7. 8. 9. 10. And such as turn at his reproof he will pour forth his spirit and make known his words to them and such as wilfully refuse he will reject c. Pro. 1. 23. to 29. and many like sayings all tending to one and the same end which if beleived with the heart it would be unto righteousness and it is his Commandment we should beleive them yea Christ himself saith Beleive me Iohn 4. 21. and 14. 1. 11. beleive the Gospel Mar. 1. 15. And by his spirit in the Prophets saith beleive God beleive his Prophets so shall yea prosper 2 Cron. 20. 20. Pro. 4. 10. Iohn 12. 36. yea unless we beleive we shall not be established Isa 7. 9. yea the not beleiving these sayings in the testimony is a giving God the lye 1 Iohn 5. 10. and this is the very work of the Devil to keep men from beleiving this Luke 8. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 4. for to this beleiving is the blessing promised Iohn 7. 38. and in it the saving and powerful efficacy of the spirit met with Rom. 1. 16. 1 Thes 2 13. That in this beleiving we may beleive in him according to his name which is the very end of the declaration of the Gospel Iohn 20 21 and for such as beleiving his sayings do beleive on him for his promises they are still to hold fast the minding and beleiving of the testimony and sayings therein that they may still beleive in him for his promises 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3 4. 1 Iohn 2. 24 25. so that it is cleer to beleive his sayings true and good and concerning us is one of his Commandements 2. hat we receive his convincements and turn at his reproofs which in discovery of his grace he affordeth Pro. 1. 23. and 9. 4. 6. Isa 55. 1. 2. and so his commands report and beleive the Gospel Mar. 1. 15. true it is in discovery of his great love in suffering so great and cursed a death for us and in making it known to us in the Gospel extending them it grace to us that in beleiving we might receive it and so have peace and life in him he therein discovers the vileness of our sins needing such a ransome the vanity and emptiness of all wisdome righteousness and strength in us to help us our being so verily dead by desert and sentence of the Law And Gods hatred of and severity of Justice against our sinfulness that his own son the Holy one having undertaken for us he would not spare nor abate him one jot of all the curse done to us but judged him in the flesh for it all and inflicted it all on him and he suffered it for us without which we could not have had no escape Heb. 9. 22. Rom. 5. 6. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Rom. 8. 3. Matt. 26. 38 39. Isa 53. 4. 5. 6. which is to be owned by us if we beleive in him Rom. 4. 25. and 3. 10. 21. besides in discovering this that we might live to him who hath power to take away our after sin he â—iscovereth the more abundant vileness of our sinnings against the light and grace extended by such a Redeemer and its desert of a greater curse then the former Iohn 1. 9. 9. 10. 11. 29. and 3. 19. 20. and 12. 48. And such manner sinning with our Pride and self considences and designs to be confessed and turned from owning our selves as ungodly if we will receive the pouring forth his spirit and making known his words to us and to beleive in him that justifieth the ungodly Pro. 1. 23. Mar. 1. 15. Rom. 4. 5. in which blessedness is received and for this end is Christ in the Gospel set forth unto us to bless us in turning every of us from our iniquities Acts 3 26. and 26. 18. and 20. 21. and so Christ is in the Gospel set forth for the fall and rising again of many which fall whoever refuseth he proves to such through their offence taking at his reproofs a stone of stumbling Luke 2. 14. Ier. 6. 15. Iohn 3. 19 20. 1 Pet. 2. 7 8. and so the Apostle renders it Rom. 9. 3. 32. 33. and 10. 3. compared with Iohn 10. 38. 39. and 6. 41. 42 60. 66. and in this owning receiving and turning at his repâ—oofs the blessing is met with Pro. 1. 23. and 9. 6. and those that have in beleif of his sayings turned at his reproofs and met with the blessing in beleiving on him there is something needing reproof still found in them and in their wayes Rom. 7. 14. 24. Iam. 3. 2. Pro. 20. 9. Eccles 7. 20. so as it becomes them to be still receiving of and turning
at his reproofs and confessing their sinfulness and the defilements of their own wrought righteousness blessing therein is still to be met with Isa 64. 6 7. Pro. 28. 13. 14. and 15. 31. 32. 33. Iohn 1. 9. That so we may still be found beleiving in him that justifieth the ungodly Rom. 1. 4. 5. which otherwise we cannot be for though a man beleive his sayings that Christ dyed for our sins and rose for our justification and is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world and that whoever beleiveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life yet if this be not so with the heart embraced that he humbled himself to turn at his reproof he will either in his severity by his consequences turn the grace of God into laciviousness Iud. 4. Deut. 29. 19. 20. or in his fleshly zeal set upon some deeds of righteousness of his own to get or claim this grace of God by Rom. 9. 32. 33. and 10. 3. Luke 18. 11. and so deprive themselves of the blessing for refusing reproof is bruitishness Pro. 12. 1 and 13. 1. and causeth to err Pro. 10. 17. for the reproofs of instruction are the way of life Pro. 6. 23. so that its evident and cleer this is one of his Commandments to turn at his reproof and the doing it to be ever joyned with the former therefore let us so to do both the first and so this 3. That from his pouring forth his spirit and making known his words to us we beleive in him in his name 2 Cron. 20. 20 Iohn 14. 1. surely this is the work of God even his end and that for which he displayeth his name in his Son he hath sent forth the Saviour of the world that for which he convinceth and abaseth men to turn at his reproofs that for which he causeth his great love in giving Christ to dye for us when we were sinners and ungodly to appear that we beleive in him whom he hath sent Iohn 6. 29. and to this end is the Gospel declared and recorded that we might so beleive on his name Iohn 20. 31. which is when in beleiving his love in that he suffered and died for us when enemies we owning our own vileness so mind his love and that he is now ever living and filled with power and spirit in Heaven to do further for us that we beleive in him for performing to us the goodness promised Rom 5. 6 10. and 8 32. 34. such beleiving the testimony of Christ and his sayings therein as owning our own weakness we beleive in God for that promised is that beleiving that so receiveth the faith that it is imputed to the beleiver for righteousness Rom. 4. 17. 24 25. And this is his Commandment that we beleive on the name of his Son Jesus Christ 1 Iohn 3. 23. yea in and through beleiving that he hath suffered and done and compleated for us in his own body to beleive in him for all he hath promised to us this the beleiving in him in which the Faith is so received that it is imputed to the beleiver for righteousness And so it is his Faith Rom. 4. 5. 9. 11. 17. 24. 25. that as it is the faith of the Son of God and so Christ and this faith of him being his faith he may in all conditions live by it Heb. 2. 4. Rom. 1. 17. Gall. 2. 20. and 3. 11. that so from the spirits testimony beleiving his love in giving himself for us and thence his truth power and faithfulness to perform all he hath promised we through the spirit do waite for the righteousness of God in his performing his promise by faith according to the faith and declared in the faith beleived by us Gall. 5. 5. and this beleiving in him beleiving in his name and so confiding trusting in him in his word Psal 56. 4 3 10 11. is his Commandment Psal 37. 3. 4. 5. 7. Pro. 3. 5. Isa 26. 4. and 50. 10. and such trusters pronounce blessed Psal 2. 12. and 34. 8. and 37. 6. and 84. 12. Ier. 17. 7. and this is a needful and very profitable Commandment for us for though a man beleive the sayings of the Gospel in what Christ hath suffered and done for all men and that his love is commended there through yet if he receive not the love of the truth to be saved by it so as he turn in at his reproof and receive the pouring out of his spirit and making known his word to beleive in him for that promised he is not yet made free by Christ the Son as a Son Iohn 8. 31. 36. And so as yet lyable to turn the grace of God into wantonness or to make up a righteousness of his own to claim the righteousness of God by as hath been shewn yea and so to receive damnable delusions 2 Thes 2. 10. 11. 12. yea though sprinkled with water and moved by spirit yet if not born of water and spirit he cannot enter the kingdome 2. 3. 5. But from the beleif of the testimony and its sayings turning at his reproof and so receiving the spirit making known his word that he beleiveth on him for that he kath promised he begins to be born of water and spirit and to be made free and is a Son of God by faith indeed Gall. 4. 6. 7 and 3. 26. and being so confiding and hoping in him he is still to hold fast this confidence Heb. 3. 6. 14. and so to trust perfectly in him at all times and for the grace to be brought us in the Revelation of Christ for this is his Commandment Psal 62. 8. 1 Pe. 13. therefore in doing both the forementioned Commandments let us do this also that we may enjoy the blessing 4. That for his great free and rich love and goodness thus beleived we confess his name in the Gospel in word and conversation and in and for this confession sake that we deny our selves and take up our Cross and follow Christ in his instruction in example given us Phill. 1. 27. 29. and 2. 8. 16 17. 2 Thes 1. 4. 5. 6. 7. and as to this confession of him in self denyal and bearing his reproch before the sons of men the blessing is promised Matt. 10. 32. Luke 12. 8. Psal 31. 19. and like as he was abased dispised persecuted and persecuted all the dayes of his mortal life and in patience bearing it gave us an example 1 Pet. 2. 21. 22. 23. and as his first coming and suffering and death was not to exempt men wholly from feeling misery and death but in his fathers way and season to redeem them out of both so as it is appoynted to men once to dye Heb. 9. 27. and to all that beleive in him to bear his râ—proch and suffer tribulation for his names sake Matt. 10. 22. 24. 25. Mar. 13. 12. 13. 1 Thess 3. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 12. And so this is his Commandment whosoever will come after me if
any man will be his Disciple let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Mar. 13. 34. Mar. 16. 24. Lu. 9. 25 without which he is not worthy nor can be his Disciple follow him Mat. 10. 37. 38. whoeis ashamed of his Cross and for that of him and his words and so to confess him before the sons of men he will be ashamed of them and deny them before his father which is in Heaven Mar. 8. 38. Mat. 10. 33. such are enemies of the Cross of Christ mind earthly things and glory in their shame their end destruction Phill. 3. 16. 19. And whatever they save by such denyals they shall though they repent lose it and if they repent not lose a better life also Mat. 19. 39. and 16. 25. 26. Mar. 8. 35. and Luke 9. 24. 25. 26. whereas in denying our selves and taking up our Cross and so following him in confessing his name the choice of blessing of grace here and glory hereafter is to be met with Mat. 19. 28. 29. Luke 18. 28. 29. 2 Cor. 1. 4. 5. Rev. 7. 14. 15. Rom. 8. 17. 18. and this is sure if we suffer with him we shall reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11. therefore let us in observing the first Commandement in beleif of his sayings and thence the second in turning at his reproof and so the third in beleiving on his name for all promised and from and with all obey this Commandment In and for confessing of his name deny our selves and take up our Cross and follow Christ in his instructions and examples given us for blessed are we when persecuted for righteousness sake for ours is the kingdome of Heaven blessed we when men shall revile us c. for Christ and the Gospel sake Matt. 5. 10. 11. 12. 5. That in beleif of and minding this great grace and love of God in Christ and for Christ and his love sake we love one another as he hath loved us 1 Ioh. 3 11. and 4. 11. he loved us when there was nothing lovely nothing deserving his love in us when we loved not him yea when we were sinners ungodly and enemies to him yet he he then loved us and so loved us that he layd down his life for us Rom. 5. 6. 8. 1. Pet. 3. 12. And his Commandment is that we so love one another 1 Iohn 3. 16. and 4. 10. 11. yea he in this love while we were yet enemies foolish and disobedient he so loved us as he doth others still that he useth patience and long sufferance and extendeth mercies and means leading to repentance striving to overâ—ome our and their evil with goodness Psal 145. â— 14. 2 Pet. 3. 9. 15. Rom. 2. 4. 5. And his Commandment is that we should so love our enemies and do good to them that hate us and strive to overcome their evil with goodness Matt. 5. 44. 48. Luke 6. 26. 36. Rom. 12. 20. 21. and when by his love and goodness bâ—leived we are drawn in to be his to beleive in him and love him he then loveth us with the love of delight and well pleased us as the Father loveth him and hath loved him Iohn 14. 21. 23. and 15. 9. 10. and intresseth us and giveth to us of his own priviledges the priviledges of the Son of God Iohn 1. 12. Gall. 3. 26. 29. and 4. 6. 7. 1 Iohn 3. 1. Heb. 2. 12. 13. and vouchsafeth the fellowship with us 1 Iohn 1. 3. 7. and takes the care of us and simpathizeth with us in all our trials and afflictions supporting us in and doing us good thereby Isa 63. 9. Heb. 4. 15. Rom. 8. 28. and makes it his business to wash and clense and sanctifie us through it and so to preserve us to the inheritance 1 Thess 5. 2â— 24. Ephes 5. 25. 26. 27. yea he ever liveth to intercede for us and beareth our weakness and forgiveth our sins answereth our Prayers and supplyeth us out of his own fulness with all that is good for us Heb. 25. Iohn 14. 15. 14. and 1. 16. and his Commandement is that as he hath loved and loveth us that beleive on him so we should love all our breathren that are beleivers on him with such delightful and well pleased love Iohn 13. 34. 35. and 15. 12. 13. And surely in this love of compassion and well pleasedness effected by the love of God beleived is charity yea it is charity it self flowing from the love of God beleived and even therefore loving such as deserve no love yea as give occasion of displeasure c. and it is well pleased with all God is well pleased with and so springs up and brings forth those Christ-like fruits mentioned 1 Cor. 13. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. and fills with those bowels of mercies c. and leads to that forbearance and forgiving one another c. mentioned Coll. 3. 12. 13. 14. yea the doing of all the commands in the second table of the Law is done in doing this Rom. 13. 8. 9. 10. so as in loving our neighbour as our self all the Law is fulfilled Gall. 5. 14. and he that thus loveth is born of God taught and hath learned of God and knoweth owneth and acknowledgeth God and God dwelleth in him and he in God 1 Iohn 4. 7. 12. 16. yea this love freeth from stumbling 1 Iohn 2. 10. and covereth the multitude of infirmities 1 Pet. 4. 8. and worketh up brotherly kindness 2 Pet. 1. 7. Ephes 4. 34. and causeth continuanâ—e 1 Iohn 2. 10. 1 Cor. 13. 7. 8. and leads to follow God and be in a measure like him Ephes 5. 1. 2. Luke 1. 38. so as this a sweet and a healthful Commandment and great blessing met with in doing this Commandment but he that doth it not and so loveth not his brother as said he is in darkness and walketh in darkness is not of God not knoweth God but is a Murderer and hath no eternal life in him 1 Iohn 2. 9. 11. and 3. 10. 15. and 4. 8. 20. And this Commandment we have from him that he which loveth God loves his brother also 1 Iohn 4. 21 let us therefore in and with keeping the four former mentioned Commands keep this also That we may do all things in charity and love one another as he hath loved us 1 Cor. 16. 14. Iohn 13. 34. 35. and that we may do all these Commandements securely and rightly with our heart See 6. That we aim intend desire and so seek in all these commands doing the glory of God and that we and others may glorify him that all glory and praise may be given to him both by us and others 1 Cor. 10. 31. Phill. 1. 20. Coll. 3. 17. Psal 50. 14 28. and 29. 1. 2. and in this we have two things to mind viz. 1. That the keeping these forementioned Commandments is the way to gloryfie God and win in others to glorify him And 2. That it must be our aim end desire
if the reproofs of instruction proceeding from it be not so with heart received as to make us low and vile in our own eyes and abase us in remembrance of our own vileness wretchedness and enmity against him when he had this pity on us and love toward us and extended his mercy towards us we shall not so beleive and embrace this pity love and mercy of God in Christ as to be moved and led thereby to be like merciful to such Matt. 5. 43. 44. Luke 6. 32. 36. 1 Pet. 2. 21. 24. Luke 18. 32. 35. 2. If men to whom means is used and to whom we have done no injury but walked justly and mercifully towards them by yet foolish and disobedient and deceived and live in pleasures and sinful lusts and hateful and hating c. and so injuring and oppressing us though the grace pity and love of God to us-ward when we were such in his patience towards us forbearance of us and pity and love with and according to his mercy calling and saving us might and if heartily minded would move us to like patience forbearance love pity and extension of mercy and kindness to them yet if the proofs of instruction be not so received as we thereby be made vile in our own eyes and kept in an acknowledgeing remembrance that we were such and so pâ—zing Gods patience and forbearance of us and his pity love and mercy in calling and saving us when such we shall not so beleive and mind this mercy of his as to be framed to be like him in patience forbearance and mercy towards such Tit. 8. 2. 3. 4. 3. If any appear notable sinners and transgressors such as mentioned 1 Tim. 1. 9. 10. though the great love of God to mankind in gift of his son to save sinners even the chief of sinners and he having dyed for all and being the propiriation for the sins of the whole world might move us and if heartily beleived and minded would move us with love and compassion to hold forth the Gospel so to them as not to give them peace and hope going on in those sins but to admonish them to repent and beleive the Gospel assuring them therein Christ will forgive and save them and renew them So Christ himself preached the Gospel to such Mar. 1. 15. yet if the reproofs of instruction be not so received in our hearts with its discovery of the residue of our sinfulness and unworthiness so as we judge our selves as the chief oâ— sinners and retain in our heart the terror of the Lord against refusers and rebellious opposers we shall not so rightly and heartily beleive as rightly with such bowels of compassion fear and confidence declare it to them 2 Cor. 5. 11. 14. 21. 1 Cor. 15. 1. 4. So Paul preached the Gospel Act. 17. 30. 31. and 14. 15 16 17. 1 Tim. 1. 9. 12 15. 4. If we see a man living and conversing among us commit some known sin that is grievous to us and we be moved and think our selves bound to reprove him for it Though the charity of God in his mercy extended in his reprooving us for our offences and forgiving and healing us and our present need of mercy and forgiveness might and if heartily minded would lead us in love â—ightly to reproof yet if we receive not the reproofs of instruction so as thereby to be abased in sight and remembrance of our own offences transgressions and present annoyances with fleshly lusts so freely forgiven us for Christs sake that dyed for mankind and so for him as well as for us we will and shall be found wanting in love and pity and so not beginning with our selves to pull the beam out of our own eye we cannot see clearly to pluck the moat oâ—t our brothers eye and so our reproof will be unsavoury Levit. 19. 17 18. Matt. 7. 1. 2. 3. Rom. 2. 1 2 3 4. 5. If a brother through weakness or temptation be overtaken with a fault though the charity of God and his free and abundant mercy patience and so giveness of us if heartily beleived would in minding it breed such charity in us as would cover the multitude of infirmities and lead to patience forbearance and forgiveness as Christ hath done to us yet if the reproofs of instruction be not so received as that we be abased in respect of our own infirmities offences weaknesses unworthiness and liableness to temptations we shall not so mind the charity of God his mercy and goodness in restoring as to restore such a one with the spirit of meekness Coll. 3. 8 12 13. Gall. 6. 1 2 3. 6. If some breathren be yet weak in the faith and discern not the whole of the testimony of Christ though something oâ— it nor what the liberty given by Christ is nor the difference between the liberty for righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost to be steadfast in and the liberty for meats drinks dayes c. to be taken or laid aside as may serve for furtherance of the Gospel and our special liberty whence some differences of perswasions among those that beleeve Jesus to be the Christ and love him and desire and endeavour according to their light to serve him though the knowledge and beleif of the redemption wrought by Christ and his purchase and right of Lordship and his free dispensing of and giving the knowledge of his grace and his ready acceptance of such as by it come to him and that he will not break the bâ—uised Reed nor quench the smoaking flax he being the upholder of all c. might and if beleevingly minded would preserve in us a love and tender care of the weakest and so preserve from judging or dispising them or willing doing that which may stumble and offend them yet if the reproofs of instruction be not so received as to abase us in our selves in sight of our ignorance of what we might have known and of out short answering of what we do know and have received and our unworthiness of that we have received and that we have is freely given us so as we have not acquired it but received it of free giâ—t and are thereby the more oblieged to bear the insirmities of the weak in which our short coming makes us more gâ—ieved for our follies if not thus we shall not be able so to mind his grace as by it to be lead in love and pity so to love tender and care for the weak that we may not offend but edefy them Rom. 14. 1 12 15 19 22 23. and 15. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 4. 5. 8. 14. 7. If any brethren be poor and distressed and stand in need of mercy and releif to be extended to them for releif though the love and mercy of God to us ward beleived and how the Lord Christ became poor to make us â—ich and that all we have is his gift and yet whatever we give for his sake he accepts as given to himself
14 15. Tit. 3. 3 4 5. 1 Ioh. 3. 16. and 4. 11. And be laying up treasures in Heaven and a good Foundation not for present to build on but for the time to come 1 Tim. 6. 18. 19. for Christ and his Angels to behold that day like that 2 Chron. 31. 7 8. a resemblance of it in that Acts 9. 36. 39. And I might say the same for our end in seeking to win others to glorifie him and impatient waiting for his coming but I will say no more but that our end and aime must be in all our doing the Commandments to enjoy him and be established in him that we may know him to be our life our righteousness our hope and that its all in him that we may have it in having him and so our trust and hope may be in him in which our interest and right to the inheritance is known Gal. 3. 29. 1 Ioh. 2. 24. 25. and 5. 20. Heb. 3. 6. 14. For it is not any sort coming to Christ or any receiving no words or any doing his Commandments in which this right is attained no Crown in running unless it be lawful running 1 Cor. 9. 25. 27. with 2 Tim. 2. 5. 6. 15. 16. For some come to Christ and to his servants and hear his words and yet come not to him to this end that they might have life in him and so they neither do indeed his Commandments nor atrain this end in receiving this right Ioh. 5. 40. Ezek. 33. 31. 32 33. and 14. 3. 8. So some may receive the doctrine of truth and boast of the love thereof to make a profession to gain a name what the name of truth is in honour like the Samaritans that would be one with the Iews when the Iews were in honour Ezra 4. 2. And yet receive not the love of the truth for its own end and Efficacies that they might be saved emptied and renewed thereby the power in it they refuse and so miss the blessedness Isa 7. 2. 3. 11. 12. and 48. 1. 2. 2 Thess 2. 10. 11. 12. 2 Tim. 3. 5. Yea doing any of these Commandments though of these forementioned having some sence at his reproofs and doing some good things as Herod or beleiving some of his sayings as Simon Magus or bearing some reproach with his People as Alexander or loving some of the brethren as Mitzar yea doing some commands to be approved of men as King Saul and Iehu or for any false ends to stop the mouth of Conscience or to make up for themselves a righteousness in this their doing that therein they may appear better and more holy then others and so desire the righteousness of God and a right to the Tree of life boasting themselves to be Gods peculiar ones that is but a kindling Sparks of their own Isa 50. 16. foolishness and deceit 2 Cor. 10. 7 12 18. disallowed of God Isa 65. 5. Contrary to the way of those led by the holy Spirit Rom. 3. 9. and 5. 8 1 Tim. 1. 15. seek that reproved Zach. 7. 5. 6. 7. and like the Pharises of old Luke 12. 11. 12. of the same nature and tendance with those Rom. 9. 31. 32. 33. And will have the same effect in keeping from submitting to Christ for righteousness and righteousness and life as those Rom. 10. 3. So as there is no other way of doing his Commandements â—ightly then doing them to this end that we may have right to the Tree of life that we may en et in through the Gates into the City which also will be the Issue in so doing to that end as said in the next Position The third Position THat the doing his Commandements to this end that we may have right to the Tree of life and may enter through the Gates into the City is not only that his present blessedness is meet with but a sure and certain way to have right to the Tree of life and assurance of entring through the Gates into the City this is fully before shewn and proved at * 2. and 6. 1. and at * 3 and appears in Gods direction to men Ier. 23. 22 23 28. and 4. 1. 2. and his promise to men Amos 5. 4 5. and our Saviours word Ioh. 6. 27. and Psal 19. 7. 11. onely here it is needful for men to cleer this to some that this doing his Commandments to this end is not a seeking righteousness and eternal liâ—e by the works of the Law or our own doings of Commandments but the very way of beleiving with the heart and so receiving righteousness and liâ—e and this is cleer in this that the Commandments here before mentioned are not Commandments of the Law of works but of the law of faith and grace Rom. 10. 4. 10. nor is the doing of these Commandments from the obligation of the law of works that gives not strength and so in a mans own strength c. But from the obligation and power of the law of faith and grace in love pâ—oâ—â—ced by it that carries to the doing them all Gal. 3. 10. 12 13. and 5. 13. 14. Rom. 10. 5. and 8. 3. 4. and 13. 8. 9. 10. 1 Cor. 13. noâ— is the end of doing these Commandments like that of the law of works to make up righteousness of our own by his deeds but to have righteousness in another even Jesus Christ Phill. 3. 7. 8. 9. 10. and so the beleiving with the heart the testimonies of Christ and sayings therein is no law work but opposite thereto as saith is to save and is the work of God by Christ Rom. 10. 4. 10. 1 Pet. 1 2. Iohn 6. 29 and in this beleif of him turning at his reproof confessing our sins repenting and judgeing our selves no producement of the Law that opens no door for repentance and effects desperate and worldly sorrow but an effect of the grace of God discovered in the testimony and sayings thereof reproving and calling to turn and so this repentance is a gift of Christ that gives with it remission of sins Gall. 3. 10. 2 Cor. 9. 10. Acts 5. 31. and 11 1 18. and when he that beleiveth these sayings turneth at his reproof and so truseth and confideth in his word and so in him for performing his promises and so through the spirit waiteth for the righteousness of God by faith this is no law work but opposed to it being the very work of Faith with power in the word of faith beleived Rom. 1. 16 1 Thess 2 13. Gal. 5. 5. And in this beleiving in him confessing his name and so bearing his reproach enduring through sufferings for his name sake this is no law work in which men may glory in the flesh but not before God but the very effect of the spirit of faith That is of love power and a sound mind Rom. 4. 2 5. Gall. 6. 12 13 14. 2 Cor. 4. 10. 4. 15. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 8. 1 Pet. 4 14. And with all this when from the love
of God in Christ beleived we love one another as he hoth loved us and so bring forth all the fruits of love this is no law-work but the fruits and exercise of love by which faith worketh which though free from the bondage of the Law will lead to all righteousness in afflictions and actions commanded in the law in every commandment of it from the free obligation of grace in love Gall. 5. 6. 13 14 22 23. and 6. 15 16 Rom. 13. 8. 9 10. And the like I might say of endeavouring in all things to glorifie God and walk honestly and of patience waiting for his coming but I will not further enlarge for surely he that with the heart beleiveth the testimony of Christ and sayings thereof and so turneth at his reproof that he beleiveth in his name for the good he hath promised and hence confesseth his name whatever he suffer for it end â—ring to bear his reproach loving his brother as God hath loved him endeavouring to walk honestly in all things so to being glory to God and so patiently wait for his coming the word of the testimony and sayings in it certainly worketh savingly in him And he is born of God taught and learneth of God Rom. 1. 16. Pro. 2. 10 11 12. Heb. 11. 13. 1 John 3. 9 10 11. and 4. 21. and 5. 1. Acts 4. 20. And he that doth these things doth not beleive with the heart Rom. 10. 10. For the word of Christ with his spirit therein and love commended there through where ever in heart beleived doth work the motions and inclinations to the willing and doing these things so as no more is required of us but this that in his so moving to will and do we without murmering or disputing so will and do which in his strength in such season we may so will and do Rom. 1. 16. 1 Thes 2. 13. Phil. 2 12. 16. and 4 12. And where the heart is exercised in beleiving how can they but readily yeild up thereto Psal 116. 10. 16. 2 Cor. 4. 13. and thence the exhortation to work out this in working salvation Phil. 2. 12 13. which teacheth as said Tiâ— â— 11. 12. 13. and so by his mercies as the motive and motion to give up their bodies as a living sacrifice to him and their members as weapons of righteousness unto righteousness being changed and reformed by the renewing of the mind Rom. 12. 1. 2. and 6. 19. so as all that with the heart beleive Jesus Christ true in his sayings and so beleive in him as the Scripture hath said find in some measure the springs of these things in their heart and so may know that the right doing of these Commandments to this end is not law-work but an exercise of faith that worketh by love John 7. 38. Gall. 5. 5. 6. Nor doth the term Commandements darken this at all for the whole Gospâ—l given Christ to preach is called his Commandment Iohn 12. 50. And his giving it to the Apostles to preach is called his giving them Commandements Acts 1. 2. and the Gospel made known to any and they helped to beleive is called the holy Commandement delivered to them 2 Pet. 2. 21. and so beleiving on his name and loving one another are called his Commandments 1 Ioh. 3. 22. 53. 24. Ioh. 14 1. and 13. 34 and 15. 12. And so it is clear that this doing his Commandements to this end as it is no Law work but an exercise of faith so also it is a sure way to have right to the Tree of life yea right and life is found and received in so doing them Rom. 8. 13. Gall. 6. 8. and this is evident and plain in the Apostle shewing the end of their preaching the pâ—etioâ—s promises given them To be that the heareis in beleiving might partake of the divine nature in Christ risen from the dead Isa 55. 3. 4. and sheweth how Beleivers come to partake of this Efficacy of the word and promise of blessedness and faith First having excepted the polution that is in the world through lust And then in that which folâ—oweth and goeth together with it he saith and besides this giving all diligence Add to which implyes giving up and using and working together to your faith that object of and doctrine of faith you in beleiving have received and is moving in you vertue zeal and courage to bring forth its teachings and operations and to this vertue knowledge in minding and understanding his mind discovered in his sayings for the manner ends and seasons of venting forth vertue And least your knowledge of your liberty in all outward lawful liberties and things be abused to some snare and to your knowledge temperance that you be neither inoâ—dâ—nate in your desires not immoderate in persuit nor unseasonable or unsober in use of lawful liberties and because in so doing you must exercise self denial and meet with depravations and reproofs from some others therefore to your temperance add patience that in patience you may possess your Souls letting patience have its perfect work and that you abuse not patience to stupidity and sloathfulness but that it may leave its perfect work indeed to patience add godlyness in both a right worshiping of God as he hath discovered himself in Christ adoring him and calling on his name c. And conforming to him in Holiness Humility Meekness Mercies And as in this you will be moved so to this Godliness add Brotherly kindness in delighting in the Saints and ready shewing forth the fruits of Brotherly love to them and seeing there are imfirmities to be forgiven and covered and others besides them to shew love and mercy to that are yet enemies to you to Brotherly kindness add Charity which is the Bond of perfectness and full of good fruits and leads to constancy therein for if these things be in you that is as God in his word tenders and works them so you in beleiving receive them and abound that is have their perfect work so as you yeild up thereto to bring them forth they make you that you shall neither be barren not empty of good fruits in your selves nor unfruitful without some profits to others in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ But he that lacketh these things as those that smother the motions in his teachings and yeild not to obey in doing them will soon die Is blind purblind and can not see a far off to the hope set before us in Christ and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins which when he first saw and beleived did work thus effectually in him but he hath forgot this he once so highly prized and so the efficacies are withered and his understanding darkened wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your calling that grievons operation of Christ in which you were brought out of darkness into his marvelous light to beleive in him and live to him and election that is that gracious operation of
1. 10. 11. Joh. 17. 5. Revel 1. 18. And so he as the publick man for us did through sufferings enter into his glory Luke 24. 26. Even so as we approach and get to the Father through him so made known for receiving all grace and promises in him so in this our approach through him there are divers like gates to pass through that we may follow him and receive and partake of the same glory with him for without entring these gates we cannot enter the City and so as we read of the way Psa 119. 1. and the gate Psal 112. 20. so we read likewise of right wayes and right pathes Prov. 3. 17. and 4. 11. and of the gates of Zion Psal 87. 2. and the gates of the Lord to enter in and give him thanks Psal 100. 4. and so have gates which includes all the Commandments forementioned and more but I will comprehend them in as small a number as I may in three or four that may comprehend the rest and so to the 1 Gate THat we exercise and abide and walk in that faith and confidence in Christ which was given and begotten by his word in our hearts and worketh through love This the appointed Gate or way Gall. 3. 11. 14. Heb. 2. 4. Col. 2. 6. and that which the Apostle professed to be their gate way or rule Gall. 5. 5. 6. and 6. 15. 6. and this includeth all the Commandments forementioned and so as they are to beleive his sayings to turn at his reproof to trust in his name to confess it and bear his reproach to love one another as he hath loved us to seek to glorify him and to waite for his coming so all included in this way or gate to go through in our abiding thus walking in this beleif confidence and love till we have finished our course in which we are his house and partake of Christ and receive of his teachings Heb. 3. 6 14. 1 Iohn 2. 27. 28. in which also we find and enter rest in Christ Heb. 4. 3. and so are in the way and have right to that glorious rest with Christ Heb. 3. 10. 11. and this gate we are to go in but it is not gone through till in our abiding we have finished our course in resisting sin and keeping the faith and then we are infallibly sure of entring into the glorious City Heb. 10. 3. 6. and 12. 2 Tim. 4. 4. 7. 8. Revel 2. 10. 17. and 3. 12. Mal. 24. 13. this one gate the next is 2. Gate THat in this exercise of Faith and love we possess our souls in patience in enduring and holding faith and love in and through all sufferings in his fatherly chastisements and all reproaches and sufferings that may befal us in this life for his name sake Luke 21 16 19. For as one of the forementioned Commandments is to let go desire of applause from men to go without the Camp bearing his reproach so this commander gate is for patience and perseverance with faithfulness therein till we have done the will of God in finishing our course and then we shall be sure to be crowned and receive the promises Iames 1. 12. Heb. 10. 36. 2 Tim. 1. 7. 8. for as our Saviour to procure it for us through sufferings entred into his glory so we to receive it must through much tribulation enter into the kingdome of God Acts 14. 22 Rom. 8. 17. 1 Thes 3. 3. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 12. And through this gate our forefathers passed Heb. 6. 12. and 11. And so did such as in vision were presented as receivers Revel 7. 13. 27. and these gates gone through the next is 3. Gate That when our course is finished we yield up our spirits into the hands of God and so dy with faith or according to the faith and then our work and labour for entring is ended and our spirits shall be with the Lord and our bodies at rest and in covenant with the Lord some to enjoy the holy City in soul and body in its season Luke 23. 46 Psalm 31. 5. Isa 26. 20. Heb. 11. 13. Isa 57. 2. 2 Cor. 3. 8. Phill. 1. 23. Revel 14. 13. 1 Thess 4. 14. and as the keeping these forementioned Commandments to the end foresaid is the way of entring and going through these gates so they that enter and go through these gates shall be surely without their own motion or endeavour raised in their bodies again spiritual and immortal and have them received of and united with their own spirit again and then both in soul and body be as the Angels of God 2 Cor. 4 14. and 5. 1. 4 Iohn 5. 29. 1 Cor. 15 23 42 43. 44. and this shall be in the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the just Luke 14. 14. 1 Cor 15. 23. and this called the better Resurrection Heb. 11. 35. when we all with our forefathers that have dyed in the faith shall meet the Lord and be ever with him 1 Thess 4. 14. 17. and be equal to the Angels Luke 20 35. 36. and so be made meet to enter in and be of that glorious and holy City together Ephes 4 13. Heb. 11 40. Revel 19 7 and 21. 23. Now the opening these gates as they are made known by the Gospel that calleth also for entring in at them so the opening is as God calls and gives furniture and oportunity for any particular on which oportunity laying hold according to the furniture given us Gal. 6 10. Heb. 3. 13 in doing his Commandments as foresaid we may be entring the first mentioned gate alwaies the second as called to it and the third likewise and so till we have gone through all three and thus entring the first at all times and the second as called to it and keeping in preparedness to enter the third we shall be fitted to enter the other to be named in all oportunities which though they be many I will comprehend them in one that is to say for help of any weaknesses and exercise of grace according to light ability and oportunity given us during our natural lives 4. Gate IS entring in attending and waiting at the Gates and Posts he hath appointed and set up for us which are not any ordinances or devises of men which are vain to use Isa 29. 13. Mar. 7 2. 7. but the ordinances of his own appointments which though not all to be so continually gone on and done as the first and second with the Commandements included in them as often foreshewn yet to be frequently come to be watched and waited for and all for waiting with them to receive of him teachings and supports c. to go through the forementioned Gates as hearty and real prayer and hearing and reading his word and also frequenting the assemblies of the Saints and fellowship in his Gospel with them to that end c. which also will be done in doing the forementioned Commandments and of which also he sayeth Blessed is