Eternal Glory 2 Tim 2.10 By the Gospel the Thessalonians were called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Iesus Christ 2 Thess. 2.14 15. Who can tell what is the hope of this Calling and what is the Glory of this Inheritance of the Saints in light Such as can discern this must have the Eyes of their Understanding opened and enlightned of GOD Ephes. 1.17 18. It is a compleat rich glorious Kingdom whereunto Men are called by the Gospel 1 Thess. 2.12 He calleth unto His Kingdom and Glory 5 It appears herein that it is the means of discovering the most enriching glorious most latent â—nd concerning Secrets What is better and â—ore desireable than Life than true Life and â—mmortality and this is made manifest â—hrough the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 One that is â—ondemned to Die should esteem a Reprive of â—he Sentence a rich and glorious Business â—hô ignorant but that he might be taken away within few Hours or Days through some special stroke of GOD upon him How much more infinitly worthy and richly excellent is â—his Life which is Immortality And what Riches of Glory must there be in the Gospel which bringeth thiâ— into light 6. It appears â—erein that the Gospel bringâ— Heaven to the Door of the Soul with all the Glory that is herein And therefore called the Word of â—he Kingdom or the Gospel of the Kingdom Mat. 4.23 and 9 35. and 24.14 And the matter thereof is to preach the Kingdom of God Mark. 1.14 Act 20.25 and 28.31 Luk. 4.43.9.60 So it is also called The Kingdoms of God Luk. 10.9 11. Mark 1.15 and 4.25 And the Kingdom of Heaven in many of the â—arables Mat. 13. and 20.1 and 22.2 c. Thirdly That there are Riches in the Gospel appears from the special rich and glorious Efficacy of the same whereof take these few Proofs 1. The Gospel hath a powerful enlightning vertue so that these that sit in darkness come to see a great light Math. 4.15 16. Therefore Paul was sent to open the Eyes and turn Men from darkness to light Act. 26.11 Where it comes with power it discovers thâ— lamentable estate wherein poor Man is bâ— Nature and discovers the way of escape 2. It hath a propagating and begetting power where it is the savor oâ— Liâ—e unto Life I haâ—â— begotten you through the Gospel saith Paul to thâ— Corinthians 1 Cor. 4.15 Therefore it is calleâ— the Word of Life Phil. 2 16. It quickneth from the Dead through the powerful operation oâ— the Spirit we are born again by this Word 1 Pet 1 23. 3. It hath a nourishing vertue therefore it is called The sincere Milk of thâ— Word whereby we grow even as the Child groweth by the Milk on the Breast 1 Tim. 2 2. 4. Thereby is the Soul brought by Faith â—o lay hold on Christ and so thereby brought into a sure and safe state Therefore it is called The Word of Fâ—ith Rom. 10 8. And the Word of Salvaâ—ion Act 13 26. VVe believe through this word preached by the Apostles and their Successâ—rs Ioh 17.20 5. It hath a washing and cleansing vertue It is by the word that Christ sanctifieth and cleanseth His Church Ephes 5.26 6. It hath a cuâ—â—ing and piercing vertuâ— Paul speaking of the Gospel Heb 4.12 saith That the Word of God is quick and powerfuâ— and sharper than any two edged Sword piercing to the dividing asunder of both Soul and Spirit and of the Ioints and Marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts of the Heart â—n allusion to the Anatomy of Bodies or else â—o the cutting up of the Sacrifices whether â—hese of the Iews or as it was used among the Heathens especially by the Sooth-sayers who â—uriously searched into every inward part as Ezek. 21.21 Look what the Intrals are to a â—harp Sword or Sacrificers Kniâ—e or like Inâ—turments of Anatomâ—zing in a â—kilful Hand â—uch are all the most inward and secret parts of â—he Heart even those which are most difficult to be divided unto this Sword in GOD's Hand when pleased to use it to search the Heart and Reins and to discover and bring â—orth to judgement the secrets of them Not only is it to ungird and stripe off the outward Cloaths of outward and formal Actions and so present the Soul naked as Vers. 13. Nor only to flea off all the Skin and so to see what lyes under it as the next word Opened doth sometimes signifie but further to cut up and cleave to the Back bone as the word will bear that so all the Inwards may appear And this so curiously divided and laid asunder as to see and view a part what is in each In a word this Sword of the Gospel when rightly handled it not only hath a discerning piercing penetrating power with it to come in on the Heart discovering its Intents and striking at the root of Corrupâ—ions But it will humble the proudest Hearts and quicken the deadest Spirits and peirce through the Soul and Conscience of the most obdured Anatomize anâ— lay open their Thoughts their Security Pride Formality Hypocrisie c. And strike aâ— the root of the Body of Death to kill it and be its death Undoubtedly then their cannoâ— but be a singular Riches oâ— Glory in this Gospel 7. As it hath its arise from free Grace and is the open Proclamation of the Grace of GOD And therefore called The Word of His Grace Act. 20 32. so it builds up such as receive it and carries them on until it fairly land them in Glory for it is able to save Souls Iames 1.21 1 Vse Here we have ground and reason â—o bemoan the state and condition of not a few People and Persons to pity them and from compassion towards them to pray for them As 1. These who never as yet saw this Glory having never as yet heard of this glorious Gospel They may it's true go beyond others in worldly Riches fulness of all things carnal Prudence and Policy and have abundance of Gold Silver and costly Jewels and have much outward Pomp and Flourishes But alas nevertheless when they have never heard of Christ they are but continuing and sitting in darkness The Glory of the Lord hath never as yet shined upon them the Sun of Righteousness is never risen upon them with Healing under His Wings Miserable and lamentable is their Conditions notwithstanding of all their Supeâ—fluities O! let us pray that this glorious Light may once break up amonâ—st them that the Earth may be filled with the Glory of â—he Lord as the Waters cover the Sea 2. We should condole these Nations where the Name and outward Knowledge of the Gospel is and nothing else Nothing of the Power Beauty and Glory of the Gospel of Salvation But alas all is darkned with the fogg and mist of Idolatry and Superstition or of humane Inventions which vails and darkens the singular Beauty which is to be seen in the Ordinances of Jesus Christ according
to be â—ound neither will they seek it any other where he alone must be the GOD of their Salvation And therefore they wait and look out â—or Him and encourrage themselves with the Hope of a happy Outgate My GOD will hear me They will wait upon the LORD that hideth His Face and will look for Him Isa 8 17. Meditating on that Word Isa 45.22 Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth Though they dare not say they have atâ—ained that Lively Hope yet they know that â—hey are at the right Door therefore will not give over but resolves so long as there is Life or Breath in them to hang at the cheeks of GOD's gates come of it what will Thus Hope preseâ—ves the Soul from dispair or givâ—ng over the Cause as desperate and from sayâ—ng with that wicked king 2 King 6.33 This evil is of the LORD why should I wait for â—he LORD any longer 4. Some being enviroâ—ed with temptations and thick clouds may conclude that they are cast off and say in â—heir haste that the LORD hath forgotten â—hem and cast tâ—em off Yea and say roundâ—y that there is no Hope that their Hope is perished from the LORD Lam 3.18 Isa 40.27 Ezek 37.8 And that they are cuâ— off Psal 31.22 And that all Men are lyers Psal 116.10 11 And with Iob Chap 17 15. 19 10 And where is now my Hope Mine Hope hath he removed like a tree Yet notwithstanding of all this they will not quite nor sell their Interest of Christ and Heaven but reckon it their great priviledge that they are out of hell and that GOD renews his Mercys to them day by day this they recall to mind therefore have they Hope Lam 3.21 Vse Since there is such a noble and excellent Grace every way so necessary and profiâ—able Surely it is our great concâ—rnment anâ— interest to try and search narrowly whithâ—â— we have it or not Many phansie they haveâ— true lively Hope and alas it is but a clatch up and imaginary hope they die with a lie iâ— their Right Hand Again others who havâ— really this Hope in their Soul notwithstanding entertaìn suspicious that all is wrong witâ— them and therefore cry out that their Strengtâ— and Hope in GOD is departed Therefor wâ— shall speak a word to both And 1 All havâ— not a True and Lively Hope who say theâ— have it There is a generation that is reallâ— without Hope Eph 2.12 Who yet phansie they have a sure and well grounded Hopeâ— But the hope of many shall â—erish with themselves Pro 11.7 Iob. 18.13.14 Alâ—â— this ill grounded hope will not support the Man that hath it What is the hope of the Hypocrite though he hath gained when God taketh away hisSoul saith Iob. ch 27.8.2 It must be undoubtedly a sad and lamentable Disappoinment of their Expectations many shall meet with when their Hope shall forsake them and sink under them as the broken reed of Egypt And what more lamentable then to credit the stress of their immortal Souls in a rotten â—reed and to phansie when Death shall come to Land in Glory and yet for them and their Hope uâ—â—erly to perish Oh! how shall their former Hope augment their irrecoverable and eternal Misery and rende their condition more lamentable then they had never had such a Hope 3. Shall not this disappointment occasion great confusion of Faces Shall it not fare with them as with the Troops of â—ema and the Companies of Sheba â—o that they shall be ashamed and conâ—ounded becâ—use they had hoped Job 6.19 20. Many pass now for great Christians and have a hope they will not quite with which shall fill their Faces with conâ—usion when they come to see that their Hope hath been but a meer Dream 4. Is it not a terrible plague and judgement to be so far possessed with blindness as not only to be ignorant where we are but to dreaâ— and phansie that we walk on a sure and even ground whereas puffed up with vain presumption we are walking on the very sides of the pit not knowing but every step may land us in Eternity and so in everlasting confusion Alas how lamentable is it to see people feeding upon ashes and turned aside with a deceitful heart so that they cannot deliver their Soul Nor say is there not a lie in my right hand Isa 44.20.5 Providing the mâ—ssing of our hope were of small importance the matter were not so great But to miss and be disappointed of Glory of Eternal Salvation of the Fellowship of GOD Eternally O how dreadful must that be how can such a loss ever be repaired what can man give for the Redemption of his Soul Or what shall hâ— give in exchange thereof what thing imaginable can repair this irrepairable Loss 6. Providing this loss could ever be recovered it were the more supportable But when this one Loss and disappointment can never be again repaired what a terrible bussiness then to rest here in time on a false hope which with them will perish and give up the Ghost their being noâ— returning again to make amendment of by gone miscarriages O! Then should not every Soul â—eriously consider how greatly it is thâ—â— Interest to ponder and narrowly to examine on what ground their Hope resteth Now â—or helping such out of their self deceitfulness who fancy they have the right Hope and are yet strangers thereto And for easing such who cannot be convinced that their Hopâ— is of the right kind I shall in short propose some Marks whereby the one and and the other may try themselveâ— 1. Mark Let every one try how they came by their Hope that Hope which is born with us and hath alwise lodged in us and kept us in peace since we came into the World providing we have no other cannot be of the right stamp For hope is a fruit of the Spirit For we through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Gal 5 5. There is no abounding in hope but through the power of the holy Ghost Rom. 15.13 The strength of nature or edâ—cation cannot help us here Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and GOD even our Fathâ—r must give us good hope through Grace 2 Thes 2.16 This hope is from no natural extraction it is of Divine Extract 2. Mark True and lively Hope is ever grounded upon Christ's Righteousness and Resurrection Therefore it is a waiting For the hope of Righteousness by Faith Gal 5.5 Awaiting for what is hoped for through the Righteousness of â—hrist or only by vertue of that Righteousness of Jesus Christ which is laid hold on by Faith so that the hope of Glory is founded thereon We are begotten again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Pet 1 3. So that the hope which is not upon Christ which is not built on his Deaâ—h and Resurrection and upon his imputed Righteousness but on something within
our selves be it never so specious or excellent as an honest heart as they phansie outward holiness blamelessness victory over corruptions singular devotion or whatever it be of that nature will be but aâ— the giving up of the Ghost and come far short of helping or relieving the poor Soul 3. Mark True and lively Hope as it is sounded upon Faith so they go hand in hand togeâ—her 1 Pet 1.21 Who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead and gavâ— him Glory that your Hope and Faith might be iâ— God Hope without Paith laying hold upon â— crucified Saviour according to the tenor oâ— the Covenant is but a meer dream Hope cannot stand but upon the pillar of Faith Therefore the Church first embraceth GOD as her Portion then she wins to the solid exercise of Hope Lam 3 24. The Lord is my portion sayeth my soul therefore will I hope in him 4. Maâ—k Where there is a real Hope oâ— Glory there will be a leaning on GOD and committing of our Souls to him for through bearing through all the difficulties Wyndings and turnings in our way Ouâ— hope is coâ—tinually in GOD Psal. 39.7 Others trusteâ— in their Riches they gathered and heaped it uâ— But for David he sayes And now Lord whâ— wait I for My hope is in Thee compared wiâ—â— Psal 71.5 David on this foundation pressâ— to be delivered out of the hands of the wicked because he had alwayes been his hope For he sayeth Thou art my hope O Lord God thou art my trust from my youth Thus casts he all his cares and burdens on the LORD and this was his constant way and continual practise He had no other hope neither acknowledged any other knowing that he was happy that had the GOD of Jacob for his help and whose hope was in the LORD his GOD Psal 146.5 5. Mark Where there is a Reall and Lively Hope of Glory desires after bewitching pleasures will grow cold And now what wait I for saith David Psal 39.7 My hope is in Thee He saw nothing in the World worthy his attendance for his hope he had established it on a sure and sufficient Object he betook himself not to these who said who will shew us any Good Psal 4.6 O! When the heart through hope hath fastened it self on GOD how little values it all the vanity of a perishing world The sight of Glory which they have through hope darkens that lustre and beauty which others see in the perishing things of a world whose eyes being of the same substance with the world are earthly 6. Mark This true Hope is accompanied with a careful endeavour to keep all the Commandments of GOD LORD sayeth David Psal 119.166 I have hoped for thy Salvation and done thy Commandments True hope is an enemy to a careless life and is accompanied with tenderness and earnestness Hope sets the Soul a running Act. 26.7 Vnto which promise our twelve Tribes instantly serving GOD day and night hope to come 7. Mark Hope will sit down down well satisfied on GODS bare Word As Abraham who against hope believed in hope Rom 4.18 And how often sayeth David that he hoped in GODS Word Psal 119.49.114 Psal 130 5. Hope will keep the Soul in Life even when all things seems contradicting the very Promises and to say it is vain to wait any more 8. Mark Hope is a purifying Business 〈◊〉 Job 3.3 It sets the Soul a work to wash iâ—self in the Blood of Christ and makes the Souâ— to labour in the strength of Jesus to get sin kâ—lled the desires of the flesh and mind brought under and the Soul sanctified So that they will wrestle with GOD by Faith in Prayer to be made fit to have an Interest of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light 9. Mark Hope makes the Soul silent anâ— satisfied under great temptations David Psal 38. was under sore trialls the LORD chastned him his an wâ—sâ—stuck fast in him his hand pressed him sore both Soul and Body did bear thâ— marks that GOD was contending with him foâ— sin Yea his heart was oveâ—whelmed withiâ— him and his strengâ—h bâ—â—ailed him And eveâ— when it was thus with him inwardly enemieâ— without were seeking his Life laying snares â—or him and seeking his hurt What was â—t then that quieted and calmed him at this time and made him carry as a man that heareth not and in whose mouth there are no reprooffs but even that which immediately follows For in thee O Lord do I hope Having laid down these Marks wheâ—eby Men may try whither they have an Interest in this lively Hope or not So I would advise such who see ground of fears because without this lively Hope seriously to consider and lay these following things to heart As 1. It is required that the Soul through its dwelling on the thoughts of this so great a Bussiness be more sensible of and affected with the missings of this Grace of Hope Consider what a miserable condition the Soul is in which is without hope in the World and how lamentable their case is who have no other hope then a hope that will perish which will but prove to them as a spiders web and so faill them in their greatest need 2. Be convinced â—erein that through your self you shall never attain unto a lively Hope You must again be be gotten unto this Hope It is wholly and only the Work of GODS Spirit neither nature nor any natural advantages can help you thereto 3. Let the thoughts of your hopeless condition stir you up to self humiliation before the LORD which is the only way to be exalted in due time 4. Foresake all ground of hope iâ— your self So the poor hath hope Job 5.16 For whatever it is in your self you bottom oâ— ground your hope upon it will be sound to be but a â—lippery and â—inful â—oundation And the more you build thereon it shall be the worsâ— 5. Lay hold on Christ as he is offered in the Gospel and cleave to him by Faith For Hope is begotten in the womb of Faith All hope noâ— grounded on Faith and flowing from it is buâ— a meer phansie and chimera 6. Having laid hold on Christ as he is offered in the Gospel and so resting on him for Salvation wait for the breathings influences of the Spirit on the Soul in the careful and earnest undertaking and pursuit of the means that your head may be lifted up thereby in hope For encouradgement thereto observe these following things 1. This lively Hope in the Soul will calm many storms and keep the Soul in aâ— even and stayed posture under sharp and sad dispensations and the multitude of shakingâ— and changings It will deliver the Soul from many disquieting fears and make the Soul sleep sweetly under them all and lift up its head above difficulties so that it shall be freed from perplexities or be secure because there is hope Job 11.18.2 This will encourage to constancy in duty
notwithstanding of opposition in the way Hope will never suffer the heart to sink it will be a cork to the poor Soul which wiâ—l make it swime through the jaws and gulfs of the greatest opposition and most insupperable like difficulties When other â—hings as so many weights and heavy loads would bear down the Soul Hope will draw and hold it up that it go not to the ground Or in case the Soul is at any time over charged and brought under water as it were to the â—rink of hell Hope notwithstanding will recover again the Soul out of the very womb of â—ell and will it make it look out towards the Temple 3. Hope hardens a man and makes him prooff against the day of battel It encourageth and strengtheneth the Soul Thereâ—y he can run through a troop for he knows â—hat his head is secured well covered and guarded with the helmet of Hope the Helmet of Salvation 1 Theâ— 5.8 Eph 6.17.4 Hope â—s a strong guard against temptations What values a man the great offers of the World who has a Lively Hope of Heaven The fear of death worldly losses and the greatest of â—ufferings will not once shake him who hath the Hope of Eternal Life The hope of a betâ—er Resurrection will make them refuse to accept of a deliverance upon unworthy or base â—erms 5. Hope assures us of Heaven whereâ—ore we find that Heaven is often laid out to us by Hope Eph 1.18 4.4 Col 1.5 Tit 2.13 Heb 6.18 It is The Anchor of â—he Soul both sure and stedfast and which entereth into that within the vail whether the forerunner is for us entered Heb 6.19 20.6 Hereto should these words encourage us Psal 147 11. The LORD taketh pleasure in them thaâ— fear him in those that hope in his mercy 7. Aâ— hope is needful necessary and useful whilâ— passing through the valley of sorrow and tearâ—â— so also when drawing near the end of our journey and when pale death comes to look us iâ— the face For the Righteous hath hope in his death Pro 14.32 When the hope of the Hypocrite and unrighteous person giveth up the Ghost and foresaketh him in his greatest straiâ— even then will the Hope of the Righteous comfort and bear up his head Yea when death the king of terrors hath done its worst anâ— conveyed the Soul into Eternity Hope thoâ— may take its leave of the Soul as having no more service to do it 1 Cor 13.13 Yet wiâ—â— attend the corps of the Believer to the grave and be a bed unto his dust Psal 16.9 Uâ—til the morning of the Resurrection dawn Again as to those who really have thâ— Hope and yet cannot be convinced thereoâ— I would say these few things 1. It is not strange that such who are begotten again into a Lively Hope be now anâ— then brought to doubtings through these 〈◊〉 such like grounds As 1. Because sad noâ— strange like dispensations are measured out unto them by GOD this makes the Church 〈◊〉 out Lam 3.18 And I said my strength anâ— my hope is perished from the Lord See v. 1.2 This occasioned Iob also to say that his hope was removed like a tree or rooted out of the ground Iob 19 8.9 10.2 Because there is â—ant of growth in Grace and Mortificaâ—ion for â—hey hear that hope is a purifying Grace and â—hey can find no advancing in that work 3. Because they miss the other above mentioned Fruits of a Lively Hope But 2. Hope is like to other Graces not alwayes alike visible sometimes so clouded and â—id that it cannot be easily seen or discovered And in a very little it may appear again when the cloud and â—hick mist is over as we â—ee Lam 3.18 There the Church comâ—lains that her strength and hope was perishâ—d from the Lord yet she sayeth a little after This I recal to my mind therefore have I hope And again v. 26. It is good that a man should â—oth hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the â—ord The holy Man Iob cryâ—th out as one â—hat hath no hope He hath destroyed me on every â—â—de and I am gone and mine hope hath he reâ—oved like a tree And nevertheless before all is â—one and he end his reckonings he getâ—eth his head lifted up on high and hope brings â—im so above that he triumphs Chap 19. â— 25.26 27. For I know that my Reâ—eemer liveth and though after my skin worms â—estroy this body yet in my flâ—sh shall I see God c. 3. Hope as have other Graces hath its degrees There is a full assurance of hope Heb. 6.11 And there is a weak Hope that cannot see farr being accompanied with many doubtings discouragements fears c Nevertheless a weak hope may be a true hope being on an Evangelical ground Hope may be lively in respect of its root yet weak and sickly in respect of its present frame and operations 4. It is not therefore safe â—o conclude that there is no hope because there is no full assurance of Hope or Actual Lively Vigorouâ— or stronge Hope 5. It were better to make an impartial enquiry according to the forementioned Marks And search and see if ever you had any thing of a True and Lively Hope of Glory through CHRIST And providing you have ever had it you may then be confident that the root remains for the Gifts and Calling of GOD are without repentance Rom. 11 29. Question But what shall he do who is brought to suspect all what formerly has been wrought in his Soul looking on it all as false work How I say shall such win to any clearness concerning their Hope or what shall they do for strengthening of the same Answer Such would lay to heart and well improve these following Considerations As 1. As Hope it self is the Gift of GOD and not their own work So is also the clear discovery of this Hope in the Soul his Gift and a new Gift The observation whereof should make the Soul fix its eye on the Soveraignity and Freeness of God who may bestow His Gifts as He will and depend on God for Light to â—ee and discern things which are given him of GOD 2 As the first lively Acting of Hope is a fruit of the Spirit of Life and floweth from the Spirit of Life in them So all the after actings depend on continual influences from Heaven These considerations should humble them under the impression of an absolute and Soveraign Lord And should stir them up to search and see wherein they have provoked GOD â—o hold in his Influences in the continual out-goings of Hope and withdraw his Light whereby they might be in case to discern the being of Hope in the Soul even when but wâ—ak in its operations 3. Such are to humble themselves before â—he LORD in the sense of their naturall frailty and inability As likewayes of their unrighteousness and transgressions whereby they have provoked the LORD to leave them in the dark 4.
Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name He shall teach you all things So that the Comforter himself as distinguished from his teaching is promised here And Ioh 15.26 He is also promised as contradistinguished from his Operations and testifying oâ— Christ. 4. The Believer is said to have the Spirit So that they belong not to Christ who have not have the Spirit of Christ Rom 8.9 He is said to dwell in them Rom 8.11 1 Cor 3.16 2 Tim 1.14 To be with them Ioh 14.17 And to be in them Rom 8.11 By his Spirit that dwelleth in you 5. Not only doth the Spirit help our infirmities which is through Grace But the Spirit himself is said to make intercession for us with groaninos which cannot be uttered which aÌ„pears to be somewhat other that is given them then the meer Graces of the Spirit And that because there immediately follows And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit Rom 8.27 6. The Believer is said to be sealled with the holy Spirit oâ— promise And he is the earnest of our Inheritance Eph 1.13 14. And given as a seal and Pledge Eph 4.30 The earnest of the Spirit is given in their hearts 2 Cor 1.22 So also 2. Cor 5.5 which seems to hold out more than his Fruits 7. Therefore the Believer is commanded not only not to quench the Spirit Ephes 5. 19. which may have respect to his Operations and Indrawings of Grace in the Soul But also not to grieve the Spirit Ephes 4.30 Which seems to import the dwelling of the Spirit in them 8. It is by vertue of this Union betwixt the Spirit and the believer that their very dust is raised up in the last day so that God by the Spirit that dwelleth in them shall quicken their mortal bodies Rom 8.11 This Spirit then that dwelleth in them must be somewhat else then his Graces for by these the mortal bodies are not quickened And he is called the Spirit of Him that raised up Iesus from the dead 9. He is said to be sent forth into their Heaâ—ts crying Abba Father Gal 4.6 10. David prayeth expresly Psal 51.11 That the LORD would not take his Holy Spirit from him Vse 1. This is a noble point of Truth and full of many grounds oâ— Comfort And how could Believers other wayes then rejoyce providing this Union betwixt Christ and them were believed Did they know that Christ were in them keeping house in them dweling with them with joy and satisfaction would it not make them sing under all adversity And that upon a four fold account 1. Upon the account of the great Honour which iâ— brought to them thereby even to them who formerly were meer cages of unclean spirits and yet still have much coorruption abiding in them That the King of Zion who is King of kings LORD of Lords Heir of all the Brightness oâ— his Fathers Glory and the express Image of his Person Heb 1.3 Who is the Image of the invisible GOD the first borne of every Creature Col 1.15 That he I say should come and loege with them lodge in their Heart within their Soul That he whom the Heaven of heavens cannot contain that is High and Lofty who dwells in Eternity should live with such a One and be united with such O what incomprehensible Honour is this Elizabeth cryed once with great admiration And whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord should come to me Luke 1.43 And may not the Believer with much more admiration cry out And whence is this to me that my Lord himself should come to me And not only so but come to me and dwell and abide with me 2. Here is great comfort on the account of profit and advantage Have they the Heir of all things so near to them and with them living in them what can they then want For if Christ be theirs all things are theirs life death â—hings present and things to come 1 Cor 3.22 23. Hath GOD given Christ and shall he not with him also freely give us all things Rom â— 32 And what can they lack that have all things what can they want who have Him in them in whom dwells all the fullness of the God head bodily Col 2.9 What want they who have Heaven And can they want Heaven within them who have Christ within them They are compleat in him Col 2.10 Which is â—he Head of all principality and power 3. Here is comfor upon the account of safety Who or what can harm them who have preservation or salvation wiâ—hin them Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation within them O what security for them in whom he is What can tribulation or distress or famine or nâ—kedness or peril or sword do to such can they separate him who is become a Habitation for Christ from the love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus No no can the ship drown wherein Christ is Can fire or water harm a Soul who is a Habitation for Christ What can satan do against Christs lodging Can he or dare he cast it down 4. Here is Comfort upon the account of security and tranquility For who can weaken and endamage their right to Glory that allready have begun Glory in the soul to wit Christ the hope of Glory can satan or the world make such an one miserable No surely greater is He that is in them then he that is in the world 1 Ioh 4.4 What surer pledge of Heaven and Salvation can the soul have then a begun possession What is Heaven other then a life of Communion with GOD in the nearest and strictest degreâ— And 〈◊〉 stricteâ— Union can any have with Christ than to have him in them Vse 2 Unbelievers and strangers â—o Christ may hence gather these princâ—pal Points for their better improvement oâ—â—he â—oresaid Truths 1. Have nâ— mean â—houghâ—s â—f â—he life and state of Bâ—lievâ—rs You sâ—e to what they are â—xâ—lâ—ed hâ—wever contempâ—able in the eyes of â—he World despise you such an incomprehensiâ—le â—â—ch advantage Iâ— is no such despicâ—ble and mean Life as you phansie Have then a higher esteem thereof if you would be truely Wise. 2. Again on the other hand ponder seriously what a fearful and mâ—serable condiâ—ion iâ— is wherâ—in ye are who are strangeâ—s to Christ And in place of Christ in you the Hâ—pe of Glory ye have satan â—n you working thâ— wâ—â—ks of darkness blinding the mind left the light of the glorious Gospel â—f Christ who is the Image of God shouuld shine unto you 2 Cor 4 4. Beâ—ng without Christ â—o ye have no hope strangers from the Covenants â—f promise and without God Ephes 2 21. Without a Leader and Commander Isa 55. Without Protectâ—on or â—oy and wâ—thout â—ll that â—s good 3 Do noâ— only think on it â—ut dwell on the thoughts of it until that your â—earts be wroughâ— up to a real sorrow and â—rief that ye have been so long in such a conâ—ition
that effect 5. Mark Where Christ is there He gets the Heart for there he lives Ephes. 3 17. So that what evâ—â— it bâ—â—hat presents its self to the Soul though never so taking yet He has still the precedency disposing and chief room unless it be for a time that the Soul may be over poured and carried away with some lâ—st or other These that have Christ in them they Confess that Iesus is the Son of God 1 Joh 4.15 And so altogether Matchless For all such dwell in Him and He in them So that He is unto them White and Ruddy the chiefest among ten thousands Song â— 10 And whatever is his is altogether lovely ver 16. For unto them which believes He is precious 1 Pet. â— 7 I acknowledge this love and esteem will not alwayes be the same nor appear in the like degree Nevertheless it is for the most part pâ—edomining and reigning and where these â—hings are not so it is a sad token that Christ hath not as yet taken up his abode 6 Mark Where Christ is there is a forsaking of all former Lovers for now they have changed Masters They shall say to their former Idoles get you hence as if they were so many menstruous cloaths Isa 30.22 Then they say with Ephraim What have we to do any more with Idoles Hos 14 8. For where he comes all these must give place to him as being worthy of all There old J liveth no more Gal 2.20 But where the old lovers keep their possâ—ssion where the old idoles the old sinns have the old esteem and the old service and not as yet cast out with loathing and shame it is not as yet â—ight there Christ when he comes binds the old man sets the old Tyrant that possessed the Soul out of doors 7. Mark Where Christ is there is a compleat change that word is realy felt 2. Cor 5.17 If any man be in Christ he is a new creature Now is he as he were in another world drawing his breath in another element They are no more the folks they were They that are Christs have Crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Gal. 5 24. They look on those lusts and affections as their enemies and declares themselves enemies against them wars against them in root and branch and against all their motions whether they be sinful aâ—fections and passions such as these whereby the mans Mind doth suffer and is troubled and affected with or whether they be sinful lusts such as these stirred up by fleshly carnal Baits and Pleasures as motions to Intemperance uncleanness c. Now those who are Christs are said to cruciâ—y and put to death all these because they have engaged themselves by profession and Covenant Sealed in Baptism so to do Rom. 6.3 4. And have actually begun thâ—s woâ—k so that though this Body of corrupâ— flesh be in them yet through the Spirit Rom. 8.13 And by imitating his Cross Rom. 6 5. They are upon the work of Morâ—ifying it suppressing the endeavours and smoothering the â—ffects of it Rom. 6.12 They resolve now to walk in newness of Life Rom. 6.4 From this time forth they have a new understanding renewed in the Spirit of their mind no more sâ—bject to the Dominion of fleshly Lusts whicâ— is enmity against God They â—ave a new will which is now flexible to Godâ— will and Command neither doth it now rebel as formerly They have new Desires new Inclinations new Work new Ends before â—â—em new Followship no more Fellowsâ—ip wiâ—h the unfruitâ—ul works of Darkness 8. Mark Where Christ is there is a resting on him for Liâ—e and leaniâ—g on him for Righteousness Adopâ—ion Justification and Sâ—â—vation wiâ—h â—aul Phil 3.9 Who desired to be found iâ— him not having his own Righteousness which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the Righteousness which is of GOD by Faith The Soul inâ—ends to live thâ—ough this way alone to râ—st in to hide himselâ— in Christ until â—o speak so a bitt oâ— the Man cannot be seen that when he is calleâ— for it may be answered LORD I am in Christ not having my own Righteousness If Christ be in you saith Paul the Spirit iâ— Life â—ecause of Râ—ghteousness Rom 8.30 The Soul resolves alone to live through this way through his Righteousness I◠〈◊〉 LORD â—ave we Righteousness and strenâ—â—â— say they Isa 54.24 In the LORD expâ—câ— they only to be Justifiâ—d and to Glory â— 2â— 9. Mark Where Christ is there is a grea◠〈◊〉 to eshâ—w sin Joh 3.6 Whosâ—eâ—er 〈◊〉 in him sinneâ—h not To wit with that 〈◊〉 as formerly They may be overtaken in a fault as Gal 6.1 But â—hey are not wâ—llingly intangled again with the yoke of bondage Gâ—l â— 1 Somâ—times they may be carried away with the stream of a temptation as David and Peter yet they give not themselves willingly deliberatly over to the will of their Lustâ— But even when corruption has the upper hand there is a party within them that protesteth against that course and usurpation Rom 7. That which they do they would not and that which they do not they would willingâ—y do The Spirit warreth against the flâ—sh Gal 5.17 Hereby it is that â—â—ey walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom 8.1 10. Mark Where Christ is there is a real fast resolute care endeavour to keep the Commandments of Christ 1 Joh 3.24 And he that keepeth his Commandments dwelleth in him and he in him And again 1 Joh 2.5 Hereby they know that they are in him because they keep his word They will cast at none of his Laws but have respect unto all his Commandments Psal 119.6 This is their work and design to be conformable in all things to his Law and their faillings are the cause of much sorrow unto them 11. Mark In whom Christ is they live in Love as in their Element 1 Joh 4.16 And we have known and believed the Love that GOD hath to us GOD is love and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in GOD and GOD in him Also 1 Joh 4.13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us because he hath given us of his Spirit A humble and condescending Spirit a tender and simpathizing Spirit a Spirit of Wisdom and counsel a Spirit oâ— Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD We may see what for a Spirit it is that is given unto Christ without measure Isa 11.2 Where it is called the Spirit of Wisdom and Vnderstanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD So that these who have Christ living in them are more or less partakers of this Spirit For they are one Spirit with Christ their darkness is in part removed their pride killed and they made more conformable to Christ their Head and Husband 12. Mark Who have Christ in them they walk after the Spirit Rom 8.1 That is they have
foâ— the Adoption to wit the Redemption of our Body for we are saved by Hope But hope that is seen 〈◊〉 not hope for what a man seâ—th why doth he yeâ— hope for But if we hope for that we see not that do we with Patience wait fâ—r it Rom 8.23.24 25 Glory is purchased for them at a dear raâ—e to wit the Blood of Christ and promised to to them by the GOD of Truth who cannot lie Nevertheless while here in time though now and hâ—â— aâ— the LORD sees good they may geâ— some foretaste of that life of Glory and have bestâ—wed on them the Earnest of the Inheritance even the Holy Spirit of promise by whom they 〈◊〉 sealeâ— Yet they must waiâ— until the Redemâ—tion of the Purchased Possession Ephes 1.13.14 All that is goten here is but the earnest of what is to come and of what is folded up in the promise which they must follow after in Faith and hope Here they wait for that Glory and live in the Faith and expectation of what is to come And now abideth Faith Hope c. 1 Cor 13.13 The Lord sees it good it should bâ— so for wise and weighty reasons we shall offer some few which may satisfie us herein 1 Reason That he may attain the praise of his truth and faithfulness when it is seen that such who are no Fools dare nevertheless adventure their Souls and all their Concernments upon GODs naked word dâ—pend thereupon and Possess their Souls in patience and thus live in hope Yea not only so but Rejoyce in the hope of the Glory of GOD. Rom. 5.2 Though for the present they may have very little or nothing in hand 2. Reason That thereby the several Graces of GODs Spirit may be exercised in them as Faith Patience longing c. Whereof the beliver shall make no use when once in possession of Glory The hope that is seen is no hope that is hope has no more place when the thing hoped for is seen and poâ—sessed And where hope is in exercise there is also a patient waiting all which acknowledge Faith to be the foundation whereon â—hâ—y stand Now is the time and season â—or these Fruits to grow for aâ— soon as the hoped for Inheritance is attained these flowers shall no more bloâ—som in the Garden of the Soul Now must we live by Faiâ—â— and not by Sense 2 Cor. 5.7 Now is it thaâ— they groan earnestly desiring to be cloathâ—â— upon with their House which is from Heaveâ— to wit while they are in this Tabernacle 2 Cor 5.1 2 4. Now abideth Faith Hope 1 Cor. l3. 13 3. Reason That they may be prepared anâ— made meet for â—hat Glory and to be partakers 〈◊〉 the Inheritance of the Saints in Light Col. 1 1â— Glory is no ordinary Life neither shall Sinner find a breathing in that Element they must bâ— changed washed and prepared before theâ— come there The rough stones win out of Natures Womb must be plained and polished before they can be useâ—ull Materials for the higher House Here then must the Expectants of thaâ— Glory through the exercise of Faith Hope Patience c. Be adorned and fitted for thâ—â— glorious Habitation The Children that were 〈◊〉 stand before the King of Babylon were to bâ— taughâ— and â—â—â—â—ished wiâ—h the Kingâ— Meat aâ—â— Wine wâ—ich be Drank for the space of thâ—â—â— years Dan. 1 3 4 5. Far more then are 〈◊〉 Attenders oâ— Glory to be prepared wherebâ— they may be fiâ—ted to stand in the presence oâ— the greaâ— King of Glory and that everlastingly 4. Reason Thâ—â— thereby Glory may be the sweeter aâ—d welcomer unto them when thâ—â— get it a loâ—g expected Crown is the welcomer when oâ—â—â—ined 5. Reason That thereby He may have occasion to evidence the Glory of his Power Truth and Faithfulness in bringing them at last to the Possession of the promised Inheritance after some few years patient waiting and that notwithstanding of many difficulties in the way the deceitfulness of their own Hearts the many discouragements from within and from without wherewith they had to Fight 6. Reason That the ungodly among whom they live may be the more inexcusable who say in effect that there is no God and that he is not to be trusted That Glory and Blessedness is but a meer dream and fancy when they see that Believers among them rest on the Faithful word of God and comfort themselves in the Hope of Glory which shall be revealed and that in the midst of reproaches Persecutions Poverty Difficulties c. And that they will not let go the hope of that Inheritance for all the Profite and Pleasures of the World or condescend to any thing which in the least might prejudge that Hope no not for the greatest of worldly advantages Rom. 8.18 But here take some words of Vse alongst with you 1. For Caution to such who now â—nd then win at some Foretastings of this glorious Life of Glory and sometimes are admitted to the Kings Banqueting-house and filled with the Kisses of his Mouth and Eat of his Aples of Love and so are brought into the very Suburbs of Heaven I would say these things unto them 1. Think not that that life will alwayes continue you may now and then have more then ordinary Dainties and some dayes of Feasting yet remember that thy Life here is by Faith Hope c. And not by Sense But providing that it please thâ— Lord out of his overflowing Goodness foâ— his own Glory to daâ—dle you on his Kneeâ— and to treat you more then ordinary make iâ— welcome Be not puffed up therewith noâ— imagine that it will be your ordinary fare sâ— long as here in time But rather look that therâ— will be a low ebb after such a Spring-flood and that that Table shall yet again be drawn And so prepare your self for your ordinary portion remembring that thy Life here Is Life of Hope grounded upon Faith 2. Whâ—â— of this sort of extraordinary intertainmeâ—â— you also get look but on it as a Pledge or Aâ—les-penny and endeavour to carry your selvâ— as Expectants of Glory looking out into thaâ— which is to come and let your desires growâ— the more to compleat the Harvest since thâ— first Fruits are so sweet be not satisfied wiâ—â— what you receive of that nature as if it weâ—â— your Portion Glory is here not in Hand bâ— in Hope to such 2. Vse To such who are great Strange to the fore-tastings of Sense let them not 〈◊〉 discouraged But 1. Be satisfied though the Lord should with hold from you these more extraordinary Out-lettings of his Favour and deal with thee otherwise then with some Remember that your ordinary way of living is a Life of Hope 2. Make use of this Hope which is your Life to the best advantage Exercise thy Faith and comfort thy self in the Hope of the Glory of God Thus shall you Glorify Him who hath called you to this Hope of his Kingdom knowing
will be the Hope of his Peoplâ— and the strength of the Children of Israel saith Joeâ— chap 3 16 And what further can be required for the making Hope a real business What arâ— all the advantage of the richest incomes in a world in comparison of this one thing And yet that uncertain and petty rent begetâ—eth hope which will make the Merchant who ventureth thereon sing and rejoice within himself upon his expectations But O! Herâ— is the Hope of Eternal Life which God that cannot lie promised before the world began Tit 1 2. Fifthly It is a Hope of real use and advantage to the Believer It is an excellent and approven weapon for defending the head Therefore compared to a Helmet Ephes 6.17 1 Thes 5.8 It defends the head from all blows and holds it up from sinking under temptations difficulties and discouragements therefore compared to an Anchor Heb 6 18 19. Holding fast the Soul in the day of storm and making the Believer undauntedly ride out the same and boldly to set head against satan his tentations falling down upon him as so many swelling and raging billows of a tempestuous Sea And as the blasts of a terrible tempest to render him hopeless â—nd so to quite grips of Christ and his expectaâ—ions of theÌ„ Crown Sâ—xtly This Hope hath many real and excelâ—ent operations on the Soul therefore cannot out be real For 1. This Hope is a fountain of continual comfort Therefore we read of the confidence of Hope Heb 3.6 And the Believer must rejoice in Hope Rom 12.12 Hope affords matter for a song in the saddest day Therefore the Apostle sayes Rom 5.2 We rejoice in hope of the Glory of God And not only so but we glory in Tribulation v. 3. For what they hope for is certain the hope of the Righteous shall be gladeness Prov 10.28 Not like the expectation of the wicked which shall perish 2. Again Hope is that which quickneth the heart and encourageth the soul For when the Soul is ready to sink in discouragements seeing no appearance of fulfilling the great things promised and filled with fears of falling off and so to loose the prize Then Hope will hold up the head and encourage the sinking Soul and thus it is a quickning and enlivening buâ—iness therefore called a lively Hope 1 Pet 1.3.3 This Hope is a mean of Salvation Therefore we are said to be saved by Hope Rom. 8.24 Faith and Hope are two noble Lackays that never parts from the Believer until fairly within the haven of Glory 4. This Hope rejoiceth and comfort the Soul under all its losses troubles and wandringâ— what supported Abrahams heart wheâ— he sojourned in the Land of promise as in 〈◊〉 strange Countrey dwelling in Tabernacles with Isack and Iacob the heirs with him of the same promise But Hope For it immediatly followâ— Heb 11 9 10. For he looked for a city whicâ— hath fonddations whose Builder and Maker is Goâ— 5. This Hope sets the Soul a work to make 〈◊〉 self ready and meet for the heavenly Habitation to continueand go on in Sanctification and to oppose withstand whatever is unbeseeming an expectant of Glory So that it is of a purifieing nature For every man that hath thiâ— Hope in him purifieth himself even as he is puâ—â— 1 Joh 3.3.6 This Hope humbleth quieteth and â—ully satisfies the Soul when disquieteâ— and disturbed through the proud and arroganâ— undervaluings of those who disdain fullâ— upbraid them and their confidence in God Psal 42.5 11. Or through the sad simptoms oâ— an angry God whereby deep calleâ—â— unto deep at the noise of his Water-spouts alâ— his waves and bilâ—ows going over v 7 Anâ— appearing to cast them off Psal 43.3 Foâ— when David is thus exercised the only thinâ— which upholds him is Hope and therefore theâ— alone cordial in that lamentable song he stilâ— again and again recommends his soul unto 〈◊〉 hope thou in God And chargeth his Soul as highâ—y irrational in being cast down and disquietâ—d seeing hope was yet to the fore Saying Why art thou cast down O my Soul and why art thoâ—â—isquieted in me hope thou in God â—or I shall yet â—raise Him c. Thus we see that hope will â—ise up the cast down and disquieted Soul 7 This hope not only delivers the Soul from all â—nxieties and fears but sets it beyond the reach â—hereof so that the Believer he sings tho rotâ—ing in the grave even his very dust and burried flesh or body shall rest in hope under the dark cold chambers of death Psal 16.9 Acts 2.31 Thou shalt be sèâ—ure saith Zophaâ— Iob 11.18 Because there is hope Hereby it is that the Righteous is said to have hope in his death Prov. 1â— 32. When their condition in the eyes of the wicked seem most desperate and hopeless even then they have hope when death the king of terrors is grapling with them and burying them in the dust Even then they lift up their heads in Hope 8. Hope gives Confidence and true Christian Boldness to look Tentations in the Face Hope maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.5 In these Words there is an dimunitive manner of speech for it signifyeth so much as Hope giveth great Confidence and Boldness And wherefore For the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever Psal 9.18 Nor be cut off Pro 24.4 There shall be a Reward Davids prayer Psal 119.116 Let me not be ashamed of my hope Shall be answered and in end accomplished 9. Hope makes the Soul calm and patient under all persecutions Therefor Paul mentions the patience of Hope to the Thessalonians Thes 1.3 At a ground of his praise on their behalf But it may be asked if all really and Godlâ— have this Hope I Answer Yes more or less for they are begotten again into this Lively Hope 1 Peâ— 1.3 And their Faith and Hope must be iâ— GOD 1 Pet. 1.21 But all have it not 〈◊〉 the same Degree and Measure For 1. Somâ— attain unto the full assurance of Hope Heb. â— 11. Which dispelleth all clouds and puts thâ— Soul without the reach of all doubtings or further Questioning of the Matter But this is noâ— ordinary but seldom attained 2. Some aâ—tain unto a reasonable Hope bottomed 〈◊〉 Faith as through Patience and Comfort of thâ— Scriptures they have Hope Rom. 15. â— Their Conscience bearing them Witness thâ— they have fled for Refuge to lay hold upon thâ—â— Hope set before them Heb 6.18 They believe that the Word oâ— GOD is sure and uâ—changeable and that he cannot deny himseâ—â— Hence it is that they have a firm Hope whicâ— though without foretastings and sensible iâ—fluences of Joy supports them under all diâ—couragements 3. Some who have noâ— readily come this length nevertheless haâ— about â—he posts of Wisdoms door And tho they can do no more yet will they look unto the LORD and wait upon the GOD of their Salvation Mic 7.7 They know and are assured thaâ— Salvation is no where else
many were Christs Disciples who in end forsook him Iohn 6. David had many Valiant Men with him who fought with him the battels of the Lord And Paul makes a supposition of some that might give their bodies to be burnt yet be without love 1 Cor. 13 3. 9 They have much knowledge in the mysteries of the Gospel they can speak much and illustrate the same by many reasons yea they can debate for it and Preach thereof and have many excellent and singular Gifts This may be and yet Christ not in the Soul Gifts and Graces differ much Heb 6.4 Read and observe it and trust no more to such loose grounds Shal not many who have prophesied in the Name of Christ be shut out of the gates of Heaven Matth 7 22. 10. They have strong and earnest desires to be in Heaven to do what is Right And had not the foolish Virgins a desire to enter in with the Bridegroom when they cryed Lord Lord open unto us Matth. 25 11. Wished not Balaam to die the death of the Righteous Alas carnal self-seeking desires will not prove that Christ is in the Soul 11. They have many Convictions upstirrings and awakenings of Conscience and good resolutions following therupon Ah! many have had such who never were brought to embrace Jesus Christ There sickness is gone and they afterwards become more obdured then ever Convictions may be lively and die out again and terrors break forth and hold up again before that the Soul is brought fully home and made willing to open unto Christ and let him in upon his own termes 12. They have a good opinion of the Doctrine of the Gospel as being good and acceptable newes of good tydings and mercy And have no exceptions against the conditions of the Gospel offers they judge them very reasonable just and most worthy to be accepted But light and Conviction will not say that the thing is done At best it is but a tasting of the good word of GOD Heb 6 5. Having discovered some of these false Marks on the one hand and one the other I come now to lay out some Particulars that will give fuller discovery of the matter only I must say before hand that every one that hath Christ realy in them cannot alike Distinctly feel and comprehend all these Marks in them But some will be in case more to judg of some of them some to judge more of others of them 1. Mark Where Christ is there has been some clear Discoveries of this that that Person was without Christ and of the miserableness of of the estate of being without Christ As likewise a weariedness of being longer in that condition with strong disires to be delivered there from As also a reall full resolute peremptory forsaking of all without Christ. I Say first There hath beenclear convincing Discoverys of Persons being once without Christ and of the Lamentableness and misery of that estate Not that all has alike great and clear discoveries But every one in some measure has this clear discovery in them nether say I that every one is peromptorly to stint themselves to the same measure and degree of Light here mentioned But that really there must be some measure of light in the Soul and such a measure as shall make willing to run out of that estate and to hearken unto the Gâ—spel We must also here puâ— a dâ—fference betwixt those Discoveries and the terrors that sometimes Accompanies them Providing the Discoveries be such as drives to Christ it is well be it accompanied with more or less terror 2. I say there haâ— been a weariedness of this their Natural state with an earnest disire to be unbound and Delivered and crying out with those who were pâ—icked in there heart Act. 2. Act 16 Men and Brethren what shall we do to be saved And there hath never been any thing of this sorâ— there has been no in letting of Christ 3. I say there is a real and actuall casting off all other things Because they cannot serve two Masters There is a real forsakeing of all hope of life through our own Righteousness or of any others whatsomever But through Christ alone what things formerly was accountâ—d gain they account now Loss â—or Christ Yea doubtless they count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesuâ— â—hil 3.7.8 9 So that where there is a harkering after ouâ— own righteousness or a resting thereon or any thing besides him for righteousness and life with pleasure and satisfaction Christ is not there 2 Mark Where Christ is there is an opening of the heart for him a real hearty accepting of consenting to closing with and laying hold on him As he is Offered in the Gospel A receiving of him upon his own termes freely and wholy and â—or all ends and uses in order and in respect to Salvation As the door is opened so will he come in Revel 3.20 And where it is kept fast bolted there is he not entered as yet Where this opening of the heart This cordiall Consenting this soul receiving of the Offered Mediator is wanting Christ is not there It s true some may have opened unto him and yet not know of it imagining that this opening to accepting or receiveing of Christ offered is some what else then really it is and looking out after more enlargedness of heart to receive him yet more heartily they account but Little of any thing they have yet gotten or attained Therefore when the heart hath tâ—uely open'd it self for him and at least is realy satisfied that Christ who is a King having the key of David open the Door come in Live there and where the heart crieth out earnestly O! when will He come to me we may conclude that Christ is already there 3. Mark Where Christ is there is immediatly an emptiness seen in all other things and such fullness Discovered and discerned in him which satisfies and quiets the Soul so that it rests therein as having an All-sufficient portion and as fully pleased and contented therewith because they judge and indeed not a miss that the Lines are fallen to them in Pleasant places Psal 16. They cry out Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Psal 73.25 And they are so satisfyed with him that they sit down call in all their wandering affections and inclinations that were scattered upon the mountains of vanity and brings them all in to him as the Center And gives them a new commission to be for ever again imployed in by and for him alone 4. Mark Where Christ is in the Soul there they cast their burdens on Him run to with their Doubtings Troubles Accidents Weakness Accusations Failings Duties and with all they have to do The Soul shall have Him even in its eye aâ— All-sufficient able and willing to help in all Exigencies and Necessities and shall look out to Him for
in respect of the many glorious and remarkable Effectâ— and Fraâ—s which it hath whereof we shall give these â—ew instaneâ—s 1. By the Gospel there is a Church gathered out of the VVorld which shall stand to the end of the VVorld in dâ—spiâ—e of all â—he Oâ—position Men and Dâ—vils shall make against it VVhat a Mystery oâ— Pâ—wer was here when a few Fishers without the help of Humane Learning and without the â—ssiâ—tance of Humane Advantages through Preaching and continual Suâ—fering carried on the Gospel of Christ So that it was spread throuâ—h the world and continueth to this day noâ—withstanding of all the Oppositions that the Gates of Heâ—l can do against it through Emperors higher Powâ—â—s with inferiour Magistrats corrupt Church-men c. who through Subtility and Violence laboured totally to root out the same 2. By the Gospel Men were brought out of themselves to seek Râ—ghteousness and Justification in another yea in a Crucified and Despised Mediator and made willing directly contrary their Nature and deep rooted Inclination of Heart which is continually looking out for Help and Delivery in themselves to forsâ—ke their own Righteousness and all which formerly they counted Gain and to flâ—e to Christ Jesus for all and to lay hold on Him Faith that only they may be justified in Him 3. This Gospel learns the Soul alone to depend on Christ for Help in every Duty whereunto they aâ—e called and to see their Sâ—rengâ—h only to be in Him and in the Strengâ—h of His Right Arm O! a 〈◊〉 Myâ—â—ery to â—lesh and Blood 4. This Gâ—spel mâ—kes Mâ—n to forsake all Relations and Interests foâ— Chrâ—st Mat 10.37 38. Luk 14 26. VVha◠〈◊〉 Mystery of Pâ—wer must be here 5. This Gâ—sâ—â—l mâ—kes Mâ—n to fâ—rsake their Idâ—ls 〈◊〉 Bosome sins and Evilâ— which formerly â—â—ey loved as their livâ—s and to plâ—ck ouâ—â—heir â—â—ght Eyes and to cut off â—heir right Hands Mat 5. 29 30. Mat. 18 8 9. Mark 9.45.6 Thâ— Gospel makes a Man suffer all things and thâ—â— cheerfully were it even Death is self for Christ and Hâ—s Truths and to forsake all that is deâ—â— unto him yea the world Act. 20 24. Reve. 12.11 1 Vse Certainly the serious pondering 〈◊〉 â—hese Might justly cause us stand astonisheâ— Neither could we forbear from wondering providing we noticed what wonderful Goodness Mercy and infinit Condescendency iâ— herein held forth in the Lord 's bringing to light these Mysteries and His keeping up thâ— fairest and clearest Discoveries thereof for ouâ— days or that orders our time in the worlâ— thus to be when the Sun of Righteousnesâ— with His full and bright Beams shineth in ouâ—â—orizon 2 Vse The Consideration of the Lord opening up these Mysteries in our days caâ—â— for great thankâ—ulness from us O how shoulâ— our Hearts praise and magnify Him who haâ—â— thus brought Life and Immortality into lighâ— The Angels sung when this Evangelick day fiâ—â— brake up and counted it their honour to 〈◊〉 the fiâ—st News thereof to a Company of pooâ— Shepherds Luk. 2.10 11. And the Angel saâ—â— unto them fear not for behold I bring you goâ—â— Tydings of greaâ— joy which shall be to all peopâ—◠〈◊〉 unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Luk 2.31 whereupon Anna the Prophetess gave Thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem Mary cried forth said My Soul doth magnify the Lord and my Spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour Luk. 1.46 47. Zacharias when his Tongue was loosed spake and praised God Luk 1 64 And again Vers 68 69. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel â—or He hath visited and redeemed His People And hath raised up a horn of Salvation for us in the house of His Servant David c. 3 Vse This requires that we should lâ—ment and weep over the sad condition of thâ—se 1. That have not so much as the outward Revelations of these Mysteries amongst them who notwithstanding of all this Light sit in Darkness and live in the Land of the shaddow of Death O! Pray for the coming of Christ's Kingdom that the People â—hat wâ—lk iâ— Darkness may see a gâ—eat light and that the light may shine upon thâ—se thaâ— dwell in the Land of the shadow of Death Isa 9 2.2 As also the sad estate of those that hear the outward sound thereof buâ— knows no more of the lively Power and Operation of this Mâ—sterâ— then there were no such thing Whom the God of this World hath blinded lest the light of the Glorious Gospel should shine unto them 2 Cor. 4 4. 4 Vse This Doctâ—ine requires 〈◊〉 we walk sutably under these greaâ— Mâ—â—cies pâ—ovided and purchased unto us and improve thâ—m accordingly And more especially 1. Thâ—â— we esteem and account highly of this unspeakable Favour the Mystery of the Gospel which is the Grace of God and the discovery of Life and Immortality 2. That we be herein tender and watchful that we neither do nor say any thing which may be to the Dishonour of thâ—s Mystery But that in all things we walk woâ—thy of the Gospel 3. That we should be Zealous in standing up for the Defence oâ— this Gospel which is such a Mystery we should be always ready to buy the Truth and upon no account to sell it 4. That we receive the Gospel into our Hearts believing and welcoming the same not judging it enough that we hear the sound thereof without fiâ—ding and experimentally knowing the lively and strong Effects and Operations of the same in the Soul 5. That we in the preâ—ching and ye in the hearing of the Gospel continually look upon it as a Mystery and therefore should beware of judging ourselves in a capacity to reach unto the ground of this so great a Depth or to measure the samâ— by our scrimp natural Understandings or shâ—llow Capacities and so to cast at all we cannot fathom or attempt to cast it in our Câ—lins and Form O! indeed a heavy Sin a bold daring and presumpâ—uouâ— counterfeiâ—ing of â—hâ— King's Coyn and a givâ—ng out of our Counterfeit mixed clipped Mettal instead of the Kâ—ng's true Coyn. 6. That we sâ—eâ—ng it 's a Mystery and so far above the reach of our Capacities should seek unto the LORD alone for Light we should go to Hâ—m as the Author thereof and should go to Christ who is given for a Light that this Sun of Righteousness who is the real substance of this Mystery might clear up our Understanding with the Sun Beams of His light and make us in some measure to know what the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery is and that He might drive away the Clouds of Ignorance and Prejudices whereby this light is keeped from us Hereby we should evidence our believing that this is a Mystery through our faithâ—ul and continual dependence on this Fountain of Light that we may see this Mystery of Light in His Light Of the Glory
not go down over the Prophets nor the day be dark over them Mic. 3.6 And lest He might give us up unto the lusts of our own Heart and give us darkness in place of light for our misprising and undervaluing the Glory and light of the pâ—â—cious Gospel 3. We should be much it Pâ—ayer to hold the Gospel still in its power and purity amonst us that it may shine in the midst of us in its Glory and Beauty as the power of GOD unto Salvation 4. We should endeavour on all occasions greatly to welcome â—he Gospel amongst us and to be ware that we oppose not the Power and Operationâ— of the same O let the Glory thereof shine it our Hâ—arts And for that effâ—ct let us lay opeâ— our selves to the Beams of the same that they may have free entry into our Souls Les us lay aside all prejudices and love to our Idols and receive this Light and Glory in love 5 Let us not be satisfied until that we see and obtaiâ— a more clear discovery of the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery To wit 1 That this Gospel discovers to us our Wreâ—chedness Emptyness Madness Poverty Nakedness and every way Undonâ—nâ—ss 2 That it holds forth unto us the Excellency of Christ in His Person Nature Offices Works and Employments in the World 3 That it draws Hearts to Him and from our selves and from all other Lovers and Vanities wherewith heretofore we have been betwitched 4 That it unites our Souls to Him through Faiâ—h that we may live in Him and He in us and be one in Him 5 That it enclineth our Hearts unto a sweeâ— Union with the Gospel Commanâ—s and to a living by Faith in Christ and to a depending and resting on Him for Salvation through His offeâ—ing of Himself and through His Mediaâ—ory Righteousness offered and holdâ—n forâ—h in the Gospâ—l and impuâ—ed â—o Believers thâ—ough Fâ—ith 6 Tha the Discovery of this Gospel makes us â—â—ll in love with Holiness anâ— to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling leaning on Jesus by Faith drawing Life and Power from Him who is given â—or a Covenant unâ—o the People that we might so gâ—ow up and beaâ— Fruâ—t in Him and go from strengâ—h â—o strengâ—h in Him untill we appear beâ—orâ— GOD 〈◊〉 Zion 5 Use. This requires â— selâ—-searching whether or not we havâ— ever attained a savâ—ng siâ—ht of this Glory the Riches of the Glory of â—his Mystery And we may know it by these Markâ— As 1 Mark The light of the Gospel discoverâ— a Fulness a sensible Fulness a Soul-satisfyâ—ng and a Soul-saving Fulness and a free and gracious Fulness in Christ. 2 Mark The light of the Gospel discovers I say where this glorious Light comes it discovers selâ— emptiness self deceitfulness and loathsomness 3 Mark It takes the Soul captive instantly to make choise of Christ for all to esteem of Him above all as the chief among ten thousand And to lay hold on Him on His own Terms with Heart and Hand and to accept of Him for all our Wants and for all that we desire and to rest fully satisfied and content with Him 4 Mark It inclines the Soul sweetly to employ Christ in all their Needs to give Him constant employment in all His Offices until He bring them home and land them in Glory 5. Mark It makes the Soul that hath a right discovery thereof fall in love with Holiness and to make Conscience of their ways to walk circuâ—spectly to the Glory of GOD and to the praise and adorning the Gospel Profession to the engaging of Strangers unto the â—eceiving of the Gospel 6. Mark It will give them a high esteem of all even of the smallest Ordinance and Institution of Christ and make them careful â—o keep them pure and to improve them to the right end and will make them help to maintain His Croâ—â— rights and Priviledges â—s King in His owâ—â—â—urch and chief Commander in â—is own House Among the Gentiles These 〈…〉 of Glory 〈…〉 things 1. 〈…〉 â—â—credible in thâ— begâ—â—â—ing of th◠〈…〉 the Gentiles should be 〈…〉 Priviledge and exalâ—ed to 〈…〉 Glory For 1. 〈…〉 oâ— Christ. 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 unto the 〈…〉 ordained 〈…〉 first offâ—â— of the Gâ—spel 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 with an 〈…〉 way of 〈…〉 Mat. 10.5 〈…〉 whoâ— are 〈…〉 Enemies or 〈…〉 couâ—â— not only not tolerate tha◠〈…〉 should be Partakers of that 〈…〉 bad to sprâ—â—â— to 〈…〉 thâ— be saved 1 Thes. 〈…〉 worlâ—â—either 〈…〉 of Heaven 〈…〉 further the Apostles themselves notwithstanding of their ample and large Commission to gâ— and Teach and Baptize all Nations Math. 28 18 19. And notwithstanding they were foâ— that end qualified and furnished with extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost yet could hardly be perswaded to Preach this Word among the Gentiles For we find that Peter wâ—â— examined by the rest of the Apostles for bâ— going unto Cornelius Act. 11.2 3.3 Thâ— Gentiles were looked upon with an ill Eye anâ— contemned therefore called Sinners of thâ— Gentiles Gal. 2.15 And as without Christ so aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel aâ—â— strangers from the Covenants of Promise havinâ— no hope and without God in the World Ephes. 12.4 Yea they were accounted Dogs anâ— unworthy to eat of the Childrens Bread seâ— on that ground Christ seemed to cast off thâ— poor Cananitish Woman to whom He answered I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel Math. 15. 2. Notwithstanding of all this the Lorâ— so ordered it that the Gospel got entrancâ— under the Gentiles while He sent His Apostleâ— among them and blessed their Labours amongst them Act. 13.46 and 14.27 aâ—â— 15 3 7.14.15 17 and 18 6 Yea the Ieâ— rejâ—cting of the Gospel occasioned the preaching of the same under the Gentiles Aâ—â— 23 46. and 8.6 and the diâ—â—iâ—â—shing of 〈◊〉 Iews was the Riches of the Gentiles Rom. 11.12 3. Hereby were the Prophecies concerning Christ and His Kingdom fulfilled The Root â—f Iesse must stand for an Ensign to the People and the Gentiles must seek into it Isa. 11.10 and 60.5 His Name must be great among the Gentiles Mal. 1.11 And to such had Christ a Commission to come in an appoinâ—ed time Isa. 42.6.49.6 Act 13.47 Luk. 1.32 So must He bring forth judgement to the Gentiles Isa. 42.1 Math. 12.18 see Rom. 15.9 10 11. 4. And as this was an eminent Evidence of this Mystery of Wisdom Love and free Grace which was long kept bide in the Heart of GOD Ephes. 3.3 4 5 So was iâ— that the Apostles who for a time were unsatisfied therewith at last held their peace and glorified God saying Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted Repentance unto Life Act 11.18 And Paul accounted it his Mercy to preach among the Gentiles Ephes. 3.7 8. And magnâ—fied his Office thereby Rom 11 13. And we find him often glorying therein 1 Tim. 2.7 2 Tim. 1.11 Which as it should stir up our Hearts to admiration over that
every way useful and absolutely neâ—essary 5. That we receive Him for every Work and Imployment for Sanctification as well as Justification 6. That we jointly deny our selves take up His Cross and follow Him Mat. 16.24 3 dly In this Gospel we have the Nature of this Union viz. The indwelling of Christ manifested unto us For here is declared 1. That is indwelling of Christ and union with him mysterious profound unsearchable and comprehensible Ephes 5.32.2 That is wholly Spiritual so that they become â—he Spirit 1 Cor 6.17 They are made parkers of His Spirit Rom 8.9.3 That it a near and inward Union so that no Comâ—â—rison can sufficiently demonstrate it as we â—â—ve heard before 4. That it is permanent â—â—d inviolable nothing can make a separatiâ—â— here Rom 8.38 39.5 That it is Gloâ—â—ous Exceeding Excellent 6. That it is very useful and profitable Union having â—â—effably great and wonderful Advantages â—oth here and hereafter 4 In this Gospel we have what Christ did for â—â—e carrying on of this Union how he is beâ—â—me a Mediator Cautioner taking upon â—â—m to make peace and reconciliation and so 〈◊〉 satisfie Justice for their sins How in the â—â—lness of time he has come and has given a â—â—ll and perfect satisfaction according to his â—ndertaking how he hath purchased of the â—ather all that was accounted necessary for the â—â—rrying on of this Union in respect of the Eâ—â—ct How he lives forever as an Intercessor â—â—r that end and effect How he as King and â—ead of the Church hath appointed ordinanâ—es and Laws How that he hath blessed them â—â—cording to his good pleasure for that Effect â—nd how he hath sent his Spirit to work up his Chosen to a cheerful receiving of his offer Aâ— this and much more is made known in the Gospel 5. Here is held forth and cleared what is required on our part in respect of obtaininâ— possession and to be possessed of this Noble Spirit and to win at this Union Namely 1. Thaâ— we forsake all our Righteousness with alâ— other Idols and lovers which possâ—sâ— our Soâ—lâ— 2. That we acknowledge and be convinced oâ— our own inability and natural unwillingnesâ— to open unto him 3. That we attend on thâ— means appointed and on him in the meanâ— 4. That we lay a side all prejudices 5. Thaâ— we lay our selves open to his approaches 6. That we cry and long after him and his company so as we can 6. Here in this Gospel is made known thaâ— this opening of the heart for Christ is a woâ—â— above nature and that Christ is the Auâ—hoâ— and finisher of Faith Heb. 12.1 2. And that no man can come until the Father draw him Ioh. 6.44 7. Here is also discovered that notwithstanding â—he LORD wonderful in Council mighty indeed hath thought good through the foolishness of Preaching to save those that believe 〈◊〉 Cor. 1.21 And to make use of Planâ—ers anâ— waterers albeit neither of them can do good providing he give not the increase 1 Cor. 3 5 6 7. And therefore hath he sent Labourâ—rs to his Vine-yeard to labour and work there â—o that they are Labourers together with GOD Cor. 3.8 9. He sends his servants as so â—any Ambâ—ssadors to Court a Bride for Christ. â— Cor. 5.20 and 11 2. Therefore they â—ome in their Masters Name and lay forth â—he Articles of agreement and reconciliation â—nd he himself must and will through his Spirit â—etermine and perswad unto an opening Vse From all that is said appears that the Gospel and the preaching of the same is the â—eans appointed of GOD for this end and â—hat it is the chief and grand design of the preached Gospel to work up the Soul into this Unâ—on with Christ and make the heart to open â—hat the King of Glory may enter in Which â—hould incite to these things 1. To a high esâ—eemation of the Gospel as being such a noble mean ordained for such an excellent end To account highly of it I say and of such who are appointed to carry these glad tidings of the great Salvation and to haâ—ken unto it them as such noble means of Gods appointment 2 That we may have this end before us in the Administration of the Gospel The Ministers should so preach it and the People should so hear it as a mean ordained for that end and never to rest sâ—tiâ—fied or much less to think all is well until this end be first attained to wit that Christ be formed in the Soul O! it were desireable to see that the Ministers in preaching of the Gospel were as it were traveiling 〈◊〉 Birth to obtain this end Gal. 4.19.3 That 〈◊〉 lament the estate of such who miss this glorioâ—â— gospel of those who have but the sound of tâ—â— Gospel without the power thereof 4. That 〈◊〉 be thankfull for this inesteemable priviledgâ— and so be sensible of the same and be careâ—â—â— that we provoke not God to remove this advaâ—tagious most useful Candlestick 5. That 〈◊〉 have compassion on those who are desperatâ— wicked that they are so wearied of this precâ—ous Gospel that they hate oppose ruine yâ—â— persecute the same O what a misery is thâ—â— for Poor Souls to forsake their own unspeaâ—able riches The third thing is that this Vnion to witâ— Christ in the Soul is the riches of the Glory 〈◊〉 this Gospel Mysterie And this appears 1. In thâ—â— it is the principal and chief business which thâ— Infinitly wise GOD had beâ—ore him in the Eternal Counsel of his will to work out by thâ— dispensation 2. The LORD who is the Authoâ— of this Gospel is thereby Gloryfied in his Glorious Attributes Christ exalted and made 〈◊〉 see the travel of his Soul and the pleasure oâ— the LORD prosper in his hand and the greaâ— designe therein principally intended next thâ— Glory of GOD to wit the Eternal compact between GOD and the Mediator is then begun 〈◊〉 be accomplished 3. All the Draughts of thâ— Glorious Gospel terminate here as in a Centeâ— 4. Then beginneth â—he Soul to knâ—w what are the excellenâ— Riches of the 〈◊〉 of Love Grace and wâ—sdâ—m that are broughâ— to light througâ—t the Gâ—spel then and not untill then begin â—hey to be partâ—kâ—rs thereof Vse This serves to set us all a woâ—k to a serìous enquiry and tryal if the Gospel hath had these noble Fruits in us which may be known from what hath been formerly mentioned of Christ his being in the Soul And we are never to think we see or know any thing of the Râ—ches of the Gospel how great soever a measure of knâ—wledge otherwayes we may have attainâ—d or be partakeâ—s of unâ—il this Union be wrought and provâ—ding this be wrought then we may well sit down contented what ever other things we want as having now in thiâ— Union the whole Riches of the Gâ—spel as in a Treasure laid up in our Souls O what a condition must this bâ— The last thing iâ— that thiâ— Fruit of the Gospel and â—his shâ—rt compend of the Riches of its Glory is of GOD and wroughâ— by Him He makes iâ— known and the reason is clear â—or 1. Man by nature hates Christ will noâ— welcome Him much less let Him in to dwell in the Soul they hate boâ—h Him and His Father Ioh. 15 24 2ly The lâ—ghâ— which must discover this enmitie together wiâ—h the miserie that accompanieth their estate who are wâ—thout Christ is Divine these Saving discoveries are only attainable through a divine supernatural illuminatiâ—â— Now it is GOD alone that openeth the eyes of the blind 3ly As it is GOD alone that taketh away the natural blindnesâ— of the understanding and sends Divine Light into the Soul so must He guard off and remove the natural pravity of the will and do away the stony heart and make his people willing after this manner must He open thâ— heart as He opened the heart of Lydia Acts 16 14.4ly Even so must GOD by His immediate powerful Grace effectually work the consenâ— unto the offer made in the Gospel And how ever this work of the LORD be powerfull and irresistable overcoming all opposition from without and within nevertheless it is without force and violence For though He draw yet He draweth with the cords of Men and Bonds of love strongly convincing making the Soul effectually to submit and give it self over seing the heart is in his hand He can turn it whether He will as He pouers in Grace so He makes the Soul willing 1. Vse This should serve to teach those who are made partakers of this Union to know whom they have to thank for it and who should have the praise and the honour of this noble and glorious Work and make them far from thinking or saying that they themselves have made the difference or from offering sacrifice unto their own net in respect oâ— his Grace 2 Vse This should also learn others where the right door is whereunto they must betake themselves O! poor Souls look to him and to him alone and wait at the Posts of his door forsaking your own strength and despairing in and of your selves FINIS
and have keeped Christ so long at the door and so have foresaken your own Mercies and have loved death rather then life Ionah 2.8 Prov 8 36.4 Endeavouâ— earnestly to win free of this estate and to bâ— Partakers of this singular and unspeakable advantage to have Christ in you Seek unto to him who hath the Kings keys and the kâ—ys of of David and that openeth and no maâ— shutteh That he may put his hand into the holâ— of the lock and cast open the leaves and unbolt the dear of your heart and come in 5 Whatever ye do Be carefull that ye wâ—onâ— none of them Ye see who is near hanâ— them and whose House and Habitation â—hey are Do â—hem no hurt left ye bring on youâ— selves the wrath of him that dwelleth iâ— them Vse 3 For Application of these comfortable Truths aright there are several Dutieâ— required of Believers themselves 1. They must make use of Christ for Light Counsel and Direction in all their wayes Seeing â—e is so near unto you that he is even within you then make all your difficulties knowâ— unto him Undertake nothing without his Advice Believers are to trust in the Lord witâ— all â—heir heart and in nothing to lean untâ— their own understanding acknowledging him in all thâ—ir wayes and he shall direct theiâ— pathâ— Prâ— 3 5.6 Thus therefore as theâ— received Christ Jesus the Lord so should theâ— walk in him Col. 2.6 Setting him up for their Patern and Example and so walking as be walked in the World in all Humility Patiâ—nce Love Zeal Holiness and Uprightness â—hat thereby it may appear that Christ is in â—hem and that they are rooted and built up â—n him and established in Faith 2. They must lay to Heart that great Duty of growing in Grace and bearing Fruit in him Ioh. 15.2 That this Union with Christ may appear For when found fruitful in him â—hen it appears that they are united unto a Fruitful and sappy Root and that the founâ—ain of Life and influences is in them And on â—his account are they to be the more diligent in â—hese following Duties As 1. Live in the constant and real Convictions of your Impoâ—ency to do any thing of your selves knowing â—hat ye are not sufficient of your selves to â—hink any thing as of your selves 2 Cor. 3.5 â— Acknowledges that all your sufficiency is in Christ through whom ye can do all things â—hilip 4.13 Believe his All-sufficiency and â—eadiness to help and bear through Difficulties â—ll such who will imploy him and his Grace â— In confidence hereof go to him for help â—epend on him for assistâ—nce according to the â—romises lay the weighâ— of the Duty on him â—y Faith 4. Lean and rest on him by Faith â—nd so venture upon every commanded Duty â—ith uprightness of Heart 3. The Believer must lay to Heart the Duâ—y of rejoycing in him and of boasting alone in him And that in these respects 1. As having all what they have in and through and for him alone As also all they have to expect for the making of them compleatly happy must run through this Channel so thaâ— the Believer is alone Compleat in him Col. 2.10.2 Because they will find all their wants through Loâ—ses Crosses Tossings sharp Dâ—spensations c. Richly made up in Him in whom Dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead Bodily Col. 2.9 For He is in theâ— 3. Because that through Him they are brought to the highest pitch of Honour and Credite imaginable as having Christ abiding and dwelling in them 4. Because that through Him they have the â—urest hope of seeing God and of dwelling in Glory eternally For Christ in them is the hope of Glory 5. Because that in Him they have cause to triumph over Death Hell the Grave and Corruption and over a Body of Death Rom. 7.24 25. 1 Cor. 15.55.6 Because they have him near at hand to go to is all their Needs Miseries Doubts and Questionings Weakness c. He is ever at hand for he is in them 4. Seeing Christ is come so near unto them that He is in them so they are to keep near Communion and Fellowship wiâ—h him and that in these following respects 1. That they converse with him in their thoughts separating themselves from all others singly to speak with him adoring and admiring his Love and Condescendency towards them and with delight continuing in the Meditation of his Person Offices and Mediatory Works c. 2. That they be often speaking with him in Prayer And thus keeping up a Correspondence with him laying out all their wants before him pouring out their Souls in his Bosome going to him on all occasions 3. That they seek advice of and consult him in all Emergents attempting nothing without giving him notice first thereof 4. That they set hâ—m up conâ—inually as their Patern that they may be Followers of God as dear Children Ephes. 5.1 He haâ—h left us an example that we should follew his steps 1 Pet. 2.21.5 That they unbosome their whole Secrets to Him seeing He is their Heart and bosome Friend and seeing this is the real and sure token and demonstration of resting in and crediting of Him 6. That â—hey approach unto Him or unto God through Him with all Christian freedom and familiaâ—ity with an assurance of accepâ—ance seeing He is come so near to the Soul For in him We have boldness and access with confidence by the Faith of Him Eâ—hes 3.12 And through Him we â—oth have an access by one Spirit unto the Father Ephes. 2 18.5 Seeing it hath pleased Christ â—o worthy and excellent a Guest to take up Lodging in the Souls of Believers they must beware of gâ—ieving Him We should be loath to let a good Guest go to the door upon the account of our incivility Now among other things these following will grieve Christ and and provoke him to depart 2. In case we have not that high esteem of Him as we ought any will soon weary in Company where affronted and slighted 2. Providing due honour and Respect to him be not intertained and fostered notwithstanding of all our forementioned freedom and familiarity with him For homliness must not spill good Manners He is a great King and Jealous God A Sen Honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master If then I be a Father where is mine Honour And if I be a Master where is my Fear saith the Lord of Hosts c. Mal. 1.6 3 Providing we have not strong hearty and sensible desires after him For as Love and Kindness waxeth cold so Friendship dryeth up His Love iâ— strong and love must be answered with love otherwayes it turns into Jealousie He is a jealous Lover And as his Love has mounted far above all Love yea above all the Love of Women though distilled into one Therefore we should carry our selves as ever sensible hereof continually praying that ouâ— Hearts might alwayes be directed into â—he Lorâ— of God 2 Thess. 3.5 And
we keeped thereâ—â— Iude v. 21. And may abound yet more and morâ— Phil. 1.9 4. Providing we be carnally minded this will chase him out of the Soul Because the Carnal mind is enmity against God Rom. 8.7 5. Providing we give free access to inward Corruption that will exceedingly grieve him For he is come exprâ—sly into the Soul to break that yoke of bondage And to deliver the poor Soul from the Tyranny of Sin And when man willingly subjects unto his unreconcilable enemies it is a direct and open declaring and proclaiming our unwillingness to intertain him longer in the Soul and a seeking these beastly self and Soul-ruining Lusts and Desires above him Anâ— that cannot but grieve him when he sees Satans company more prized then his 6 Providing we disesteem and undervalue his Doctrine Leading Counsel and Advice resisting his Motions and trâ—mpling on his Laws This will make him weary of his Lodging when we are not so ready as formerly to do what a Friend desires us and when not so willing to take his Advice and to follow it then it is a Symptome that we are jealous of him and wearied of his company 7 Providing we be lazie and sloathful in Duty This will grieve the Spirit because he is dishonoured thereby and in effect declared to be a dry sapless Root when the branches in him are seen without Fruit notwithstanding oâ— all their fair leaves 6. Is Christ so affable and gracious that he takes up lodging in poor Souls Then they should heartily welcome him and let him know so much And that 1. By giving him the Throne and the head of â—he Table with the best place in the House for he is worthy He is the Lord of Hosts the Master the Husband the kindly Suitor Hereby we manifest our high esteem and burning Love towards Hâ—m as knowing that none is to be compared wiâ—h him 2. To make him the more welcome we should call in all our scattered Desires and wandering Affâ—ctionâ— which now are spent and set loose in hunting after the scum of empty shaddowy Vanities and gâ—ther them in and direct them all towards him as to the Center As being only worthy of aâ—l Love and Affectâ—on for He is altogether aâ—d wholly Lovely Song 5 16 And the Desire of all Nations Hag. 2.7 3. We should to the uâ—termost of our Power lay out our selves 〈◊〉 Him sparing no cost nor Labour to pleasâ— Him and to evidence our sincere affections towards him 4. We should give him his whole will and Command over us and over what is ours so that all our Power Wisdom Will Conscience Memory Affections c. With all the Members of our Body attend his Command so as he might ever freely take and dispose of us and ours according to his good pleasure without opposition or gainsaying whereby he might be the more freely Master of the House and freely make usâ— of all according to his Will 5. We shâ—uld side with him against all that would oppose him in our Souls And by his Auâ—hority and through his Strength we should put to the door all that are enemies to him and his Interest in our Soulâ— were it the right eye or the cutting â—ff of the right hand if in opposition to him 6. We should with cheerfulness and outstreched Hearts run in the wayes of his Commandments and do his will with delight and readiness and seek to know what might please or displease him thaâ— the one might be done and the other eshewed whatever might follow thereupon 7. Hath Christ so far honoured the poor Believer as to come under a roof with him yea as to come into his Heart to dwell and abide there And should they not sâ—â—k all occasions again to honour him Namely 1. They should put the Crown upon his Head and behold King Solomon with the Crown wherewith his Mother crowned him in the day of his Espousals and in the day of the gladness of his Heart 2. They should earnestly and carefully observe all the Precepts and Ordinances in the Woâ—shâ—p whereby he is publicklâ— and solemnly served and honoured in the World This is the honour and open Testimony of Respect he calls for The sons of Eli honoured him not thus neâ—ther Nadab and Abâ—hu nor Vzza nor the Bethshemites wherefore his fierce anger was powered forth against them 3. They should recommend him to the Love and Esteem of others speaking good of him in all Companies laying forth his Beauty and desireableness at the Bride doth Song 2. And so engaging and perswading others to love him 4. They would so carry themselves that others that look upon them may see a desireable Lovelyness and Beauty in Christianity That is by walking chearfully in the wayes of GOD that others may not be scarred therefrom through their sad and dejected carriage as if there were no reason of Joy and Gladness of heart in the Service of GOD and as is he were an unkindly and hard Master whom they serve 8. Is Christ himself within the Believer then surely they are called to walk so that all that notice them may distinctly see and freely say that such have not only been with Christ but that they are continually with him and he with them and that he lodges and lives in their Souls And for that effect 1. They should have a care that they be not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of their minds Rom 12.2 That it might be manifest that they serve another Master then the world serves and that they are moved and led by another Spirit 2. Their hearts should be lifted up in the wayes of the Lord As it was with the Heart of that good King 2 Chron 17.6 3. Their walk and carriage should be singular Heavenly and Spiritual as being above the World and the vanities thereof as having their Hearts and desires in Heaven Where Christ sitteth on the Right Hand of GOD Col 3.1 And as having their Conversation in Heaven Phil 3.20 And as it becometh the Gospel Phil 1.27 Having Christ in them so should they be dead and crucified to the World 4. Thus having Christ in them whose eyes are at a flâ—me of fire who sees their whole carriage and knows the frame of their Hearts they should endeavour in their whole carriage and walk to be upright and without hypocrisy that they may present themselves pleasant before him who sees the secrets of of the Heart For our rejoycing is this saith the Apostle 2 Cor 1.12 The Testimony of our conscience that in simplicity and Godly sincerity noâ— with fleshly wisdom but by the Grace of GOD we have had our conversation in the World c. Wherefore laying aside all guile and hypocrisies 1 Pet 2.1.5 They should then make it appear that Christ is in them by serving him after a lively manner So it is not sufficient to follow Dutiâ—s but to perfoâ—m them as living in Christ or as having Christ living in them as having the