all which as naturally purifie the Heart from wickedness as Sope or Niter cleanseth the Cloath He purified their Hearts by Faith by Faith in Christ's Blood And everyone that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure And also Love you shall see what that doth if you look into the Text Act. 15. 9. 1 Joh. 3. 3 4. 1 Cor. 13. Now I say this Faith groundeth it self in the Blood of Christ Hope waiteth for the full enjoyments of the Purchase of it in another world and love is begot and worketh by the Love that Christ hath expressed by his Death and by the Kindness he presenteth us with in his Heart-Blood Rom. 3. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 19. 2 Cor. 5. 14. Besides what arguments so prevailing as such as are purely Gospel To instance a few 1. What stronger than a free forgiveness of Sins A certain Man had two Debtors the one owed him five Hundred Pence and the other Fifty and when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave them both tell me therefore which of them will love him most Luk. 7. 41 42 47. 2. What stronger argument to holiness than to see that though forgiveness comes free to us yet it cost Christ Jesus Heart-Blood to obtain it for us Herein is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the Propitiation for our Sins And this Love of God in giving his Christ and of Christ in dying for us there is no argument stronger to prevail with a sensible and awakened Sinner to judg he should live to him that died for him and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14. 3. What stronger argument to holiness than this If any man sins we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Unsanctified and graceless wretches know not how to use these Words of God the Hypocrites also fly in our faces because we thus urge them but a Heart that is possessed with Gospel-ingenuity or to speak more properly that is possessed with gospel-Gospel-Grace and with Divine Considerations cries if it be thus O let me never sin against God! for the Love of Christ constrains me 2 Cor. 5. 14. 4. What greater argument to holiness than to see the Holy Scriptures so furnished with promises of Grace and Salvation by Christ that a Man can hardly cast his Eye into the Bible but he espieth one or another of them who would not live in such an House or be servant to such a Prince who besides his exceeding in good Conditions hath Gold and Silver as common in his Palace as stones are by the High-way side Having therefore these Promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the Fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. 5. What greater argument to holiness than to have our Performances though weak and infirm from us yet accepted of God in Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 4 5 6. 6. What greater argument to holiness than to have our Soul our Body our Life hid and secured with Christ in God Mortifie therefore your Members that are upon the Earth fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence and covetousness which is idolatry Col. 3. 1 2 3 4 5 6. What greater argument to holiness than to be made the Members of the Body of the Flesh and of the Bones of Jesus Christ Shall I take the Members of Christ and make them the Members of an harlot God forbid Ephes. 5. 30. 1 Cor. 6. 15. Now all these and five times as many more having their foundation in the Love Blood and Righteousness of Christ and operating in the Soul by Faith are the great Argument unto that Holiness to which is annexed eternal Life 'T is worth our observing that in Act. 26 at the 18. The Inheritance belongs to them that are sanctified by Faith in Jesus Christ For all other pretences to holiness they are but a stollen semblance of that which is true and acceptable though 't is common for even that which is counterfeit to be called by the deluded the True and to be reckoned to be in them that are utter strangers to Faith and the Holiness that comes by Faith But whosoever compoundeth any like it or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger shall even be cut off from his People Exod. 30. 33. God knoweth which is holiness that comes by Faith in forgiveness of Sins and acceptance with God through Christ and God knows which is only such feignedly and accordingly will he deal with Sinners in that great Day of God Almighty The Sixth Demonstration THat Jesus Christ by what he hath done hath paid full price to God for Sinners and obtained Eternal Redemption for them is evident because Prayers are accepted of God only upon the account and for the sake of the Name of Jesus Christ Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Joh. 16. 23. In my Name in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in the Name of him that came into the World to save Sinners by dying for them a grievous bloody Death in his Name that hath by himself put away sin and brought unto God acceptable Righteousness for Sinners in his Name why in his Name if he be not accepted of God why in his Name if his undertakings for us are not well-pleasing to God But by these Words in my Name are insinuated that his Person and performances as our undertaker is accepted by the Father of Spirits We may not go in our own names because we are Sinners not in the Name of one another because all are Sinners but why not in the Name of an Angel Because they are not those that did undertake for us or had they they could not have done our work for us He putteth no trust in his Saints yea the Heavens are not clean in his Sight Job 4. 18. Chap. 15. 15. It may further be objected Since Jesus Christ is God equal with the Father and so hath naturally the same Power to give as the Father why should the Father rather than the Son be the great Giver to the Sinners of the World and why may we not go to Christ in the Name of the Father as well as to the Father in the Name of Christ I say how can these things be salved but by considering that sin and justice put a NECESSITY upon it that thus must our Salvation be obtained Sin and Justice could not reconcile nor could a means be found out to bring the Sinner and an Holy God together but by the Intercepting of the Son who must take upon him to answer Justice and that by taking our Sins from before the Face of God by bloody Sacrifice not by Blood of others as the High-Priests under the Law For as every High-Priest is ordained to offer Gifts and Sacrifices it is of necessity that this Man have somewhat also
us Being justified by Faith we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The God of Peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing Rom. 5. 1 2. Chap. 15. 13. This Peace is expressed diversly 1. Sometimes it is called QUIETNESS for it calms the Soul from those troublous Fears of damning because of sin And the work of Righteousness shall be Peace and the Effect of Righteousness Quietness and Assurance for ever Isa. 32. 17. 2. Sometimes it is called BOLDNESS for by the Blood of Christ a Man hath encouragement to approach unto God Having brethren Boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the Vail that is to say his Flesh Heb. 10. 19 20. 3. It is sometimes called CONFIDENCE because by Jesus Christ we have not only encouragement to come to God but confidence that if we ask any thing according to his Will he not only heareth but granteth the Request which we put up to him In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the Faith of Jesus Ephes. 3. 12. 1 John 5. 14 15. 4. Sometimes this Peace is expressed by REST because a Man having found a sufficient Fulness to answer all his Wants he sitteth down and looks no further for satisfaction Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Mat. 11. 28. 5. It is also expressed by SINGING because the Peace of God when it is received into the Soul by Faith putteth the Conscience into a Heavenly and Melodious Frame And the Ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with Songs and Everlasting Joy upon their Heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall fly away Isa. 35. 10. 6. Sometimes it is expressed or discovered by an Heavenly glorying and boasting in Jesus Christ because this Peace causeth the Soul to set its Face upon its Enemies with Faith of a Victory over them for ever by its Lord Jesus Let him that glorieth glory in the Lord and My Soul shall make her boasts in the Lord the Humble shall hear thereof and be glad Jer. 9. 23 24. Psalm 34. 2. 7. Sometimes it is expressed or discovered by Joy Joy unspeakable because the Soul having seen it self reconciled to God hath not only quietness but such apprehensions do now possess it of the unspeakable Benefits it receiveth by Christ with respect to the World to come that it is swallowed up with them Whom having not seen ye love in whom though now ye see him not yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. 8. Lastly It is expressed or discovered by the Triumph that ariseth sometimes in the Hearts of the Believers for they at times are able to see Death Sin the Devil and Hell and all Adversity conquered by and tied as Captives at the Chariot-Wheels of Jesus Christ Taken captive I say and overthrown for ever Thanks be to God who causeth us always to triumph in Christ. O clap your Hands O ye People sing unto God with the voice of Triumph 2 Cor. 2. 14. Psalm 47. 1. Now that all this should be a cheat is impossible that is it is impossible that Believers should thus have Peace with God through the Blood of his Cross he having not paid full price to God for them especially if you consider that the Authors of this Peace are all the three in the Godhead and that upon a double account 1. In that they have given us a Gospel of Peace Rom. 10. 15. or a New-Testament which propoundeth Peace with God through the Redemption that is in Christ. Now as this is called the Gospel of Peace so 1. It is called The Gospel of God 1 Thes. 2. 9. 2 Thes. 1. 8. 2. The Gospel of Christ Rom. 15. 19. 3. A Gospel indited by the Holy Ghost 1 Thes. 4. 8. I say therefore that Redemption and Salvation being that throw Christ and the Truth thereof proclaimed by the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost in the Word of the Truth of the Gospel it must needs be that we who believe shall be saved if we hold the confidence and the rejoicing firm unto the End 2. As the three in the God-head are the Authors of this Peace by inditing for us the Gospel of Peace or the good Tidings of Salvation by Jesus Christ So they are the Authors of our Peace by working with that word of the Gospel in our Hearts And hence 1. the Father is called the God of Peace now the God of Peace be with you all And the very God of Peace sanctifie you Rom. 15. 33. 1 Thes. 5. 23. And because he is the God of Peace therefore he filleth those that believe in his Christ with joy and peace through believing Rom. 15. 13. 2. Again Christ is called the Prince of Peace therefore the Prayer is Grace be with you and Peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thes. 1. 2. 3. The Holy Ghost also is the Author of this Peace this inward Peace Even righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14. 17. And I say as I also have already said the procuring or meritorious Cause of this Peace is the doings and sufferings of Christ. Therefore by his Doings and Sufferings he paid full price to God for Sinners and obtained Eternal Redemption for them else God would never have indited a Proclamation of Peace for them and the Tenour of that Proclamation to be the Worthiness of the Lord Jesus yea he would never have wrought with that Word in the Heart of them that believe to create in them Peace Peace Secondly As peace with God is an Evidence the Blood of Christ being the Cause thereof that Christ hath by it paid full price to God for Sinners so Holiness in their Hearts taking its beginning from this Doctrine makes this fist Demonstration of double strength 1. That Holiness true gospel Holiness possesseth our hearts by this Doctrine 't is evident because the ground of Holiness which is the Spirit of God in us is ministred to us by this Doctrine When the Apostle had insinuated that the Galatians were bewitched because they had turned from the Doctrine of Christ Crucified he demands of them Whether they received the Spirit by the Works of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Gal. 3. 1 2 3 4. That is whether the Spirit took possession of their Souls by their Obedience to the ten Commandments or by their giving credit to the Doctrine of the forgiveness of their Sins by Faith in this Crucified Christ strongly concluding not by the Law but by the hearing or preaching of Faith that is of the Lord Jesus as Crucified who is the Object of Faith 2. As this Doctrine conveyeth the ground or ground-Work which is the Spirit so also it worketh in the Heart those three Graces Faith Hope Love
53. Not for that he hated him considering him in his own harmless innocent and blessed Person for he was daily hid Delight but by an act of grace to usward were our Iniquities laid upon him and he in our stead bruised and chastised for them God loved us and made him a Curse for us He was made a Curse for us That the Blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Faith in Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 13 14 15. Further Demonstration of this Truth BEfore I pass this Truth I will present thee Courteous Reader with two or three Demonstrations for its further confirmation First That Christ did bear our Sin and Curse is clear because he died and that without a Mediator 1. He died Death is the Wages of Sin Rom. 6. 23. Now if death be the Wages of sin and that be true that Christ did die and not sin either the Course of Justice is perverted or else he died for our Sins there was no cause of death in him yet he died Act. 13. 28. He did no Evil Guile was not found in his Mouth yet he received the Wages of Sin Sin therefore though not of his own was found upon him and laid to his Charge because he died Christ died for our Sins Christ gave himself for our Sins 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3. Gal. 1. 4. 1 Pet. 2. 22. He then that will conclude that Christ did not bear our Sin chargeth God foolishly for delivering him up to death for laying on him the Wages when in no sence he deserved the same Yea he overthroweth the whole Gospel for that hangeth on THIS hinge Christ died for our Sins Object But all that die do not bear the Curse of God for Sin Ans. But all that die without a Mediator do Angels died the Cursed Death because Christ took not hold of them and they for whom Christ never prayeth they die the Cursed Death for they perish everlastingly in the unutterable Torments of Hell Christ too died that Death which is the Proper Wages of Sin for he had none to stand for him I looked saith he and there was none to help and I wondred that there was none to uphold therefore mine own Arm brought Salvation unto me And he saw that there was no man and he wondered that there was no Intercessor therefore his Arm brought Salvation unto him and his Righteousness sustained him Isa. 63. 5. Isa. 59. 16. Christ then died or endured the Wages of Sin and that without an Intercessor without one between God and he He grappled immediatly with the Eternal Justice of God who inflicted on him Death the Wages of Sin there was no man to hold off the Hand of God Justice had his full blow at him and made him a Curse for Sin He died for sin without a Mediator he died the Cursed Death Secondly A Second thing that Demonstrateth that Christ died the Cursed Death for Sin It is the Frame of Spirit that he was in at the time that he was to be taken Never was poor mortal so beset with the apprehensions of approaching death as was this Lord Jesus Christ Amazement beyond measuâ—e Sorrow that exceeded seized upon his Soul My Soul saith he is exceeding sorrowful even unto Death And he began saith Mark to be sore amazed and to be very heavy Mat. 26. 38. Mar. 14. 33. Add to this That Jesus Christ was better able to grapple with death even better able to do it alone than the whole World joyn'd altogether 1. He was anointed with the Spirit without Measure Joh. 3. 34. 2. He had all Grace perfect in him John 1. 16. 3. Never none so soaked in the Bosom of his Fathers Love as himself Prov. 8. 23 30. 4. Never none so harmless and without sin as he and consequently never man had so good a Conscience as he Heb. 7. 26. 5. Never none prepared such a stock of good Works to bear him company at the Hour of Death as he 6. Never none had greater assurance of being with the Father Eternally in the Heavens than he And yet behold when HE comes to die how weak is he how amazed at death how heavy how exceeding sorrowful and I say no cause assigned but the Approach of Death Alas How often is it seen that we Poor Sinners can laugh at destruction when it cometh yea and rejoice exceedingly when we find the Grave Job 3. 22. looking upon death as a part of our Portion yea as that which will be a means of our present relief and help 1 Cor. 3. 22. This Jesus Christ couldnot do considered as dying for our Sin but the nearer death the more heavy oppressed with the thoughts of the Revenging Hand of God Wherefore he falls into an Agony and Sweats not after the common rate as we do when death is severing Body and Soul His Sweat was as it were great drops Clodders of Blood falling down to the Ground Luk. 22. 44. What I say should be the Reason but that death assaulted him with his Sting If Jesus Christ had been to die for his Vertues only doubtless he would have born it lightly and so he did as he died bearing witness to the Truth He endured the Cross and despised the Shame Heb. 12. 1 2 How have the Martyrs despised death and as it were not been careful of that having peace with God by Jesus Christ scorning the most Cruel Torments that Hell and Men could devise and invent but Jesus Christ could not do so as he was a Sacrifice for sin he died for sin he was made a Curse for us O my Brethren Christ died many deaths at once he made his Grave with the Wicked and with the Rich in his Deaths Look how many thousands shall be saved so many deaths did Jesus die yet it was but once he died He died thy death and my death and so many deaths as all our Sins deserved who shall be saved from the Wrath to come Now to feign that these Sorrows and this Bloody Agony was not real but in shew only What greater Condemnation can be passed upon Jesus Christ who loved to do all things in the most feigned Simplicity It was therefore because of sin the Sin that was put into the Death he died and the Curse of God that was due to Sin That That made death so bitter to Jesus Christ 't is Christ that died The Apostle speaks as if never any died but Christ nor indeed did there so wonderful a Death as he Rom. 8. Death considered simply as it is a deprivation of natural life could not have these Effects in a Person personally more Righteous than an Angel Yea even Carnal Wicked Men not awakened in their Conscience how securely can they die It must therefore also be concluded that the Sorrows and Agony of Jesus Christ came from a higher cause even from the Guilt of sin and from the Curse of God that was now approaching for that Sin It cannot be attributed to the Fear of
were those that used curious arts that were next to if not Witches indeed I say how were they prevailed upon and overcome by the Word of God which is the Gospel of good Tidings through Faith in the Blood of Christ Act. 19. 17 18. 6. How were the Ephesians who sometimes were far from God how I say were they made nigh by the Blood of Christ Ephes. 2. 13. 7. The Colossians though sometimes dead in their Sins yet how were they quickned by God through the Forgiveness of all their Trespasses and they had that through his Blood Col. 2. 13. Chap. 1. 14. What shall I say no man could as yet stand before and not fall under the Revelation of the Forgiveness of Sins through a Crucified Christ as hanged as dying as accursed for Sinners he draws all men unto him men of all sorts of all degrees Shall I add how have men broken through the Pricks to Jesus when he hath been discovered to them neither Lyons nor Fires nor Sword nor Famine nor Nakedness nor Peril 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. 35 36 37 38 39. The Fifth Demonstration THat Jesus Christ by what he hath done hath paid full price to God for Sinners and obtained Eternal Redemption for them is evident by the Peace and Holiness that by that Doctrine possesseth mens Souls The Souls of Men awakned and that continue so By awakened men I mean such as through the Revelation of their Sin and Misery groan under the want of Jesus to save them and that continue sensible that they needs must perish if his benefits be not bestowed upon them For otherwise the Gospel ministreth neither Peace nor Holiness to any of the Souls of the Sons of Men that is to say not Saving Peace and Holiness ☞ The Gospel of Grace and Salvation is above all Doctrines the most dangerous if in word only it be received by graceless men if it be not attended with a Revelation of Men's need of a Saviour if it be not accompanied in the Soul by the Power of the Holy Ghost For such Men as have only the notions of it are of all Men liable to the greatest Sins because there wanteth in their notions the Power of Love which alone can constrain them to love Jesus Christ. And this is the Reason of these Scriptures They turn the Grace of God into wantonness They turn the Grace of our God into lasciviousness Jude 4. For some when they hear of the Riches of Grace through Christ that hearing not being attended with the Faith Love which is in Christ Jesus those Men receive the notions of this good Doctrine only to cloak their wickedness and to harden themselves in their Villanies Others when they hear being leavened before with the Leaven of some other Doctrine some Doctrine of the Righteousness of the World or Doctrine of Devils forthwith make head against and speak evil of the blessed Doctrine and because some that profess it are not cleansed from their filthiness of flesh and spirit and do not perfect Holiness in the Fear of God therefore others conclude that all that profess it are such and that the Doctrine it self tendeth to encourage or at least to tolerate licentiousness as they imagined and affirmed of Paul that he should say Let us do evil that good may come Rom. 3. 8 9. The ground of that wicked Conclusion of theirs was because he by the Allowance of God affirmed That as sin had reigned unto death so grace reigned unto life in a way of Righteousness by Jesus Christ our Lord. Nay then says the Adversary we may be as unholy as we will and that by the Doctrine you preach for if where sin abounds grace abounds more the consequence of a wicked life is but the hightening advancing and magnifying of Grace But what saith the Apostle my conclusions are true That grace doth reign above sin but to say let us therefore sin that Man's Damnation is just because such an one abuseth and maketh the most devilish use of the Blessedest Doctrine that ever was heard of in the World amongst Men. Besides 't is evident that such know not the Power thereof nor have felt or savored its blessedness for where this Gospel cometh in truth it naturally produceth Peace and Holiness 1. Peace He is our Peace he is the Prince of Peace he giveth peace in his High Places This word Peace hath in it a double respect 1. It respecteth God He hath made peace by the Blood of his Cross that is he hath made peace for us with God having appeased the rigor of his Law and satisfied justice for us Hence it is said The Peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your Hearts and Minds through Christ Jesus Col. 1. 20. Phil. 4. 7. The Peace of God that is the Doctrine of Reconciliation by Christ's being made to be sin for us THAT shall keep the Heart that is from despair or fainting under apprehensions of weakness and justice But yet this Peace of God cannot be apprehended nor be of any comfort to the Heart but as the Man looks for it through Christ Jesus Therefore that clause is added through Christ Jesus for he is Peace-maker 't is he that reconcileth us to God in the Body of his Flesh through death for by his doing and suffering he presented God with Everlasting Righteousness with Everlasting Righteousness for Sinners Upon this we have Peace with God Hence Christ is called King of Righteousness FIRST first being by interpretation King of Righteousness and after that also King of Salem which is King of Peace Heb. 7. 1 2. For he could not make peace with God 'twixt us and him but by being first the Lord of Righteousness the Lord our Righteousness but having first compleated Righteousness he then came and preached Peace and commanded his Ambassadors to make Proclamation of it to the World 2 Cor. 5. 19 21. For 't was want of Righteousness that caused want of Peace now then righteousness being brought in it followeth that he hath made peace For he is our Peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle-Wall of Partition between us Having abolished in his Flesh the Enmity even the Law of Commandments contained in Ordinances for to make in himself of twain one new Man so making Peace and that he might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the Cross having slain the Enmity thereby and came and preached Peace to you that were afar off and to them that were nigh for through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father Ephes. 2. 14 15 16 17 18. 2dly This word Peace respecteth our inward quietness of heart which we obtain by beholding this Reconciliation made by Christ with God for
to offer Heb. 8. 3. which Offering and Sacrifice of his being able to perfect for ever them that are sanctified and set apart for Eternal Life Therefore the name of the Person that offered even Jesus made of God an High-Priest is acceptable with God yea therefore is he made for ever by his doing for us the Appeaser of the Justice of God and the Reconciler of Sinners to him Hence it is that HIS Name is that which it behoveth us to mention when we come before God for what God hath determined in his Counsels of Grace to bestow upon Sinners because for his Name sake he forgiveth them I write to you little Children because your Sins are forgiven you for his Name sake To him give all the Prephets witness that through his Name whosoever believeth in him shall receive Remission of Sins 1. Joh. 2. 14. Act. 10. 43. They therefore that would obtain the forgiveness of Sins must ask it of God through the Name of Jesus and he that shall sensibly and unteignedly do it he shall receive the forgiveness of them Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name he will give it you Hence it is evident that he hath not only paid full price to God for them but also obtained Eternal Redemption for them And it is observable the Lord Jesus would have his Disciples make a Proof of this and promiseth that if they do they shall experimentally find it so Hitherto saith he ye have asked nothing in my NAME ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full Joh. 16. 24. As who should say O my Disciples you have heard what I have promised to you even that my Father shall do for you whatsoever ye shall ask him in my Name Ask now therefore and prove me if I shall not make my Words good Ask I say what you need and see if you do not receive it to the Joying of your Hearts At that day ye shall ask in my Name and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you I do not bid you ask in my Name as if the Father was yet hard to be reconciled or unwilling to accept you to mercy my Coming into the World was the Design of my Father and the Effect of his Love to Sinners but there is sin in you and justice in God therefore that you to him might be reconciled I am made of my Father Mediator wherefore ask in my Name for there is none other name given under the Heavens among Men whereby they must be saved Act. 4. 12. Ask in my Name love is let out to you through me it is let out to you by me in a way of Justice which is the only secure way for you Ask in my Name and my Father will love you The Father himself loveth you because you have loved me and have believed that I came out from God Joh. 16. 27. My Fathers Love is set first upon me for my Name is chief in his Heart and all that love me are beloved of my Father and shall have what they need if ye ask in my Name But I say what cause would there be to ask in his Name more than in the Name of some other since justice was provoked by our Sin if he had not undertook to make up the difference that by Sin was made betwixt justice and us For though there be in this Jesus infinite worth infinite righteousness infinite merit yet if he make not with these interest for us we get no more benefit thereby than if there were no Mediator But this Worth and Merit is in him for us for he undertook to reconcile us to God it is therefore that his Name is with God so prevailing for us poor Sinners and therefore that we ought to go to God in his Name Hence therefore it is evident that Jesus Christ hath paid full price to God for Sinners and obtained Eternal Redemption for them The Seventh Demonstration THat Jesus Christ by what he hath done hath paid full price to God for Sinners c. is evident because we are commanded also to give God thanks in his Name By him therefore let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise continually that is the Fruit of our Lips giving thanks in his Name Heb. 13. 15. By him therefore wherefore because he also that he might sanctifie us with his own Blood suffered without the Gate ver 12. He sanctified us with his Blood but why should the Father have thanks for this even because the Father gave him for us that he might die to sanctifie us with his Blood Giving thanks to the Father which hath made us meet to be Partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light who hath delivered us from the Power of Darkness and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son in whom we have redemption through his Blood even the forgiveness of Sins Col. 1. 12 13 14. The Father is to be thanked for the contrivance was also his but the Blood the Righteousness or that worthiness for the Sake of which we are accepted of God is the Worthiness of his own dear Son as it is meet therefore that God should have thanks so it is necessary that he have it in his Name for whose sake we indeed are accepted of him Let us therefore by him offer Praise First For the Gift of his Son and for that we stand quit through him in his Sight and that in despite of all inward weakness and that in despite of all outward enemies When the Apostle had taken such a view of himself as to put himself into a maze with an out-cry also who shall deliver me he quiets himself with this sweet conclusion I thank God through Jesus Christ Rom. 7. 24. He found more in the Blood of Christ to save him than he found in his own Corruptions to damn him but that could not be had he not paid full price for him had he not obtained Eternal Redemption for him And can an Holy and Just God require that we give thanks to him in his Name if it was not effectually done for us by him Further when the Apostle looks upon Death and the Grave and strengtheneth them by adding to them Sin and the Law saying The Sting of Death is sin and the Strength of Sin is the Law he presently addeth but thanks be to God which giveth us the Victory through Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 15. The Victory over Sin Death and the Law the Victory over these through our Lord Jesus Christ but God hath given us the Victory but it is through our Lord Jesus Christ through his fulfilling the Law through his destroying Death and through his bringing in Everlasting Righteousness Elisha said to the King of Israel that had it not been that he regarded the Person of Jehoshaphat he would not look to him nor regard him 2 Kin. 3. 14. nor would God at all have looked to or regarded thee but that he respected