c. 8. A waiting with patience on Him who never said to the house of Iacob seek me in vaine Esai 45 19. still crying and looking to Him who hath commanded the ends of the earth to look to him and waiting for him who waiteth to be gracious Esai 30 18. remembering that they are all blessed that waite for him Ibid. and that there is much good prepared for them that waite for Him Esai 64 4. 8. The sinner would essay this beleeving and closeing with Christ and set about it as he can seriously heartily willingly yea and resolutely over the belly of much opposition and many discouragements looking to Him who must helpe yea and worke the whole work for God worketh in and with Man as a rationall creature The soul then would set the willingnesse it findeth on work waite for more and as the Lord is pleased to commend by his Spirit the way of grace more unto the soul and to warme the heart with love to it and a desire after it strick the yron while it is hote and looking to Him for help gripe to Christ in the covenant and so set to its seal though with a tembling hand and subscribe its name though with fear and much doubting remembring that He who worketh to will must work the deed also Phil. 2 13. and He that beginneth a good work will perfect it Phil. 1 6. 9. The soul essaying thus to beleeve in Christ's strength and to creep when it can not walk or run would hold fast what it hath attained and resolve never to recall any consent or half consent it hath given to the bargane but still look forward hold on wreastle against unbeleefe and unwillingnesse intertaine every good motion of the Spirit for this end and never admit of any thing that may quench its longings desires or exspectation Nay 10. If the sinner be come this length that with the bit willingnesse he hath he consenteth to the bargane is not satisfied with any thing in himself that draweth back or consenteth not with the little skill or strength he hath is writing downe his name and saying even so I take Him and is holding at this peremptorily resolving never to goe bake or unsay what he hath said but on the contrare is firmly purposed to adhere as he groweth in strength to grippe more firmly and adhere to Him he may conclude that the bargan is closed already and that he hath faith already for here ther is an accepting of Christ on his owne tearmes a reall consenting unto the covenant of grace though weak and not so discernable as the soul would wish The soul dar not say but it loveth the bargane and is satisfied with it and longeth for it and desireth nothing more than that it might partake thereof and enjoy Him whom it loveth hungereth for panteth after or breatheth as it is able that it may live in Him be saved through Him But Some will say If I had any evidence of God's approbation of this act of my soul any testimony of his Spirit I could then with confidence say that I had beleeved accepted of the covenant and of Christ offered therein but so long as I perceive nothing of this how can I suppose that any motion of this kinde in my soul is real faith For answere 1. We would know that our beleeving and God's sealing to our sense are two distinct acts and separable and oft separated our beleeving is one thing and God's sealing with the holy Spirit of promise to our sense is another thing and this followeth though not inseparably the other Eph. 1 13. In whom also after that yee beleeved yee were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise And so 2. We would know that Many a man may beleeve yet not know that he doth beleeve He may set to his seal that God is true in his offer of life through Iesus and accept of that offer as a truth and close with it and yet live under darknesse doubtings of his faith long many aday partly through not discerning the true nature of faith partly through the great sense and feeling of his owne corruption and unbeleefe partly through a mistake of the operations of the spirit within or the want of a clear distinct uptaking of the motions of his owne soul Partly because he findeth so much doubting and feare as if there could be no faith where there were doubting or fear contrare to Mark 9 24. Mat. 8 26. 14 31. Partly because he hath not that perswasion that others have had as if there were not various degrees of faith as there is of other graces the like Therefore 3. We would know that many may really beleeve and yet misse this sensible sealing of the Spirit which they would be at God may think it not yet seasonable to grant them that lest they forget themselves and become too proud and to traine them up more to the life of faith whereby He may be glorified and for other holy ends He may suspend the giving of this for a time 4. Yet we would know that all that beleeve have the seal within them 1. Iohn 5 10. He that beleeveth on the Son of God hath the witnesse in himself that is He hath that which really is a seal though he see it not nor perceive it not even the work of God's spirit in his soul inclining and determineing him unto the accepting of this bargan to a likeing of endeavouring after holinesse and the whole gospel clearing up what faith is is a seal confirmation of the businesse So that the matter is sealed and confirmed by the word though the soul want those sensible breathings of the Spirit sheding abroad his love in the heart and filling the soul with a full assurance by hushing all doubts and feares to the door yea though they should be a stranger unto the Spirits witnessing thus with their spirits that they are the children of God and clearning up distinctly the reall wotâ—… of grace within their soul and so saying in effect that they have in truth beleeved But enough of this seing all this and much more is abundantly held forth and explained inthat excellent usefull treatise of Mr. Guthries intituled The Christians great interest CHAP. V. How Christ is to be made use of as the VVay for Sanctification in generall HAving shown how a poor soul lying under the burden of sin wrath is to make use of Iesus Christ for righteousnesse justification and so to make use of Him goe out to Him and apply Him as He is made of God to us righteousnesse 1. Cor. 1 v. 30. and that but briefly this whole great businesse being more fully and satisfactoryly handled in thâ—…t fore mentioned great though small Treatise vix The Christians great Interest We shall now come and show how a beleever or a justified soul shall furder make use of Christ for Sanctification
of salvation for 1. There is no salvation now by the law of works that covenant being once broken â—…annot any more save The law cannot now do it in that it is weak through the flesh Rom. 8 3. 2. There is no salvation by the law of Moses without Christ hence Israel which followed after the law of righteousnesse did not attaine to the law of righteousnesse because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the law Rom. 9 31 32. They went about to establish their own righteousnesse and did not submit themselves unto the righteousnesse of God Rom. 10 3. 3. There is no salvation by any thing mixed in with Christ as the Apostle fully cleareth in his Epistle to the Galatians 4. There is no salvation by any other way or medium which man can invent or fall upon whereof there are not a few as we shewed above for there is not another name given under heaven by which we can be saved but the name of Iesus Act. 4 12. No religion will save but this So that He is the true savation and He only is the true salvation and He is the sure and saife salvation such as make use of Him shall not be mistaken nor disappointed Esai 35 8. Ninthly He is the Truth In respect of his leading and guideing his people in the truth Hence He is called a Teacher come from God Iohn 3 2. and one that teacheth the way of God in truth Maâ—… 22 16. A Prophet mighty in deed and word Luk. 24 19. And in this respect He is the truth upon severall accounts 1. Of his personal teaching God spoke by Him Heb. 1 2. He revealed the Father's minde Mat. 11 27. Iohn 1 18. 2. Of his messengers sent by Him as Prophets of old Apostles and ministers of late whom he sendeth forth to make disciples Mat. 28 18. and to open the eyes of the blinde Act. 26 18. 3. Of his word which He hath left as our rule and which is a sure word of prophecy more sure than a voice from heâ—…ven 2 Pet. 1 19. 4. Of his ordinances which He hath established as meanes to guide us in the way of truth 5. Of his Spirit whereby He maketh the word cleare Iohn 14 26. This Spirit is sent to teach all truth and to lead and guide in all truth Ioh. 16 13. 1 Iohn 2 27. and sent by Him and by the Father in his name Iohn 14 26 15 16 16 14 6. Of his dispensations of providence within us without us by which likewise he instructeth in the way of truth Tenthly He is the Truth in respect of his bearing witnesse to truth and this He doth 1. By Himself who was given for a witnesse Esa. 55 4. and came to beare witnesse to the truth Iohn 3 10. 18 37. and was a faithfull witnesse Revel 1 5. 3 14. 2. By his Ministers who witnesse the trâ—…th of the gospel by publishing and proclaiming the same 3. By his Martyrs who seal the truth with their blood and so beare witnesse to it Revel 2 13. 17 6. Act. 22 20. 4. By his Spirit sealing the truth of grace in a beleever and his interest in God through Christ and his right to all the benefites of the new covenant In whom also after ye beleeved ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance Ephes. 1 13 14. Eleventhly He is the Truth in respect that He carryeth towards poor sinners in all things according to the tenor of the gospel and the offers thereof He offers himself to all freely and promiseth to put none away that come to Him and this He doth in truth for no man can say that he had a sincere and true desire to come to Jesus Christ and that He rejected him and would not look upon him He giveth encouragement to all sinners to come that will be content to quite their sins and promiseth to upbrâ—…id none that cometh and is there any that in their own experience can witnesse the contrary He offers all freely and did He ever reject any upon the want of a price in their hand Nay hath not the cause of their getting no admittence been that they thought to commend themselves to Christ by their worth and would not take all freely for the glory of his grace Let beleevers and others speak here out of their owne experience in truth and in uprightnesse and it shall be found that He was and is the Truth Twelvely He is the Truth in that in all his dispensations of the gospell and in all his works and actions in and about his own people He is true and upright all his offers all his promises all his dispensations are done in truth and uprightnesse yea all are done out of truth and uprightnesse of love true tendernesse and affection to them whatever the corruption of jealousie and misbeleefe think and say to the contrary He is the Truth And so alwayes the same unchangeable in his love whatever his dispensations seem to say And the beleever may rest assured hereof that He being the Truth Shall be to him whatever his word holdeth him forth to be and that constantly and unchangeably CAP. XII Some general uses from this usefull truth that Christ is the Truth HAving thus cleared up this truth we should come to speak of the way of beleevers making use of Him as the Truth in several cases wherein they will stand in need of Him as the Truth But ere we come to the particulars we shall first propose some general uses of this usefull point First This point of truth serveth to discover to us the wofull condition of such as are strangers to Christ the Truth and oh if it were beleeved for 1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of blindenesse errour ignorance mistakes under which all are by nature a condition that if rightly seen would cause the soul lie low in the dust 2. Whatever course they take till they come to Christ and while they remaine in that condition is a lie and a false erroneous and deceitful way for still they are turning aside to lies Psal. 40 4. and seeking after them Psal. 4 2. 3. Whatever hopes and confidence they may have that their way shall carry them thorow yet in end they will be found to inherite lies Ier. 16 19 and meet with the sadest disappointment that can be for in stead of the followshipe of God Christ angels and glorified spirits they shall take up their lodging with devils and damned souls and that because they have made no acquantance with the way of truth and the way wherein they are is but a lie and a falshood and so of necessity must deceive them 4. All their literal and speculative knowledge shall not avail them so long as they are strangers unto Him who is the Trâ—…th Their knowledge is but ignorance because it is not a knowledge of
for the breathings of his Spirit and open at his call least afterward they be put to call and seek and not attaine what they would be at as we see in the Spouse Cant. 5 2 3 4. 5 6. c. 7. They would also guaird against the quenching of the Spirit 1 Thes. 5 12. or greiving of the Spirit Ephes. 4 30. by their unchristian unsuteable carriage for this will much marre their sanctification It is by the Spirit that the work of sanctification is carryed on in the soul and when this Spirit is disturbed and put from his work how can the work go on When the motions of this indwelling Spirit are extinguished his work is marred and retarded and when He is grieved he is hindered in his work Therefore souls would guard against unbeleefe despondency unsuteable unchristian carriage c. 8. Especially they would beware of wasteing sinns Psal. 51 10. Sins against light and conscience such as David calleth presumptuous sinâ—… Psal. 19 13. They would beware also of favouring any known corruption or any thing of that kinde that may hinder the work of sanctification Secondly It were usefull and of great adâ—…antage for such as would grow in grace and advance in the way of holinesse to be living in the constant conviction 1. Of the necessity of holinesse without which no man shall see God Heb. 12 14. nothing entering in into the new Ierusalem that defileth Revel 21 27. 2. Of their owne inability to do any one act aright how they are not sufficient of themselvs to think any thing as of themselvs 2 Cor. 3 5. and that without Christ they can do nothing Iohn 15 5. 3. Of the insufficiency of any humane helpe or meanes or way which they may think good to choose to mortifie aright one corruption or to give strength for the right discharge of any one duty for our sufficiency is of God 2. Cor. 3 5. and it iâ—… through the Spirit that we must mortifie the deedâ—… of the body Rom. 8 13. 4. And of the treachery and deceitfulnesse of the heart which is bent to follow by wayes being not only deceitfull above all things but also desperatly wicked Ier. 17 9. That by this meanes the soul may be jealous of it self and despaire of doing any thing in its owne strength and so be fortified against that maine evill which is an enemy to all true sanctification viz confidence in the flesh Thirdly The soul would keep its eye fixed on those things 1. On Christ's alsufficiency to helpe in all cases that He is able to save to the uttermost Heb. 7 v. 25. 2. On his compassionednesse to such as are out of the way and ready nesse to helpe poor sinners with his grace and strength and this will keep up the soul from fainting and dispaireing 3. On the commands to holinesse such as those cleanse your hands and purify your hearts Iam 4 8. and be ye holy for I am holy 1 Pet. 1 15 16. and the like That the authority of God and conscience to a command may set the soul a work 4. On the great recompense of reward that is appointed for such as wrestle on and endure to the end and on all the great promises of great things to such as are sanctified whereof the Scriptures are full that the soul may be encouraged to run thorow difficultyes to ride out stormes to endure hardnesse as a good souldier and to persevere in duty 5. On the other hand on the many sad threatnings and denunciations of wrath against such as transgresse his lawes and on all the sad things that such as shake off the fear of God and the study of holinesse have to look for of which the Scripture is full that by this meanes the soul may be keeped in awe and spurred forward unto duty and made the more willing to shake off Leazynesse 6. On the Rule the word of God by which alone we must regulate all our actions and this ought to be our meditation day and night and all our study as we see it was Davids and other holy men of God their dayly work See Psal. 1. and 119. Fourthly In all this study of holinesse and aimeing at an hiegher measure of grace the beleever would lavell at a right end and so would not designe holinesse for this end that he might be justified thereby or that he might thereby procure and purchase to himself heaven and God's favoure for the weight of all that must lie on Iesus Christ who is our Righteousnesse and our holinesse must not dethrone Him nor rob Him of his glory which He will not give to another But would study holinesse to the end he might glorifie God Father Son and holy Spirit and please Him who calleth to holinesse and thereby be made meet to be partaker of the Inheritance of the saints in light Col. 1 10 12. and be made a meet bride for such a holy bridegroome and a member to such an holy head that hereby others might be edified Mat. 5 16 1. Pet. 2 12. and 3 1 2. that the soul may look like a temple of the holy ghost and like a servant of Christ's bought with a price 1 Cor. 6 17 18 10. 20. And have a clear evidence of his regeneration and justification and also that he may expresse his thankfulnesse to God for all his favours and benefites Fiftly The soul would by faith lay hold on and grip fast to the ground of sanctification that is to say 1. To what Christ hath purchased for his people 2. To what as a publike person He hath done for them And so by faith 1. Challenge a right to and lay hold on the promises of grace strength victory and throw-bearing in their combating with corruption within and Satan and a wicked world without 2. Reckon themselves dead unto sin through the death of Christ and alive unto God through his resurrection Rom. 6 4 11. and that the old man is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be destroyed vers 6. and that they are now not under the law but under grace vers 14. That by this meanes they may be encouraged to continue fighting against a vanquished enemy and not give over notwithstanding of disappointments discouragements prevailings of corruption c. and the beleever may know upon what ground he standoth and what is the ground of his hope and exspectation of victory in end and so he may run not as uncertanely and so fight not as one that beateth the aire 1 Cor. 9 26. Sixtly In this work of sanctification the beleever would be much in the lively exercise of faith fight by faith advance by faith grow up and bring forth fruit by faith and so 1. The beleever would be oft renewing his grips of Christ holding Him fast by faith and so abideing in Him that he may bring forth fruit Iohn 15 4 5. 2. Not only would he be keeping his union fast with Christ but he
and filthinesse taken away that we may be holy As to the first For the purging away of the filth of our dayly failings and transgressions Christ hath done those things 1. He hath died that He might procure this benefite and advantage to us and thus he hath washed us meritoriously in his blood which he shed upon the crosse Thus he loved us and washed us from our sins in his owne blood Revel 1 5. and this is from all sins as well such as are committed after as such as are committed before conversion Thus He by himself purged our sins Heb. 1 3. viz by offering up of himself as an expiatory sacrifice to make an atonement and so procure this liberty So also it is said Ephes. 5 25 26 27. that Christ gave himself for his Church that He might sanctify and cleanse it that He might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy without blemish So Tit. 2 14. He gave himself for us that he might purify to himself a peculiar people Zealous of good works Here then is the foundation and ground of all our cleanseing and purification Christ's death procuring it 2. As He hath procured so he sendeth the Spirit to effectuate this and to worke this washing and sanctification in us Hence it is said 1 Cor. 6 11. that we are sanctified and washed in the name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God We are said to be saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy ghost which he shed upon us abundantly through Iesus Christ our Saviour Tit. 3 5 6. The sending then or shedding of the holy and sanctifying Spirit upon us whereby we are sanctified and consequently purified and purged from our filth is a fruit of Christ's death and mediation being purchased thereby and is an effect of his resurrection and glorification and intercession in glory 3. He hath made a fountaine of his blood for this end that we may go to it daylie and wash and be cleane thus his blood cleanseth from all sin 1 Ioh. 1 7 9. This is the fountaine opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Ierusalem for sin and for uncleannesse Zech. 13 1. 4. He hath purchased and provided the externall meanes whereby this cleansing and sanctification is brought about viz the preaching of the gospell which He himself preached and thereby sanctified Iohn 15 3. Now are yee clean through the word that I have spoken unto you Ephes. 5 26. the Church is sanctified and cleansed with the washing of water by the word 5. So hath He procured and worketh in the soul those graces that promove and cary on this work of sanctification and purifying such as faith which purifyeth the heart Act. 15 9. whereof he is the author and finisher Heb. 12. and hope which whosoever hath purifyeth himself even as He is pure 1 Iohn 3 3. 6. He hath confirmed and ratified all the promises of the covenant which are ample and large touching this cleansing and washing Ier. 35 8. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity whereby they have sinned against me Ezech. 36 25. Then will I sprinkle cleane water upon you and yee shall be cleane from all your filthinesse So Ezech. 37 23. and I will cleanse them And all the other promises of the covenant apprehended by faith have no small influence on our cleanseing 2 Cor. 7 1. having there oâ—…e these promises let us cleanse our selves c. all which promises are yea and amen in Christ 2 Cor. 1 20. Thus Christ hath made all sure for the cleanseing and washing of his people conforme to that article of the covenant of Redemption So shall he sprinckle many nations Esai 52 15. Secondly As to the way of our usemaking of Christ for the purging away of our filth and daylie pollutions Beleevers would take this course 1. They would remember and live in the conviction of the exceeding abominablnesse and filthinesse of sin which is compared to the vomite of a dog and to the mire wherein the sow walloweth 2 Pet. 2 22. to filthy rags Esai 64 6. to a menstruous cloath Esai 30 22 and the like that this may move them to seek with greater care and diligence to have that filth washen away 2. They would remember also how abominable sin maketh them in the eyes of an holy God who cannot behold iniquity being a God of purer eyes than to behold it Habak 1 13. nor can He look on it And how therefore no unclean thing can enter in into the new Jerusalem nor any thing that defileth And this will make them so much the more to abhore it and to seek to be washen from it 3. They would look by faith upon the blood of Christ that is shed for this end to wash filthy souls into and run to it as a fountaine opened for this end that they might come to it and wash be cleane 4. For their encouragement they would grip by faith to the promises of the new covenant which are large and full 5. And remember the end of Christ's death viz to purchase to himself a holy people Zealous of good works to present them to Himself holy and without spot and wrinkle or any such thing and this will be a further encouragement 6. They would put the work by faith in his hand who hath best skill to wash a foule soul and to purge away all their spots and by faith pray for and exspect the Spirit to sanctifie and cleanse them from all their filthinesse that is they would make known and spread forth their abominations before the Lord and eyeing Christ as the only great Highpriest whose blood is a fountaine to wash in would lay the work on Him and by faith put Him to wash away that filth and to purifie their souls by his Spirit pardoning their bygone iniquities renewing them in the spirit of their mindes by grace that they may walk before him in fear Thus they would roll the work on Him and leave it there Cautions Directions 1. The beleever would in all this work be keeped in the exercise of those graces following 1. Of Humility seeing what a vile filthy wreatch he is that stands in need of washing and purging dayly because of his daylie pollutions and transgressions 2. Of Love considering with what a loving God he hath to do that hath provided so liberally 〈◊〉 things for him and particularly hath provided a fountaine and such a fountaine whereto he noâ—… only may but is commanded to resort dayly 3. Of Thankfulnesse remembering how great this mercy is how unworthy he is on whom it is bestowed and who He is that doth grant it 4. Of Fear least God's goodnesse be abused and He provoked who is so gracious to us 5. Of Sincerity and godly ingenuity avoiding all hypocrisie and formality knowing that we have to do with Him who
Christ the Way and the Truth and the Life OR A Short Discourse Pointing forth the way of making use of Christ for justification and especially and more particularly for Sanctification in all its parts from JOHAN XIV Vers. VI. Wherein several cases of conscience are briefly answered chiefly touching Sanctification By JOHN BROWN Preacher of the Gospel ROTTERDAM Printed by H. G. for Iohn Cairns book seller in Edinburgh and are to be sold there 1677. THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY TO The Right Honourable and Religious Lady The Lady STRATHNAVER MADAM IEsus Christ himself being the cheife corner stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord as it ought to be the principal concearne of all who have not sitten down on this side of Iordan to satisfy their souls once created for and in their owne nature requireing in order to satifaction Spiritual immortal and incorruptible substance with husks prepared for beasts to be built in and upon this corner stone for an habitation of God through the Spirit So it ought to be the maine designe and work of such as would be approven of God as faithful labourers and co-workers with God to be following the example of him who determined not to know any thing among those he wrote unto save Iesus Christ and him crucified O! this noble heart-ravishing soul-satisfying mysterious theme Iesus Christ crucified the short compend of that uncontrovertibly great mysterie of godliness God manifest in the flesh justified in the Spirit seen of Angels preached unto the Gentiles beleeved on in the world received up into glory wherein are things the Angels desire to look into or with vehement desire bend as it were their necks and bow down their heads to look and peep into as the word used 1 Pet. 1 12. importeth is a Subject for angelical heads to prie into for the most indefatigable industrious Spirits to be occupyed about The searching into and studying of this one Truth in reference to a closeing with it as our life is an infallible mark of a soul divinely enlightened and endued with spiritual and heavenly wisdom for though it be unto the jewes a stumbling block unto the Greeks foolishness yet unto them who are called it is Christ the power of God the wisdom of God because the foolishness of God is wiser then men the weakness of God is stronger then men O! what depths of the manifold wisdom of God are there in this mysterie The more it is preached known beleeved aright the more is it understood to be beyond understanding to be what it is a mysterie Did ever any Preacher or beleever get a broad look of this boundless ocean wherein infinite Wisdom Love that passeth all understanding Grace without all dimensions justice that is admirable and tremenduous and God in his glorious Properties Condescensions high and noble Designes and in all his Perfections and Vertues flow over all banks or were they ever admitted to a prospect hereof in the face of Iesus Christ were not made to cry out O the depth and height the breadth and length O the inconceivable and incomprehensible boundlesness of all infinitly transcendent perfections Did ever any with serious diligence as knowing their life lay in it study this mysterious Theme and were not in full conviction of soul made to say the more they promoved in this study and the more they descended in their diveings into this depth or soared upward in their mounting speculations in this height they found it the more an unsearchable mystery The study of other Themes which Alas many who think it below them to be happy are too much occupyed in when it hath wasted the spirits wearyed the minde worne the body and rarified the braine to the next degree unto a distraction what satisfaction can it give as to what is attained or encouragement as to future attainments And when as to both these something is had and the poor soul puft up with an aery and fancyful apprehension of having obtained some great thing but in truth a great Nothing or a Nothing pregnant with Vanity and vexation of Spirit foolish twines causing no gladness to the Father for he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow Eccles. 1 18. what peace can all yeeld to a soul reflecting on posting-away time now near the last point and looking forward to endless Eternity Oh! the thoughts of time wasted with and faire opportunities of good lost by the vehement pursueings and huntings after shadowes and vanities will torment the soul by assaulting it with pierceing convictions of madness and folly in forsaking All to overtake Nothing with dreadful and soul-terrifying discoveries of the saddest of disappointments and with the horrour of an everlastingly irrecoverable losse And what hath the laborious Spirit than reaped of all the travail of his soul when he hath lost it But on the other hand O with what calmness of minde serenity of soul and peace of conscience because of the peace of God which passeth all understanding will that poor soul look back when standing on the border of Eternity on the bygone dayes oâ—… houres it spent in sâ—…eking after praying â—…seing all appointed meanes for some saying acquantance with and interest in this only soul up making and soul satisfying Mystery and upon its yeelding up it self through the efficaâ—…ious operations of the Spirit of grace wholly without disputing unto the powerful workings of this mystery within and in becoming crucified with Christ and living throughâ—… crucified Christ's living in it by his Spirit and power and with what rejoyceing of heart and gloriou singing of soul will it look forward to Eternity and its everlasting abode in the prepared mansions remembering that there it s begun study will be everlastingly continued its capacity to understand that unsearchable mystery will be inconceivably greater and the spiritual heavenly and glorious joy which it will have in that practical reading its divinity without book of ordinances will be its life and felicity for ever And what peace joy in the holy Ghost what inward and inexpressible quiet and contentment of minde will the soul enjoy in dwelling on these thoughts when it shall have withall the inward and well grounded perswasion of its right through Jesus Christ to the full possession of that All which now it cannot conceive let be comprehend the foretastes whereof filleth it with joy unspeakable and full of glory and the hope of shortly landing there where it shall see and enjoy wonder praise and rest in this endless and restless felicitating work making it to sing while passing thorow the valley of the shadow of death O if this were beleeved O that we were not drunk to a distraction and madness with the adulterous love of vaine and aery speculations to the postponing if not utter neglecting of this maine and only upmaking work of getting real acquaintance with and a begun possession of this
mystery in our souls Christ the grand mystery formed within us living and working within us by his Spirit and working us up unto a conformity unto and an heart-closeing with God manifested in the flesh that we may finde in experience or at least in truth and reality have a true transumpte of that Gospel mystery in our souls Oh when shall we take pleasure in pursueing after this happiness that will not flee from us but is rather pursueing us when shall we receive with joy and triumph this King of glory that is courting us dayly and is seeking accesse and entry into our souls Oh why cry we not out in the hieght of the passion of spiritual longing desire O come Lord Iesus King of glory with thine owne key and open the door and enlarge dilate the chambers of the soul that thou may enter and be entertained as the King of glory with all thy glorious retinue to the ennobling of my soul satisfying of all the desires of that immortal spark Why do we not covet after this knowledge which hath a true and firme connexion with all the best and truely divine gifts O happy soul that is wasted and worne to a shadow if that could be in this study and exercise which at length will enliven and as it were bring in a new heavenly spiritual soul into the soul so that it shall look no more like a dead disspirited thing out of its native soile and element but as a free elevated and spiritualized Spirit expatiating it self fleeing abroad in the open aire of its owne element and country O happy day O happy houre that is really and effectually spent in this imployment what would souls sweeming in this ocean of all pleasures and delights care for yea with what abhorrency would they look upon the bewitehing allurements of the purest kinde of carnal delights which flow from the mindes satisfaction in feeding on the poor apprehensions groundlesly expected comprehensions of objects suited to its natural genius and capacity O! what a more hyperbolically exceeding and glorious satisfaction hath a soul in its very pursueings after when it misseth cannot reach that which is truely desireabâ—…e How doth the least glimpse through the smallest cranie of this glorious and glorifying knowledge of God in Christ apprehended by faith raise up the soul to that pitch of joy and satisfaction which the knowledge of natural things in its purest perfection shall never be able to cause and to what a surmounting measure of this joy and contentation will the experienceing feeling by spiritual sense the sweet and spiritual relish of this capivating and transcendently excellent knowledge raise the soul unto O! must not this be the very suburbs of heaven to the soul When the soul thus seeth apprehendeth God in Christ and that as its owne God through Christ for as all saving knowledge draweth out the soul unto an imbraceing closeing with the object so it bringeth in the object to the making up of the recâ—…procal union and in-being it cannot but admire with exultation and exult with admiration at that condescendence of free grace that hath made it in any measure capable of this begun glory and will furâ—…her mak it meet by this begun glory to be a 〈◊〉 of the inheritance of the Saints in light and what will a soul that hath tasted of the pure delights of this river of gospel manifestations hath seen with soul-ravâ—…shing delight in some measure the manifold wisdome of God wrapped up therein and the compleâ—…t and perfect â—…ymmetrie of all the parts of that noble contexture and also the pure designe of that contrâ—…vance to abase Man and to extoll the riches of the free grace of God that the sinner when possessed of all designed for him and effectuated in him thereby may know who alone should weare the crown and have all the glory what I say will such a soul see in another gospelâ—… calculated to the meridian of the natural crooked and corrupted temper of proud man who is soon made vaâ—…ne of nothing which in stead of bringing a sinner fallâ—…n from God through pride back againe to the enjoyment of Him through a Mediator doth but foster that innate plague and rebellion which caused and procured his first excommunication from the favour and banishment out of the paradice of God that shall attract its heart to it and move it to â—… compliance with it When the poor sinner that hath bin made to pant after a Saviour and hath bin pursued to the very ports of the city of refuge by the aveâ—…ger of blood the justice of God hath tasted and seen how good God is and felt the sweetness of free love in a crucified Christ and seen the beauty and glory of the mystery of free grace sutably answeringâ—… and overcoming the mystery of its sin and misery O what a complacency hath he therein and in the way of gospel salvation wherein free grace is seen to overflow all banks to the eternal praise of the God of all grace How saltless and unsavoury will the most cunningly devised and patch together mode of salvation be that men studying the perversion of the gospel and seeking the ruine of souls with all their skill indusery and learning are setting off with forced rhetorick and the artifice of words of mans wisdom and with the plausible advantages of a pretended sanctity and of strong grounds and motives unto diligence and painfulness to a very denying and renunceing of Christian liberty when once itis observed how it entrencheth upon and darkneth the lustre or diminisheth the glory of free grace and hath the least tendency to the setting of the crown on the creatures head in whole or in part The least perception that hereby the sinners song ascribeing blessing honour glory and power unto him that was sâ—…ain hath redeemed them to God by his blood out of every kinâ—…ed and tongue and people and nation and hath made them unto their God kings and prieâ—…ts shall be marred will be enough to render that device detestable and convince the soul that itis not the gospel of the grace of God nor that mystery of God and of Christ but rather the mystery of â—…niquity What a peculiar savouriness doth the humbled beleever finde in the doctrine of the true gospel grace and the more that he be thereby made Nothing and Christ made All that he in his highest atainments be debaised and Christ exalted that his most lovely peacoke feathers be laid the crown flourish on Christ's head that he be laid flat without one foot to stand upon and Christ the only supporter and carryer of him to glory that he be as dead without life and Christ live in him the more lovely the more beautiful the more desireable and acceptable is it unto him O what a complacency hath the graced soul in that contrivance of infinite wisdom wherein the mystery of the grace of God
might compend the account to be given shortly and give it most exactly yet trueln in these few words As the most undoubted deviation from and perfect opposition unto the whole contriveance of salvation and the conveyance of it unto the souls of men as revealed in this gospel which brings life and immortality to light that fighters against the grace of God in its value and vertue can forge stretching their blind reason to the overthrow of true religion and ruine of the souls of men for to this height these Masters of reason have in their blind rage risen up against the Lord and against his Anointed this is the dreadful period of that path wherein we are perswaded to walk yea Hectored if we would not forfeit the repute of men by these grand Sophies who arrogat to themselves the name and thing of knowledge as if wisdome were to dy with them The deep mysteries of salvation which Angels desire to look into and onely satisfy themselves with admiration at must appeare as respondents at their bar and if they decline the judge and court as incompetent they flee out and flout at subjecting this blinde mole mans reason to the revelation of faith in a mystery The manifold wisdome of God and the manifold grace of God must either condescend to their unfoldings and be content to speak in their dialect or else these wits these Athenian dictators will give the deep things of God because beyond their diveings the same entertainment which that great gospel preacher Paul met with from men of the same mould kidney and complexion because he preached unto them Jesus what would this babler say said they The Spirit of wisdom and revelation they know not they have not they acknowledge not nay they despise him in his saveing and soul ascertaining illuminations and the workings of that mighty power to them ward who beleeve is to the men of this new mould because they have not found it an insufferable fansy to be exploded with a disdain and indignation which discovers what Spirit acts them in this opposition But what do they say that will found this charge and free us from casting iniquity upon them They are of age and can speake for themselves when they have vomit out their gall against the imputed righteousnesse of Christ and the new birth and that holinesse which is imparted to the real members of Christ with a scoffeing petulancy they then make a great noise of holinesse as who but tâ—…ey the thing they plead for and perswade unto is a kinde of holinesse educed out of natural abilities wherein Christ the Spirit and the Gospel of the grace of God is permitted no greater interest nor allowed a more effectual adjuvancy then to concurre by way of precept motive and example Thiâ—… is now that admired and applauded Diana morality It is true they will sometime chirt thorow their teeth for what ever Christ the Spirit and Gospel gets of our Moralists it is against the hair and they are hard put to it ere they give it a tepid acknowledgement that the gospel doth afford men some special help and is of singular use and advantage in shewing the way and rule with greater clearnesse and guiding and directing how to walk in it with a plain perspicuity and exciting by noble examples and some do also adde some faint and frigid motions of the holy ghost in the dispensation of this truth put forth to make men more foreward but all this salvo jure of the great Diana so much and no more is yeelded to the gospel then to shew men with clearnesse how they may exert and put forth their proper and innat power it affords them some special help in holding the candle or rather snufing it that so they may with more promptitud see how to operat and by the motives it adduceth and examples it brings have a special provocation to the exercise of these vertues commanded the gospel with all it brings and doth does no more but hold the candle till these artists weave their web shape and shew their garment and then let them see how to put it on and being put on perswade them to weare it as the highest beauty and chief ornament of the soul this is all the provision they lay up for eternity and in this dresse and garb of guilded morality they mind to addresse themselves to God and appeare before his tribunal with confidence of acceptation they will beare their own charges to heaven and carry a summe with them to purchase the possession of the saints in light with a little abatement which a mercy of their own moulding for God mercy it is not must make and thus they make all sure But what is all this noise that these vain talkers make about holinesse they heap up words which weep to be so abused about vertue love to God mortification c. But they have really taken away our Lord Jesus Christ and will not tell us where they have laid him for feare we should go seek him and foresake them What are these rotten and loathsome raggs where with they would cloath us that the shame of our nakednesse may not appeare to that holinesse whereto we are predestinat before the foundation of the world and whereto in order to the obtaining of that salvation even the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ to which we are chosen we are created againe in Christ Jesus and made meet to be possessed of by sanctification of the Spirit and beleife of the truth What is all this tattle of theirs to the new birth the saveing work of regeneration without which a man cannot enter into the kingdome of God the new creature the new heart haveing the law written in it the Spirit which he puts within us causeing us to walk in his wayes that noble principle of spiritual life whereby we are quickened raised from the dead made alive unto God through Christ Jesus disposed enclined and enabled to live to God and walk before him to all pleasing Nay according to the imposeings of these new dogmatists beware of dogs says the Apostle of the same size and sort of men in stead of that principle implanted and that power produced in us by the effectual operation of the H. G. working in us mightily according to the workings of that mighty power which was wrought in Christ when raised from the dead we must be content with some what which was liveing though lazie and dormant in the natural powers of our own soul now awakened out of its sopor and educed into act by the meer application of external means in a word in stead of all that which is purchased and procured unto us by the death of Jesus Christ wrought in us by his Spirit who takes of his and shews it unto us whereby our conformity to Jesus Christ is begun and carried on we must be content with this morality good Lord prevent such madnesse whose Principle is natural
erection of this new monastry Well when it is built which onely mercy can prevent to give it its due you see lesse cannot be writen over the poarch of this aedifice if according to the paterne then this The unclean spirit that was cast out is returned and hath taken possession with seven devils worse then himself Now while Satan drags most men with their own consent thorow the pudle of grosse profanity these swine swallowed up in sensuality run as he drives being led captive of him at his pleasure without all dread of being drowned in the lake where he will land them And while he besots the soreing witts of the age into a slighting and setting at naught the glorious Saviour with that invaluable and precious salvation which he brings to poor self destroyed sinners some few there are whom he will not want and whom he will not suffer to wander from the refuge and resting place of souls and whom he will not suffer to rest satisfied while they want him these he delivers from the imposeings of Satan and the betrayings of their own deceitful and desperatly wicked heart by opening their eyes so that they are made to approve the things which are more excellent being taught of God and are prevailed with through the efficacious perswasions of that grace which will take no refusâ—…l from some to subject their consent unto the gospel But Alas even many of these into soul the light hath shined and who have a liveing principle implanted in them which will spring up into everlasting life and therefore cannot misse of the end of their faith the salvation of their souls yet how busy is Satan and how doth he hang upon their working hand so that the good which they would that they do not and in this he hath the concurrence of that law which is in their members carrying them impetuously to do what they would not and captivating them unto that law of sin which is in their members How often Alas are they engaged by the slye suggestions of Satan and specious solicitations of their own hearts into things unworthy of their high and holy calling so that however grace which prevented them at first will also rescue them at last yet by their untender way and walk as they rob God of the glory of his grace in not shewing forth his vertueâ—… in all things they also deprive themselves of the comfort thereof through their uncircumspect walking and of that sweet inward serenity of minde and unspeakable joy which is to be had in fellowship with him and in the end must suffer loss by heaving their works burnt and they themselves but almost yea scarcely saved saved they must be because on the foundition yet so as by fire while the tender Christian who exerciseth himself to godlinesse hath a sweet life his heaven is serene and cleare his study to purge his heart from corruption and cleanse his hands in innocency keeps his interest unclouded his care not to grieve the Spirit in his workings delivers him from the grief flowing from the Spirits ceasing to witnesse he so thinks on whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report as to do them knowing this is the way to have that peace of God which passeth all understanding to guard his heart and mind through Christ Jesus he who hath a conversation in heaven cannot want a consort of sweet musick in his own soul. O what melody must it make in the soul how sweet must the chirpings and chimeings of such a bird be singing in the bosome as the testimony of a mans consesence that in simplicity and Godly sincerity not with fleshly wisdome but by the grace of God O mark how the crown of his gloriation and gladness is put upon grace's head he hath his conversation in the world and then when he hath served his generation thus according to the will of God haveing made it his work as one made partaker of the divine nature to adde one grace to another he enters his harbour O glorious landing where God is seen and glory dwels with a roome sea and a porting winde for says the Holy Ghost an enterance shall be ministered unto you aboundantly into the everlasting kingdome of our Lord and saviour Iesus Christ whereas the man whose work it hath not been so to walk as he might adorne the doctrine of God the saviour in all things hold forth in his way the word of life dies often in the dark because he did not walk as become a child of light though that God whose gifts calling are without repentance may save him yet his glory may require it to withhold from him the testimony of the Spirit which is by watter and never while he is in this world either let himself or others wit of it nay not onely so but he may go off the stage with horrour and go out of this life under the terrors of God for though the Spirit of God being the spirit of truth will never alter the word that is gone out of his mouth and once having said thou art a son and in a gracious state will never againe say thon art no son and thy grace is no grace but yet when his conscience awaks upon him and aggravats his guilt from what he had formerly been helped to do and stings him till he roar by reason of the disquietnesse of his heart and all his evidences for heaven are so blurred though not delet as there is not one legible letter in them he cannot say when he is just laying speech that he hath one toaken for good and in this mist the sincerity and reality of the whole may not onely be questioned but denied The Spirit I say though once haveing wrought the good work and translated the soul out of a state of bondage into a state of glorious liberty will never againe deny his owne work yet may he stand by silent and say nothing and see the poor man whom he will save for all this as a just punishment for his untendernesse and that all who heare or look on my learne to walk more circumspectly and take heed of grieving the Spirit whereby they are sealed expire under these pangs throwes tossings terrors affrightments and soul-distracting feares wherewith he was filled and overwhelmed under the first workings of the Spirit of bondage But besids these a little lovely flock there is a few number who through grace obtaine mercy to walk as hateing the garment spotted with the flesh they make Religion their businesse it is their one thing to abstaine from all appeareance of evil and to excercise themselves to godlinesse by the circumspection of their walking it is evident they are upon their watch and make it their work not onely to keep their heart with all keeping but so to keep themselves in their converseings in
the world amidst a croud of snares and throng of tentations as that evil one touch them not they carry as knowing that Satan who goeth about seeking whom he may devour way â—… layes them and watches to catch all advantages against them and therefore as not ignorant of his devices they study sobriety and vigilancy left through a secure incircumspection they be circumvented and give him the advantage he seeks and so beare the marke of his blake hand yea some of these at some rare times do not onely satisfy themselves to carry as defendants but are helped to such a heroick heavenly and Christ-like resistance as to make Satan flee from them and when they through him who strengtheneth them unto the battal and will at last once for all and for eveâ—… tread Satan under their feet and make the weakest wrigling that ever gave up their names to the Captain of salvation set their feeble feet as more than conquerours upon the neck of the great red dragon and off his neck to his everlasting confusion mount up in their triumphing charriot and receive the conquerours crown have acquit themselves as the good souldiers of Jesus Christ not onely in warding off the blowes of that soul enemy but in manageing the sword of the Spirit and the sheild of faith so in the conflict as they make the enemy who stretched out the hand to strick at them take in a stump they then pursue their victory on purpose to set the crown on the Captains head through whose strength alone they gained it But Alas even amongst this select number these more serious souls and single servants of God how few do improve as they ought and might that strength and help which is their allowance and whereby they might be made strong for the labour of Religion How many of these few followers after holinesse do move slowly and promove little They cannot give over the study of holinesse their heart being engaged to God and his wayes beyond a retreat but how heartlesse and handlesse are they at their work They tugge at duty and tire themselves in the wayes of God without any seen successe or experiencing the sweet of his service their profiting doth not appeare to all which as it is their sin is also attended with shame and sorrow yea they carry so despondently in duty as if the gospel required brick without furnishing straw whereas if they took the right way they might walk without wearying even the faint and they who have no might if they knew and had learned how to lay their help upon him who is mighty where God hath laid it should finde their strength encreased to a surmounting of all difficulties and an experienceing of a sweet facility in the wayes of God so that in stead of whineing and sobing over their duty of which they are often found as an enemy and sinking under a hand â—… weakening despondency they might sing in the sweet pleasant and plain wayes of holinesse they might make his statutes their songs in the house of their pilgrimage and be able from their own experience to say it and seal it that his yoke is easy and his burden is light Now that the lesse tender in whom the root of the matter is may be perswaded and provoked to a shineing seriousnesse to the adorning of that doctrine of God the Saviour which they profess And they whose souls are not onely byassed towards the wayes of God but have some holy habitual bentness heaven wards and it is their burden that the whole of their course doth not evidence a conversation in heaven To the end I say that both may not onely be prevailed with to study more conformity to the Head whose members they are and have a conversation such as becometh the gospel indeed but may through grace acquire a blessed facility in going from strength to strength and growing strong in the Lord and in the power of his might this ensuing Treatise is put in thy hand that thy heart may be lift up in the waves of the Lord wherein the Author hath with a peculiar perspicuity and special plainness not onely set before thine eye that blessed Sun of righteousness as shineing in this gospel with a meridian brightness to the irradiating with the rayes of his glorious light the darkened soul likewise thou hast him not onely here held forth as that alone liveing fountaine and overflowing spring of all spiritual life and strength But he hath taught thee and me how to make use of him in whom dwels the fulnesse of the God head bodily in all the several steps of darkenesse or difficulty which may emerge and occurre to the fore-slowing us in our course of Christianity so as we may finde a compleatnesse and competency of strength communicat unto us That blessed high way called the way of holinesse is made so plaine herein that the way fareing man cannot erre in it because it shewes how to give the hand to God as a guâ—…d to Jesus Christ that blessed leader who brings the blind by a way that they know not and leads them in paths that they have not knowen who maks darkenesse light before them and crooked things straight And the apparently rough and rigid wayes of godliness are discovered to be so easy and sweet that the lame may leap as an hart because of life-giveing influence and the tongue of the dumb or disconsolat Christian may sing under these gracious supportings and say his wayes are indeed ways of pleasantnesses It was not the Authors designe in this peece levelled onely at this marke to teach thee how to make use of the strength and grace that is in Christ Jesus and finde the promised ease in performance of duties in handleing of which argument he hath been remarkably assisted and thou canst not read with attention but thou must beare him witness and bless the Lord on his behalfe that he hath hit the marke at which he aimed to engage in a formal debate with these audacious moralists who would boast and bogle us out of the good old way wherein if men walk they must finde rest to their souls yet if by the doctrine he hath here explained and pressed as the onely way of life they do not finde what a mortal wound he hath given their morality all the lovers of the truth will see it and it may be the Lord spareing life and continueing the same gracious and great assistance he hath had in engageing with many great adversaries to the truth at home a broad they may see somewhat from his pen which may make the lovers of our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and of the operations of his Spirit sing over these successors to Sisera who with their jumping charriots and rattleing wheels assault the truth at his feet they bowed they fell they lay down at his feet they bowed they fell where they bowed there they fell down dead so let all the enemies of thy truth
commanded duties are full measure heaped up shaken together and runing over And though he who hath much hath nothing over yet he 〈◊〉 hath little hath no inlâ—…ke for he abounds towards us in 〈◊〉 wisdome I say therefore againe unto thee take heart let not thine hands fall down essay nothing thou would have well done or easily done in thine own strength but yet how difficult so ever the duty be approach it as haveing no confidence in the flesh but with an eye to thy stocâ—… that rich store house of all furniture and it shall be with thee as it was with the priests before whom jordan recoiled so soon as their foot entered within the 〈◊〉 God shall make thy difficulties evanish and by the 〈◊〉 the Spirit of power and might from Jesus Christ depended upon shall so strengthen thee that thy duty is made easy to admiration and becomes the delight of thy souli 〈◊〉 I have exceeded the just limits of an Epistle pray for the continuance of the life of the Author who by his assiduous working for Christ hath been often neir unto death not reguarding his own life to supply the lake of other meus service 〈◊〉 the interest Church of God let him be comforted for this piece of travel undertaken for thy soul's mâ—…erest by hearing thou dost improve it to thy advantage for which it is so exactly calculat And withall I beg thy fervent earnest intercessions for grace more grace to him who is Thy poor yet souls well wisher and servant for Christ's sake R. Mc. W. The Author to the Reader Christian Reader AFter the foregoing adress I need not put thee to much more trouble only I shall say That he must needs be a great stranger in our Israel or sadly smitten with that epidemick plague of indifferency which hath infected many of this Generation to a benumming of them and rendering them insensible and unconcearned in the matters of God and of their own souls and sunck deep into the gulfe of dreadful inconsideration who seeth not or taketh no notice of nor is troubled at the manifest and terrible appearances of the unexpressibly great hazard our all as Christians in this life is this day into I meane the mystery of the Gospel of the grace of God wherein the exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus hath been shoune VVe have enjoyed for a considerable time a clear and powerful dispensation hereof in great purity and plenty but Alas is it not manifest to all that will not wilfully shut their eyes that this Mercy and Goodness of God hath been wickedly abused and the pure administration of His Grace Love perfidiously sinned away by this Apostate Generation Are our spots this day the spots of his children Are there fruits answerable to the Lord's paines and labour about us to be seen even among the greatest of Professours Is there that gospel holiness tenderness watchfulness growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ that growing up 〈◊〉 Christ in all things that heavenly mindedness that followshipe with the Father and with his Son Christ Iesus and that conversation in heaven that the dispensation of grace we have been favoured with beyond many and have been long living under did call for at our hands Alas our grapes are but wilde and stincking VVherefore and who can think it strange if it be so the Lord seemeth to be about to contend with us by covering our horizon with Egyptian darkness many who would not receive the love of the Truth that they might be saved being already given up to strong delusion that they should beleeve a lie and many moe in hazard to be drawn aside to crooked pathes by men of corrupt mindes who have been and are still busie to vent and spread abroad with no little petulancy and confidence damnable doctrines to the perverting of the doctrine of the Gospel of Iesus Christ and to the subverting and overturning of the very foundations of our Hope Assurance and that in such a way and by such meanes and stratagems as seem to have wrath written upon them in legible letters for the more plausible and taking a corrupt doctrine be it is the more dangerous judgment-like and moe are thereby in hazard to be deluded and drawn away Nay which is yet more terrible and dreadful it is to be feared that the jealous God in his holy and righteous judgment hath given a providential commission to speak so unto the seduceing Spirit to perswade and prevail for is not this the clear language of the present holy and righteous dispensations of God and of the stupenduously indifferent frame and disposition of the generality of men called Christians not only provoking God to spew them out of his mouth but disposeing them also unto a receiving of whatsoever men lying in waite to deceive shall propose and obtrude Alas the clouds are not now a gathering but our horizon is covered over with blakness and great drops are a falling that presage a terrible overflowing deluge of errour and Apostasie from the Truth and Profession of the Gospel of Iesus Christ to be at hand if the Lord wonderfully prevent it not And behold O wonderful the generality of Professours are sleeping in security apprehending no danger Satan is more cunning now than to drive men to Popery by rage and cruelty and yet what he may be permitted to do after this manner who can tell or by openly pleading in his emissaries for this abomination and yet even thus is he already prevailing with not a few or to send forth his agents for Arminianisme and Socinianisme though even this way too he is too much prevailing But his maine work now seemeth to be to bring in another Gospel and yet there is not another or rather an Antievangelick and Antichristian delusory dream overturning at once the whole Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ and for this end he inployeth the Quakers one the one hand Men of desperat and antievangelick principles the very sinke of all abominations old and late as I shall show if the Lord will continue health and strength in an examination of their doctrine and principles lately emitted by one Robert Barclay and on the other hand Men or Moralists if you will call them so pleading for and crying up an antievangelick holiness a meer shadow without substance or reality and that in place of Christ himself And in order to the carrying on of this desperat designe The old dragon is imploying men of seeming different principles and wayes whom though their faces seem to look to contrary aâ—…rths yet he holdeth notwithstanding fast tyed by their tails as Samson's foxes were that thereby if the Lord permit it he may by the fire of enmity to the pure Gospel of the grace of God burning in their tails cause a conflâ—…gration of that Truth wherein lyeth all our hope for this new model of Religion
would be also eyeing Christ by faith as his store house and generall Lord dispensator of all the purchased blessings of the Covenant which he standeth in need of and looking on Christ as standing engadged by office to compleate his work of salvation and to present him with the rest to himself holy without blemish yea and without spote or wrinkle or any such thing Ephes. 5 27. 3. He would by faith gripe to the promises both of the generall stock of grace the new heart heart of flesh and the Spirit to cause us walk in his statutes Ezech. 36 26 27. and of the severall particular acts of grace that he standeth in need of such as that Ier. 30 8. I will cleause them from all their iniquities c. so Ezech. 36 25 Ier. 31 19. as the Church doth Micah 7 9. He will subdue our iniquities c. And so having or gripping these promises we are to cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh Spirit and perfect holinesse in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7 1. 4. As the beleever would by faith draw out of Christ through the conduite of the promises which are all yea amen in Him 2 Cor. 1. 20. grace strength knowledge courage or what ever his fight in this warfare calleth for to the end he may be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Ephes. 6 10. So he would by faith roll the weight of the whole work upon Christ and thus cast himself and his care and burden on Him who careth for him 1 Pat. 5 7. Psal. 37 5. 55 22. and so go on in duty without anxiety knowing who beareth the weight of all and who hath undertaken to work both to will and to do according to his good pleasure thus should the work be easie and saife when by faith we roll the burden on Him who is the chosen one fitted for that work and leave it on Him who is our strength patiently waiting for the outgate in hope Thus the beleever makes use of Christ as made of God Sanctification when in the use of meanes appointed eyeing the covenant of grace and the promises thereof and what Christ hath done to Sanctifie and cleanse his prople he rolleth the matter on Him and exspecteth help salvation victory through Him CAUTIONS But least some should be discouraged and think all this in vaine because they perceive no progresse nor grouth in grace for all this but rather corruption as strong and troublesome as ever I would say a few things to them 1. Let them search and try whether their short-coming and disappointment doth not much proceed from this that the matter is not so cleanly cast over on Christ as it should be Is it not too oft found that they goe forth to the battell in their own strength lippening to their owne stock of grace to their own knowledge or to their duties or the like How then can they prosper 2. Let them mourne as they get any discovery of this and guaird hereafter against that corrupt by as of the heart which is still inclining them to an engadgment without the Captane of their salvation and a fighting without the armour of God 3. Let them try and see if in studying holinesse they be not led by corrupt ends and do not more laboure after sanctification that they may be more worthy and the better accepted of God and that they may have quietnesse and peace as to their acceptance with God as if this were any cause matter or condition of their righteousnesse and justification before God then that they may shew their obedience to the command of God 1 Thes. 4 3. Ephes. 2 10. Ioh. 15 16. and expresse their thankfulnesse to Him and glorifie God Mal. 1 6. Mat. 5 16. Iohn 17 10. Ephes. 4 30. and if so they ought to acknowledge Gods goodness in that disappointment seing thereby they see more and more a necessity of laying aside their own righteousness and of betaking themselves to the righteousnesse of Christ and of resting on that alone for peace and acceptance with God 4. They would try and see if their negligence and carelesnesse in watching and in the discharge of duties do not occasion their disappointments shortcomeing God sometimes thinks fit to suffer a lion of corruption to set on them that they may look about them and stand more vigilantly upon their watch tour knowing that they have to do with a vigilant adversary the devil who as a roaring lion goeth about seeking whom he may devoure 1 Pet. 5 8. and that they fight not against flesh blood but against Principalities against powers against the Rulers of the darknesse of this world against spirituall wickednesse in high places Ephes. 6 12. It is not for nought that we are so often commanded to watch Mat. 24 42. 25 13. 26 41. 14 38. Luk. 21 36. Mark 13 33 34 35 37. 1 Cor. 16 13. 1 Thes. 5 6. 1 Pet. 4 7. Col. 4 2. through the want of this we know what â—…efell David and Peter 5. They would try and see whether there be not too much self confidence which occasioned Peter's foule fall God may in justice and mercy suffer corruption to break loose upon such at a time and tread them underfoot to learne them afterward to carry more soberly and to work out their salvation with fear trembling Phil. 2 12. remembering what a Jealous holy God He is with whom they have to do what an adversary they have against them and how weak their owne strength is 6. This would be remembered that one may be growing in grace and advancing in holinesse when to his apprehension he is not going forward from strength to strength but rather going backward It is one thing to have grace and another thing to see that we have grace so it is one thing to be growing in grace and nother thing to see that we are growing in grace Many may question their grouth in grace when their very questioning of it may evince the contrary for they may conclude no grouth but rather a back going because they perceive moe and more violent and strong corruptions and hidden works of darknesse and wickednesse within their souls than ever they did before while as that great discovery sheweth the Increase of their spirituall knowledge and an increase in this is an increase in grace So they may question and doubt of their grouth upon mistakes as thinking corruption alwayes strongest when it makes the greatest stirre noise Or their complaints may flow from a vehement desire they have to have much more sanctification which may cause them overlook many degrees they have advanced or some such thing may occasion their darknesse and complaints yea God may think it fittest for them to the end they may be keeped humble and diligent to be in the dark as to their progresse whereas if they saw what advancement progresse they had made in
to rejoyce in this that the enemy is already conquered by the Captaine and that we share in his victory and that the very God of peace shall quickly bruise Satan under our feet Rom. 16 20. CHAP. VII How Christ is to be made use of in reference to Growing in grace I Come now to speak a little to the other part of Sanctification which concearneth the change of our nature and frame and is called Vivification or Quickening of the new man of grace which is called the New man as having all its severall members and parts as well as the old man and called New because posteriour to the other and after regeneration is upon the growing hand This duty of growing in grace as it is called 2. Pet. 3. uâ—…t is variously expressed and held forth to us in scripture for it is called an abideing and bringing forth fruit in Christ Iohn 15 5. adding to faith vertue and to vertue knowledge c. 2 Pet. 1 5 6 7. a going on to perfection Heb. 7 1. a growing up in Christ in all things Ephes. 4 15. a working out our salvation Phil. 2 12. a perfecting of holinesse 2. Cor. 7 1. a walkeing in newnesse of life Rom. 6 4. a yeelding of our selves unto God as alive from the dead and our members as instruments of righteousnesse unto God Rom. 6 13 18. a bringing forth of fruit unto God Rom. 7 4. a serving in newnesse of spirit Rom. 7 6. a being renewed in the spirit of our mindes and a putting on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Ephes. 4 23 24. Col. 3 10. and the like some whereof do more immediatly expresse the nature of this change as to the root and some as to the fruit and effects thereof and some the progresse and advancement that is made or to be made therein And all of them point out a speciall piece of work which lieth on all that would see the face of God viz. to be holy gracious and growing in grace This then being a speciall piece of the exercise and dayly work of a Christian and it being certane as some of the places now cited do also affirme that without Christ they cannot get this work either begun oâ—… carryed on the maine difficulty and question is how they are to make use of Christ for this end For answere whereunto though by what we have said in our former discourse it may be easie to gather what is to be said here yet I shall briefly put the Reader in minde of those things as usefull here 1. The Beleever would consider what an ornament this is to the soul to have on this new mâ—…n which is created after the image of God Ephes. 4 23. what an excellency lyeth here to recover thâ—… lost glory holinesse and the image of God and what advantage the soul reapeth hereby when it is made meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1 12. and walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfull in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 10. and strengthened with all might according to his glorious pover unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulnesse vers 11. and when the abounding of the graces of the Spirit make them that they shall neither be barren nor unfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lord Iesus Christ 2. Pet. 1 8 and to be a vessell unto honour sanctified and meet for the masters use and prepared unto every good work 2. Tim. 2 21 what glory and peace is here to be found obedient unto the many commands given to be holy What hazard is in the want of holinesse when without it we cannot see God Heb. 12 14. How unanswereable it is unto our profession who are members to such a holy Head to be un holy What profite joy and satisfaction there is iâ—… being temples of the holy ghost in walking after the spirit in bringing forth fruit unto the glory of the Father c. The consideration of these and other motives unto this study of sanctification would arme the soul with resolution and harden it against opposition 2. It would be remembered that this work though it be laid upon us as our duty and we be called thereunto of God yet it is beyond our hand and power it is true at conversion the seed of grace is cast into the soul new habites are infused a new principle of life is given the stonny heart is changed into an heart of flesh yet these principles and habits can not act in themselves or be brought into act by any thing that a beleever considered in himself and without divine helpe can do But this work of sanctification and grouâ—…h in grace must be caryed on by divine help by the Spirit of Jesus dwelling and working within and therefore it is called the sanctification of the spirit 2. Thes. 2 13. 1. Pet. 1 2. The God of peace must sanctifie us 1. Thes. 5 23. We are said to be sanctifiâ—… by God the Father Iud. 1. and by the holy ghost Rom. 15 16. See also 1. Cor. 6 11. We would remember that of our selves we can do nothing 2. Cor. 3 5. and that He must work in us both to will and to do of his owne good pleasure Phil. 2 13. Albeit no beleever will question the truth of this yet it may be it shall be found after tryal that one maine cause of their not growing in grace and making progresse in this work is their not acting as beleeving this but setting about the work as if it were a work which they themselves could master and do without speciall divine help Therefore the beleever would abide live and act in the faith of this truth 3. Therefore beleevers would not in going about this work either trust to their own strength to the habites of grace to their former experiences to their knowledge and pairts or the like nor yet would they trust to any externall meane which they are to go about because the wisdome strength and helpe which their case calleth for is not to be found in them yet they should not think of laying these meanes and dutyes aside for then should they sin against God they should prejudge themselvs of the helpe strength and supply which God useth to convey to the soul in by the use of the meanes and withall they should tempte the Lord by prescribing another way to Him than He hath thought good to take The beleever then would use the meanes and duties prescribed and that diligently seâ—…iously and constantly and yet would leane as little to them and exspect help reliefe as little from them as if he were not useing them at all as we said above And indeed this would be a right way yea the most advantagious and profitable way of going about dutyes to be diligent in the use of them because of Gods command and yet to place
hence we are said to be chosen in him before the fundation of the world that we should be holy c. Ephes. â—… 4. and aâ—… dying for themâ—… for He gave himself son the church that He might sanctiâ—…y cleanse it that He might present it to himself a glorious church that it should be holy Ephes. 5 25 26 27. He hath reconciled them in the body of his flesh through death to present them holy Col. 1 21 22. So that the noble 〈◊〉 of Redemption may found the 〈◊〉 hope and expectation of the beleever upon â—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 First upon the account of the Fathers faithfulnesse who promised a seed to Iesus Viz. such as should be his children and so be sanctified through Him and that the pleasure of the Lord which in pâ—…rt iâ—… thâ—… work of sanctification should prosper in his hand And next upon the account of Christs undertaking and engaging as is said to bâ—…ing his sonâ—… and daughters to glory which must be through sanctification for without holinesse no man shall see God And they must look like himself who is a holy Head a holy Husband a holy Captane and therefore they must be holy members a holy spouse holy souldiers So that He standeth engaged to sanctifie them by his Spirit and word and therefore is called the Sanctifier Heb. 2 11. for both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one Yea their union with Christ layeth the foundation of this for being joyned to the Lord they become one Spirit 1 Cor. 6 17. and are animated and quickened by one the same Spirit of life and grace and therefore must be sanctified by that Spirit 10. The beleever likewise would act faith upon the promises of the new Covenant of grace strength life c whereby they shall walk in his wayes have Gods lawes put into their mindes and write into their hearts Heb. 8 10. Ier. 31 33. and of the new heart and new spirit and the heart of flesh and the Spirit within them to cause them walk in his wayes or statutes and keep his judgments and do them Ezech. 36 26 27. and the like wherewith the scripture aboundeth Because these are all given over to the beleever by way of Testament and legacy Christ becoming the mediator of the new Testament that by meanes of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternall inheritance Heb. 9 15. Noâ—… Christ by his death hath confirmed this Testament for where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the death ' of the testatour for a Testament is of force after men are dead vers 16 17. Christ then dying to make the Testament of force hath made the legacy of the promises sure unto the beleever so that now all the promises are yea and amen in Christ 2 Cor. 1 20. He was made a minister of circumcision to confirme the promises made to the Fathers Rom. 15 8. That the eyeing of these promises by faith is a noble meane to sanctification is cleare by what the Apostle sayeth 2 Cor. 7 1. Having therefore these promises let us cleanse ourselves perfecting holinesse in the feare of God And it is by faith that those promises must be received Heb. 11 33. So that the beleever that would grow in grace would eye Christ the fundamentall promise the Testatour establishing the Testament and the excutor or dispensator of the covenant and exspect the good things through Him and from Him through the conduite and channell of the promises 11. Yet further beleevers would eye Christ iâ—… his Resurrection as a publick person and so look on themselves and reckon themselves as riseing virtually in and with Him and take the resurrection of Christ as a certane paune and pledge of their sanctification for so reasoneth the Apostle Rom. 6 4 5 11 13. we are buryed sayâ—…s He with him by baptisme into death that likeas Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 of life for we shall â—…e 〈◊〉 also in the likenesse of his resurrection and if we 〈◊〉 dead with Christ we beleeve that we shall also live with him therefore reckon ye also yourselves to be alive unto God through Iesus Christ our Lord and yeeld yourselves unto God as these that are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousnesse unto God The right improving of this ground would be of noble advantage unto the student of holinesse for thence he might with strong confidence conclude that the work of sanctification should prosper in his hand for he may now look upon himself as quickened together with Christ Epes 2 5. Christ dying and riseing as a publick person and he by faith being now joyned with him and united to him 12. Moreover this Resurrection of Christ may yeeld us another ground of hope and confidence in this work for there is mention made of the power of his resurrection Phil. 3 10. So that by faith we may draw strength and vertue from Christ as an arisen and quickened Head whereby we also may live unto God and bring forth fruit unto him and serve no more in the oldnesse of the letter but in the newnesse of Spirit Rom. 7 4 6. He was quickened as an Head and when the head is quickened the members cannot but look for some communication of life therefrom and to live in the strength of the life of the head See Col. 3 1 2. 13. Faith may and should also look to Christ as an intercessor with the Father for this particular Iohn 17 17. Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth and this will adde to their confidence that the work shall go on for Christ was alwayes heard of the Father Iohn 11 41 42. and so will be in this prayer which was not put up for these few disciples alone The beleever then would eye Christ as engadging to the Father to begin and perfect this work aâ—… dying to purchase the good things promised and to confirme the same as quickened and riseing aâ—… head and a publick person to ensure this work and to bestow and actually conferre the graces requisite and as praying also for the Fathers concurrence and cast the burden of the work on Him by faith knowing that He standeth obliged by his place and relation to his people to beare all their burthens to work all their works in them to perfect his owne work that He hath begun in them to present them to himself at last a holy bride to give them the Spirit to dwel in them Rom 8 9 11 and â—…o quicken their mortall bodyes vers 11. and to lead them vers 14. till at length they be crowned and brought forward to glory This is to live by faith when Christ liveth acteth and worketh in us by his Spirit Gal. 2 20. Thus Christ dwelleth in the
the soul all other wayes will fail here none of them can give the least security to the soul that they shall not bring him in end to destruction and everlasting perdition 3. He only can bring the soul saife through all opposition and difficulties in the way no other way can do this but will leave us in the myre ere ever we come to the end of our journay 4. He will not deceive nor disappoint the soul all other wayes in end will prove treacherous and give the travailer a dooâ—…ul and sad disappointment O what a warning should this be to us all to take heed that we imbrace not a lie in stead of Him who is the Truth and sit not downe with a shadow in stead of the substance How ready are we to put other things in his place But whatever it be that gets his room in the soul though good and worthy in it self will prove a lie Even 1. All our outward holinesse and duties yea 2. All our experiences and great attainments Yea. 3. All our gifts and enduements Ay. 4. Our very graces none of these are Christ and if we place that hope and confidence in them which we should place on Him they will not prove the Truth to us He alone is the Truth How sure then should we laboure to be that we do not die with a lie in our right hand and how carefully should we guaird against the trusting in or leaning to any thing that is not Christ and whole Christ and only Christ and Christ as offered in the gospel seing this way is only the Truth And no other way will be found so in end though at present we may finde in it 1. Some inward peace and quietnesse of heart as if all were right 2. Some satisfaction of minde things being right as we apprehend butfalsly through the deceitfulnesse of the heart 3. Something like assurance and confidence thaâ—… all will be right with us 4. And hope founded thereupon which may helpe to ride thorow some stormes and yet fail us atlength The third general is this Christ Jesus is not only the Truth in himself but also in reference to us The scope of the place cleareth this as he is the Way and the Life for our use so he is the Truth Not only as God equall with the Father but also as Mediator and our immanuel As God He is 1. Essentially Truth being God equall with the Father in power and glory 2. In respect of veracity he is the God of truth Deut. 32 4. faithfull in all his sayings Psal. 31â—… vers 5. keeping truth for ever Psal. 146 6. 3. He is the fountaine and spring head of all created truth for he is the first truth As Mediator and in reference to us He is full of grace and truth Iohn 1 14. He received not the Spirit in measure Iohn 3 34. and this Spirit is a Spirit of truth But of this more when we come to show more particularly how and in what respects he is called the Truth as mediator The fourth general which is here observable is That he is not only called Truth but the Truth as he is the Way and the Life and not only true but Truth in the abstract which sayeth 1. That He is every way Truth how ever we consider him as God or as Mediator 2. That â—…ll Truth is in Him all truth of salvation for us is to be found in Him 3. That all that is in him is truth his Natures Offices Performances Words Works c. all are true 4. That He is pure and unmixed Truth no lie in Him no errour or mistake there 5. That truth in Him is in its perfection and excellency In the truest of men it is very imperfect O what an excellent one must He be How compleatly fitted and furnished for us Oh if our souls could love him and close with him and rest upon him as alsufficient CHAP. XI More particularly in what respects Christs is called the Truth BUt for further explaineing of this matter we would see more particularly in what respects it is that He is called the Truth and this will make way to our use making of Him So First He is the Truth in opposition to the shadowes and types of Him under the law Hence as the law the whole leviticall and typicall dispensation came by Moses so grace and truth came by Iesus Christ Iohn 1 17. They were all shadowes of Him and He is the substance and body of them all Col. 2 17. And this is true in these respects 1. All these shadowes and types pointed at Him and directed as with a finger the Israelites who were under that dispersition to look to Christ the promised Messiah and to rest and to lay all their weight on Him so that the law was a shadow of good things to come Heb. 10 1. Col. 2 17. 2. They all terminate in Him He putting an end by his coming and performing his work to all those typs which only related to Him and to what He was to do the body being come there is no more need of the shadow and the thing typified existing there is no more need or use of the type 3. They are all fulfilled in Him He answereth them all fully so that what ever was shadowed forth by them is compleatly to be found in Him This the Apostle in his Epistle to the Hebrewes abundantly evinceth and Paul to the Colossians tells us we are compleat in Him and therefore need no more follow the shadowes Secondly He is the Truth in reference to the prophecies of old all which did principally point at him and his concearnments his Person Nature Offices Work Kingdome c. and whatever was foretold in these prophecies is perfectly fulfilled in Him or done by Him or shall in due time be effectuated by Him He is that great prophet spoken of Deut. 18 15 18 19. So said the Jewes themselves Iohn 6 14. All the Prophets from Samuel spoke of Him and of his dayes Act. 3. 22 23 24. And to Him gave all the Prophets witnesse Act. 10. 43. And whatever they prophecied or witnessed of Him was or is in due time to be fulfilled in Him Hence we finde the Euangelists and Apostles frequently applying the sayings and prophecies of the old testament unto Him And Luk. 4 18. himselfe said that the prophecy of Esa 61 1. c. was fulfilled in him See 1 Pet. 10 11 12. And Himself expounded to the two Disciples going to Emmaus in all the scriptures beginning at Moses and all the prophets all the things concerning himself Luk. 24 27. And thus is He the truth of all the prophecies Thirdly He is the Truth in reference to his undertaking with the Father in that glorious covenant of redemption for whatever the Father laid on him to do that He did fully and faithfully He was to bear our griefs and to carry our sorrows and that He did He was to be wounded for our
in cases of darknesse doubtings confusion ignorance of their case and condition and the like 3. They do not approach to Him nor to God through Him heartyly and cordially as the very Truth and true way 4. Nor do they rest with confidence upon Him in all difficulties as being the Truth that will not fail them nor disappoint them 5. Nor do they rejoyce in Him as satisfied with Him who is the Truth in the want of all other things Fiftly The right consideration of this truth should keep us in minde of several great duties such as those 1. Of pitying those places where this truth is not heard of as among Turks and Heathens or where it is darkened with superstition and mens inventions as among Papists or where it hath been clearly shineing but now is darkened as in some churches now under the prevailing power of corruption or lastly where it is not received in its power lustre as alas it is too little received in the best and purest churches 2. Of being thankful to Him for making this truth known in the world and particularly in the place where we Were borne or had our abode and yet more for that he hath determined our hearts to a beleeving of this Truth in some weak measure to an imbraceing of it and to a giving of our selves up to be led ruled and guided thereby 3. Of esteeming highly of every piece of Truth for his sake who is the Truth studying it for his sake loving it for his sake holding it fast for his sake witnessing to it as we are called for his sake we should buy the truth and not sell it Prov. 2â—… 23. and we should plead for it and be valiant for it Esai 59 4 14. Ier. 7 28. 9 3. 4. Of taking part with Him and his cause in all hazards for Truth is alwayes on his side and truth shall prevail at length 5. Of giving Him imployment in our doubts difficulties whether 1 they be about some controverted points of truth which come to be debated and to trouble the Church or 2 about our own estate and condition quarreled at by Satan or questioned by the false heart or 3 about our carriage in our dayly walk In all these and the like we should be imploying Truth that we may be led in truth and taught by truth to walk in sure pathes 6. Of carrying in all things before Him as true for He is Truth and the Truth and so cannot be deceived and therefore we should walk before Him in sincerity and singlenesse of heart without guile hypocrisie or falshood that we may look like children of the truth and of the day and of light and children that will not lie or dissemble Esa. 63 8. not like these that lied unto Him Psal. 78 38. Esa. 59 13. 7. Of taking Him only for our guide to heaven by denying our own wit skill and understanding and looking to and resting upon Him who alone is the Truth and so acknowledging Him in all our wayes depending on Him for light and counsell with singlenesse of heart humility diligence and truth in the inward parts 8. Of giving up ourselves dayly unto Him and his guidance and denying our own wills humors parties or opinions for He alone is Truth and can only guide us aright and for this cause we would acquant ourselves well with the word which is our rule and seek after the Spirit whom Christ hath promised to lead us into all truth Sixtly should not this be a strong inducement to all of us to lay hold on and gripe to Him who is the Truth and only the Truth seing 1. All other wayes which we can take will prove a lie to us in end 2. He is substance and no shadow and all that love Him shall inherite substance for He will fill all their treasures Prov 8 21. 3. Such as Imbrace Him shall not wander not be misled for his mouth shall speak truth and wickednesse is an abomination to his lips Prov. 8 7. all the words of his mouth are in righteousnesse and there is nothing froward or perverse in them vers 8. He is wisdom and dwelleth with prudence and findeth out knowledge of witty inventions vers 12. Counsell is his and sound wisdom he hath understanding and strength vers 14. 4. He will make good all his promises in due time and give a subsistence and a being to them all for He is the Truth and the truth must stand to his promises and fulfill them all 5. He will never nay never leave his people not forsake them Heb. 13 5. He is Truth and cannot deceive he cannot forsake nor disappoint He is a spring of water whose waters fail not Esai 58 11. Therefore they cannot be disappointed in end and perish who trust to Him 6. The truth will make them free Iohn 8 3â—… 36. and so deliver them from their state of sin and misery wherein they lay as captives and from that spirituall bondage and slavery under which they were held Seventhly This to beleevers may be a spring of consolation in many cases as 1. When errour and wickednesse seem to prospeâ—… and prevail for though it prevail for a time yet Truth will be victorious at length and the Truth will overcome all He is Truth and will plead for truth 2. when friends acquantances relations faile them and father and mother forsake them truth will take them up He who is the Truth will answere his name and never deceive never forsake 3. When riches honours pleasures or what else their heart hath been going out after prove like summer brooks for the Truth will be the same to them in all generations there is no shadow of turning with Him The Truth is alwayes truth and true 4. When we feare that either ourselves or others shall fall away in a day of tryall and turne from the truth Though all men prove liars and deceivers Truth will abide the same and stand out all the blasts of opposition 5. When unbeleef would make us question the truth of the promises The faith of his being Truth it self and the Truth even Truth in the abstract would shame unbeleef out of countenance Shall Truth faile Shall not the Truth be true what a contradiction were that 6. When we know not how to answere the objections of Satan and of a false treacherous heart for Truth can easily answere all cavils and He who is the Truth can repell all objections against truth Truth is impregnable and can stand against all 7. When we cannot know nor discover the wiles and subtility of Satan Truth can discover the depths of Satan and make the poor soul more acquant with them so that they shall not any more be ignorant of his devices who look to Him 8. when the thoughts of the deceitfulnesse of our hearts trouble us the depth whereof we cannot search This then may comfort us that Truth can â—…earch the heart and the reines Ier. 17. 9 10.
9. When we cannot tell what our disease and distemper is and so cannot seek suteable remedies or help from God O what a comfort is it to know and beleeve that He is the Truth with whom we have to do and so knoweth our distemper perfectly all its causes and symptoms Truth cannot be at a stand in discerning our disease so nor can he be ignorant of the fittest and only saifest cures 10. When we know not what to ask in prayer as not knowing what is best for us it is comfort to remember that we have to do with the Truth that is perfectly acquanted with all that and knoweth what is best 11. When we know not how to answere the calumnies of adversaries It is comfortable to know that he is the Truth that will hear truth when men will not and will own and stand for the truth when enemies do what they can to darken an honest mans good cause It is comfortable to know we have the Truth to appeal to as David had Psal 7 and 17. 12. When we think on our own covenant-breaking and dealing deceitfully with God It is comfortable to remember that though we and all men be liars and deal deceitfully with Him yet He is the Truth and will keep covenant for ever He will not He cannot deny himself 2 Tim. 2 1â—… Eightly Hence we may certanely conclude that truth which is Christ's cause shall at length prevail for He is Truth yea the Truth and so abideth truth therefore must He prevail and all the mouthes of liars must be stoped So then let us remaine perswaded that truth at length shall be victorious and that the cause of Christ shall have the victory though 1. The enemies of truth and of the cause of Christ be multiplied and many there be that rise up against it 2. These enemies should prosper and that for a long time and carry on their course of errour and wickednesse with a high band 3. There should be few found to befriend truth and to own it in an evil day 4. Yea many of those that did some time owne it and plead for it should at length turne their back upon it as did Demas 5. And such as continue constant and faithful be loaded with reproaches and pressed under with sore persecution for adhereing to truth and owning constantly the good cause 6. Yea though all things in providence should seem to say that truth shall not rise againe but seem on the contrary to conspire against the same Nenthly May we not hence read what should be our way and course in a time when a spirit of error is gone abroad and many are carried off their feet therewith or when we are doubtful what to do and what side of the disput to take O then is the fit time for us to imploy Truth to live near to Him who is the Truth to waite on Him hang upon Him with singlenesse of heart Object But many even of his own people do erre and step aside Ans. That is true but yet 1. That will be no excuse to thee Nay 2. That should make thee feare and tremble more 3. And it should presse thee to lye neare to Christ and to wreastle more earnestly with Him for the spirit of light and of truth and to depend more constantly and faithfully upon Him with singlenesse of heart and to give up thy soul and wayes to Him as the God of Truth and as the Truth that thou mayest be led into all truth Tenthly This should stirre us up to goe to Him and make use of Him as the Truth in all cases wherein we may stand in need of truths hand to helpe us and for this cause we would minde those particulars 1. We would live in the constant conviction of our ignorance blindnesse hypocrisie readynesse to mistake aâ—…d erre This is clear and manifest and proved to be truth by dayly experience yet how little is it beleeved that it is so with us Do we see and beleeve the atheisme of our hearts Do we see and beleeve the hypocrisie of our hearts are we jealous of them as we ought to be Oh that it were so let this then be more minded by us 2ly Let us live in the persuasion of this that He only and nothing below Him will be able to clear our doubts dispel our clouds cleare up our mistakes send us light and manifest truth unto us Not our own study paines prayers duties learning understanding not Ministers or professours and experienced Christians and the like 3ly We should be dayly giving up ourselves to Him as the Truth in all the forementioned respects and receiving Him into our souls as such that He may dwell and abide there Then shall the truth make us free and if the Son make us free we shall be free indeed Ioh. 8 36. 4ly There would be much single dependance on Him for light instruction direction and guidance in all our exigences 5ly Withall there would be a waiting on Him with patience giving him liberty to take his own way and time and a leaving of Him thereunto 6ly We should by all meanes guaird against such things as are hinderenees and will prove obstacles to us in this matter such as 1. Praejudices against the truth for then we will undervalue light and reject all the directions and instructions of the Spirit as not agreeing with our prejudicat opinion 2 A wilfull turning away from truth as these 2. Tim. 4 4. Tit. 1 14. 3. Addictednesse to our own judgments and opinions which causeth pertinaciousnesse Pride and conceite as thinking ourselves so wise as that we need no information and this occasioneth a self confidence 4. Looking too much unto and hanging too much upon Men who are but instruments crying them up as infallible and receiving without further examination all that they say not like the Bereans Act. 17. This is a great hinderence to the receiving of truth and very prejudiciall 5. A neglecting of the use of the meanes which God hath appointed for this end 6. Or an hanging too much on them and so misplaceing them gâ—…ving them His roome 7. Leaning too much to our own understanding wit and knowledge c. 8. A refisting of the Truth 2. Tim 3 8. These and the like hinderances would be guarded against lest they marre our attaining to the knowledge of Truth 7ly There would be much of the exercise of prayer for this is the maine conduite and meane through which light is conveyed into the soul. There would also be a serious and Christian reading and hearing of the word which is Truth and the Word of Truth and the Scripture of Truth and those duties would be gone about with 1 much self denyal 2 with much singlenesse of heart 3 with much humility 4 with much willingnesse and readynesse to be instructed 5 with much seriousnesse and earnestnesse and 6 with faith and dependance on God for his blessing and breathing 8ly We would beware as of
trusting to our own understandings so to the judgments of other men nor would we look to what suiteth most our own humors nor to what appeareth most specious and plausible for that may deceive us 9ly We would lye open to the influences and rayes of light by exerciseing faith in earnest desires as also patient waiting for and single looking to Him mindeing his name and his relations promises and engadgments for the strengthning of our faith and confidence 10ly We would labour to keep fast whatever He teacheth us by his word and spirit not prove â—…ecking vessels This the Apostle exhorteth to Heb 2 1. Therefore we ought to give the more eâ—…rnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip yea and we should be established in the Truth 2. Pet 1 12. 11ly We would beware of resting on a forme of the truth as those did of whom we read Rom. 2 â—…0 and of holding the truth in unrighteousnesse as these Rom. 1 18. and of disobeying it as these mentioned Rom. 2 v. 8. see also Gal. 3 v. 1. and 5 v. 7. 12ly But on the contrary we would so receive truth as that it might â—…ule and be master in us captivate judgment will and affections and break out into the practice and this comprehendeth several duties such as 1. To have the Truth in us whileas if we practise otherwise the truth is not in us 1. Iohn 1 v. 8. and 2 v. 4. 2. To be of the Truth as belonging to its jurisdiction power and command 1. Iohn 3 19. Iohn 18 37. 3. To doe the Truth by having true followshipe with Him 1. Iohn 1 6 and to walk in the Truth 2 Ioh. 4. 3. Ioh. 4. Psal. 86 11. 4. To have the loyns girt with truth Ephes. 6 v. 14. 5. To receive the love of the truth â—… Thes 2 10. 6. To be instructed of him as the truth is in Iesuâ—… Ephes. 4 21. 7. To purify the soul in obeying the truth 1 Pet. 1 v. 22. This shall suffice for clearing up and applying in the generall this excellent truth That Christ is the Truth We shall now come and make some more particular use of this precious point by speaking to some particular cases which we shall instance in by which the understanding christian may be helped to understand how to carry and how to make use of Christ in other the like cases wherein Christ is to be made use of as the Truth and show how beleevers are to make use of Him in these cases as the Truth CHAP. XIII How to make use of Christ as the Truth for grouth in knowledge IT is a commanded duty that we grow in the knowledge of Iesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3. last And the knowledge of Him being life eternal Ioh. 17 3. and our measure of knowledge of Him here being but imperfect for we know but in part it cannot but be an useful duty and a desireable thing to be growing in this knowledge This is to walk worthie of the Lord unto all pleasing to be increasing in the knowledge of God Col. 1 10. Knowledge must be added unto vertue and it layeth a ground for other christian virtues 2 Pet. 1 5 6. In this knowledge we must not be barren 2 Pet. 1 8. And this being so necessary so desireable and so useful and so advantagious a grace the beleever cannot but desire to have more and more of it Especially seing it is a part of the image of God Col. 3 vers 10. Now it is the Truth that must teach them here first and last The light of the knowledge of the glory of God must be had in the face of Iesus Christ 2 Cor. 4 6. The question therefore is how we should make use of Jesus Christ for this end that we may attaine to more of this excellent knowledge For clearing of this I shall propose those directions First It is good to live in the constant conviction of a necessity of his teaching us and this taketh in those particulars 1. That we should be conscious of our ignorance even when we know most or think we know most remembring that the best knoweth but in part 1 Cor. 13 9. The more true knowledge we attaine to the more will we see and be convinced of our ignorance because the more we know the more will we discover of the vastnesse and incomprehensibility of that object which is proposed to our knowledge 2. That we should remember how deceitful our hearts are and how ready they are to sit down upon a shadow of knowledge even when we know nothing as we ought to know 1 Cor. 8. vers 2. and this will keep us jealous and watchful 3. And to helpe forward our jealousie of our own hearts and watchfulnesse we would remember that our hearts naturally are averse from any true and saving knowledge whatever desire there be naturally after knowledge of hidden things out of curiosity and of things natural or of thingâ—… spiritual as natural for the perfection of nature as might be pretended whereby in effect those that increase knowledge increase sorrow Eccles. 1 18. yet there is no inclination after spiritual and saving knowledge in us naturally But an aversation of heart therefrom 4. That we should study and know the absolute necessity of this knowledge how necessary it is for our christian communion with God and christian walk with others how necessary for our right improving of dispensations general and particular what a noble ornament of a christian it is and a necessary piece of the image of God which we have lost Secondly Upon these grounds mentioned 〈◊〉 would also be convinced of this That of ourselves and by all our natural parts enduements quicknesse and sagacity we cannot attaine to this saving knowledge which is a special and saving grace and so must be wrought in the soul by a divine hand even the mighty power of God By our private study and reading we may attaine to a literal heady and speculative knowledge that will puff us up 1 Cor. 8 1. but thereby shall we never attaine to this knowledge which is spiritual hearty and practical and so saving We must have the anoynting here which teacheth us all things 1 Iohn 2 27. And of this we would be perswaded that we may look to a higher hand for light and instruction Thirdly There would be an eyeing of Christ's furniture and fitnesse for this work of teaching of us To wit 1. An eyeing of Him as the substantial wisdome of the Father Prov. 8. 2. An eyeing of Him as one come out of the bosome of the Father Iohn 1 18. and so sufficiently enabled to acquant us with the mysteries of God for salvation 3. An eyeing of Him as mediator fully endued with all necessaries for this piece of his work and so having received the Spirit without measure for this end Iohn 3 34. and as having hid in Him all the treasures of wisdome and
knowledge Col. 2 3. and as having all fulnesse dwelling in Him Col. 1 19. Sed also Esai 11 2 61 1 2. 4. An eyeing of Him as having power to send the Spirit that anointing that teacheth us all things and is truth and is no lie 1 Iohn 2 20 27. not only by way of intercession and intreaty begging it of the Father Iohn 15 16 17. But also authotatively as conjunct with the Father The Father sendeth Him in Christ's name Iohn 14 26. and Christ sendeth Him from the Father Iohn 15 26. and this Spirit of truth which guideth into all truth shall receive of Christ's shew it unto us Iohn 16 13 14 15. Fourthly There would be an eyeing of Christ's readynesse willingnesse and engadgment to helpe in this case and this will encourage the soul to go forward And for this cause we would remember those things 1. That He standeth obliged to helpe us with instruction by vertue of his office as a Prophet a Witnesse a Leader and a Commander Esai 55 vers 4. 2. That He is commissionated of the Father for this end and so is the Fathers servant and is given for a light to the gentiles Esai 42 6. 49 6. and the Father is said to speak by Him or in Him Heb. 1 1. 3. That He received his gifts and qualifications for this end and purpose that He might give out and dispense to his members according to their necessity as is clear from Psal. 68 18. compared with Ephes. 4 8. what He is said to have received in the one place he is said to have given in the other 4. That He hath begun this work already by his Spirit in his followers and therefore standeth engadged to see it perfected for all his works are perfect works 5. That He hath a love to his scholers and a desire to have them all thriveing and making progresse in knowledge this being his glory who is their master and teacher 6. That He laid down waâ—…es and meanes and a constant course for instructing of his people for 1. He hath given his word and setled and established ordinances for this end 2. He hath established a ministery for instructing his people Ephes. 4 8 9 10 13. 3. He hath gifted persons for this work of the ministery 1 Cor. 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. 4. He backeth these officers in the faithful administration of their function and through his blessing and Spirit maketh their work prosperous and effectuall in his own as He seeth fit Fiftly There would be an eyeing of the promises of the covenant of grace made for this end whether general or particular or both Such as those which we have Esai 11 9. Habbak 2 14. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord or of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea and that Esai 32 4. the heart of the rash shall understand knowledge c. and Ier. 31 34. They shall all know me c. Sixtly There would be a constant diligent serious and single useing of the means of knowledge with a faithfull dependence on Christ by faith gripping to him in his relations offices engadgments and promises and waiting upon his breathing in hope and patience Psal. 25 5. Seventhly There would be a guairding against every thing that may obstruct this work and grieve Him in it and therefore we would beware 1. To undervalue and have a little esteern of knowledge for this will grieve Him and to speak so put him from work 2. To misimprove any measure of knowledge he giveth 3. To weary of the meanes and ordinances whereby He useth to convey knowledge in to the soul. 4. To limite the holy one of Israël to this or that meane to this or that time or to this or that measure who should have a latitude as to all these 5. To despise the day of small things because we get not more 6. To be too curious in seeking after the knowledge of hidden mysteries the knowledge whereof is not so necessary 7. To leane too much unto and to depend too much upon the ordinances or instruments as if all or any thing could come from them Eightly There would be a right improving of any measure of knowledge we get to his glory and to the edification of others with humility thankfulnesse and so a putting of that talent in use to gaine more to his glory whatever measure of knowledge we get we should in all haste put it into practice and set it to work so shall it increase and engadge Him to give more Ninthly There would be a lying open to Christs instructions and to the shineings of the Spirit of light and of truth and a ready receiving of what measure He is pleased to grant or infuse which includeth those duties 1. A serious and earnest hungering and thirsting after more spiritual knowledge 2. A diligent use of every approven meane for this end 3. A going about the meanes with much self denyal spirituality singlenesse of heart and sincerity looking to and depending upon Him who must breath upon the meanes and make them usefull 4. A greedy receiving drinking in and treasureing up in the soul what is gotten 5. A guairding against Selfish and by ends with a single eyeing of his glory 6. A guairding against pride in the heart and a stustying of humility and meeknesse for the meek will He guide in judgement and the meek will He teach his way Psal. 2 5 9. 7. A putting of the heart or understanding in his hand together with the truth that is heard and received that He may write the truth in the heart and cause the heart receive the impression of that truth Tenthly There would be a rolling of the whole matter by faith on Him as the only teacher a putting of the ignorant blockish averse and perverse heart into his hand that He may frame it to his own minde and a leaving of it there till He by his Spirit write in it what He thinketh meet to his own glory and our good And sure were this way followed grouth in knowledge would not be so rare a thing as it is Cautions For further direction and caution in this matter the beleever would take notice of these particulars 1. That he should not sit down upon any measure of knowledge he hath attained to or can attaine to here as if he had enough and should labour for no more but he should still be mindeing his duty of seeking and pressing for more 2. Whenever he is about any mean of knowledge such as preaching reading conference c. his heart should be only upon Christ He should be hanging on his lips for a word of instruction and with greedinesse looking for a word from his mouth he would be sending many postes to heaven many ejaculatory desires for light and understanding and that with singlenesse and sincerity and not for base ends or out of hypocrisie 3. Let him not think
would eye Christ in his Offices particularly as the great Prophet who can teach as never man taught so teach as to make the soul receive the doctrine and to hold it fast to receive it in love and lay it up in the heart as a rich and enriching treasure 4. They would eye him in his relations unto his people as their Head Husband Brother Leader Commander Captaine c. for those give ground of approaching unto Him with confidence in the day of darknesse and mists for light and direction and for strength and courage in the day of temptation and give ground of hope of helpe in that day of tryal and difficulty 5. They would eye and act faith upon the promises of assistance and through bearing in the day of calamity such as those Esa. 43 2. when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee when thow walkest through the fire thou shall noâ—… be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee And Esai 41 13. for I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand saying unto thee feare not I will helpe thee and particularly they would eye the promises oâ—… light in the daâ—… of darknesse See Esai 58 8 10. 60 20. 2 Sam. â—…2 29. 6. They would look on Christ as an exalted conquerour now risen and glorified as a victorious captaine that hath fought and overcome that they as his followers may be made partakers of his victory and conquest and so reape the fruit of his resurrection and ascension in their establishment in the truth when it is borne down and questioned yea and condemned by men He abode stedfast and unmoveable in the midst of all the stormes that blew in his face and as He came to bear witnesse to the truth so did He faithfully and zealously avow truth even to the death and in death got the victory of the Arch liar and deceiver Now the beleever would eye this for the strengthening of his faith and hope of victory also through Him and therefore would waite patiently for his help and not make haste for they who beleeve make not haste Esa. 28 16. knowing that He is true and faithful and will not disappoint his followers that trust in Him And moreover it would be of advantage to them in this case to eye that gracious and comfortable word Iohn 14 19 because I live you shall live also and so by faith conclude that seing Christ now liveth as a conquerour over darknesse untruth reproaches calumnies and opposition of liars yea of the father of lies they through Him shall also live and ride out that storme and this will give much courage to the soul to endure temptation and to waite in patience for an outgate 7. They would study much and suck at the grand promise of his coming againe and of finally dispelling all clouds and of fully clearing up his glorious truths that are now covered over with obloquie and buryed under reproaches and this will encourage the soul to stand to truth in the midst of all opposition beleeving that at length truth how much soever opposed now shall be victorious 8. They should be single in their dependence on Him for strength and throwbearing in that day of tryal not leaning to their own understanding but acknowledging Him in all their wayes Prov. 3 6. and when they see no hope of outgate in the world nor appearance of the clearing up of the day they would comfort themselvs and encourage themselves in the Lord as David did in a great straite 1 Sam 30 6. 9. Upon the forementioned grounds they would cast all the care of their throughbearing on Him who careth for them 1 Pet. 5 7. rolling all their difficulties on Him consulting only with Him his Word and not with flesh and blood and so they would commit their wayes to Him who disposeth of all things as He seeth good forbearing to limite the holy one of Israel or to quarrel with Him for any thing he doth and patiently wait for his out-gate and delivery 10. It were good in this time of tryal to be remembring the worth of truth and intertaining high thoughts of the smallest piece of truth that is questioned for his sake who is the Truth that a sight of the glorious worth thereof may make them account the lesse of all they can lose in the defence and maintenance thereof 11. So were it good at this time when truthes come to be questioned to be lying neare to the Truth for light and to be keeping fast what He by his Spirit cleareth up to be truth though the light should not be so full as to dispel all objections This were to depend upon Him for light with singlenesse of heart and in godly simplicity and sincerity to follow his direction and torch though it should not shine so bright as they would wish Cautions A few words of caution will be usefull here also as 1. The beleever though taking this course would not think to be altogether free of fear of stepping aside in lesse or in more God may think good to let much of this abide to the end he may be keeped watchfull tender and diligent for fear maketh the soul circumspect and watchfull and this is a good preservative from defection 2. Nor would the beleever think that hereby he shall be keeped altogether free of fainting The heart now and then through fear and misbeleef may fall into a fit of fainting and think all is gone and yet He may carry poor souls thorow and make his strength perfect in their weaknesse 2 Cor. 12 9. That when they are supported and carryed through the temptation they may sing praise to Him and not ascribe any thing to themselves remembring how often they were fâ—…inting and almost giving over the cause as desperate and hopelesse 3. They would not think it strange if in the time of their wreastling with difficultyes the Lord hide his face from them and give them not that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Him in prayer that sometimes they have met with for the Lord may see it fit to put them to this point of tryall among the rest to see if the love of his glory and truth will keep them standing when they want the encouragements that might be expected in that way and if pure conscience to the command and authority of God will keep from siding with an evil way when the soul is destitute of all sensible encouragement both from within and from without 4. In all this businesse beleevers would carry singly with an eye to God's glory and would not be acted with self-ends or drawn by carnal and selfy motives They would not desire stability and through bearing to be seen of men or to gaine applause and the praise of Men lest God be provoked to leave them to themselves and they at length come off with discredit as Peter did Therefore they would strive against these carnal
motions of the heart and laboure for spirituality singlenesse of heart and truth in the inward parts which the Lord desireth Psal. 51 6. CHAP. XVI How to make use of Christ as the Truth when error prevaileth and the spirit of error carryeth many away THere is a time when the Spirit of error 〈◊〉 going abâ—…oad and truth is questioned an many are led away with delusions for Satan can change himself into an angel of light and make many great and faire like pretensions to holinesse and under that pretext ushere-in untruthes and gaine the consent of many unto them so that in such a time of temptation many are stollen off their feet and made to depart from the right wayes of God and to imbrace error and delusions in stead of truth Now the question is how a poor beleever shall make use of Christ who is the Truth for keeping him stedfast in the truth in such a day of tryal and from imbracing the way of error how plausible soever it may appeare for satisfaction to this we shall propose those few things 1. In such a time when a Spirit of error is let loose and rageth and carrieth severall away it were good for all who would be keeped streight honest to be walking in feare It is not good to despise such a sâ—…ye and subtile enemy especially in the houre and power of darknesse Then all are called to be on their guaird and to stand upon their watch toure and to be jealous of their corrupt hearts that are ready enough of their own accord to drink-in errour and to receive the temptation at any time and much more then 2. They would not think that their knowledge and ability to dispute for truth will keep them stedfast if there be not more for if the temptation grow they may come to reasone and dispute themselves out of all their former knowledge and skill The father of lies is a cuning sophister and knoweth how to shake their grounds and cast all loose 3. They would renew their covenant grips of Christ and make sure that maine businesse viz. their peace and union with God in Christ and their accepting of Christ for their Head and Husband They would labour to have the fundation sure and to be united unto the chief corner stone that so blow the storme as it will they may ride saifely and that hereby they may have accesse to Christ with boldnesse in their difficulty and may with confidence seek light from Him in the houre of darknesse 4. To the end they may be keeped more watchfull and circumspect they would remember that it is a dishonourable thing to Christ for them to step aside in the least matter of truth the denying of the least point of truth is a consequentiall denying of him who is the Truth and to lose a foot in the matters of truth is very dangerous for who can tell when they who once slip a foot shall recover it againe And who can tell how many and how dreadful errors they may drink in who have once opened the door to a small errour Therefore they would beware of tampering in this matter and to admit any errour upon the account that it is a small and inconsiderable one there may be an unseen concatenation betwixt one errour and another and betwixt a small one and a greater one so as if the little one be admitted and received the greater shall follow and it may be feared that if they once dally with errour and make a gape in their consciences that God give them up to judiciall blindenesse that ere all be done they shall imbrace that opinion which sometime they seemed to hate as death 5. They would eye the promises suteing that case viz. the promises of Gods Guideing the blindely a way which 〈◊〉 know not of making darknesse light before them and crooked tâ—…ings streigâ—…s Esâ—… 42 16. and of guideing continâ—…ally Esa. 8 〈◊〉 see also Esa. 49 10. and 57 18. and they would act faith on these and the like promises as now made sure through Jesus 6. Particularly they would fix their eye upon that principal promise of the Spirit of truth to guide into all truth Iohn 16 13. 7. With singlenesse of heart they would depend on Christ and waite for light from Him and beware of prejudice at the truth with singlenesse of heart they would lye open to his instructions and to the influences of his light and direction and receive in the beames of his divine light and thus go about duties viz. Prayer Conference Preaching Reading c. with an eye fixâ—…d on him and with a soul open to Him free of all sinful preingadgment and love to errour 8. With singlâ—…nesse of heart they would give up their souls to Christ as the Truth that He would write the truth in their souls and frame their souls unto the truth and unto that truth which is most questioned and by which they are most in hazard to be drawn away and urge and 〈◊〉 Him by prayer and supplication to do the duty of an Head an Husband guide and Commander c. unto them and that He would be a 〈◊〉 unto them in that day of darkness and not suffer them to dishonour Him or prove scandalous to others by departing from the truth and imbracing of errour A serious single-hearted dealing with Him upon the grounds of the covenant promises and his relations and engadgments might prove steadable in this case if accompanyed with a lying open to the influences of truth and to the light of information which He is pleased to send by the Spirit of truth Cautions and Directions For further clearing of this matter we shall hinte at some cautions and further directions useful here such as 1. They would beware of thinking that God should come to them with light and instruction in an extraordinary manner and reveal the truth of the question controverted somewhat immediatly for this were a manifest tempting and limitâ—…ing of the holy one of Israel We must be satisfied with the meanes of instruction which he hath provided and run to the Law and to the Testimony We have the Scriptures which are able to make the man of God perfect and throughly fournished unto all good works 2. Tim. 3 16 17. and to make wiâ—…e unto Salvation vers 15. There must we seek light and there must we waite for the breathing of his Spirit with life and coming with light to cleare up truth to us for they are the Scriptures of truth Dan. 10 21. and the law of the Lord which is perfect converting the soul and the commandement of the Lord that is pure enlightening the eyes c. Psâ—…l â—…9 7 8. We have the Ministery which God hath also appointed for this end to make known to us his minde there must we waite for him and his light Thus must we waite at the posts of wisdomes doors and waite for the king of light in his own way wherein He hath
appointed us to waite for Him And if He think good to come another way more immediat Let Him alwayes be welcome but let not us limite Him nor prescribe wayes to Him but follow his directions 2. When any thing is borne-in upon their Spirit as a truth to be received or as an errour to be rejected more immediately they would beware of admitting of every such thing without tryal and examination for we are expressely forbidden to beleeve every Spirit and commanded to try them whether they are of God or not 1 Iohn 4 1. The Lord will not take it ill that even his own immediat motions and revelations be tryed and examined by the word because the word is given us for this end to be our teste and standart of truth The way of immediat revelation is not the ordinary way now of God's manifesting his minde to his people He hath now chosen another way and given us a more sure word of prophecie than was even a voice from heaven as Peter sayeth 2 Pet. 1 18 19. It is commended in the Bereans Act. 17 11. who upon this account were more noble then those of Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readinesse of minde searched the scriptures dayly whether those things were so Even Pauls words though he was an authorized infallible Apostle of Christ's are here put to the touch stone of the word Many false Prophets may go out and deceive many and speak great swelling words of vanity 1 Iohn 4 1. 2 Pet. 2 18. and the devil can transchange himself into an angel of light 2 Cor. 11 14. And though an Angel out of heaven should preach any other thing than what is in the written word we ought not to receive his doctrine but to reject it and to account him accursed Gal. 1 8. So that the written word must be much studied by us and by it must we try all motions all doctrines all inspirations all revelations and all manifestations 3. Much more would they beware of thinking that the dictats of their conscience obligeth them so as that alwayes they must of necessity follow the same Conscience being God's deputy in the soul is to be followed no further than it speaketh for God and according to truth An erring conscience though it binde so far as that he who doth contrary to the dictats thereof sinneth against God in that knowing no other than that the dictats of conscience are right and consonant to the minde of God yet dar counteract the same and thus formally rebel against Gods authoritie yet it doth not oblige us to beleeve and to do what it asserteth to be truth and duty It will not then be enough for them to say my conscience and the light within me speaketh so and instructeth me so for that light may be darknesse and errour and a delusion and so no rule for them to walk by To the law and to the testimony and if their conscience minde or light within them speak not according to this word it is because there is no ligâ—…t in them Esai 8 20. I grant as I said they can not without sin counter act the dictats even of an eâ—…ing 〈◊〉 because they know not better but that these dictats are according to truth and thus an erring conscience is a most dangerous thing and bringeth people under a very sad dilemma that whether they follow it or not they sin and there is no other remedie here but to lay by the eâ—…ing conscience and get a conscience rightly informed by the word puting it in Christ's hand to be better formed and informed that so it may do its office better This then would be especially guairded against for if once they lay downe this for a principle that whatever their conscience and minde or in ward light as some call it dictat must be followed there is no delusion how false how abominable so ever it be but they may be at length in hazard to be drawn away with and so the rule that they will walk be be nothing in effect but the Spirit of lies and of delusion and the motions and dictates of him who is the Father of lies that is the Devil 4. Such as pretend so much to walk by conscience would take hâ—…ed that they take not that for the dictate of conscience which really is but the dictat of their own humors inclinations preoccupyed mindes and byassed wills When conscience speaketh it groundeth on the authority of God whether truely or falsely and proposeth such a thing to be done or to be refrained from meerly because God commandeth that and forbiddeth this though sometimes it mistaketh but though the dâ—…ctats of mens humors inclinations preoccupyed judgements and wills may pretend God's authority for what they say yet really some carnal respect selfish end and the like lyeth at the bottom and is the chiefe spring of that motion and also the dictats of humor and byassed willes are usually more violent and fierce then the dictats of conscience for wanting the authority of God to back their assertions and prescriptions they must make up that with an addition of a preternatural force and strength Hence such as are purely led by conscience are pliable humble and ready to heare and receive information whereas others are headstrong and pertinacious unwilling to receive instruction or to heare any thing contrary to their mindes lest their conscience receiving more light speak with a higher voyce against their inclinations and former wayes and so create more trouble to them whileas now they enjoy more quiet within so long as the cry of their selfwill byassed judgment is so loud that they can not well hear the still and low voyce of conscience 5. They would labour for much self denyal and sincerity and to be free from the snares and power of selfish ends as credite a name and applause or what of that kinde that may be like the fear of man that bringeth a snare Prov. 29 2. 5. for that will be like a gift that blindeth the eyes of the wise Exod. 23 8. love to carry on a party or a designe to be seen and accounted some body to maintaine their credite and reputation lest they be accounted changelings and the like will prove very dangerous in this case for these may forcibly carry the soul away to imbrace one errour after another and one errour to strengthen and confirme another that it is hard to know where or when they shall stand and these by-respects may so forcibly drive the soul forward that he shall neither heare the voice of conscience within nor any instruction from without 6. They would study the word of truth without prejudice and any sinfull preingadgment lest they be made thereby to wiredraw and wrest the word to their own destruction as some of whom Peter speaketh 2 Pet. 3 16. It is a dangerous thing to study the word with a prejudicat opinion and to bow or wiredraw
the word and make it speak what we would have it speak for the confirmation of out opinions and sentiments for that is but to mock God and his law and to say Let his law speak what it will I will maintaine this opinion and so make the word speak as we would have it or else lay it by This is to walk by some other rule than the word and to make the word serve our lusts and confirme our errours than which a greater indignitie can not be done to the Spirit of truth speaking in the word 7. In reading and studying of the word there would be much single dependance on the Spirit for light waiting for clearnesse from Him whom Christ hath promised to lead us into all truth An earnest wreastling with Him for his assistance enlightening the minde with divine light to understand the truth and inclineing the soul to a ready imbraceing and receiveing of the truth declared in the word 8. Though one place of scripture be enough to confirme any point of truth and ground sufficient for us to beleeve what is there said there being nothing in scripture but what is truth yet in such a time of abounding errours and when many are going abroad speaking perverse things to lead the simple away it were spiritual wisdome to be compareing scripture with scripture and not to be lightly imbracing whatever may seem probable and fairely deduceable from some one passage or other of scripture but to be comparing that with other passages and see what concord there is for this is certane what ever point contradicteth other clear and manifest testimonies of scripture cannot be true how ever a cunning sophister may make it seem very probably to flow out of such or such a passage of scripture The testimony of the Spirit is uniforme and free from all contradictions and therefore we must see if such an assertion that some would draw from such a passage agree with other plaine passage and if not be sure that that is not the meaning of the place When the devil did wreste and abuse that passage of truth Psal. 91 11. He shall give his angels charge concearning thee c. and from thence would inferre that Christ might cast himself down Mat. 4 6. Christ shew that this inference was bad because it did not agree with other divine testimonies particularly not with that Deut. 6 16. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God And thereby he teacheth us to take this course in times of temptation and so compare spirituall things with spirituall as Paul speaketh 1. Cor. 2 13. Especially they would beware of expounding clear Scriptures by such as are more dark and mysterious See 2. Pet. 3 16. it is alwayes saifer to explaine darker passages by such as are more clear 9. Let them guaird against an humore of newfanglednesse nauseating old and solide truthes and seeking after something new having eares itching after new doctrines yea or new modes and dresses of old truthes for this is provocking to God and proveth dangerous for such turne away their eares from the truth and are turned into fables as Paul telleth us 2. Tim. 4 3. 4. for the time will come sayeth he when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their owne lusts shall they heape to themselves teachers having itching ears and they shall turne away their eares from the truth and shall be turned unto fables This favoureth of a spirit of levity and inconstancy which is dangerous 10. They would labour to have no prejudice at the truth but receive it in love and the love of it lest for that cause God give them up to strong delusions to beleeve lies and to be led away with the deceiveablnesse of unrighteousnesse as we see 2. Thes. 2 10 11 12. and with all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should beleev a lie that they all might be damned who beleeved not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousnesse 11. So would they beware of stifling the truth of making it a prisoner detaineing it in unrighteousnesse like those spoken of Rom. 1 18. for which cause God gave them up to uncleannesse and to vile affections and they became vaine in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened yea professing themselves to be wise they became fools vers 21 22 24 26. They should let truth have free liberty and power in the soul and should yeeld up themselves to be ruled and guided by it and not thorture with it lay chaines upon it or fetter it and keep it as a prisoner that can do nothing 2. For this cause they would hold fast the truth which they have learned and have been taught by the Spirit out of the word When Paul would guaâ—…rd and fortifie Timothy against seducers that creept into houses leading captive silly women c. among other directions he giveth him this 2. Tim. 3 14 15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast bin assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise to Salvation c. So he would have the Colossians walking in Christ rooted and build up in Him stablished in the faith as they had been taught Col. 2. 6 7. 13. Especially they would be holding the ground-work fast saith in Christ It were good in such a time of erring from the way of truth to be griping Christ faster and cleaving to Him by faith and living by faith in Him This is to hold the foundation fast and then let the tempest of errour blow as it will they will ride at a sure anchor and be sâ—…ife because fixed upon the rock of ages and further living neare Christ in such a dangerous day would be a noble preservative from the infections of error The soul that is dwelling in Christ and griping to Him dayly by faith and acting love on Him dwelleth in light and will discover errour sooner than another because living under the rayes of the sun of righteousnesse which discovereth errour 14. They would labour to learne the truth as it is in Iesus and the truthes which they have heard of Him and have been taught by Him as the truth is in Him will abide when other truthes that have been learnt but of men and heard of men and as it was in the preaching of men and in books shall soon evanish in a day of trial This is to learne Christ as the Apostle speaketh Ephes. 4 20 21. But yee have not so learned Christ if so be that ye have heard Him and have been taught by Him as the truth is in Iesus When we learne the truth as it is in Iesus it bringeth us alwayes in to Him and hath a tendency to fixe our hearts on Him and
is a piece of the bond that bindeth us to him and his way we receive it then as a piece of his doctrine which we must owne and stand unto O if we learned all our divinity thus we would be more constant and stedfast in it then we are 15. When controversies arise and they know not which side to choise both seemeth to them to be alike well founded on the word they would exerce their spiritual sagacity and set their gift of discerning a work to see which of the two tendeth most to promove piety and godlinesse and the kingdome of Christ and so see which of the two is the truth which is after godlinesse as the Apostle speaketh Tit. 1 1. they must look which of the two is the doctrine which is according to Godliness 1 Tim. 6 vers 3. That is thetruth which is Christ's and which should be owned and imbraced viz which floweth from a Spirit of godlinesse tendeth to promove godlinesse and â—…eth with the true principles of godlinesse even gospel godlinesse wrought according to the tenor of the covenant of grace that is by the strength of the Spirit of Jesus dwelling and working in us and not according to the tenor of the covenant of works that is wrought by our own strength c. 16. Yet withal they would take heed that they mistake not here for they may look upon some wayes and doctrines as having a greater tendency to promove godlinesse then others which indeed have not but only seem so They would therefore consider well what is the way of godlinesse laid down in the noble device of the gospel which is the way that only glorifyeth God Father Son and Holy Ghost and see what suiteth most with that according to the word and not what seemeth most suitable to godlinesse in their apprehension The word is the best judge and teste of true godlinesse and in the word we have the only saifest meane of true godlinesse held forth therefore we should see what doctrine tendeth most to promove godlinesse according to the way held forth in the word and choose that 17. They would guaird against pride and selfe-conceite as thinking they are wise enough and understanding enough in those matters and so need not take a lesson of any This may be of great prejudice for itis the meek that God guideth in judgment And to the meek will He teach his way Psal. 25 9. Therefore it were good for his people in such a day to be meek and humble willing ready to learne of any person how meane so ever that can teach the wayes of God The Lord may bless a word spoken by a private person when he will not bless the word spoken by a Minister for his blessings are free And itis not good to despise any meane Apollos though instructed in the way of the Lord mighty in the Scriptures fervent in Spirit and teaching diligently the things of the Lord Act. 18 24 25. Yet was content to learne of Aquila of his wife Priscilla when they expounded unto Him the way of God more perfectly vers 26. 18. In such a time itis not unsaife to look to such as have been eminent in the way of God and lye neare to Him for itis probable they may know much of the minde of God in those questioned matters Hence we finde the Apostle putting Timothy others to this duty in a time when false teachers were going abroad saying 2 Tim. 3 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine manner of life 1 Cor. 4 16. wherefore I beseech you be ye followers of me 1 Cor. 11 1. Againe Phil. 3 17. Brethren be followers together of me All which say that though we should call no man Rabbi as hanging our faith absolutely on Him yet in such a time of prevailing errour and of false teachers going abroad some respect should be had to such as have found gracâ—… of the Lord to be faithful in times of tryal anâ—… have maintained truth and stood for it in times persecution and have with singleness of heart followed the Lord It not being ordinare with God to leave such as in sincerity seek Him and desire to follow his way in truth and uprightness and to give the revelation of his minde and the manifestation of his Spirit to others who have not gone thorow such trials 19. They would also at such a time be much in the sincere practice of uncontroverted duties and in putting uncontroverted and unquestionable and unquestioned truthes into practice and this may prove a notable meane to keep them right for then are they in God's way and so the devil hath not that advantage of them that he hath of others who â—…re out of the way of dutie David understood more than the Ancients because he keeped God's precepts Psal. 119 100. 20. It were good and suteable at such a time to be much in the feare of God remembering what an one He is and how hazardous itis to sin against Him by drinking-in the least point of errour The promise is made to such Psal. 25 12. What man is he that feareth the Lord him shall He teach in the way that he shall chuse 21. Finally at such a time they would be much in communion with Jesus lying neare Him much in prayer to Him studying his Relations Offices Furniture Readiness to helpe with light and counsel and they would draw neare to Him with humility boldness faith confidence love tenderness and sincerity and then they shall not finde that He shall fail them or disappoint them Enough of this I proceed therefore to another case which is CHAP. XVII How to make use of Christ as the Truth that we may get our case and condition cleared up to us THe beleever is oft complaining of darkness concearning his case and condition so as he cannot tell what to say of himself or what judgment to passe on himself and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition Now it is Truth alone and the Truth that can satisfie them as to this The question then is How they shall make use of and apply themselves to this Truth to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them But first let us see what this case may be Consider then 1. That grace may be in the soul and yet not be seen nor observed this is manifest by daylie experience 2. Not only so but a gracious soul that is reconciled with God in Christ and hath the Spirit of grace dwelling in it may suppose itself a stranger yet unto this reconciliation and you of the grace of God and so to be still in the state of nature 3. Yea a soul may not only suppose and conclude it self in nature while it is in a state of grace but â—…urder may be filled with terrour and apprehensions of God's wrath and indignation and that in such a measure
the evil of their former wayes and courses He worketh up the heart to godly sorrow and remorse for what is done making their bowels move for grief and sorrow that they should have so dishonoured and grieved Him 7. By setting the soul thus on work to do what formerly it neither could nor would do and thus He maketh the soul strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Epes 6 10. and able to run and not be weary and to walk and not be faint Esai 40. 8. By discovering the great recompence of reward that is comeing and the great help they have at hand in the Covenant and promises thereof and in Christ their Head and Lord He maketh the burden light and the duty easie As to the Last particular viz. How a beleever in such a case should make use of Christ as the Life that he may be delivered therefrom When the poor beleever is any way sensible of this decay and earnestly desireing to be from under that power of death and in case to go about commanded duties he would 1. Look to Christ for enlightened eyes that he may get a more through discovery of the hazard wreatchednesse of such a condition that hereby being awakened and alarmed he may more willingly use the meanes of recovery and be more willing to be at some paines to be delivered 2. He would run to the blood of Jesus to get the guilt of his by gone sinful wayes washen away and bloted out to the end he may obtaine the favour of God and get his reconciled face shineing upon him againe 3. He would eye Christ as a Prince exalted to give repentance that so his sorrow for his former sinful courses may be kindely spiritual through and affecting the heart He would cry to Christ that He would put in his hand by the hole of the door that his bowels may become moved for Him 4. He would also look to Him as that good Shepherd who will strengthen that which is sick Ezech. 34 16. And take notice also of his other Relations and of his Obligations thereby and by the Covenant of Redemption and this will strengthen his hope 5. He would lay hold on Christ as his Strength whereby his feet may be made like hindes feet and he may be made to walk upon his high places Habb 3 19. and he would grippe to that promise Esai 41 10 I will strengthen thee and lay hold on Christ in it 6. Having done thus he would set about every commanded duty in the strength of Jesus looking to Him for help and supply from whom cometh all his strength and though he should not finde that help and assistance which he expected yet he would not be discouraged but continue and when he can do no more offer himself as ready and willing to go about the duty as if he had strength 7. He would lye open to and be ready to receive the influences of strength which He who is the Head shall think good to give in his own time manner and measure and this taketh in those duties 1. That they would carefully guaird against the evils formerly mentioned which brought on this distemper such as Carelesnesse Untendernesse Unwatchfulnesse Lazynesse carnal Security Formality and want of Seriousnesse c. 2. That they would beware of giving way to despondency or of concludeing the matter hopelesse and remedilesse for that is both discourageing to the soul and a tempting provocation of God 3. That they should be exerciseing the grace of patient Waiting 4. That they should be waiting in the use of the appointed meanes and thereby as it were rubbing the dead and cold member before the fire till it gather warmth 5. That they should be keeping all their sails â—…p waiting for the gaile of the Spirit that should make their shipe sail 6. That they should be looking to Him alone who hath promised that quickening Spirit and patiently waiting his leasure not limiting Him to any definite time 7. That they should be cherishing and stirring up any small beginnings that are 8. That they should be welcoming most cheerfully every motion of the Spirit and improveing every advantage of that kinde and stricking the yron when it is hote and hold the wheels of the soul a going when they are once put in motion and so be loath to grieve the good and holy Spirit of God Ephes. 4 vers 30. or to quench his motions 1 Thes. 5 vers 19. If these duties were honestly minded and gone about in Him and in His strength none can tell how soon there might be a change wrought in the soul. But of it be asked what such can do to whom the very thoughts of the duty and aimeing at it is matter of terrour Ans. It may be something if not much of that may flow from such a bodyly distemper as occasioneth the alteration of the body upon the through apprehension of any thing that is weighty and of moment so as they cannot endure to be much affected with any thing But leaving this to others I would advise such a soul to those duties 1. To be frequently seting to the duty as for example of prayer though that should raise the distemper of their body for through time that may weare away or at least grow lesse while as their giving way thereto will still make the duty the more and more terrible and so render themselves the more unfit for it and thus they shall gratifie Satan who it may be may have a hand in that bodyly distemper too when the poor soul is thus accustomed or habituated to the attempting of the duty it will at length appeare not so terrible as it did so the body may become not so soon altered thereby as it was 2. When such an one can do no more He would keep his love to the duty and his desires after â—…t fresh and lively and would not suffer these quite to die out 3. He would be much in the use of frequent ejaculations and of short supplications darted up to God for these will not make such an impression on the body and so will not so occasion the raiseing and wakening of the bodyly distemper as more solemne addresses to God in prayer would possibly do 4. If he cannot go to Christ with confidence to draw out of Him life and strength according to his need yet he may give a look to Him though it were from a farre and he may think of Him and speak of Him frequently and would narrowly observe every thing that pointeth Him out or bringeth any thing of Him to remembrance 5. Such souls would not give way to despairing thoughts as if their case were wholly helpelesse and hopelesse for that is a reflecting upon the power skill of Christ and therefore is provoking and dishonourable to Him 6. Let Christ and all that is His be precious alwayes and lovely unto them And thus they would keep some room in their heart open for
To teach them to walk more circumspectly afterward and to guaird more watchfully against Satans temptations and to imploy Christ more as their Strength Light and Guide 5. To cause them see their great obligation to Jesus Christ for delivering them from that state of wrath wherein they were by nature as well as others and would have lyen-in to all eternity had not He redeemed them 6. To exercise their Faith Patience and Hope to see if in hope they will beleeve against hope and lay hold on the strength of the Lord that they may make peace with him Esai 27 5. 7. To give a fresh proof of his wonderful Mercy Grace Love and Compassion upholding the soul in the meane time at length pardoning them and speaking peace to their souls through the blood of Jesus But as to the third particular We may look on Christ as the Life to the soul in this case upon those accounts 1. He hath satisfied justice and so hath borne the pure wrath of God due for their sinnes He hath troden the winepresse alone Esai 63 3. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our sins Esai 53 5 10. And therefore they drink not of this cup which would make them drunk and to stagger and fall and never rise againe 2. Yea He hath procured that mercy and love shall accompany all those sharpe dispensations and that they shall flow from mercy yea and that they shall be as a covenanted blessing promised in he covenant Psal. 89 30 31 32 33. 3. And sometimes He is pleased to let them see this clear difference betwixt the strokes they lye under and the judgments of pure wrath which attend the wicked and this supporteth the soul for then he seeth that those dispensations how sharpe so ever they be shall work together for good to him and come from the hand of a gracious and loving Father reconciled in the blood of Christ. 4. He is a Prince exalted to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel Act. 5 31. Yea He hath procured such a clause in the covenant which is wel ordered in all things and sure that upon their renewing of faith and repentance their after sin shall be pardoned and besides the promises of faith and repentance in the covenant His being â—… Prince exalted to give both giveth assurance oâ—… their receiving of both 5. He cleareth to them their interest in the Covenant and their right to the promises of the Covenant and through their closeing with Christ bâ—… faith He raiseth up their heart in hope causeâ—… them to exspect an outgate even remission of theâ—… sins and turning a way of the displeasure in due timâ—… through Him and this is a great part of their life 6. Being the author and finisher of faith 〈◊〉 â—… Prince to give repentance He by His Spirit worketh up the soul to a renewing of its grips oâ—… Himself by faith and to a â—…uning to the death and blood of Christ for pardon and washing and worketh godly sorrow in the heart whereupon followeth Pardon according to the gospel constitution though the beleever as yet perceiveth it not And sin being pardoned before God conforme to the tenor of the covenant of grace the man is a living man whatever feares of death he may be keeped under for a time 7. He helpeth also the soul to a justifying of God and to a holy submissive frame of Spirit under that dispensation so that they are willing to beare the indignation of the Lord because they have sinned against Him Micah 7 9. and to waite for an outgate in God's own time and to kisse the rod and accept of the punishment of their sin 8. When He seeth it fit for his own glory and their advantage He speaketh peace at length to the soul and sayeth Son or daughter be of good cheer thy sinnes are forgiven thee And then is the soul restored to life As to the fourth particular The soul that is wreastling with an angry God for sin and would make use of Christ as the life would do those things 1. He would look to Christ as standing under God's curse in our room and as satisfying justice for all the elect and for all their sinnes 2. He would eye the covenant wherein new pardon is promised upon the renewing of faith and repentance 3. He would eye Christ as the great Lord dispensator of both Faith and Repentance and hing on Him for both and thus beleeve that he may beleeve and repent or lay his soul open to Him that He may work in him both Repentance and Faith 4. He would flee to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than the blood of Abel that he may be washen and sprinkled with hysope as David did Psal. 51 7. 5. He would eye Christ as a prince to pardon and give remission of sins and as exalted for this end and would fix his eye upon Him as now exalted in glory for this end 6. He would close with Christ of new as his only alsufficient mediator and having done this and repented of his sins whereby God hath been provoked he would conclude through faith that a pardon is past in the court of heaven conforme to the tenor of the gospel and waite on Christ until the intimation come As for the cautions which I promised to speak to in the last place take those few 1. Do not conclude there is no pardon because there is no intimation thereof made to thy soul as yet According to the dispensation of grace condescended upon in the gospel pardon is had immediatly upon a souls beleeving and repenting But the intimation sense and feeling of pardon is a distinct thing and may for several ends be long â—…eeped-up from the soul Sure they go not alwayes together 2. Do not conclude there is no pardon because the rode that was inflicted for sin is not as yet taken off God pardoned Davids sin and did intimate the same to Him by Nathan and yet the sword did not depart from his house till he died God can forgive and yet take vengeance on their in venâ—…ions Psal. 99 8. 3. Do not upon this ground question God's Faithfulnesse or conclude that God's covenant doth not stand fast He is the same and the covenant abideth fast and firme but the change is in thee 4. Do not think that because thou hast once received Christ that therefore without any new act of faith on Him or of repentance towards God thou should immediatly be pardoned of thy sinnes as soon as they are committed for the gospel methode must be followed and it should satisfie us CHAP. XXVIII No man cometh to the Father but by me THis being added for furder confirmation of what was formerly said will pointe out unto us several necessary truthes as First That it is most necessary to be sound and cleare in this fundamental point of coming to God only in and through Christ for 1. It is the whole
the Father as conscious of our own unworthinesse 6. There would be a confident leaning to Him in our approching and so we would approachin Him without fear or diffidence And that notwithstanding that we finde not our souls in such a good frame as we would wish yea and guilt looking us in the face 7. Thus would we roll all the difficulties that come in our way and all the discouragements which we meet with on Him that He may take away the one and the other and helpe us over the one and the other 8. As we would take an answer to all objections from Him alone and put Him to remove all scruples and difficulties and strengthen ourselves against all impediments and discouragments alone in and through Him so there would be the bringing of all our positive encouragements from Him alone and all our hopes of coming speed with the Father should be grounded upon Him 9. We would exâ—…pect all our welcome and acceptance with the Father only in through Christ and expect nothing for any thing in ourselves not for our graces good frame preparation or any thing of that kinde So we would not found our acceptance nor our peace and satisfaction on ourselves nor on any thing we have or do nor would we conclude our exclusion or want of acceptance because we do not apprehend our frame so good as it ought to be so we should not found our acceptance on our right performance of duties for that is not Christ. 10. We would quiet ourselves on Him alone in all our approaches whatever livelinesse we finde or misse in the duty we are too much tickled and faine when duties go well with us and troubled upon the other hand when it is not so and the ground of all this is because we leane too much to our own duties and do not quiet ourselvs on Him alone and hence itis that we are oft quieted when we get the duty done and put by though we have not met with Him there nor goten use made of Him as was necessary All our comfort peace and quiet would be founded on Him alone 11. We would look to Him for the removal of all the discouragments that Satan casts in our way while we are about this or that piece of worship to put us back or to cause us advance slowly and faintingly and casting them all on Him goe forward in our duty 12. We would look for all our returns and answers only in and through Him and lay all the weight of our hopes and exspectation of a good answer only on Him â—… Iohn 5 13 14 15. For Caution I would adde a word or two 1. I do not think that the beleever can explicitely and distinctly act all these things when ever he is going to God or can distinctly perceive all these several acts nor have I specified them and particularly mentioned then thus for this end but to shew at some length how Christ is to be imployed in those acts of worship which we are called to performe and that because we ofttimes think the simple nameing of Him and asking of things for His sake is sufficient though our hearts leane more to some other thing than to Him and the conscientious christian will find his soul when he is rightly going about the duties of worship looking towards Christ thus sometimes more distinctly and explicitely as to one particular sometimes more as to another 2. Though the beleever cannot distinctly act saith on Christ all these wayes when he is going about commanded duties of worship yet he would be sure to have his heart going out after Christ as the only ground of his approaching to and acceptance with and of being heard by the Father and to have his heart in such an habitual frame of resting on Christ that really there may be a relying upon Him all these wayes though not distinctly discerned 3. Sometimes the beleever will be called to be more distinct and explicite in looking to and resting upon Christ as to one particular and sometimes more as to another when Satan is disswading him to go to God because He is an infinite holy one and he himself is but a sinner then he is called to act faith on Christ as the mediator making reconciliation betwixt God and sinners and when Satan is disswading from approaching to God because of their want of an interest in God then should they act faith on Christ and imbrace him according to the gospel and rest there and so approach And when Satan casts up his unworthinesse and former sins to keep him aback or to discourage him then he is called to lay hold on Christ as the great Highpriest and advocate and casting that discouragement on Him to goe forward So likewise when Satan is discourageing him in his duty by bringing before him his sins he should take this course And when because of his sinful way of worshiping God and calling upon him and other things he is made to feare that all is in vaine that neither God regairdeth him nor his service and that he shall not come speed than should he cast all the burden of his acceptance and of obtaining what he asketh and desireth on Christ and quiet himself there and so as to the rest and hence appeareth the usefulnesse of our branching-out of this matter 4. In all this there must be an acting in the strength of Jesus a looking to Christ and resting upon Christ according to the present case and necessity in Christ that is by his strength and grace communicated to us by his Spirit Then do we worshipe God in the Spirit and in the newnesse of the Spirit when all is done in the matter of worship in and through Jesus FINIS A Table of the Chapters Chap. I THe Introduction with some general Observations from the cohesion Pag. 1 Chap. II. Of the Words themselves in general 16 Chap. III. How Christ is the Way in general 20 Chap. IIII. How Christ is made use of for justification 41 Chap. V. How Christ is the Way for sanctification in general 72 Chap. VI. How Christis to be made use of for killing and crucifying the old man of sin 100 Chap. VII How Christ is to be made use of for grouth in grace 1â—…3 Chap. VIII How Christ is to be made use of for taking away the guilt of our dayly outbreakings 155 Chap. IX How Christ is to be made use of for cleansing us from our dayly spots 179 Chap. X. Some generals clearing how Christ is the Truth 200 Chap. XI More particularly in what respects Christ is called the Truth 206 Chap. XII Some general Uses from this useful truth that Christ is the Truth 209 Chap. XIII How Christ is to be made use of as the Truth for grouth in knowledge 226 Chap. XIIII How Christ is to be made use of as the Truth for comfort when truth is oppressed and born down 238 Chap. XV. How Christ is to be made use of for stedfastness in a time when truth is oppressed and born down 245 Chap. XVI How Christ is to be made use of as the Truth when the Spirit oâ—… errour prevaileth 25â—… Chap. XVII How Christ is to be made use of as the Truth for geting of our case and condition cleared up 268 Chap. XVIII How Christ is to be made use of as the Truth to the end we may get right and suteable thoughts of God 277 Chap. XIX How Christ is the Life 284 Chap. XX. Some general Uses of Christ's being the Life 299 Chap. XXI How Christ is to be made use of as the Life when we are so sitten-up in the wayes of God that we can do nothing 314 Chap. XXII How Christ is to be made use of as the Life when we are heartless and fainting through discouragments 322 Chap. XXIII How Christ is to be made use of as the Life when we are dead as to doing of duties 334 Chap. XXIIII How Christ is to be made use of as the Life when we are under the prevailing power of unbeleef and infidelity 344 Chap. XXV How Christ is to be made use of as the Life when we cannot know what to judge of our case 353 Chap. XXVI How Christ is to be made use of as the Life by one that misseth God's favour 358 Chap. XXVII How Christ is to be made use of as the Life when we have to do with an angry God because of sin 365 Chap. XXVIII The last words of the Text explained with some Observations thence deduced 372 Chap. XXIX How Christ is to be made use of in going to the Father in prayer and other acts of Worship 376 FINIS