Sect. 1. Interest in Christ is a ground of com­fort, under all the Troubles of Life, and against the Sorrows and Terrors of Death.

An instance of fetching comfort from Christ the Consolation of Israel, under the Troubles and Sorrows both of Life and Death, we have in this Text considered in its Coherence with the Context. For opening whereof, consider these three things.

1. The Distresses of the Spouse, set forth in this, and the foregoing Chapter. To pass over her inward troubles, set forth by her be­ing sick of love. Ch. 2.5. She met with an­ger and much hard usage from her Mothers Children, that is, from those that professed the same Faith with her self, Ch. 1. ver. 6. My Mothers Children were angry with me, they made me the Keeper of the Vineyards. Keeping [Page 5]the Vineyards was servile laborious work, which they used to employ the baser sort of People, and Strangers in. Isa. 61.5. The Sons of the alien shall be your Plowmen, and your Vine-dressers. It was a burdensome, as well as an ignominious employment, to work in Vineyards in those hot Countries, The Labourers that were sent to work in the Vine­yard, complained that they had born the bur­den, and the heat of the day. Math. 20.1, 12, So that when the Spouse of Christ saith, they made me the Keeper of the Vineyard, it im­plyeth that her Mothers Children laid heavy burdens upon her, dealt hardly and ignomi­niously with her, exposed her to reproach and other sufferings. She was greatly distressed by her Persecutions which she endured, which scorched like the Sun, when it shined at noon day, and made her black in the eye of the World. Chap. 1.7. I am black, because the Sun hath looked upon me. Persecutions arising for the word, are set out by the scorching of the Sun, As we may see in the parable of the seed that fell on the stony ground, which having no Root withered away, when the Sun was up and scorched it. Mat. 13.5, 6. Some set on stony places, where they had not much Earth—And when the Sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no Root, they withered away. This rising and scorching of the Sun the Lord Jesus interpreteth to be ri­sing of Tribulation and Persecution for the [Page 6]words sake. ver. 20.21. For when Tribula­tion or Persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. The Sun looking upon her, that is, her Persecutions had made her black. I am black; what doth this black­ness imply.

• (1.) Her inward sorrow and pain of heart, and distress of mind, arising from her trou­bles and persecution. For great grief and sorrow is frequently expressed by blackness. Job 30.27, 28, 29, 30. My Bowels boyled and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me. I went mourning without the Sun— My skin is black upon me. Nah. 2.10. The heart mel­teth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all the Loyns, and the faces of them all gather blackness. The Prophet sets out his great grief and astonishment of mind by his being black. Jer. 8.21. I am black, astonish­ment hath taken hold on me.
• (2.) Her being exposed to scorn and con­tempt, and derision, by reason of her mani­fold sufferings and miseries. Look not upon me, because I am black— That is, look not upon me with a scornful eye, in a way of derision and contempt. It is the lot of the people of God, sometimes to be made gazing stocks to the World. Heb. 10.33. Ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches, and afflictions. This, Jobs portion when he was under great sorrows, his Friends looked upon him with a scornful eye, and scoffed at him. Job. 16.20. [Page 7] My friends scorn me, but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

The Churches distressed condition is far­ther set forth, in her being resembled to a Lilly among Thorns. Cant. 2.2. As the Lil­ly among Thorns, so is my love among Thorns. That is.

• 1. She was compassed with sharp and grie­vous afflictions, which pierced her, as if she had had so many Thorns run into her Flesh. Sharp afflictions are set out by Thorns. Hos. 2.6. I will hedge up her way with Thorns.
• 2. She was beset about with cruel adversa­ries, that vexed and tortured her, as if she had so many Thorns running into her side or eyes. It is usual to set out the adversaries of the Church by Thorns. 2 Sam. 23.6. But the Sons of Belial shall be all of them as Thorns. Now those adversaries of the Church are like­ned to Thorns.
  • (1.) Who are continually vexing and trou­bling the People of God. Num. 33.55. The inhabitants of the Land shall be pricks in your eyes, and Thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the Land wherein ye dwell. Ezek. 28 24. And there shall be no more a pricking brier, to any of the house of Israel, nor any grieving Thorn.
  • (2.) Those enemies of the Church are like­ned to Thorns, that would rend and tear the People of God in pieces, if the Lord should let them have their will of them. Thorns are [Page 8]of a rending tearing nature. Judg. 8.7. I will tear your Flesh with Thorns of the Wilder­ness. Such kind of Thorns are the enemies of the Church, they would even rend and tear the Servants of God in pieces, if the Lord should not deliver them out of their hands Psal. 7.1, 2. Save me from all them that per­secute me, and deliver me, least he tear my Soul like a Lion, renting it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. Ps. 35.15. The abjects gather­ed themselves together, and I knew it not, they did tear me, and ceased not.

Another expression of the Churches distres­ses we have Chap. 2.15. Take us the Foxes, the little Foxes that spoil the Vines— She was molested with Foxes that spoyled the Vines. And what were these Foxes.

1. False Prophets, that corrupted the Doc­trine and Worship of the Church. Ezek. 13.4. O Israel, thy Prophets are like Foxes in the de­sert. He doth not speak of the true, but of the false Prophets, when he saith, thy Pro­phets are like Foxes.

2. The Foxes signifie subtle and bloody Persecutors, who seek to shed the Blood of the Saints, and make havock of the Church, Luk. 13.31, 32. Herod will kill thee, and he said unto them, go ye tell that Fox Herod is called a Fox, because he sought by subtlety to kill Christ. These Foxes the Spouse speaks of, did spoil the Vines; such a Fox was Saul before his Conversion. Act, 8.3. As for [Page 9]Saul he made havock of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, he committed them to prison.

2. The Spouse of Christ being in this di­stressed and persecuted condition, prayeth to Christ to teach, and tell her with what com­forts he is wont to refresh, and support his people under their sorest and hottest persecu­tions. Chap. 1.7. Tell me (O thou whom my Soul loveth,) where thou feedest, where thou ma­kest thy flock to rest at noon. The noon is the hottest time of the day, signifieth the hottest persecutions, when the rage of Persecutors is at the heighth, then it is worthy our enquiry, where or how Christ comforts and supports his persecuted Flock; His making his Flock to rest at noon, signifieth the inward and spi­ritual comforts and refreshments that Christ giveth his People in their greatest troubles. Mat. 11.28, 29. Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your Souls. That rest which Christ gives his Flock, when they labour under Troubles and Temptations is rest for their Souls. And as the Spouse en­quireth where and how Christ maketh his Flock to rest at Noon, so in her distressed con­dition, she cryeth out for comfort and sup­port. Stay me—comfort me— Ch. 2.5. Stay me with flaggons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love. This being sick of love im­plyeth.

• (1.) The deferring of those spiritual com­forts and supports, that she prayed, hoped and waited for. Prov. 13.12. Hope deferred ma­keth the heart sick.
• (2.) Her being ready to faint for want of the presence of Christ, and the comforts of his Spirit. Sickness is attended with faintness. Dan. 8.27. I Daniel fainted and was sick. Such as are sick of love are oft times in a faint­ing condition. Psal. 119.81. My Soul faint­eth for thy Salvation, but I hope in thy word.
• (3.) Her restless condition for want of the enjoyment of Christ. Sick persons are very restless, when Job was sick he was restless, and full of tossings to and fro; what Solomon saith concerning a person whom God exerci­seth with many sorrows. Eccl. 2.23. His heart taketh not rest in the night. The same may be said of one sick of love, his heart take­eth not rest, either in the night or the day, but is very unquiet as long as Christ hideth himself. Psal. 30.7. Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

3. We may consider the grounds of the Spouses Consolations under these Troubles, and the hazard and danger of Death, and her inward Troubles occasioned by her being sick of love. I will only mention these two.

• (1.) Her Interest in Christ; When she was in her greatest dangers and distresses, and wanted the presence of Christ, she quieted, comforted and encouraged her self with this, [Page 11]that she had an Interest in Christ. My beloved is mine, and I am his.
• (2.) She found great Consolation from her participation of the benefits of Christ. ver. 3. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his Fruit was sweet to my tast.

From the Spouses supporting and comfort­ing her self under her afflictions and persecuti­ons, when she was in danger of her Life, with the consideration of her interest in Christ, we may infer this Doctrine, which shall be the subject of my ensuing discourse.

When the Sun of persecution is risen upon us, and scorcheth vehemently, when we are become black, when our Mothers Children are angry with us, and deal hardly with us, when 'tis Noon, the hottest time of persecuti­on, when we are as a Lilly among Thorns, compassed about on every side with sharp af­flictions, in the midst of adversaries that are ready to rend and tear us in pieces, when we are sick and faint, because our hope is deferred and Christ absents himself from us, when the Foxes are come out of their holes, that spoil the Vines, that thirst after the blood of the Saints; at, then if we can say, My beloved [Page 12]is mine, and I am his, we have cause to be of good chear, for interest in Christ is a ground of strong Consolation, under all the troubles of this Life, how many and how great soever, and against the fears and terrors of Death; and this I shall prove by several instances. The Apostle Paul was a man that went through abundance of troubles and persecutions as was shewen in part before, and I shall now far­ther shew you. He could go to no place, but he expected either to be put in Prison, or to meet with some other affliction. Act. 20.23. The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every City, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me. He was troubled and persecuted every where, and went in continual danger of his Life. 2 Cor. 4.8, 9, 11. We are troubled on every side—we are perplexed—persecuted—cast down but not de­stroyed— VVe are always delivered unto Death for Jesus sake. Another account of his suffer­ings we have, 1 Cor. 4.9, 10, 11, 12.13. I think that God hath set forth us, the Apostles last, as appointed unto Death; For we are made a spectacle to the VVorld, and to Angels, and to Men; we are fools for Christs sake—we are weak—we are despised— Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place— we are made as the filth of the VVorld, and are the off scouring of all things unto this day. Now although the Apostle Paul met with abundance of afflictions and persecutions, [Page 13]he was exceeding joyful in all his tribulations and as full of comfort as his heart could hold. 2 Cor. 7.4. I am filled with comfort, I am ex­ceeding joyful in all our tribulation. And whence was it that the Apostle Paul had such exceeding joy in all his tribulations? It was in Christ, and from Christ, as he himself tells us. Phil. 3.3. VVe rejoyce in Christ Jesus. Rom. 5.11. VVe joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Virgin Mary who was the Mother of Christ, met with sore afflictions, which pierced her as if she had a Sword run into her very Soul. Luke 2.35. Yea a sword shall pierce through thine own Soul also. Some understand this as a foretelling, that she should suffer Death for Christ, and be slain with the Sword, others understood the words Meta­phorically, that she should be exposed to such sharp trials that should pierce her, as if she had a Sword run into her; for reproaches and many other afflictions, are like the piercings of a Sword. Psal. 42.10. As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me, while they say daily unto me, where is thy God. Prov. 12.18. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a Sword — And the Virgin Mary's Conso­lation under all her afflictions was, her interest in Christ, her interest in him, not so much as he was the Son of her Womb, as the Son of God, and the Saviour of her Soul. Luke 1.47, 48. And Mary said, my Soul doth magni­fie the Lord, and my Spirit hath rejoyced in God [Page 14]my Saviour. David found great Consolation in his interest in Christ, and in God, under all his troubles and sorrows, of which I might give many instances, but shall only mention that distress he was in at Ziglag. 1 Sam. 30.6. David was greatly distressed — But David encou­raged himself in the Lord his God. Observe here the greatness of Davids distress; Ziglag his City of refuge, was invaded by the Ama­lekites, smitten and burnt with Fire; ver. 1. Davids Wives, and the Wives and Children of the men that were with him were taken Cap­tives, and carried away by the enemies. ver. 2.3. All their Flocks also, and their Herds were carried away in a Triumphing manner, saying, This is Davids spoil. ver. 20. Davids distress was so great, That David and the People that were with him, lift up their voice and wept, till they had no more power to weep. ver. 4. And which added to his sorrows was this, that he was now in danger of loosing, and that by the hands of those that had fought for him to save his Life, they were so enraged against David, that they spake of stoning him to Death, and that was an aggravation of his affliction, that besides his other losses, he was now like to loose his Life, and that in a vio­lent way, and that by the hand of his Friends. And David was greatly distressed for the Peo­ple spake of stoning him. ver. 6. And what was his comfort and encouragement in this di­stress? it was his interest in God. But David [Page 15]encouraged himself in the Lord [his God.] And how doth the Lord become our God? it is in and through Jesus Christ, that he be­comes our God. 2 Cor. 5.19. That we may not only Triumph over all the troubles of this Life, but even over Death it self, by virtue of our interest in Christ, is evident from 1 Cor. 15.55. O Death where is thy sting, O Grave where is thy victory? the sting of Death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law, but thuaks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. He speaks in a Triumph­ing manner, as having no dread of Death, but having overcome the fear of Death, and the Grave; O Death where is thy sting, O Grave where is thy victory? As if he should have said, we are not afraid of thee, O Death, or thee, O Grave: thou hast lost thy sting, O Death, and thy victory O Grave. And what is the ground of this Triumph over Death, how came we by this victory? this Triumph is grounded upon an interest in Christ, this victory is given us of God, through Christ, as he is made ours; Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sect. 2. What is meant by an interest in Christ. How Christ becomes ours: How we become Christs.

There is a special saving interest in Christ, [Page 16]as our Redeemer, which is when a man is made a partaker of Christ, united to Christ, and hath a real and actual right to all the saving benefits of Christ. Heb. 3.14. We are made partakers of Christ

How Christ becomes ours.

• 1. By the Fathers giving him to be a propi­tiation for our sins, and Christs giving him­self to die for our sins. Joh. 3.16.
• 2. By an effectual calling. 1 Cor. 1.9.
• 3. By our recieving him. Joh. 1.12.
• 4. By our entring into Covenant with God. Isa. 55.3.

How do we become Christs

• 1. By Donation of the Father. Joh. 17.6.
• 2. By Redemption. 1 Cor. 6.19, 20.
• 3. By the Spirits causing and enabling us to give our selves to him. 2 Cor. 8.5.
• 4. By virtue of the Covenant. Ezek. 16.8.

See the matters of this Section, in a Book of this Author, Entituled [Consolation in Life and Death.]

Sect. 3. Several grounds of Consolation a­gainst the troubles of Lsfe, and the fears and terrors of Death, arising from an in­terest in Christ.

• 1. Jesus Christ hath fully, perfectly, and for ever reconciled unto God all that are his. Col. 1.19, 20.
• 2. Jesus Christ hath obtained for all that [Page 17]are his a free, full perpetual pardon of all their sins. 1 Cor. 15.3. 1 Joh. 3.5. Joh. 1.29.

These and many other grounds, may be seen largely handled in the said Treatise, by this Author, Entituled [Consolation in Life and Death.]

§. Imperfection in our obedience is consist­ent with a saving interst in Christ

Obj. I hope Christ is mine and I am his, but yet I have doubts and fears in this case, be­cause I come so short in my obedience to Christ.

May Christ be ours, and yet the obedience that we yield, be but imperfect obedience.

A. 1. Obeying Christ is a sure evidence of a saving interest in Christ, for he is the Au­thor not only of Temporal but Eternal Salva­tion, not only to some, but to all them that obey him. Heb. 5.9. And being made perfect he became the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him.

2. Though you come short in your obey­ing the Precepts of Christ, yet can't you say, you have sought his Precepts? David con­cludes that he was the Lords, because he had sought his Precepts. Psal. 119.94. I am thine, save me, for I have sought thy Precepts. Now when may we be said to have sought Gods Pre­cepts?

A. 1. When we are desirous to know the Commandments of God, in order to doing them, and therefore when any doubtfull cases occurr, we will do nothing rashly, till we have considered whither it be agreeable to the Commandments of God, and when we can't find out what the Lord hath commanded, in this or the other thing, we go to God to dis­cover his will to us; Psal. 119.12, 19. Teach me thy Statutes— hide not thy Commandements from me. When we thus seek to God to teach and reveal his will to us, we may be said to seek his Precepts.

2. We seek Gods Precepts, when we seek to him for grace to keep his Precepts, and say with David. Psal. 119.5. Oh that my ways were directed, that I could keep thy Precepts. Psal. 143.10. Teach me to do thy will.

3. It is an argument that we love Christ, and so consequently that we have an interest in him, when we set his Commandements before us as our rule, and walk after them, though we be not able to walk up to them. 2 Ep. Joh. 6. And this is love that we walk after his Com­mandements.

4. Though you can't obey Christ perfectly, yet are you not willing and desirous to obey Christ better, even to obey him in all things? It is an argument that a man hath a good Con­science, and is in a good estate, when he is willing in all things to live Honestly. Heb. 13.18. We trust we have a good Conscience in all things, willing to live honestly.

5. If our obedience be sincere, though it be imperfect obedience, it is a sign that we have a saving interest in Christ, and are his peculiar people. Exod. 19.5. Now therefore if ye will obey my voice in deed— then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people. Grace, that is the love of God, and all those blessings which he is wont to give out of his love and free grace to the Children of men, shall be un­to all them that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, although they do not love him in perfection. Eph. 6.24. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Grace be with all them, that is, shall be with them, and continue with them for ever.

See more in the last Chapter of this Treatise.

§. Grounds of Consolation in the hottest times of persecution

The Spouse enquireth, Cant. 1.7. where he maketh his flock to rest at noon. Tell me O thou whom my Soul loveth— where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon. By noon understand aestus persecutionis, as Mercer and others, the heat of Persecution. The Noon is the hot­test time of the day. By making the flock to rest at noon, we may understand, how thou comfortest, how thou supportest thy people; how and by what means thou givest rest to the Souls of thy people, in the hottest times of persecution. And what the Spouse enquired after, Christ discovered to her, namely that her rest is in himself. Mat. 11.28. Come to me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. And having found rest and refreshment in Christ, in the hottest day, she tells others where she had her delights and comforts in the heat of the day, and that was in Christ. Cant. 2.3. I sate down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my tast. Upon these words, I sat down under his shadow with great delight. Piscator hath this interpretation; Cum sentio vel arixi­etatem vel persecutionem, ad Christum confugio [Page 152]ut is me per Spiritum sanctum, & verbum Dei consoletur. When I feel any distress or perse­cution I flee to Christ, that he would comfort me by his Word and Spirit. The fruit which the Spouse saith was sweet, are the benefits we have by Christ, as remission of sins, Eter­nal Life, &c. In the foregoing words Christ is likened to an Apple-tree, and the benefits that we have by Christ are the Fruit of this Tree, which yields much comfort and refresh­ing to the people of God. And to this agre­eth Piscator's note upon the place. Consolatio­nes Christi sunt dulces animis fidelium; The comforts of Christ are sweet to the Souls of Believers. There is comfort in Christ and from Christ, under the hottest persecutions of the Church; if any say how may we be ena­bled by the help of Christ to bear up chear­fully in times of greatest persecution, when we are called to resist unto blood, and to un­dergo fiery tryals.

A. 1. Get a right understanding of per­secutions for Christs and the Gospels sake, look upon them not with an eye of Sense, but an eye of Faith, judge of them as they are re­presented in the Scripture, and not as flesh and blood represents them to you. For this will lay a Foundation for chearfullness under the forest persecutions, if we have a right ac­count of them. To this end consider what ac­count the Scripture gives of persecutions for [Page 153]Christs sake, or which is all one, for the Gos­pels sake, or for Righteousness sake.

1. Persecutions for Righteousness sake are Blessings, real Blessings, great Blessings, for they confirm our title to a Kingdom, a more glorious Kingdom than any is to be enjoyed in this World. Mat. 5.10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for Righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. If a man consult with flesh and blood that will tell him, it is a miserable thing to be under persecution, to have our estates, liberties and lives taken from us, but if we consult the Scriptures, they will tell us, that 'tis a blessed thing to be persecu­ted, and that there are no men on earth more blessed, than they that are persecuted for Righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, and none are so happy as they that shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. Persecutions for Righteousness sake are matter of joy rather than sorrow. 1 Pet. 4.13. But rejoyce in as much as ye are pertakers of the sufferings of Christ. Yea they are a ground of exceeding great joy, for they encrease our grace here, and our glory hereafter. They are a ground of great joy, as they encrease our grace here. Jam. 1.2, 3. My brethren count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your Faith work­eth patience. The Apostle writes to the twelve Tribes that were scattered abroad, where be­ing removed out of their own country, was [Page 154]some degree of persecution, and when abroad among Heathens and Idolaters, they were con­tinually liable to persecutions for Righteous­ness sake, yet he bids them count it all joy, when they fell into divers temptations, be­cause hereby their Faith should be tryed, and Patience encreased. Persecutions for Righ­teousness sake are a ground of exceeding great joy, because they will encrease our glo­ry in Heaven for ever. Mat. 5.11, 12. Bles­sed are ye when men shall revile you, and per­secute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake. Rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. Observe here our Lord Jesus doth not say to his Servants when under persecution, be not cast down, but rejoyce and be glad, and not only so, but be exceed­ing glad, and why, because persecutions en­crease our reward in the other World. Great is your reward in Heaven. Yea he would have us so exceeding joyfull as to leap for joy. Luk. 6.23. Rejoyce ye in that day, and leap for joy, for behold your reward is great in Heaven. That day wherein Christ would have us leap for joy, is the day of persecution, spoken of in the foregoing verse.

3. Persecutions for Christ are honours and favours, and ought to be esteemed as such as by all true Christians. Act. 5.41. And they departed from the presence of the counsel, rejoy­cing [Page 155]that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. The Apostles counted it an ho­nour to be beaten and reproached for Christ. Phil. 1.29. Ʋnto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his name sake; We see here, that it is a gift, a favour for a man to be called to suf­fer for Christ.

4. Persecutions for Christ are not strange and unusual things, but are the common lot of Christians, and are to be counted upon by all that will live Godly in Christ, from the first day we give our selves to Christ, till we lay down these Earthly Tabernacles. 2 Tim. 2.12. Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Sufferings for Christ are to be expected from the first day, that we give our selves to Christ. Mark 8.34. Who­soever will come after me — let him take up his cross. And to the last day of our continuance in this World, for we are liable to sufferings as long as we continue in the body. Heb. 13.2. Re­member them that suffer adversity, as being your selves also in the body. Yea we must not think it a strange thing if we should meet with fiery tryals, and be burnt for our Religion as well as others have been before us. 1 Pet. 4, 12. Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery tryal, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. That passage Heb. 12.4. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood— Intimateth that all Christians should count upon [Page 156]it, that though they had not hitherto, yet it may be their lot to have their blood shed for Christ. They had suffered deeply in their names and estates, and were eminent for grace, and had attained assurance of their Salvation. Ch. 10.32, 33, 34. Yet for all this, though God had spared them as to life, and they had not yet resisted unto blood, they knew not, but that might also come upon them, to lay down their lives for Christ.

2. The knowledge and belief of Gods infi­nite, everlasting and unchangable love to us in Christ Jesus, and of Christs love in laying down his Life for us, will carry us chearfully through our greatest persecutions. and make us to triumph over all manner of persecutions, even at such a time as we are killed all the day long, and counted as sheep for the slaughter. As we may see it excellently set out, Rom. 8.35, 36, 37, 38, 39, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ! shall Tribulation, or Distress, or Famine, or Nakedness, or Peril, or Sword? (As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter) Nay in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us. For I am perswaded that neither death nor life, &c. nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Let us take notice in this Scripture of these things.

1. The love of Christ, and the love of God in Christ towards his people, is so fixed, so firm, so unchangeable, that no manner of troubles or persecutions, no creature in Hea­ven or Earth is or shall be able to separate them from the love of Christ, and the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, that is, which is grounded upon the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ.

2. The apprehension and perswasion of Gods love to our Souls in Christ Jesus, and the immutability of this love, will help us to overcome and triumph over all manner of troubles and persecutions. Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us, for I am perswaded that neither death nor life—nor any other creature, shall be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. In all these things, that is, all the forementioned tribulations and persecu­tions, though we be flain by the Sword, or are starved to Death by Famine, we are con­querors, yea more than conquerors, and how? not by our own strength, but through him that loved us, and how doth he give us the victory. By giving us a firm perswasion of the unchange­able love of God in Christ. For I am perswa­ded.

3. Observe the time and season when the servants of Christ are made to triumph as con­querors over all their troubles, and that is, when it is noon day in respect of their perse­cutions, [Page 158]when 'tis the hottest time of persecu­tion, when they are not only deprived of their goods, thrust into prisons, but killed, killed all the day long, and counted as sheep for the slaughter. And let us see what is implyed in these expressions.

• (1.) It is to be all the day long in hazard and danger of death. When it is with us as it was with Hezekiah in his sickness. Isa. 38.13. So 'tis with us in respect of our persecu­tors, we reckon in the night they may come upon us before the morning, and the morning may come before the night, and rend and tear us in pieces, or when 'tis with us as it was with David. Psal. 119.109. My Soul is con­tinually in my hand, then we may be said to be killed all the day long.
• (2.) When we are put to a lingring death, that it may be the more painfull, that we are as it were all the day long in a dying condition; this some persecutors endeavoured, ut sentiant se mori, then we may be said to be killed all the day long.
• (3.) When persecutors make no more of killing us, than they do of killing sheep, when the Saints are killed in abundance, that it is a time of much blood-shed, yea when they joy in the death of Gods Servants. Isa. 22.13. They are counted as Sheep for the slaughter.

Now the knowledge and belief of the love of Christ, will help us to go through all per­secutions chearfully, several ways.

1. As it leads to the filling our Souls with the graces and comforts of the Spirit of God. Eph. 3.19. And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God. The more we are filled with the graces and comforts of the Holy Ghost, the stronger we shall be to suffer for Christ, for the joy of the Lord is our strength.

2. As it draws out our love to Christ. 1 Joh. 3.16, 17. We have known and believed the love that God hath to us— Herein is our love made per­fect— And the more we love Christ, the strong­er we shall be to suffer for Christ. Cant. 8.6, 7. Love is strong as death— Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.

3. Get and keep a lively hope of eternal life and glory, for this will be a wonderfull support to you in your greatest persecutions. This caused our Lord Jesus to endure the pain, and the shame of the Cross with much chear­fulness. Heb. 12.2. Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the Right hand of the Throne of God. The having the joys of Hea­ven in his thoughts caused him to endure the pain, and make light of the shame of the cross. This caused the Apostles to glory and triumph in the midst of their troubles. Rom. 5.2, 3. — And rejoyce in hope of the glory of God; And not only so, but we glory in Tribulations also. The respect which Moses had to the recom­pence [Page 160]of reward in the other World, carryed him with chearfulness through his great suffer­ings. Heb. 11.24, 25, 26. The hope of Salvation is by the Apostles called an helmet. 1 Thes. 5.8. Putting on the breast-plate of Faith and Love, and for an helmet the hope of Salva­tion. The helmet preserves the head in safe­ty, as long as we keep on this helmet, as long as we keep our hope of Salvation, we are in a safe condition.

4. If you would go chearfully through all your persecutions, get and exercise the graces of Faith and Patience, for they are of singular use in an evil day. Rev. 13.7, 10. And it was given to him to make war with the Saints, and to overcome them— Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints. When the beast maketh war with the Saints, and overcomes them, that is, God permits him to kill and slay as Conquerors those that they have overcome, then is a time when there is great need, great use of Faith and Patience. I shall speak di­stinctly to both these graces.

• 1. Get and exercise Faith; Faith is the most usefull, most necessary piece of the Spi­ritual Armour in an evil day, and therefore we are called upon above all to take the shield of Faith, because thereby we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; Eph. 6.16. Above all taking the shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery [Page 161]darts of the wicked. Fiery darts are the most dangerous. most destructive temptations, and containeth both inward lusts, whereby the heart is as it were set on fire, — and fiery tryals which are sharpest to the outward man, now these are all quenched by the shield of Faith. Let me shew you how you should use this shield, how you should exercise your Faith, when you meet with fiery tryals.
  • 1. Have Faith in Gods presence, believe that God is and will be with you, according to his promise, when you pass through the fire and through the waters. Isa. 43.2. For Faith in Gods presence will carry us comforta­bly through our greatest tryals. Act. 2.25.26. I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I should not be mo­ved, therefore did my heart rejoyce, and my tongue was glad. To confirm your Faith that you shall have Gods presence with you in your persecutions, see such Scriptures as these. 2 Cor. 4.9. Persecuted but not forsaken. Jer. 20.11. Joh. 16.32. 2 Tim. 4.17, 18.
  • 2. Have Faith in Gods assistance; Believe that God according to his promise for Christs sake will help strengthen and uphold you. Isa. 41.10. The believing that we shall have Gods help, will put great courage into our Souls. Isa. 50.7. For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded, therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
  • [Page 162]3. Have Faith in that glorious and unspeak­able recompence of reward which God will give you, if you continue faithfull unto the death, in a suffering day. Rev. 2.10. Be thou faithfull unto the death, and I will give thee a crown of Life. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. It is a faithfull saying — If we suffer we shall also reign with him. The believing and looking at our eternal glory, which we shall have af­ter we have suffered for Christ, will keep us from fainting under the Cross. 2 Cor. 4.16, 18. For which cause we faint not— while we look at the things which are not seen, which are Eternal.
• 2. As you should get and exercise Faith, so you should exercise patience also; For pati­ence is a very usefull and necessary grace in times of persecution. Heb. 10.32, 36. Ye endured a great sight of afflictions— ye have need of patience. Luk. 21.12, 19. They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, de­livering you up to the Synagogues, and into pri­sons, being brought before Kings and Rulers for my names sake— In your patience possess ye your Souls. If any say, it is true, Patience is need­full and usefull in a suffering day.

But how shall we attain to patience in times of great persecution.

A. 1. Consider the patience of our Lord Jesus Christ in all his sufferings, that will learn us patience in all our distresses. Heb. 12.1, 2, 3. Let us run with patience the race that is [Page 163]set before us, looking to Jesus — Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, de­spising the shame— For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, least ye be wearied and faint in your minds. The looking to Jesus, and considering the dig­nity of his person, the greatness of his suffer­ings, and the patience with which he endured the pain and the shame of the Cross, and the contradiction of sinners against himself, will help us to run our race with Patience, and keep us from being wearied and fainting in our minds. An instance of the patience of Christ under his sufferings, which all things considered, were greater than the sufferings of any of the Martyrs; We have Isa. 53.7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, he is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. And as the example of Christ, so also the example of the Prophets and other Saints and Servants of God, may cause us to be patient under our persecutions. It hath been the lot of the best men that ever lived, even of the Prophets, to be persecuted for Righteousness sake. Mat. 5.12. So persecuted they the Prophets. Luk. 13.34. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the Prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee. Jam. 5.10. Take my brethren the Pro­phets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and patience.

2. Consider the desert of sin. They which suffer most in this Life, suffer far less than their sins deserve; How great were Jobs afflictions of all sorts? yet they were less than his sins. Job 11.6. Know therefore that God exacteth of thee, less than thine iniquity deserveth. Ezra 9.14. compared with Lam. 1.12. No sor­rows like what the Jews met with, yet were they punished less than their sins deserved. This should silence all complaints. Lam. 3.39. Our sins have deserved the Torments of Hell. Rom. 6.23. The wages of sin is death. The second as well as the first death. Shall we not patiently suffer any Torments in this Life for Righteousness sake, seeing our sins have deserved the Torments of Hell for ever.

5. The blood of Christ, and the word of God, and preferring the glory of God above our lives, are great helps to a chearfull bear­ing and overcoming all persecutions. When the Dragon makes war with the Saints, we may see by what means they overcome him. Rev. 12.11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their Testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Here are 3 means by which they over­came the accuser of the brethren.

• 1. By the blood of the Lamb, that is, by the blood of Christ, who is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Now the blood of Christ helps us to overcome. [Page 165]
  • (1.) As it justifieth us, and takes away all our guilt, and reconciles us to God. Rom. 5.9, 10. Joh. 1.7. For when sin is pardoned there is comfort in the greatest sufferings. Mat. 9.2. And when God is reconciled there is a Triumphing over all enemies. Rom. 8.31.
  • (2.) As it hath purchased for us victory over all the adversaries of our Salvation. Col. 2.15.
  • (3.) As it gives us solid grounds to hope with boldness to enter into Eternal Life. Heb. 10.19.
  • (4.) As he hath left us an example to suffer for him, who suffered for us. 1 Pet. 2.21. 1 Pet. 4.1.
• 2. By the word of their Testimony, that is, the word of God which they had owned, professed, gave Testimony unto in the worst of times. Now the word helps us to over­come.
  • (1.) As it comforts us in all our conflicts. Psal. 119.49, 50, 94, 161, 162.
  • (2.) As it reveals and promiseth glorious rewards to them that overcome. Rev. Ch. 2. Ch. 3. Ch. 21.7.

Sect. 1. How and in what manner we are to seek after an interest in Christ.

I. Seek early and speedily after an interest in Christ; Put not off this work one day. Heb. 3.7. Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, to day if ye will hear his voice. It is the coun­sel [Page 168]of the Holy Ghost, that we should not de­fer seeking, embracing, obeying Christ one day. Hear his voice— That is, come to him, believe in him, obey him, close with him. When we are in distress we would have Christ make hast to help us. Psal. 70.5. I am poor and needy, make hast unto me, O God— O Lord make no tarrying. And shall not we make hast to get unto him, and make no tarrying. We should stir up our selves to seek early after Christ. Psal. 58.8. Awake up my glory, awake Psaltery and Harp, I my self will awake early. David here stirs up himself to an early and lively blessing God, so should we to an early seeking Christ. Awake O my Soul, and all that is within me, I my self will awake early, and seek early after Christ, and we should stir up one another. Zech. 8.21. To stir us up to an early and speedy seeking Christ. Con­sider.

1. The saving and losing of our immortal Souls dependeth on our having or not having Christ. He that hath the Son hath Life, and he that hath not the Son hath not Life. And where natural Life is concerned, we make hast to preserve it. When Lot was in danger of being consumed in the flames of Sodom, he ran, he fled, he made no tarrying any where, till he was got to Zoar. Gen. 19.17. Escape for thy life, look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain, escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. Eternal Life is of greater [Page 169]concernment than natural Life, and therefore more care should be taken to preserve Eternal than Temporal Life, we shall be cast into Hell flames, if we get not Christ before we dye, and therefore we had need run; ye flee, and not tarry any where till we are got to Christ. When the Shunamite went to the Pro­phet on the behalf of her dead Child, she made great hast to get to him, and said to her serve on. 2 King. 4.24. Drive, and go forward, slack not thy pace, riding for me, except I bid thee. Thou hast a business of greater concernment to go to Christ about, than this woman had to go to the Prophet, she had a dead Son, and thou hast a Soul dead in sins and trespasses, and therefore make hast, go forward, slack not thy pace till thou hast gotten to Christ, and Christ hath given thee Life.

2. The time of Life is the only time for seeking and getting Christ, and Salvation by Christ. There is no getting Christ, no work­ing out thy Salvation after thou art dead. Eccl. 9.10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the Grave whither thou goest. And therefore as the Nobleman said to Christ, Joh 4.49. Sir come down e're my child dye. So should we say to God, Lord give us Christ, e're we dye. The time of Life being the only time for getting an interest in Christ, we had not need defer this work, no not so much as one day. Jam. 4.14. Ye [Page 170]know not what shall be on the morrow, for what is your Life, it is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. The stoutest and strongest men are but grass. Isa. 40.5. All flesh is grass. And what is the con­dition of the grass? it is fresh in the morning, cut down and withered before night. Psal. 90.6. In the morning it flourisheth and grow­eth up, in the evening it is cut down and wither­ed. The grass is growing in the field one day, and burning in the oven the next day. Mat. 6.30. The grass to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven. Such is the condition of all flesh, like grass. A man may be in good health, in a flourishing condition in the morn­ing, and be dead and withered in the evening. He may be full of mirth and jollity one day, and be burning in Hell the next. Therefore defer not the seeking after Christ, and your Souls Salvation, one day.

3. Such as seek Christ early have a promise that they shall find him. Prov. 8.17. I love them that love me, and shose that seek me early shall find me. A promise that we shall find Christ is great encouragement, yea good assu­rance that our labour shall not be in vain; who would not seek a bag of Gold, if he were sure he should find it? We have a sure word of promise, that if we seek Christ early we shall find him; And to find Christ is better than to find an house full of Gold, better than to find all the Silver and Gold in the world.

4. Seeking after Christ and Salvation by Christ, is work that the great God, who is King of Kings, hath given us to do. And as David said in another case. 1 Sam. 21.8. The Kings business required hast. So may I say here; This business being the Kings business, it requireth hast. When the Angels told the Shepherds, that Christ was born in Bethlehem, and that they should find him wrapped in swad­ling-cloths, and lying in a Manger, they made hast to get a sight of him. Luk. 2.16. They came with hast — and found the babe lying in a Manger. To be made pertakers of Christ and all his saving benefits, is of greater concern­ment, than to have a sight of Christ lying in the Manger, and if the Shepherds upon the invitation of an Angel, made hast to see Christ when he was a little Babe, lying in a Manger, then how much more doth it concern us to make hast to be pertakers of Christ, and all his saving benefits, at the call and command of the great God.

II. We must seek an interest in Christ dili­gently and earnestly, not remisly, as if we did not much care whether we got Christ or no. We must say to God, as Rachel did to Jacob. Gen. 30.1. Give me children or else I dye. VVe must beg for Christ as for Life. Lord give me Christ or I dye: give me Christ or I am undone for ever. The Apostle ex­horts us to covet earnestly the best gifts. 1 Cor. [Page 172]12.31. Covet earnestly the best gifts. Christ is the best of all the gifts that ever God gave to any of the Children of men, and therefore we should covet earnestly the giving of Jesus Christ to our Souls. They that labour in a hot and scorching day, do earnestly desire to get into the shadow. Job. 7.2. The Servant earnestly desireth the shadow. There is a hot and scorching day approaching. Mal. 4.1. Behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven. Earnestly desire to get under Christs shadow before this scorching day, and hot day comes. To be under Christs shadow is more delight­full and refreshing in the hottest day of Gods vengeance, under the most scorching persecu­tions, than it is to a labouring man to set un­der the shadow in the hottest day, and in the hottest climate of the world. Cant. 2.3. I sate down under his shadow with great delight. VVicked men are very earnest and diligent in following after their sins. Mich. 7.3. They do evil with both hands earnestly. And shall not we be more earnest to get Christ, and the Sal­vation of our Souls, than wicked men are to commit sin, and bring damnation upon them­selves? This is a sure way to find Christ, to seek him diligently. Jer. 29.13. And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your hearts. Heb. 11.6. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And what is the reward that God giveth to them that seek him diligently? He gives them himself [Page 173]for their reward. Gen. 15.1. I am thy ex­ceeding great reward.

III. VVe must seek after Christ and Salva­tion by Christ above all things in this world. Mat. 6.33. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness — First, that is, mainly, chiefly, make it your main care, your chief­est business to get to Heaven. The Apostle Pauls desire and endeavour above all things was, that he might win Christ, he was wil­ling to do or suffer any thing, so that he might win Christ, and be found in him at the great day of judgment. Phil. 3.8, 9. For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own Righteousness, which is of the Law. Jesus Christ is far bet­ter than all things that are in this VVorld; what Solomon saith of wisdom. Prov. 8.11. Wisdom is better than Rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared with her The same is true of Christ, the wisdom of God. Christ is better than Rubies, and all things, that we can desire, are not to be com­pared with him, and therefore to seek to get Christ above all things in the world. VVith what eagerness do some men seek after the world, they rise early, they set up late, there is no end of all their labour, and they never think that they have enough of the world. Eccl. 4.8. He hath neither child nor brother, [Page 174]yet there is no end of all his labour, neither is eye satisfied with riches. And some men that are not willing to take much pains, are exceeding­ly desirous of the world. Prov. 21.25, 26, His hands refuse to labour, he coveteth greedily all the day long. Oh that men would but take the like pains to get Christ, that they do to get the world, that they would covet Christ greedily all the day long, that there were no end of their labour, that they would never say they have enough of Christ, but labour to get more and more of him.

IV. We must seek Christ constantly, we must seek him till we have found him, and got possession of him. If we loose a piece of Sil­ver, we look diligently for it, and we look till we find it. Luk. 15.8. What woman having ten pieces of Silver, if she loose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till he find it. If there be such en­deavours to seek a little piece of Silver, that we will not give over looking and seeking till we have found it, how much more should we seek after Christ, till we have found him, see­ing he is better than all the Silver and Gold in the world. Psal. 105.4. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face evermore. We must not only seek the Lord for a time, or for a long time, but for evermore. Hos. 10.12. It is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain Righteousness upon you. Though it should be [Page 175]very long before the Lord comes, yet we must seek him till he come. Now if we would continue seeking after an interest in Christ, till we have obtained it, we must take heed of these two things.

• 1. Of resting satisfied in any condition, in any gifts, in any enjoyments, till God hath given us Jesus Christ. What Abraham said concerning his being childless. Gen. 15.2. Lord God what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless. So should we say concerning a Christ­less condition. Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go Christless. None of all Gods gifts should satisfie us, unless he hath given us Christ. Though he hath given us excellent gifts and parts, though he hath given us com­fortable yoak-fellows, convenient habitations, plentifull estates, beneficial callings, yet none of these nor any other gifts, can make up the want of Christ, and therefore we should say, what wilt thou give me, seeing go Christ­less. VVhat is said of Booz in reference to Ruth. Ruth. 3.18. The man will not be in rest, untill he have finished the thing this day. The like should we do in reference to seeking an in­terest in Christ, we should not be at rest in our minds, till we have finished this thing, name­ly the getting a saving interest in Christ.
• 2. VVe must take heed of giving over seeking after Christ through discouragement. To such as are ready to give over seeking after Christ; I shall give these two encouragements, [Page 176]to continue seeking after Christ.
  • (1.) If you continue seeking after Christ and do seek him with our whole hearts, we shall assuredly enjoy him. 1 Chron. 28.9. If thou seek him he will be found of thee. Believe this promise of God, that if thou dost seek him, he will be found of thee— and go on in the strength of this promise, to seek in hope that thou shalt find the Lord. Hos. 6.3. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord— By knowing here is meant such a know­ledge as is, accompanied with the enjoyment of God, as the following words imply. He will come unto us— Jer. 29.13. And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your hearts.
  • (2.) It will not be long before you find Christ, if you go on to seek him. Though you do not find him for the present, yet you shall find him in a little while, in his own due time. Cant. 3, 1, 4. By night on my bed, I sought him whom my Soul loveth, and I found him not— It was but a little — and I found him whom my Soul loveth. Isa. 54.7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mer­cies will I gather thee.

Sect. 2. Helps to get a saving interest in Christ.

Here some may say, we see it is a business of the greatest concernment that we have to do in this world, to get an interest in Christ it is of everlasting concernment, but what shall we do to get a saving interest in Christ.

1. Be sensible of, and lay to heart your sin­full, [Page 193]miserable, lost and undone state, whilst you remain without Christ. For a due sence of our sin and misery will make us hasten to Christ, and cause us with all thankfulness to ac­cept of the Salvation that he hath purchased for us. Mat. 8.25. His Disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master save us, we pe­rish. If we saw our selves in a perishing con­dition, we should be as forward and as ear­nest to go to Christ to save us, as his Disci­ciples were, when they were in danger to be drowned. To be in danger of damnation is a greater awakening to a man, then to be in danger of drowning. For Hell is a worse place than the Sea; A man that is drowned in the Sea is quickly dead, their pain is soon over, but such as go to Hell are in everlasting burnings. And if the Disciples hastned to Christ to save them, when they were in dan­ger to be drowned, how will poor distressed sinners hasten to Christ to save them, when they see themselves in danger of being damn­ed. Luk. 15.17, 18, 19. I perish with hun­ger, I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father I have sinned against Hea­ven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy Son, make me as one of thy hired servants. When the prodigal Son saw his sins, and saw himself in a perishing condition, then he hastned to his Father, confesseth and bewail­eth his sin, judgeth himself unworthy to be owned by his Father, and was willing to ac­cept [Page 194]of mercy on any terms, so he might be admitted into his Fathers family, he was con­tent to submit to any thing, though it were to be the meanest servant in his fathers house, and to do the hardest work his father had for him to do. And as the sense of a perishing con­dition, so also a due sight of our sins, will make us willing to accept of mercy on any terms, willing to submit to any thing, so we may be delivered from eternal death. Job. 7.20. I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? When Job was un­der the sense of sin, he was willing to submit to any thing that God should require of him, to get his sins pardoned. As it was with the Israelites, when they were under the sense of their sin, and felt their misery by the oppressi­on of their enemies, they were willing God should do what he would with them, so that he would deliver them from the Philistines. Judg. 10.15. The children of Israel said un­to the Lord, we have sinned, do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee, deliver us only we pray thee this day. So it will be with us, when we have a through sight of our sins, we shall be glad of mercy on any terms, we shall be willing that God shall do to us what­soever seemeth good in his sight, so he will deliver us from wrath to come, and will not cast us into Hell for our sins. Now there are but few men, even of such as live under the means of grace, and hear the word of God [Page 195]often preached to them, that have a through sight and sense of their sin and misery. A man may be a Church Member, yea a Church Offi­cer, a Teacher of others, and yet not be un­der an heart affecting sight and sense of his sin­full and miserable condition out of Christ. Rev. 3.17. Thou sayest I am rich and increas­ed with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. This is spo­ken to the Church of the Laodiceans, and more particularly to the Angel of that Church, that is, to such as were teachers of that Church, and amongst these were some that had not their knowledge, that they were poor, mise­rable, wretched and naked, but thought them­selves in a good estate, to be rich, increased in goods, and to want nothing. We see the deceit of a mans heart, how he may be blind­ed, how he may delude and flatter himself, in thinking he needeth nothing. when he want­eth all things. If any say

Sect. 3. Hinderances of an interest in Christ removed.

I shall in the next place mention several Hin­derances which keep men from being made partakers of Christ, and his saving benefits, and endeavour the removal of them.

First Hinderance. Ignorance is a great hin­derance to most men, that keeps them from getting a saving interest in Christ. They are ignorant of the worth and excellency of Christ, and their own want of him, and so do not seek after him. And they are ignorant of Gods willingness to bestow Christ upon them, and they are ignorant of the way and means whereby they should come to enjoy and at­tain to an interest in Christ. There is a great deal of ignorance in many people that live un­der plentifull means of Grace; The Jews had Moses, and the Prophets, and Priests in abun­dance to teach and instruct them, yet the ge­nerality [Page 235]of them were very ignorant of the things of God. Jer. 4.22. My people is fool­ish, they have not known me, they are sottish chil­dren, and they have none understanding, they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. See how the Prophet multiplyeth expressions to set out the ignorance of the Jews. He saith they were foolish, sottish, had no un­derstanding, did not know God, had no know­ledge to do good. And as people that have great means of knowledge may be very igno­rant, so also are many that take upon them to be teachers of others. Jer. 2.8. The Priests said not where is the Lord? and they that han­dle the Law know me not. And that ignorance is a great hinderance to our seeking after and obtaining Christ, and Salvation by Christ, we may see from such Scriptures as these. Joh. 4.10. If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. Eph. 4.18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their mind. Rom. 10.3. If any say, what should we do to get this ignorance removed.

1. Search the Scriptures, read them dili­gently, and meditate on what you read, there­by you shall come to the knowledge of Christ. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures— They are they which testifie of me. The Scriptures set [Page 236]out the excellency of Christ, and shew us that all things are but dross and dung in comparison of Christ. Phil. 3.8. They set forth our mi­serable and undone condition without Christ. Eph. 2.12. They set forth Gods willingness to bestow Christ freely, on every one that is willing to have him. Rev. 22.17. They shew how, and by what means we are made parta­kers, which is through Faith. Eph. 3.17. Heb. 3.14. By searching the Scriptures we shall be made wise to Salvation. 2 Tim. 3.15. And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise un­to Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ Jesus. If we do search the Scriptures dayly, and meditate on what we read, we shall great­ly encrease in knowledge. Psal. 119.99. I have more understanding than all my Teachers, for thy Testimonies are my meditation.

2. Turn from your sins, and then God will pour out his Spirit upon you, and enlighten your minds, and open your understandings, that you may understand his word. Prov. 1.23. Turn you at my reproof, behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Continuance in sin darkens the mind, that though a man have means of knowledge, and set himself to get understand­ing, he will be ever learning, and not be able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 3.6, 7. — Laden with sins, and led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to [Page 237]come to the knowledge of the truth. What is said of hating our Brother? 1 Joh. 2.11. He that hateth his Brother is in darkness, and walk­eth in darkness, and knoweth not whither he go­eth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes. The same is true of other sins also, they blind the eyes of our understanding, and keep us in darkness, although we have great means of light and knowledge. But when we forsake our sins and turn unto God, he will take away our ignorance, and give us saving knowledge. Joh. 8.12. I am the light of the World, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of Life.

3. Pray to God to give you Wisdom and Understanding in the mysteries of your Salva­tion, and he will give it to you. Jam. 1.5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. Observe here,

• (1.) The persons to whom God promiseth to give wisdom, such as find their want of it, and ask it of God.
• (2.) The extensiveness of this promise; It is any one, whosoever he be that lacks wis­dom, and asks it of God.
• (3.) The great readiness that is in God to give wisdom to all that ask for it. He giveth to all men, he giveth liberally, he giveth with­out upbraiding; He will not upbraid us with our unworthyness, with our dulness, our fre­quency or importunity in Prayer.
• [Page 238](4.) The certainty of success to such as ask wisdom of God. It shall be given him. What an encouragement is this to all that find any want of wisdom and knowledge, to pray to God for it, and to pray in Faith, that we shall obtain what we pray for. We have more pro­mises to this effect. Prov. 28.5. Evil men understand not judgment, but they that seek the Lord understand all things. Joh. 6.45. It is written in the Prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Isa. 29.18. The eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of dark­ness. And let not any say I am such a sinfull creature, I am afraid God will not teach and instruct me, though I should pray to him. For good and upright is the Lord, therefore will he teach sinners in the way. Psal. 25.8. Nei­ther let any say, I am so blind and ignorant there is no hope that I should attain to saving knowledge; For God can make the blind to see. Psal. 146.8. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind.

4. Converse with the Servants of Christ, that have acquaintance with Christ, and they will bring you acquainted with him. Prov. 13.20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise. The Daughters of Jerusalem that could see no greater excellency in Christ than in other things, and wondered that the Spouse should be sick of love for him, and give them such a charge concerning him. Cant. 5.9. What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou [Page 234]fairest among women, what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? After they had heard the Spouse discoursing concerning Christ, and setting out Christs ex­cellencies, ver. 10. to the 16. they were in love with him, and had their hearts stirred up to seek after Christ. Cha. 6.1. Whether is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women, whe­ther is thy beloved turned aside, that we may seek him with thee.

Second Hinderance. Many men are wil­ling to have Christ, and Salvation by Christ, if they might have Christ, and Salvation by Christ in their own way, and upon their own terms, as if they might be exempted from the cross, if they might have liberty to con­tinue in their sins, and the like, but they stick at the terms of the Gospel, on which Christ is offered to them. To remove this obstacle, I shall propose these following considerations to thy Soul.

• 1. Consider who thou art, that thou should­est stand upon terms with the great God, about thy Salvation. Thou art a condemned creature, a child of wrath, a lost creature, an undone creature, a sinner, a miserable crea­ture, a poor worm. And shall a condemned creature refuse a pardon unless he may have it on his own terms? Shall a child of wrath refuse reconciliation with God? Shall a lost perishing creature refuse a Saviour, an un­done [Page 240]creature refuse help, a great sinner refuse forgiveness of his sins, a miserable creature refuse mercy, unless he may have it in his own way? Shall a poor worm that is not worthy of the least of all Gods mercies, refuse Christ and all the benefits of Christ, because he may not have them on his own terms?
• 2. Consider what the torments of Hell are, from which Christ came to save sinners, they are intolerable and eternal torments. And consider what the joys of Heaven are, which Christ hath purchased for us, they are eternal and unspeakable joys. And shall we refuse to have deliverance from the torments of Hell, unless we may have it in our own way, and upon our own terms? Shall we refuse a King­dom, the Kingdom of Heaven, unless we may have it in our own way, and upon our own terms? Did we understand, believe and consider the reality, and greatness, and eter­nity of Hells Torments, and Heaven's Joys, we should be willing to do any thing, and suf­fer any thing, so we might escape the Tor­ments of Hell, and obtain the Joys of Heaven when we dye. VVhat the Apostle saith to the Galathians. Gal. 3.1. O foolish Galathi­ans, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth — The like may I say to such as stick at receiving Christ on the terms of the Gospel, O foolish sinners, who hath bewitch­ed you, that you should not accept of Christ, and Salvation by Christ on the terms of the [Page 241]Gospel. O foolish Sinners, who hath be­witched you, that you should not accept of Christ and Salvation by Christ in the terms of the Gospel. How gladly would the Devils, and the damned in Hell accept of Salvation on the terms of the Gospel, if it were offered to them; And wilt thou refuse that which a Devil would joyfully accept, if it were offered to him. How earnestly did the rich man beg for a drop of water to cool his tongue, when he was tormented in Hell fire; and if he were so earnest for a drop of water to cool his tongue; how readily would he have embra­ced deliverance?
• 3. Consider what great want you have of Christ to justifie, sanctifie, and save your Souls. You have greater want of Christ, than you have of Food, or Rayment, or any thing in this world. You are in such want of Christ, that you are utterly undone to all Eternity without Christ. When men are in want, they will comply with hard and difficult terms, to have their wants supplyed. Luk. 15.14, 15, 16. When the Prodigal Son began to be in want, he was willing to submit to a very low condi­tion, to feed, and look after Swine, and he was willing to fare very hardly, to eat husks, such as were given to Hogs. He would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat. And these difficulties he readily complyed with as soon as he began to be in want. We have been in want of Christ ever [Page 242]since we were born, and our want of Christ is greater than our want of necessary food; for the want of food only destroys the Body, but for want of Christ, our precious Souls perish for ever. Why then do we stand upon terms with God about accepting Christ, that either we must have him on our own terms, or else we will not have him all. We would under­go much hardship to get bread for our Bodies. Lam. 5.9. We gat our bread with the peril of our lives, because of the sword of the Wilderness. And shall we not be willing to undergo grea­ter difficulties to get Christ the bread of Life.
• 4. If thou wilt not have Christ and Salva­tion by Christ in God's way, and upon God's terms, thou shalt never be saved by him, for God will not alter the way of Life and Salvati­on for the saving of thy Soul. Job. 18.4. Shall the Earth be forsaken for thee? And shall the Rock be removed out of his place. God's Eternal counsels and purposes for the saving lost man, are firmer than the Rock, and stand faster than the Earth. And therefore 'tis a vain thing for thee to imagine that God should alter the way of Life and Salvation, decree'd in his eternal counsels, and proposed in the Gospel. When they that were invited to the Marriage Supper, refused to come; the King was angry, and said, none of them should so much as taste of his Supper. Luk. 14.24. I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my Supper. And if we [Page 243]refuse and fall short of Salvation by Christ, our case will be worse than the case of the Heathens, that never heard of Christ, and in some respects, worse than the condition of the Devils, that never had an offer of Salvation by Jesus Christ.
• 5. The terms of the Gospel on which Christ is offered to us, are all of them benefi­cial and advantagious terms, and nothing in them be excepted against, as I have in part shewn already, and shall shew more fully in speaking distinctly to those terms, that carnal persons are most ready to except against as suffering for Christ, obeying Christ, forsaking our sins, which were none of them to be re­fused, as will appear in answering each par­ticular distinctly.

3. Hind. Some men would willingly have Christ and Salvation by Christ, but they stum­ble at the Cross of Christ. They are unwil­ling to suffer for Christ, to take away this stumbling block out of the way. I shall pro­pose some considerations to make you willing to undergo any sufferings for Christ.

• 1. The Cross is the way to the Crown of Glory. As Christ suffered before he entred into Glory. Luk. 24.26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? So must we bear our Cross, before we wear our Crown. Our Lord Jesus Christ hath assured us, that if we will suffer for him [Page 244]here, we shall reign with him for ever hereaf­ter. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. It is a faithful saying. For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. And who would not suffer a little while with Christ here, upon good assurance that he shall reign with Christ in Heaven for ever. The way to the Kingdom of Heaven lyeth through much tribulation. Act. 14.22. We must through much tribulation enter into the King­dom of God. That man hath very mean thoughts of Heaven, that will go out of the way that leadeth to the Kingdom of Heaven, for avoiding the troubles that are in the way to this Kingdom. All the troubles that we meet with in this present life, for the sake of Christ. are not worthy to be compared with the glory we shall have in Heaven. Rom. 8.17, 18. If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be al­so glorifyed together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Here are two arguments to perswade us to be willing to suffer for Christ.
  • 1. If we suffer with him, we shall also be glorifyed together with him.
  • 2. The Glory that we shall have with Christ, and by Christ, is so great, that all the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared with it.
• 2. Sufferings for Christ are, and shall be at­tended with abundance of sweet and Heavenly [Page 245]Consolations. Usually Christians never have a greater abundance of the joys and comforts of the Holy Ghost, than when they go through abundance of sufferings for Christ. 2 Cor. 1.5. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. VVhen Persecution arose for the Gospel-sake at Antioch, and the Persecution was so hot, that Paul and Barnabas were expelled out of their Coasts, the Disciples were as full of joy as they could hold. Act. 13.50, 52. The Jews raised Persecution against Paul and Bar­nabas, and expelled them out of their Coasts, and the Disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. VVhen we meet with great trou­bles, God is wont to give great comforts, such as make the heart to sing for joy. Job 35.10. Where is God my maker, who giveth Songs in the night. The night taken figura­tively, signifyeth a dark time, a time of trou­ble, now in the darkest times, in the night of affliction, God giveth his people Songs, that is, such comforts as shall make them sing for joy. Isa. 65.14. Behold my Servants shall sing for joy of heart.
• 3. Sufferings for Christ are a ground of joy, rather than of sorrow. VVhen God calls us to suffer for Christ, we should be far from re­fusing the Cross, that we should esteem it a ground of great joy, that we are called to suffer for Christ. 1 Pet. 4.13. But rejoyce in as much as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings, [Page 246]that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. When the Apostles were beaten and exposed to pain and shame for Christ, they took these sufferings joyfully. Act. 5.41. They departed from the presence of the Councell, rejoycing, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. VVe should be so far from refusing and shun­ning the Cross, that we should account it a great happiness to be exposed to reproaches and other sufferings for the sake of Christ. 1 Pet. 4.14. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.
• 4. The rough and narrow and difficult way of sufferings, is better than the smooth, broad, and easy way of sin; For the broad and easy, and pleasant way of sin leadeth unto destruction, it leadeth a man unto the Lake, that burneth with Fire and Brimstone. And who would be tempted to go in a smooth and pleasant, and broad way, that is sure as soon as he is at the end of his way, he shall be cast into a Furnace of Fire? But the narrow, and difficult, and rough way of the Cross leadeth, as we heard before, unto the Kingdom of Glory. Besides, they that walk in the smooth way of sin, though they may have ease to the Flesh, yet they have trouble and pain in their Consciences. Job 15.20. The wicked man Travelleth with pain all his days. Isa. 57.21. There is no peace saith my God unto the wicked. [Page 247]But they that go in the narrow and rough way of the Cross, though they meet with trou­bles in their outward man, yet they have peace in their Consciences, and joy in their in­ward man. Joh. 16.33. 2 Cor. 7.4. And it is far better to have peace of Conscience, and comfort in our Souls with troubles in the Flesh, than to have the Flesh at ease, and trou­ble and distress in our Consciences.
• 5. Sufferings for Christ have a greater ex­cellency in them, and are more to be desired than all the Honours and all the Pleasures, and all the Riches that this World can afford us. Heb. 11.24, 25, 26. Let it be observed here.
  • 1. What an high esteem Moses had of suf­ferings for Christ; He esteemed reproach for Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. Yet Egypt was a very rich Country, all Coun­tries coming into Egyyt to buy Corn in the time of Famine. Gen. 41.57. And he esteemed sufferings for Christ above the highest honours and preferments of the Court; For he was adopted by Pharoah's Daughter for her Son, and should as Josephus observeth, have succeed­ed Pharoah in his Kingdom, who brings in Pharoah's Daughter speaking thus to her Fa­ther; Hunc decrevi mihi adoptare in filium, tibivero in Regno successorem. I have deter­mined to adopt this Moses for my Son, and your Successor in the Kingdom, yet Moses preferred sufferings for Christ above this Ho­nour [Page 248]and Dignity, and refused to be called the Son of Pharoah's Daughter. He also preferred sufferings for Christ before the Plea­sures he might have had by living in the King's Court.
  • 2. Observe how freely and willingly Moses embraced a suffering condition for Christ, above all the Honours and Pleasures and Trea­sures of the Court of Egypt; He refused to be called the Son of Pharoah's Daughter. She did not refuse him, she did not out of distast disown him, but he voluntarily refused this Honour; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He was not necessitated to undergo affliction, he might have enjoyed all the de­lights of the Courts, but it was his own choice to suffer affliction, and he chose this rather than the pleasures of sin.
  • 3. Observe the greatness of the afflictions Moses made choice off, the scoffs and reproach­es of the Court, the wrath of the King, li­ving in a low condition, as a stranger in a strange Land, where he kept Sheep for his livelyhood, and afterward he lived forty years in a Wilderness with the People of God. Moses who saw the corruption of the Court, and their hatred and oppression of the Israe­lites, knew he must expose himself to all man­ner of sufferings, if he would joyn himself with the people of God, yet he chose a Shep­hards life in Median, rather than a sinfull life [Page 249]in Pharaoh's Court, he chose rather to live in the Wilderness with the people of God, than in all the delights and honours of the Court with a polluted Conscience.
  • 4. Observe who it was that esteemed suffer­ings for Christ above all the Honours, Plea­sures and Riches of Egypt: It was Moses a wise man, who had all the Learning that Egypt could afford him. Act. 7.22. Moses was learn­ed in all the Wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. It was Moses who was brought up at the Court all his days, and had full knowledge of what delights, ho­nours, treasures, were to be enjoyed at the Court; Add also the time when Moses made this choice of forsaking the honours and plea­sures for this comfort, to embrace an afflicted life with the people of God, and that was when he was come to those years whereby he was able to make a right judgment of the en­joyments of the VVorld, and of the nature of sufferings. Moses when he was come to years refused to be called the Son of Pharaoh's Daugh­ter. VVhat years he was come to is expressed Act. 7.23. And wh [...] map the comfort old, it came into [...], as well as an hun­ [...] the Children of Israel. And such a man as Moses who was learned in all the wisdom of Egypt, and trained up from his Infancy in a Kings Court, was able at forty years of age, to give a right judgment of things.
  • [Page 250]5. Observe what carryed out Moses to re­fuse the honours and pleasures of the Court, and to choose affliction, and to esteem the re­proaches of Christ greater riches than the trea­sures of Egyyt, it was his Faith, and more particularly, his believing and having respect to the recompence of reward, that should be given him in the other VVorld; It was not his learning, or his courage and magnanimity but his Faith. By faith Moses refused, &c. for he had respect to the recompence of reward. This instance and example of Moses may teach us to have an high esteem of sufferings for Christ, and to be so far from stumbling at the Cross, that we should esteem sufferings for Christ above all the treasures in the world.

But here some may say, methinks I could suffer something for Christ, I hope I could suf­fer much for Christ, but I know not how to come up to this, to suffer the loss of all things for Christ. For how should we do to live, if all we have should be taken from us?

A. 1. VVe must come up to this, not on­ly to suffer much, but to suffer the loss of all [...], when called to it, else we [...] Luk. 14.33. Whoso­ever he be of you, that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my Disciple. Is it not better to forsake all we have and to enjoy Christ, than to stick to our worldly enjoyments, and go without Christ? Christ is the Pearl of great price, and it will be our wisdom to part [Page 251]with all that we have for the purchase of this precious Pearl. Mat. 13.45, 46. That which we have to lose is but dross and dung compared with this Pearl of price; Phil. 3.8. And shall we not be willing to suffer the loss of dross and dung, that we may win Christ, the Pearl of price?

2. All losses that we sustein for Christ, shall be made up to us with an hundred fold ad­vantage, whether it be Houses or Lands, or Relations, all shall be made up an hundred fold, if not in the same kind, yet in that which is an hundred times as good or better than that which we forsake for Christ. Mat. 19.29. And every one that hath forsaken Houses or Brethren, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands for my names sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit Everlasting Life. Weigh this pro­mise of Christ, which is very encouraging in a suffering day. There is a bountifull reward in this life, an hundred fold compensation, and an Eternal Reward in the other World. Loss for Christ on Earth, will prove Treasure laid up in Heaven, we shall reap the comfort of it in Heaven for ever, as well as an hun­dred fold advantage in Spiritual comforts and blessings in this life; And this bountifull re­ward is promised not only to some, but to eve­ry one that forsaketh any thing for the sake of Christ, be it Houses or Lands, or the dearest things or Relations we have in all the VVorld. [Page 252]And who would not willingly part with all that he hath upon good assurance, that besides an eternal compensation of all his losses in Heaven, he shall have an hundred times as good or better things given to him in this Life? And what better assurance can we desire for this, than the word and promise of God, that cannot lye.

3. God can take away all we have from us in one day, if we refuse to suffer the loss of all when he calls to it. He can take away what we have by Fire, or by suffering Rob­bers and Oppressors to take away our estates. Psal. 109.11. Let the Extortioner catch all that he hath, and let the Stranger spoil his la­bour. Job was the Richest man in all the East, and yet had all his estate taken from him in one day; And can't God do the like by us? Now it is better to suffer the loss of all we have for Christ, than to suffer loss by Gods judg­ments, for there is no reward of such losses. And as God can take our estates when he plea­seth, so he can curse them to us, if we refuse to part with them for Christ; He can make our Table to become our Snare. Rom. 11.9. And our Riches prove hurtfull to us. Eccles. 5.13. And prosperity to be our ruine. Prov. 1.32. And we had better suffer the loss of our Estates, than to have them cursed to us.

4. Death will take away all that we have from us. 1 Tim. 6.7. For we brought no­thing [Page 253]into this World, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And why shall we not part with all for Christ, when we must part with all we have at Death: what we part with for Christ, shall be recompenced to us an hun­dred fold in this Life, besides Life Everlasting in the other VVorld: But we have no reward for what Death takes from us. But here may be 2 pleas; why men would rather part with all at Death, than part with all they have for Christ.

1. VVe shall have no need of these things when we dye, and therefore we are willing to part with them when we dye, but we shall have need of them while we live, and there­fore we can't tell how to part with them for Christ.

A. 1. If you part with all that you have in this VVorld, you do not part with the provi­dential care and the promise of God: You have a Father in Heaven, that knoweth all your wants. Mat. 6.32. Your Heavenly Fa­ther knoweth that ye have need of all these things. And as he knoweth all your needs, so he hath promised to supply them all. Phil. 4.19. But my God shall supply all your need. accord­ing to his Riches in Glory, by Jesus Christ.

2. It argues little love to Christ, if we will part with nothing for Christ, but what is useless and superfluous, what we shall have no more need of: we will do as much, and more then this for one another, But some may reply again. [Page 254]What Death takes from us, it leaves to our Children, but what we part with for Christ, is gone from us, and from our Children for ever; and therefore we can better part with all we have to Death, than to Christ. I answer,

1. We may design our Estates for our Chil­dren when we die, but we can't tell whither they shall enjoy them. We know not how the providence of God will dispose of what we leave behind us, when we are gone out of the World. Luk. 12.20. God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy Soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided.

2. Suppose all we have should be taken from us and our Children, we must prefer Christ above our selves, and love Christ, more than Son or Daughter, or else we are not worthy of him. Mat. 10.37.

3. Sufferers for Christ, that part with all they have for Christ, leave their Children a better Inheritance than Houses, or Lands; they leave them the blessing of God. God blesseth the Children of righteous men for what they part with to the poor. Ps. 37.26. He is ever merciful, and lendeth, and his seed is blessed. How much more will he bless our seed, and return to them what we part with for Christ?

5. If we do suffer the loss of all things for Christ, it is no more than what others, and they better than we are, have done before us. [Page 355] Matth. 19.27. Peter said unto him, Behold we have forsaken all, and followed thee, what shall we have therefore? Phil. 3.8. For whom I have suffered the loss of all things.

6 If we should suffer the loss of all things for Christ, we may live as well, as holily, as chearfully, as comfortably as we did when we had all those things that we have parted with for Christ. When the Apostle Paul had suf­fered the loss of all things, he was as conten­ted, as cheerful, as if he had possessed all the word. 2 Cor. 6.10. As sorrowful, yet always rejoycing—as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. Neither the preservation, nor the comfort of a mans life lyeth in the abundance of those things which he doth enjoy, but in the providence, and promise of God, Luk. 12.15. A mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. When David was persecuted by Saul, and forced to flee in­to the Wilderness, and hide himself in the Dens and Caves of the Earth; and had no­thing to live upon, but the providence, and the promise of God; he found as great com­fort in Gods promises, as if he had enjoyed great riches. Psal, 119.161, 162. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, I rejoyce in thy word as one that findeth great spoyl. They that have suffered the loss of all things, have Gods providence, and his promise for their security of providing them a livelihood. Ps. 111.5. He hath given meat unto them that fear [Page 256]him, he will ever be mindful of his Covenant. It is God's Covenant to give meat, that is, all things needful for the bodies of his people, as well as grace for their Souls. Isa. 33.16. He shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; bread shall be given him, and his waters shall be sure. And what better security can we desire for a livelihood, than the providence and promise of God? How sweetly do the Birds sing, yet they have no barns, they know not one hour, where they shall have provision the next. Matth. 6.26. They have nothing but what the providence of God giveth them. Ps. 104.28. That thou givest them, they gather, thou openest thy hand, they are filled with good. And may not a Chri­stian who hath a more excellent Spirit than the Birds; be as cheerful as the Birds, though he knoweth not one day where he shall have provision the next, though he hath nothing to live on, but the promise, and providence of God?

2. Though we should suffer the loss of all things, yet we may live cheerfully, because we have a rich God for our Father, who hath promised never to leave, nor forsake us. Heb. 13.5. and that he wil supply all our need ac­cording to his riches in glory. Phil. 4.19. Though a Child hath nothing, yet if he hath a rich Father, that hath promised to take the care of him, and to supply all his needs, so as he shall lack nothing, he rests satisfied in his [Page 257]Fathers provision. The Lord is a rich God Ps. 24.1. The Earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein. Ps. 50.10, 11. Every beast of the Forrest is mine, and the Cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the Mountains, and the wild Beasts of the field are mine. 1 Chron. 29.11. All that is in the Heaven, and in the Earth, is mine. And this God, who is Lord of Heaven and Earth, and all things that are therein, is our Father, and a God in covenant with us, to provide, and take the care of us as long as we live. And why shall we not rest satisfyed in the bounty, love, faithfulness, and tender care of our Heavenly Father, who hath all things, though we our selves have suffered the loss of all things?

But some say, if I had but little in the World, I should be willing to forsake all I had for Christ, but I have a great estate, and I find it difficult to be willing to forsake a great estate for the sake of Christ.

A. It is true it is harder for those that have much of the world, to part with all for Christ, than it is for those that have but little; and that is one reason why 'tis so hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. An instance of this we may see in the young man in the Gospel, who when Christ bid him fell what he had, and give to the poor, and [Page 258]he should have treasure in Heaven, went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matth. 19.21, 22. The greatness of his possessions was the cause that he would not part with them to follow Christ. I shall therefore lay down some arguments to perswade such as have great Estates to be willing to forsake them for Christ.

• 1. Christ forsook more for our sakes, than we can forsake for him. He was rich, he was Lord of all the World, yet for our sakes he left all, and became very poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. 2 Cor. 8.9. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Yea, he became poorer than the Birds and Beasts, for they have holes and nests to go to, but he had not where to lay his head. Matth. 8.20. The Foxes have holes, and the Birds of the air have nests, but the Sun of man hath not where to lay his head.
• 2. Though we forsake never so much for Christ, he is able to make up all the losses we sustain on his account; 2 Chron. 25.9. What shall we do for the hundred talents, which I have given to the army of Israel, and thee man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. An hundred talents is a vast sum of money, sufficient to defray the charges of an Army of an Hundred Thousand men. ver. 6. When Amaziah was afraid of losing [Page 259]an Hundred Talents by following the Prophets Counsel, the Prophet tells him, the Lord was able to give him much more than an Hun­dred Talents.
• 3. We shall lose greater and better things by forsaking Christ, than we can lose by em­bracing Christ, and adhering to him, though we should lose a Crown, a Kingdom, the whole world for adhering to Christ. For,
  • (1.) We shall lose our own Souls, for Sal­vation for our Souls is to be had no where else, but in Christ. Act. 4.12. And to lose our Souls, is a greater loss than to lose the whole world. Mark. 8.34.
  • (2.) By forsaking Christ, we shall lose the favour of God. Heb. 10.38. If any man draw back, my Soul shall have no pleasure in him. And we had better lose the favour of all the men in the world, yea, better lose the whole World, than lose the love and favour of God.
  • (3.) If we forsake Christ, we shall lose the Kingdom of Heaven. 1 John 5.12. He that hath not the Son of God, hath not life. And a man had better lose all the Kingdoms of this World, if he had them all in his possession, than lose the Kingdom of Heaven.

But some may say, I hope I could suffer the loss of all that I have for Christ, only the lay­ing down my life, that seems a hard matter, [Page 260]I do not know how to be willing to lay down my Life for Christ.

A. It is true that it is hard work to Flesh and Blood, for a man to lay down our lives for Christ, harder than to part with our Estates, Job. 2.4. Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath, will he give for his Life. But though this seem very difficult, yet it must be submitted to, else we cannot be Christ's Dis­ciples. Luk. 14.26. If any man come to me, and hate not his own life also, he cannot be my Disciple. Now to perswade you to a wil­lingness to lay down your lives for Christ, Consider,

1. That if you will love Life for Christ's sake, you shall save it, but by saving your Life when Christ calleth you to lay it down, you shall lose it. Mark. 8.35. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it, but whosoever shall lose his Soul for my sake and the Gospels, the same shall save it. That is, he that will save his Natural Life, and refuse to lay it down for Christ, shall lose Eternal Life, and that will lay down his Natural Life for Christ, shall have Eternal Life. And it is of univer­sal concernment which Christ speaketh here: Every man, whosoever he be that will lay down his Life for Christ in this VVorld, that same man shall have Eternal Life in the other VVorld. And every man, whosoever he be that will not lay down his Life for Christ in this [Page 261]VVorld, when called to it, that same man shall lose Eternal in the other VVorld. And what a good, and what a happy Exchange is this, to exchange a short and temporal Life, for an Eternal Life; a miserable sinful Life on Earth, for a glorious Life in Heaven?

2. If we refuse to lay down our lives for Christ vvhen he calls us to it, he can take them avvay from us vvhen he pleaseth; He can take them by the Svvord, or Pestilence, or some violent sickness, that shall make us a terrour to our selves, and to all that are round about us. He hath the Keys of Hell, and of Death. Rev. 1.18. He kills, and saves alive whom he pleaseth. Ps. 31.15. My times are in thy hands. Job 12.10. In whose hand is the Soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. If we were to live for ever in this VVorld, we might have some cloak for our sins, in being unwilling to die for Christ. But seeing we must die within a few days, when Christ pleaseth, and of what Death he plea­seth, is it not better dying for Christ, than to dye of the Pestilence, or dye of a Fevour, or any other kind of Death? Is it not inexcusa­ble folly for to lose Eternal Life for the enjoy­ing our Life here on Earth a few days, when as we know not whither we shall onjoy it one day, or one hour after we have refused to lay it down for Christ: And if vve do enjoy it for some time, vve must never expect to have any comfort of our Lives after vve have refu­sed to die for Christ.

3. If we refuse to lay down our lives for Christ, he can make our lives such a burden to us, that we shall count it a great mercy to be rid of them. The Lord can lay such trou­bles upon us, that we shall be burdens to our selves, and long exceedingly to be in our Graves. Job speaks of some men that are in such misery, that they seek for Death, as for hid Treasures, and rejoyce exceedingly when God will take away their lives. Job 3.20, 21, 22. Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in Soul, which long for Death, but it cometh not, and dig for it, more than for hid treasures, which re­joyce exceedingly, and are glad when they can find a grave. Yea, it was Job's own conditi­on, to be a burden to himself. Job 7.20. Why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so as I am a burden to my self. He vvas in so much misery, that he prayed earnestly to God that he might die. Job 6.8, 9. O that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for: Even that it would please God to destroy me, that he would let lose his hand, and cut me off. He vvas in such di­stress, that Life vvas loathsome to him, and if it had been lavvful, he would have strangled himself. Job 7.15, 16. My Soul chooseth strang­ling and death, rather than life. I loath it, I would not live alway. And vvho can tell, but God may lay as heavy affliction upon us, if vve refuse to die for Christ, as he did to his [Page 263]Servant Job, who was an upright man, that feared God, and eschewed evil? Who can tell, but God may deal with us, as he did with Pashur. Jer. 20.4. I will make thee a ter­rour to thy self, and to all thy Friends. Now is it not better to die for Christ, than to live in such misery as to be a burden to our selves, and to be a terrour to our selves, and all our Frinds?

4. If we will not lose our lives for Christ, we shall lose that which is the life of our lives, yea, that which is better than life. What is that which is the life of our lives, and which is better than our lives? I answer. The love and favour of God. Ps. 30.5. In his favour is life. Ps. 63.3. Thy loving kindness is better than life. Now if we draw back from Christ in a suffering day, because we are not willing to lay down our lives for him, we shall lose the love and favour of God. Rebeccah was so con­cerned for Jacob, that if he miscarried in his match, she thought she should be weary of her life, and her life would do her no good. Gen. 27.46. I am weary of my life, because of the Daughters of Heth. If Jacob take a Wife of the Daughters of Heth, such as these which are the Daughters of the Land, what good shall my life do me? If the miscarriage of a Child in a match will make us weary of our lives, what will the loss of the love and favour of God, which is the fountain of all mercies. May not such say, I am weary of my life, what good will my life [Page 264]do me, seeing God hath taken away his lov­ing kindness from me?

5. Our Lord Jesus Christ laid down his life forus. 1 John 3.16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. His Enemies could not have taken his life from him, if he had not been willing of himself to lay it down, and his laying down his life was upon our account, and for our sakes. Joh. 10.15, 18. I lay down my life for the sheep.—No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my self. And what the Israelites said of David, 2 Sam. 18.3. Thou art worth ten thousand of us. The same may be said of Christ, he is worth ten thousand of us, yea, more worth than all the men that ever lived, more worth than all the Angels of Heaven, yet he laid down his life for us. And shall we that are his Servants, poor worms, stick at the laying down our lives for him?

6. It is a blessed thing to dye for Christ. Rev. 14.13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. The dead which die in the Lord, and which die for the Lord are in a most bles­sed condition. There is a peculiar honour pro­mised to those that suffer Martyrdom, for Christ. Rev. 20.4.

It may be some will say, I could be willing to dye for Christ, so I might dye an easy death, but I can't tell how to endure such tor­tures and pains, as some have met with for Christ. I can't tell how to undergo burning [Page 265]at a Stake, or how to bear tormenting pains.

A. It is true that tormenting pains are hard to be born, yet we must be willing to under­go any kind of tortures for Christ, not only to dye, but to submit to the most painfull death, if God shall call us to it, and to per­swade us to be willing to undergo torments for Christ; Let us consider.

1. Our Lord Jesus did not only dye for us, but he suffered a most painfull, shamefull, ac­cursed Death of the Cross for us. Phil. 2.8. He humbled himself, and became obedient to Death, even the Death of the Cross. What Death is more painfull than the Death of the Cross? Our Lord Jesus was in such extremity of pain when he hung upon the Cross, that he was like a man that had all his Bones out of joynt, his heart melted like wax that is brought to the fire, his strength and the moisture of his body, was dryed up like a Potsheard, his tongue cleaved to his Jaws, as we may see, Psal. 22.14, 15. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joynt, my heart is like wax, it is melted in the midst of my bowels, My strength is dryed up like a potsheard, and my tongue cleaveth unto my jaws, and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. That this relates to Christs sufferings on the Cross, is evident from the last clause, his bones were out of joynt, his heart melted like wax, &c. when? when he was upon the Cross; Thou [Page 266]hast brought me into the dust of Death. And from several other passages in the Psalm, which relate to Christs sufferings on the Cross. As ver. 1.7, 8, 16, 17. And besides that an­guish which our Lord Jesus felt upon the Cross, when he was in the Garden, he was in such an agony as made him sweat drops of blood. Luk. 22.24. Now seeing our Lord Jesus Christ endured such torments and pains for us, seeing he suffered the painfull, shamefull, ac­cursed Death of the Cross for us; Shall not we be willing to suffer any shamefull or pain­full Death for him? Seeing he bore the wrath of God for us, shall not we be willing to bear the wrath of our Persecutors for his sake.

2. If we refuse a painfull and tormenting Death for Christ, God can inflict worse pains upon us for our sins, than men can inflict upon us for our fidelity to Christ. For

• (1.) God can send racking and tormenting pains into our bones and bodies. that shall be more grievous to us than any men can lay up­on us. Rev. 16, 10, 11. They gnawed their Tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of Heaven, because of their pains and their sores. These are worse pains then the pains of Mar­tyrs, for they have gone singing to the Stake, and have glorified God in the fires, but these sinners selt such anguish, as made them gnaw their own Tongues, and to blaspheme the God of Heaven. We find greater disquiet­ness in David, through the pains he felt in his [Page 267]sickness, than many of the Martyrs expressed in the Flames. Psal. 38.6, 8. I go mourning all the day long, I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
• (2.) God can wound our Spirits, and the pains of the Soul when that is wounded, are far greater then all the pains that can come up­on the body. Prov. 18.14. The Spirit of a man will sustein his infirmity, but a wounded Spirit who can bear? When God inflicts his terrours upon the Soul, they are so insupporta­ble, that many times they cause men to fall into destruction. Psal. 88.15. While I suffer thy terrours I am distracted.
• (3.) If for fear of being tormented, we forsake or deny Christ; God can inflict on us the torments of Hell; And all the torments that man can inflict, are but Flea-bites compa­red to the torments of Hell. We should fear offending God, who hath power to cast us in­to Hell, more than we should fear all the men of the World: For the worst that they can do is to kill the body, and after that is done, they can do us no further hurt. Luk. 12.4, 5. And I say unto you my Friends, be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will fore­warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into Hell, yea I say unto you, fear him.

3. We are willing to endure great pain for the preservation of our Temporal Life; We [Page 268]are willing to let the Chirurgeon cut and lanch our Flesh, yea, to cut Legs and Arms or other Members, when the whole body is in danger to perish, And shall we be unwilling to go through a painfull Death for the obtaining Eternal Life? Though the pains of Martyr­dom are sharp, yet they are but short, and the joy that follows those short pains is Eter­nal and unspeakable. What are a few Mi­nutes of pain to an Eternity of Joy and Glo­ry.

4. The more torture and pain we endure for Christ here, the greater glory we shall have in Heaven for ever hereafter. Heb. 11.35. Others were tortured not accepting delive­rance, that they might obtain a better Resurrecti­on. The more we are tortured, the more glorious shall we be at the Resurrection, for we shall have a full recompence for all our suf­ferings, as well as our services. 2 Cor. 4.17. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

5. They that have been far better than me, even such as the World hath been unworthy of them, have gone through great torments for Christ. Heb. 11.37, 38. They were sto­ned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the Sword, they wandered about in Sheep-skins and Goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted and tormented, of whom the World was not worthy. How many Martyrs in all ages, [Page 269]men of eminent piety have laid down their lives for Christ, and endured all kind of tor­ments cheerfully; And why shall we then think much to endure a painfull and tormenting Death for Christ?

6. The Lord will uphold us by his Divine power, under all the pains and torments that we shall undergo for Christ; If we were to go alone through fiery tryals, we might be afraid lest we should sink, and not be able to bear them. But seeing God will be with us and strengthen and uphold us, when we are to pass through fiery Tryals, this may dispel all our fears, and make us go willingly through any sufferings for Christ. Isa. 41.10. Fear thou not for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the Right­hand of my Righteousness. Isa. 43.1, 2. Fear not, thou art mine, when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the Fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. God will proportion our strength to our troubles, and when we meet with days of great trouble, he will give in great strength. Deut. 33.25. And as thy days so shall thy strength he. And that weaker Christians may not be dismayed when they see great troubles coming, he hath engaged his faithfullness, that he will not suf­fer them to be tryed above their strength. [Page 270]1 Cor. 10.13, There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man. But God is faithfull, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temp­tation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

3d. Hinderance of a saving in Christ, is unwillingness to leave our sins, either from the delight we have in them, or some profit we have by them, The hearts of Unregenerate men cleave fast to their sins, and are exceed­ing unwilling to part with them. Jer. 8.5. They hold fast Deceit, they refuse to return. Let me shew some instances of this, how men love and cleave to their sins, and how unwil­ling they are to part with them.

• 1. Many men love their sins as they love their lives, they will as soon part with their lives, as part with their sins. Ezek. 7.13. Neither shall any strengthen himself in the ini­quity of his Life; It is rendered in the Mar­gent, whose Life is in his iniquity; That is, who love their iniquities as they love their lives, yea, they love their sins above their lives, for though God tell them if they live after the flesh they shall dye, but if through the Spirit they mortifie the deeds of the bo­dy, they shall live, yet they choose to go on in their sins, and dye rather than to turn and live.
• 2. Many men do so cleave to their sins, [Page 271]that no commands, no threatnings, no promi­ses of God will prevail with men to leave their sins. The Lord sent often by his Prophets to the Jews to command them to turn from their sins, yet they would not leave their evil ways. Jer. 25.4, 5, 7. The Lord hath sent unto you all his Servants the Prophets; They said, turn ye again every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings— yet ye have not harkned unto me. Jer. 2.25. With hold thy feet— but thou saidst no, for I have loved stran­gers, and after them I will go.
• 3. Many men are so unwilling to leave their sins, that none of God's judgments nor mercies will prevail with them to forsake their sins; Great judgments will not do it. Prov. 27.22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a Morter among Wheat, with a Pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. Isa. 1.5. Why should ye be stricken any more, ye will re­volt more and more. Amos 4.6. to the 12th. verse. Neither will great mercies prevail with many men to leave their sins. Isa. 1.2. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. Yea there is a very great unwillingness in most men, to leave their sins, now I shall lay down some arguments to perswade you to be willing to forsake all your sins, in order to your being partakers of Christ, and all his saving benefits.
  • 1. Either you must leave your sins or leave Christ; You cannot have Christ and his saving [Page 272]benefits, and continue in your sins. Math. 6.24. No man can serve two Masters, for ei­ther he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other; Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. The like may be said of enjoying Christ, ye cannot en­joy Christ, and enjoy your sins too, for either you will hate your sins and love Christ, or you will hold to your sins and despise Christ. And therefore what Christ said to the Jews concern­ing his Disciples. Joh. 18.8. If ye seek me, let these go their way. That may I say to you concerning your sins, if ye seek Christ and would have Christ, ye must let these go away. That we must part with our sins, or part with Christ for ever, is evident these ways.
    • (1.) Because he requireth of all those that will become his Disciples, and have Salvation by him, that they depart from Iniquity. 2 Tim. 2.19. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this Seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his; And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Our Lord Jesus Christ will not own any one man for his, that doth not depart from iniquity, it is the immutable purpose of God, that no man shall have Salvation by Christ, that doth not depart from his sins. Luk. 13.5. I tell you nay, but except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish..
    • (2.) Our iniquities separate between us and our God. Isa. 59.2. Your iniquities have se­perated between you and your God. And if we [Page 273]continue ever in our sins, there will be an eter­nal separation between God and our Souls.
    • (3.) At the great day of judgment, he will not own one Man, Woman or Child for his, or admit any into his Kingdom, that have been workers of iniquity, but that would not depart from their sins, shall depart from Christ for ever, though they have prophesi­ed in Christs name, and cast out Devils, and done many other wonderous works, Math. 7.23, 24. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, &c. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye workers of Iniquitie. Now is it not better parting with our sins, than parting with Christ, and the Kingdom of Heaven for ever. What is there in sin, that should make us more willing to part with Christ, than to part with our sins.
  • 2. God makes great proffers, and great promises of very great things that he will give to us, and do for us, if we will forsake our sins, that he may perswade us to be wil­ling to leave our sins. If any ask, why what will God do for us, what will he give to us, if we will forsake our sins.

A. 1. If we will forsake our sins, God will receive us into his love and favour, and will bestow himself upon us for our God, and ac­cept us for his people, he will become our Fa­ther, and own us for his Sons and Daughters. [Page 274] Jer. 7.24. Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people. 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father un­to you, and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord God Almighty.

2. If we will forsake our sins, the Lord will forgive us all our sins for ever, and will not so much as mention any of our sins unto us. Ezek. 33.15, 16. When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely dy, if he turn from his sin. None of his sins which he hath commit­ted shall be mentioned to him—he shall surely live. Isa. 1.16, 17, 18. Cease to do evil, and learn to do well—Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they have been red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isa. 55.7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and return unto the Lord, for he will abundantly pardon.

3. If we will leave our sins, God will pour out his Holy Spirit upon us, to dwell in us for ever, to enlighten, quicken, sanctifie, and comfort us under all our troubles. Prov. 1.23. Turn ye at my reproos, behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you. Act. 2.38. Repent, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

4. If we will turn from our sins, God will take us into covenant with himself, and give us all the blessings of the new Covenant. Isa. 59.20, 21. The Redeemer shall come to him, and [Page 275]unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob. As for me, this is my covenant with them. See here with whom God makes his Covenant, his Covenant is with them that turn from trans­gression in Jacob. And when he makes a Co­venant with us, his Covenant is to give us Grace and Glory, and to withhold no good thing from us.

5. If we will forsake our sins, the Lord will save us from the torments of Hell for ever, and give to us his Heavenly Kingdom. Job. 33, 27, 28. He looked upon me, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not, He will deli­ver his Soul from going down into the pit, and his life shall see the light, What is there in sin, that we should refuse all these great things, rather than leave our sins?

3. Consider that Sin is the greatest evil in the world, that there is nothing doth us so much mischief, and is so prejudicial to our wellfare as sin is, and that may make us wil­ling to forsake our sins. See what an evil thing sin is.

1. Sin is worse than any affliction, as the Sword, Pestilence, Famine, Poverty, noy­some Diseases, &c. For neither Sword, nor Famine, or any other affliction can separate us from the love of God. Rom. 8.35. But sin makes us hateful to, and hated of God. Psal. 5.5. Thou hatest all workers of Iniquity. No affliction can hinder our Salvation. Lazarus [Page 276]was exceeding poor, he begged his bread, and was full of noysom sores, yet his Soul was carryed by the Angel into Abraham's bo­som, but sin will hinder the Salvation of our Souls. Now we flee from the Sword and Pestilence, and other Judgments, and shall we not much more flee from sin, which is a greater evil than all these.

2. Sin is a greater evil than Hell it self; for God made Hell, but sin is the work of the Devil. And therefore sin, which is the work of the Devil, must needs be worse than Hell, which is the work of God. Hell sets forth the glory of Gods Justice, but sin wholly dishonours God, and therefore sin is worse than Hell. Now we are very desirous to be delivered from Hell, and why shall we not be willing to leave our sins which are worse than Hell.

3. There is nothing in the world doth us so much hurt and mischief, as sin doth. Sin se­parates us from God the chiefest good. Isa. 59.2. What poyson is to the body, that sin is to the Soul, the Souls poyson. Rom. 3.13. The poyson of asps is under their lips. Sin wars against our Souls. 1 Pet. 2.11. And will be the Death of our Souls, if we do not forsake it. Rom. 6.23. The wages of sin is death. We flee from Death, and those things that bring Death. VVhen there was a deadly herb in the pottage, the Sons of the Prophets would not eat thereof, but cryed out, O thou man of [Page 277]God, there is death in the pot, and they would not eat thereof. 2. King. 4.40. I may say the like to impenitent sinners, O thou sinner, there is Death in thy sins, O thou Drunkard, there is Death in thy Cup, O thou Unclean Person, there is Death in the Harlots house, and to the unrighteous man, there is Death in thy false weights, and false measures, and deceit­ful-balances. And shall not this make us willing to leave our sins, that there is Death in our sins.

4. If no consideration will encline your hearts to a willingness to forsake your sins, look up to Christ that he would put forth his grace, and divine power upon your Souls, to make you willing to forsake your sins, and wil­ling to serve and obey him. Ps. 110.3. Thy peo­ple shall be a willing people in the day of thy power.

5. See what it is which makes you so unwil­ling to leave your sins, and get those cords cut in sunder, whereby your wills and affections are hold intangled in your sins. VVhen men are un­willing to leave their sins, it is usually from one of these two causes, either from the delight and pleasures they have in their sins, or from the gain, and profit they have by them. Most men are very unwilling to part with their sinful gain. Act 16.19, 20, 22. Act. 19.24, 25, 27. And with their sinful pleasures, in so much, that they love their pleasures more than they love God. 2 Tim. 3.5. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. I shall endeavour the re­moval of both these.

Sect. 4 Obeying Christ even in the most difficult Precepts of the Gospel, should not make us refuse closing with Christ.

A 4th. hinderance to our closing with Christ is unwillingness to come under his Go­vernment, and yield obedience to the com­mands of the Gospel, especially such com­mands as are cross to our interest, and contra­ry to our corrupt natures, and in such com­mands as are like the pulling out of right eyes, and cutting off Right hands; In such cases, and in reference to such commands; Many are ready to say, this is an hard saying, who can bear it? Joh. 6.60. And say in their hearts, We will not have this man to Reign over us. Luk. 19.15. Now to remove this stumbling block, I shall propose some argu­ments to perswade us to be willing to receive Christ for our Lord, and to obey him in the most difficult duties that he requireth of us, even such as are like the cutting off a right hand, and pulling out a right eye.

1. The Lord Jesus commands us to do no­thing, requireth nothing of us, but what is for our own good. Mich 6.8. He hath shew­ed thee O man what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. The [Page 285]Lord requireth of us that we do justly, that we love mercy, that we walk humbly with our God, and why? because these things are good for us. Deut. 10.12, 13. And now Is­rael, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God— to keep the Com­mandements of the Lord, and his Statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good. Yea even such commands of Christ as seem hardest to Flesh and Blood, are greatly for our good. It seems a very hard matter to cut off our Right Hand or our Foot, or to pluck out a Right Eye, when any of these Members cause us to offend: yet it is really better for us to remove the impediments of our Salvati­on, though as dear as our Eyes, as usefull and beneficial to us as our Hands and Feet, and to enter into Life, blind, and halt, and maim­ed, than to reserve the occasions of offence and stumbling, and to be cast into Hell Fire. Mark 9.43. to the 48. ver.

2. If the work seem hard and difficult which Christ sets us about, yet the wages he gives are exceeding great, which he gives to them that serve him and obey him; He gives no less Reward to all his Servants, than a Kingdom. Luk 12.32. Fear not little Flock, it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. He gives his Servants the same Glorious Kingdom which he himself hath. Joh. 12.26. If any man serve me, let him fol­low me, and where I am, there shall also my [Page 286]Servant be. He gives an Eternal Kingdom to them that obey his Commandements. Heb. 5.9. Joh. 12.50. I know that his Command­ment is Life Everlasting. This may recon­cile our hearts to the Commandments of the Gospel, there is no Commandment of Christ but it is in order to our obtaining Everlasting Life. Now this consideration that Christ will give us a Kingdom, an Everlasting Kingdom that cannot be removed, should make us wil­ling to engage in any difficult service for Christ, and desirous to do him all the service we can, and to serve him in a gracious and acceptable manner. Heb. 12.28. Wherefore we receiv­ing a Kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear.

3. You have a long time served and obey­ed the lusts of your own heart; And sin is a most cruel Master, a Master that kills and murders all his Servants, that do not forsake his service; The wages that sin gives all his Servants is Death; Rom. 6.23. The wages of sin is Death. And will you rather serve a Murderer, a cruel Master that will kill, than serve and obey Jesus Christ who is the Lord of Life and Glory, who saves all his Servants from Eternal Misery?

4. Though some duties of the Gospel seem hard to Flesh and Blood, yet they bring rest to the Soul. Math. 11.29. Take my Yoak up­on you, and learn of me, for I am meek and [Page 287]lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest for your Souls. Rest is a desireable thing, especially rest for our Souls. Issachar underwent great burdens for the obtaining of rest. Gen. 49.14, 15. Issachar is a strong ass, couching be­tween two burdens, and he saw that rest was good, and the Land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulders to bear, and became a ser­vant to tribute. But rest for the Soul is much more desireable than outward rest, and there­fore we should be willing to submit to any burden that our Lord Jesus layeth upon us, seeing he will give us rest for our Souls.

5. Though Christs Yoak may seem hard, and his burden heavy to Flesh and Blood, yet in truth and reality it is easy and light. Mat. 11.29, 30. Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy, und my burden is light. Now Christ's yoke is easy and his burden light in several re­spects.

• (1.) Because he requireth nothing of us, but what he by his Spirit will enable us to do. Ezek. 36.27. I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes.
• (2.) Because he writes his laws in our hearts. and when the law is written in the heart, it makes the hardest service easy and delightfull. Psal. 40.8. I delight to do thy will O my God, yea thy Law is within my heart. This will, spoken of here, was God's will concerning Christ, that he should offer up himself a Sacrifice for our sins, as appears [Page 288]from Heb. 10.6, 7, 8, 9, 10. which though it was difficult service, Christ did with de­light, having the Law of God in his heart.
• (3.) Love to Christ makes all difficulties ea­sie, and his service delightful. Joh. 5.3. This is the love of God that we keep his Command­ments, and his Commandments are not grievous.
• (4.) His Yoke is easie, because it is sweet­ned with the comforts of the Holy Ghost. Our Lord Jesus sends the Spirit, the Comfor­ter into their hearts that keep his Command­ments, that dwell, and abide with them for ever. John. 14, 15, 16, 17. If you love me, keep my Commandements, and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comfor­ter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth; and by virtue of these com­forts which they have from the Spirit of God, they can go on singing in the ways of the Lord. Ps. 138.5. Yea they shall sing in the ways of the Lord.
• (5.) His Yoke is easie, and burden light, compared with the burden of the Law, and the burden of sin. The Law was a Yoak which was very hard to be born. Act. 15.10. And the burden of sin is heavier than the bur­den of the Law, it was such as David com­plained was too heavy for him. Ps. 38.4.

§. 5. Loving, and preferring other things above Christ, and hindrance of our being partakers of Christ. This Obstacle remo­ved

5. Another hindrance of our receiving and accepting Christ, is, when there is some­thing or other that lyeth nearer our heart than Christ, which we love, and prefer above Christ, and are not willing to part with for Christ. Now to such I would say these things.

1. You can have no part in Christ, unless you love and prefer him above all things in the world, and be willing to forsake all things for him. Math. 10.37. He that loveth Father or Mother more than me, is not worthy of me, and he that loveth Son or Daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. Our Parents, and our Children may and ought to be loved, but not more than Christ, for if we love the dearest Rela­tions we have in the world more than Christ, we shall not be partakers of Christ. Luk. 14.33. Whosoever he be of you, that forsaketh not all that he hath, cannot be my Disciple. For if a man love any things, or persons more than Christ, when those things or persons come in competition with Christ, he will forsake Christ, rather than those things or persons which he loves above Christ.

2. A man may go far in the profession and practice of Religious duties, and may prefer [Page 290]Christ above many things, and yet may have some one thingly nearer his heart than Christ, and rather than part with that one thing, he may chuse to part with Jesus Christ. An ex­ample of this we have in the young man that came to Christ to enquire how he might obtain Eternal Life. He spoke respectfully, affectio­nately, and understandingly to Christ. Matth. 19.17. Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have Eternal Life? He shewed his respect to Christ, in calling him Master, his affection in calling him good Master, his un­derstanding in that he came to Christ about the weightiest matter in the whole world, Eternal Life; and his good inclinations, that he desired to know what good thing he should do to have Eternal Life. Moreover he had from his youth up addicted himself to the observa­tion of the Commandments of God. All these things have I kept from my youth up. Yet this young man had one thing that lay nearer his heart than Christ, and that was the love of the world. Mark. 10.21. One thing thou lackest, go sell whatsoever thou hast. And when Christ put him on the Tryal, he chose rather to part with Christ, than with his pos­session, though it was some grief to him to part with Christ, yet he went away from him rather than he would part with his possessions. Matth. 19.22. When the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

3. There is no person, nothing in the whole world that deserves so much of our love as Christ. It is most equitable and reasonable that we should love Christ above our dearest Relations, above all things and persons what­soever On several accounts. I will name two, or three.

(1.) None ever shewed such love to us, as Christ hath done. The love of Father and Mother, and the dearest Friends we have in all the world, is short of the love of Christ. The The greatest love that man can shew, is to die for his Friend. John 15.13. Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his Friends. This love Christ hath shewn to us, he layd down his life for us; yea, greater than this, for he did not lay his Life for us when we were Friends, but when we were Enemies. Rom. 5.10. When we were Enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. All earthly similitudes, as the love of an Huband to his Wife, the love of Parents to their Children, the love of a man to his Friend are too short to set out Christ's love to us, and therefore he fetcheth a compa­rison from Heaven, and likens his love to us, as his Fathers love to him. Joh. 15.9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. As Christ's love is greater to us than the love of any man in the world, so it is of longer con­tinuance. Our Parents love was not towards us till we had our beings, and ceaseth when [Page 292]we go to our Grave, for though there be grief and sorrow for a season at our Death, yet in process of time, dead men are forgotten both by them that loved, and hated, and envied them. Eccl. 9.5, 6. The memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now perished. But Christ's love to us is Everlasting. It was towards us before we had our beings, even from Ever­lasting, and will be towards us, when we shall cease to be in this world even unto Ever­lasting. Jer. 31.3. I have loved thee with an everlasting love. Now Christ having loved us more than any man ever loved us, it is but rea­son that we should love him above all.

(2.) Jesus Christ is more amiable than any other persons or things in the World. He is altogether lovely. Cant. 5.16. This can't be said of any Creatures since the fall of man, that they are altogether lovely, for there is something of unloveliness in them. Whatsoe­ver there is in any Creatures that may attract our love, it is eminently and transcendently in Christ. As for Instance,

Is our love drawn by others love to us? Love will beget love in all sorts of men. Luk. 6.32. Sinners love those that love them. Ne­ver any man shewed such love to us, as Christ hath done, as proved before. Doth beauty draw our love, it is said of Christ, Thou art fairer than the Children of men. Ps. 45.2. There are all excellencies and perfections to be found [Page 293]in Christ. Is our love drawn by beneficence and bounty? Thus doth great things with most men. Prov. 19.5. Every man is a Friend to him that giveth gifts. None ever gave us such gifts as Christ hath given to us, none hath been so bountiful and beneficial to us, as Christ Jesus. Is it propriety that ingageth our af­fections? A man loveth his own Children above other Children, and his own things above other things. John 15.19. The World loves his own. There is nothing so much our own in this VVorld, as Christ is, if we be true Christians. He is our own Lord, and our own Master, he hath given himself for us, and given himself to us; He is ours by an Everlasting Covenant, we are united to him, he is our Head, and we are Members of his body, and he dwelleth in us by his Spirit. And we are more his, than we are our own, or any other mans. He made us, and he re­deemed us, and bought us with a price, and hath betrothed us to himself.

(3.) We are under greater Obligations and Ingagements to love Christ, than we are to love our Parents, or any other Relations, or dearest Friends in the world. For none ever did, or suffered such great things for us, of Christ hath done. He hath reconciled us to God, He hath obtained for us the pardon of all our sins, he hath saved us from the torments as Hell, he hath purchased an Everlasting for our Inheritance in the other VVorld, he [Page 294]hath made us Kings and Priests to our God, He appeareth in the presence of God for us, and is continually making intercession for us: The benefits we have by Christ are innumerable. It is said of David. 1 Sam. 18.16. All Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out, and came in before them. Christ the Son of David doth more than this for us, he sticks closer to us than David did to Israel, he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. How ought we then to love Christ for this, and not only for this, but all the benefits we have by him. which are far greater than we have by any man in the the World.

4. It is most equitable and reasonable that we should in all things give Christ the prehe­minence, and prefer him above, and before all things in the world, and that on these ac­counts.

• (1.) It is the will and good pleasure of God, the Father, that his Son Jesus Christ should be preferred by us above all things in the world, and therefore he hath made him head of the Church. Col. 1.18. And he is the head of the Body, the Church, that in all things he might have the preeminence.
• (2.) Jesus Christ is better than all things, and therefore to be preferred above, and be­fore them. Col. 1.17. He is before all things, and by him all things consist. He is above all the Angels of Heaven, who are his Servants, and worship and adore him. 1 Pet. 3.22. [Page 295] Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God, Angels and Authorities, and Powers being made subject unto him. Heb. 1.6. Let all the Angels of God worship him, He is better than all things in the VVorld. All that is in the world, is but dross and dung compa­red with Christ Phil. 3.8. And therfore we may say with David, Ps. 73.25. Whom have I in Heaven but thee, and there is none up­on Earth that I desire besides thee.
• (3.) The Lord Jesus prefers such as love, and serve him, above all persons in the world. Exod. 19.5. If you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my Covenant, then you shall be unto me a peculiar treasure above all people. Deut. 7.6. The Lord thy God hath chosen thee, to be a spe­cial people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the Earth. He calls his Church the fairest among women. Cant. 1.8. Now if Christ love and prefer us above all other per­sons in the world, is it not reason that we should love and prefer him above all things and persons in the whole world.?

5. It is dangerous loving and preferring any thing above Christ. For

• 1. VVhat we love and prefer above Christ, we make it an Idol, an abominable Idol. There are Idols in the Heart, as well as Idols in the Temples. Ezek. 14.3. Son of man these men have set up their Idols in their heart. Now that is an Idol in the Heart, which is loved and preferred above Christ. VVhat we love most, [Page 296]whither it be the true God, or an Idol, that we make our God. Deut. 6.5. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. Now the Idolatry of the heart is odious to God, as well as bowing the body to an Idol, for the Soul boweth to the Idols set up in the heart. And such as set up Idols in their hearts, shall be shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven, as well as they that bow their bodies to Idols. Eph. 5.5. For this ye know that no Whoremonger, nor Ʋn­clean person, nor Covetous man, who is an Idola­ter, hath any Inheritance in the Kingdom of God, and of Christ. A Covetous man is called an Idolater, because he loveth the World above God and Christ, and this Idolatry, as well as worshipping Graven Images, will shut a man out of the Kingdom of God.
• 2. What we love and prefer above Christ, shall either be quickly taken from us, or else the enjoying of it shall become a curse to us. Oft times when we Idolize Creatures, God takes them away from us: To overlove any thing, is the ready way to lose it. When Jonah overjoyed in his Gourd, the Lord pre­pared a worm the next day, that smote the Gourd, and it withered. Jona 4.6, 7. Or else God curses those things which we are over­fond of, and makes them grievous crosses. When the Jews doted on the Assyrians, God gave them into the hands of the Assyrians, to be spoiled and destroyed by them. Ezek. 23.5, 12.

Sect. 6. Such, as complain of inability to come up to the terms of the Gospel, answered.

It may be some will say, I wish I could close with the terms on which Christ is offered in the Gospel, but I find I am not able to do it, I find in my self an inability to believe and re­pent, I can't obey Christ, and deny my self, and suffer for Christ; I wish I could do these things, but I find no power, yea sometimes I find opposition and reluctancy in my will, against the terms of the Gospel, what would you say to one in my condition.

A. 1. The main thing that God looks at, is that we should be willing to have Christ, as he offers him to us in the Gospel; That we be willing to believe in him, willing to re­pent of our sins, willing to obey Christ, willing to suffer for his sake, willing to be sa­ved by him, in his own way; For God is willing to give Christ, and all his benefits un­to every one that is willing to receive him. Rev. 22.17. Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. As it is in matters of charity, where there is a willing mind, God accepts it, though there be not ability to do that which we are desirous to do. 2 Cor. 8.12. If there be first a willing mind, it is accept­ed according to what a man hath, and not ac­cording to what he hath not. So it is in other [Page 298]Evangelical duties, if there be a willing mind to perform what the Gospel requireth, it is accepted although there be not power and abi­lity to do what is required of us. If there be a willingness to leave our sins, and obey the Lord, it is accepted as obedience. Isa. 1.16.19. Cease to do evil, learn to do well— If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the Land. There may be a willingness to that good which we want power to perform, and where there is such a willingness, it is ta­ken notice of, and accepted by God. Math. 26.41. The Spirit indeed is willing, but the Flesh is weak.

2. If you find a want of power to come up to the terms of the Gospel, this should not keep you from Christ, but cause you to go to him, that he give you power and strength to do what he requireth of you. The Apostle of himself was as weak as we are, he could do nothing, no nor think any thing that was good. 2 Cor. 3.5. But through Christ's strengthning him, he could do all things. Phil. 4.13. If we find we can't believe, we must look unto Christ, that he would work Faith in us. Heb. 12.2. Looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith. If we can't Repent, we must look unto Christ to give us Repentance, for he was Exalted to give Re­pentance to those that can't Repent, as well as Remission of sins to them that do Repent. [Page 299] Act. 5.31. If we can't obey Christ and walk in his ways, we must look unto Christ to put his Spirit within, and to cause us to walk in his ways. Ezek. 36.27. If we can't love and prefer Christ above all things, we must look unto Christ that he would Circumcise our hearts to love him, with all our hearts and all our souls. Deut. 30.6. If we can't deny our selves for Christ, we must look to him to give us a self-denying heart. Ezek. 36.26. If we can't suffer for Christ, we must look unto him to give us a suffering Spirit. Phil. 1.29.

3. If you find some unwillingness as well as an inability to close with Christ upon the terms of the Gospel, seek unto God to work in you both a will and power to accept of Christ as he is offered in the Gospel. To en­courage thereunto, consider,

• (1.) Both are Gods work, which he works in us, out of his free grace. It is God that makes us willing to close with Christ on the terms of the Gospel, and it is God that gives us power to believe, repent, deny our selves, take up our Cross and follow Christ. Phil. 2.13. It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure.
• (2.) Both are promised and may be obtain­ed of God, if we will seek for them. He hath promised to encline our wills to embrace Christ. Psal. 110.3. Thy people shall be a wil­ling [Page 300]people in the day of thy power. And he hath promised to give power also to them that have no might. Isa. 40.29. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength.
• (3.) Both a will to embrace Christ, and power have been sought with good success. Cant. 1.4. Draw me, we will run after thee, the King brought me into his chambers. Draw me, that is, make me willing and able to come to thee, and this request was answered, the King brought me into his Chambers, that is, according to my desire, drew me unto him­self. Psal. 119.36. Encline my heart unto thy Testimonies. When we feel any averseness in our hearts, to any of the ways of God, we must go unto God to encline our hearts to walk in his ways.

Sect. 7. Mens not seeing their need of Christ, is an hinderance of their closing with Christ; Several causes hereof, 1. Rest­ing in a blameless Conversation. 2. Rest­ing in Church Priviledges. 3. Resting in our own Righteousness. 4. Resting satisfi­ed with the World.

Another sort of hinderances that keep many from closing with Christ, besides sticking at the terms of the Gospel, is when men do not see their need they have of Christ, but rest satisfied with other things instead of Christ, [Page 301]and that is occasioned several ways; I will in­stance in three or four. As

• 1. Resting in a civil blameless Conversati­on, free from gross sins.
• 2. Resting in Church priviledges.
• 3. Resting in our own Righteousness.
• 4. Resting satisfied with the World.

Seeing many men do rest in their being of a civil and blameless Conversation, and being free from gross sins, and thereupon do not see any need of Christ to save them, but hope to go to Heaven when they dye, because they live in a blameless manner, I shall shew that this is not sufficient to Salvation, without an interest in Christ.

• 1. It is the duty of all that expect to go to Heaven when they dye, to endeavour to live in an holy blameless manner. Phil. 2.15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the World. 2 Pet. 3.14. See­ing ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.
• 2. Though it be the duty of all that ex­pect to go to Heaven when they dye, to live in a blameless manner, and to keep themselves from the pollutions of the World, yet a civil and blameless Conversation, a Conversation free from gross sins is not sufficient to carry a [Page 302]man to Heaven, without an interest in Christ; For a man may live civilly, and be free from gross sins, and yet be in a dangerous and dam­nable condition, on several accounts. As
  • 1. He may be an ignorant man, and have no knowledge of God and Christ, he may have no understanding in the mysteries of Sal­vation: And such as live and dye without Un­derstanding, God will have no mercy upon them, and will shew them no favour. Isa. 27.11. It is a People of no Ʋnderstanding, therefore he that made them will have no mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour. And they shall perish for ever on whom God will have no mercy, and to whom he will shew no favour.
  • 2. A man may live civilly and be of a blame­less Conversation, and yet be an Unbeliever, be one that hath no Faith in Christ; And all such as do not believe in Christ shall be damn­ed, and have their portion in the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone. Mark 16.16. He that believeth not shall be damned. Rev. 21.8. The Ʋnbelieving — shall have their part in the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brim­stone.
  • 3. A man may be free from gross sins and live civilly, and yet dye Eternally for want of a new heart, and be shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven for not being born again. Ezek. 18.31. Make you a new Heart, and a new Spirit, for why will you dye, O house of Israel. [Page 303]Joh. 3.3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, ex­cept a man be born again he cannot see the King­dom of God.
  • 4. A man may lead a civil life, and be free from gross sins, and yet have no love to Jesus Christ: And such as have no love to Christ are in a cursed condition. 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha; That is, let him be accursed, and let him remain accursed till the Lord cometh to take vengeance on him.
  • 5. A man may be free from gross sins, and yet be guilty of Spiritual sins, and be in a dam­nable condition for his Spiritual sins. As for in­stance; A Man may never touch a Woman, and yet be an Adulterer in the sight of God, by the lustings of his heart. Math. 5.28. Whosoever looketh upon a woman to lust after her, hath committed Adultery already with her in his heart. A man may never strike his Neigh­bour, and yet be a Murderer in the sight of God, by hating him in his heart. 1 Joh. 3.15. Whosoever hateth his Brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath Eternal Life abiding in him. A man may never bow his bo­dy to an Idol, and yet be an Idolater in the sight of God, by over-loving and trusting in his Riches. Col. — Nor covetous man who is an Idolater hath inheritance in the Kingdom of God, and of [...]ist. He may have a civil life, and yet [...] Atheist in his heart. Psal. 14.1. The [...] hath said in his heart there is no God.

Many persons rest in their Church privi­ledges, as that they are born of Religious Pa­rents, are Members of Churches, have been Baptized, are frequenters of Gods Ordinan­ces, have received the Lords Supper, and therefore they hope it shall go well with them. Thus the Jews bore up themselves, that they were Abraham's Seed, were Circumcised, had the Temple of God among them. Joh. 8.33. VVe be Abraham's Seed. Jer. 7.4. Trust ye not in lying words, saying the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord— But none of these things will avail me to Salvation, unless they have an interest in Christ. As I shall make appear these ways.

• 1. To be born of Religious Parents, of Parents in Covenant with God is a great Bles­sing, but if they do not seek and serve that God whom their Fathers served, but forsake him, and go in the way of their own hearts, though their Fathers were as Holy men as ever lived upon the face of the Earth; God will cast their impenitent, degenerate, disobedi­ent Children into Eternal Torment. David was a man after Gods own heart, yet he tells his Son Solomon, that if he forsook the Lord, the Lord would cast him off for ever. 1 Chron. 28.9. And thou Solomon my Son, know thou the God of thy Father, and serve him with a per­fect heart, and willing mind— If thou seek him he will be found of thee, if thou forsake him he will cast thee of for ever. The Jews bore [Page 305]up themselves with this, that they had Abra­ham to their Father, but John the Baptist takes them off from this. Mat. 3.9. Think not to say within your selves, we have Abraham to our Father; As if he should have said, you are apt to rest upon this, that ye are the Chil­dren of Abraham, that ye have such a man as Abraham to your Father, who was the Friend of God, but this will not avail you to Salvati­on, that you are Abraham's Children. Think not to say within your selves, we have Abra­ham to our Father. For Abraham's impeni­tent Children shall be cast into Hell, when as their Father is in Heaven, and they shall not by all their entreaties, get so much favour from Abraham, as to have one drop of water to cool their Tongues. Luk. 16.23, 24.
• 2. It is a great priviledge, and an honour to be a Member of a Church of Christ, but this will not avail a man to Salvation, that he is a Member of a Church, unless he be also a Member of Christ; For there are Hypocrites as well as sound Christians in the purest Chur­ches in the World. Christ had but a small Church, Twelve Persons selected out of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, but yet amongst them few there was an arch Hypocrite, that differed little from the Devil. Joh. 6.70. Have not I chosen you Twelve, and one of you is a Devil. There are barren as well as fruit­full Trees in the Lord's Vineyard, and the barren Trees shall be hewen down, and cast [Page 306]into the Fire. Math. 3.10. And now the ax is laid unto the root of the Trees, therefore every Tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hew­en down, and cast into the fire. There is Chaff as well as Wheat in Christ's Floor, and when he purgeth his Floor, he will burn up the Chaff with unquenchable Fire. ver. 12. Whose Fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his Floor, but he will burn up the Chaff with unquenchable Fire. There are foolish as well as wise Virgins, that have their Lamps as well as the wise, but have no Oyl in their Vessels, whose lot will it be to be shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven.
• 3. It is a duty and a priviledge to pertake of the Sacraments, and attend upon the Ordinan­ces of the Gospel, but yet this will not avail a man to Salvation, if he do not accept of Christ as he is tendered in the Gospel, as will appear these ways.
  • (1.) No Priviledges, no Ordinances, no Sacraments will avail a man to Salvation, un­less he be a new Creature. Gal. 6.15. For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision nor Ʋncircum­cision availeth any thing, but a new Creature. Circumcision was an Ordinance of God, a profitable Ordinance, Rom. 3.1, 2. a pain­full Ordinance, they that were Circumcised underwent much pain, and were sore for seve­ral days; Gen. 34.25. It was a token and seal of the Covenant, Gen. 16.11. yet Cir­cumcision availeth none to Salvation, but such [Page 307]as were new Creatures; Now many that at­tend on Ordinances, and receive the Sacra­ments are no new Creatures.
  • (2.) Many that attend on the Ordinances of the Gospel, and have been Baptized in the name of Christ, and do receive at the Lords Table, are workers of iniquity. Isa. 58.1, 2. Ezek. 33.31, 32. And it is not hear­ing the word Preached, and frequenting the Lords Table will avail men to Salvation, if they be workers of iniquity. Luk, 13.26, 27. We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets, but he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence you are, depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.
  • (3.) The participation of Sacraments and Ordinances of the Gospel, is accounted as no­thing by such as are impenitent sinners. Rom. 2.25. If thou be a breaker of the Law, thy Circumcision is made Ʋncircumcision. Jer. 9.25, 26. The Uncircumcised in heart among the Jews, have the same lot with the Uncir­cumcised Egyptians, Edomites, Ammonites and Moabites. The impenitent Jews offered up a multitude of Sacrifices unto God, but the Lord accounted all as nothing. Isa. 1.11, 13. To what purpose is the multitude of your Sacrifices, unto me saith the Lord— Bring no more vain Oblations, Incense is an abomination to me— Their Oblations are called vain Obla­tions, as being of no value in the sight of God.

Many persons are kept from coming to, and closing with Christ, by resting in the Law, or resting in their own Righteousness. They think they already have, or hope that in pro­cess of time they shall attain unto that Righ­teousness, which will commend them to God, and give them a right to Eternal Life, when as they have no Union with Christ, or Interest in Christ; That many men do rest in the Law, or in their own works of Righteousness, done in Conformity to the Law. We may see from such Scriptures as these, Rom. 2.17. Behold thou art called a Jew, and restest in the Law; That is, as Pareus observs; Fiduciam ponis in lege, quasi ea te servaret, thou plac­est thy confidence in the Law, as if that could save thee; Or as de Dieu. Non lassat te pecca­ti onus, quippe qui ex lege quietem capias: The burden of thy sins do not weary thee, because thou findest ease from the law. Luk. 18.9. He spake this parable unto certain, which trust­ed in themselves, that they were Righteous. Rom. 9.31, 32. Now the reasons why men rest upon their own works of Righteousness, done in Conformity to the law of God, for that Righteousness which should commend them to God, and bring them to Eternal Life, are such as these.

• 1. A natural inclination and propensity in all men, to look for Righteousness and Life on the terms of the first Covenant, which was to give life to such as should obey the law [Page 309]of God. Do this and live; Gal. 4.21. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the Law— There is a desire in men to have Righteousness and Life by the works of the law.
• 2. Their ignorance of the true meaning, purity and spirituality of the law, whereby they are kept from seeing the imperfection of their own Righteousness, and because they comply with the outward performance of the law, they think they have that which will give them life. Rom. 7.9. I was alive without the law once, but when the Commandment came, sin revived, and I dyed. That is, the Apostle, while a Pharisee, was without the right under­standing of the law, and then he thought him­self alive, in a good condition, one that should inherit Eternal Life, but when the Commandment came, that is, when I came to have a right understanding of the law, and it came to be applyed to my Conscience; Sin revived, that is, I discovered those sins which I knew not of before. I saw my self a lost sinner, and I dyed, that is, my hope of at­taining Righteousness, and the Life was taken away.
• 3. Ignorance of Christ's being appointed of God to be our Righteousness, is another rea­son why men go about to establish their own Righteousness, and do not seek to Christ, to be found in him, to have his Righteousness imputed to them. Rom. 10.3. For they being ignorant of God's Righteousness, and going [Page 310]about to establish their own Righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the Righteousness of God.

That resting on our own Righteousness, or hoping to attain Righteousness and Life from the works of the law, is an hinderance to our being made partakers of Christ; We may see from, Rom. 7 4. Ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him that is raised from the dead. By being dead to the law we may understand dead to it, as it is a Covenant of life, not as a rule of life, dead to the law in reference to our hope and expectation of life from the works of the law, but not dead to the law, in reference to our obedience and conformity to the law. And this being dead to the law, as a Covenant of life, preceedeth our being Married to Christ. Such as are Married to the law, and expect Righteousness and Life from the law, they are not Married to Christ; Now we are said to be dead to the law by the Body of Christ, that is, by that death which he suffered for us in his Body. Both as his Death hath purchased for us deli­verance from the First Covenant, and the establishment of a new Covenant, and also it plainly declares that Righteousness is not possi­ble to be had from the law, for then he need­ed not to have dyed, to have brought in ano­ther way of Righteousness. Gal. 2.21. If Righteousness come by the law then Christ is dead in vain.

If any say, how may we be taken off from resting in the law, from hoping to attain Righ­teousness and Life by our own works, done in obedience and conformity to the law of God, and be brought to see an absolute necessity of going to Christ for Righteousness and Life.

A. 1. Let us see and consider, that it is ut­terly impossible for any man in this fallen estate, to attain unto that perfection of Righ­teousness and Obedience to the law of God, as to be justified and saved thereby. Rom. 3.20. By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight. Gal. 3.11, 12. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for the just shall live by Faith, and the law is not of Faith, but the man that doth them shall live in them. That no man can attain such a Righteousness from his observing the law as shall justifie and save him; Is evident these ways.

• (1.) The law requireth personal, perfect, constant obedience in all things, else it pro­nounceth a curse against us. Gal. 3.10. Cur­sed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them. Now no man since the fall of Adam, Christ only excepted, ever did, or could con­tinue in all things required in the law, without transgressing any command thereof at any time. Joh. 7.19. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keepeth the law; And least [Page 312]any should say, Christ meaneth the carnal Jews only, when he saith, none of you keepeth the law. We may see from other Scriptures, that the holyest men upon earth, cannot keep the law of God without transgressing against it, at any time. Eccl. 7.20. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doth good and sin­neth not. 1 King. 8.36. There is no man that sinneth not.
• (2.) If any man could have obtained Righteousness and Life by the law, then there had been no need of Christs laying down his life for us. Gal. 2.21. If Righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. And such as go about to seek for Justification by the works of the law, do make Christs obe­dience, and his suffering death to be useless. Gal. 5.4. Christ is become of no effect to you, whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace.
• (3.) God hath made a new Covenant to give us Life and Righteousness through be­lieving in his Son. Joh. 3.16. Rom. 3.21, 22. And there had been no need of a new Covenant, of a new way to obtain Righte­ousness and Life, if Righteousness and Life could have been obtained by the law. For if it had been possible for fallen man to have had Righteousness and Life by the law, fallen man should have been saved by a Covenant of works, as well as Adam in innocency. Gal 3.21. Is the law then against the promises of [Page 313]God? God forbid, for if there had been a law given, which could have given life, verily, Righteousness should have been by the law.
• (4.) None, that ever sought after Righte­ousness and Life by the works of the law, have been able to attain thereunto. Rom. 9.31, 32. Israel which followed after the law of Righteousness, hath not attained to the law of Righteousness; Wherefore? because they sought it not by Faith, but as it were by the works of the law. It may be some will think, the reason why Israel could not attain to the Righteous­ness of the law, was because they were not zealous followers after Righteousness, but were cold and luke-warm, but that is a mi­stake, for many of them were zealous in ob­serving the law. Act. 22.3. I was zealous to­wards God, as ye all are this day. Act. 21.20. Or it may be some will think that the reason why they could not attain to Righteousness, though they followed after it, was because they rested in an External Righteousness, and did not seek after Internal Righteousness, the Righteousness of the heart, but this was not the cause, for though many of them did rest in External Righteousness, yet others of them did look after an Internal Righteousness, they knew that God called for the heart. Prov. 22.26. When they fasted, they did not on­ly afflict their bodies, but their Souls also for their sins. Isa. 58.3. Wherefore have we fast­ed, wherefore have we afflicted our Soul? They [Page 314]were sollicitous to have the sins of their Souls pardoned, as well as their sinfull actions. Mich. 6.6, 7. Wherewithall shall I come be­fore the Lord— Shall I give my first born for my Transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my Soul. But the true reason why Israel that followed after Righteousness could not at­tain unto Righteousness, was because they sought not after that Righteousness which is by Faith, but sought it by the works of the law. Rom. 9.31, 32.

2. We mistake God's end in giving the law, when we seek for Righteousness and Life by the works of the law; For the law was not given us to be a Covenant of life, that is for this end, that we should expect Righteousness and Life by the works of the law. As ap­pears.

• 1. Because God had setled another way of justifying and saving sinners, namely, by Faith in Christ, long before the giving of the law, and did confirm this way (Salvation through Faith in Christ) by an Everlasting Covenant made with Abraham and his Seed, 430 years before the giving the law by Moses. And therefore the law which given 430 years af­ter God had revealed it to Abraham, that he would justifie and save him and his Seed, through Faith in Christ, could not make void that way of righteousness and life which God had before confirmed by Covenant to Abra­ham [Page 315]and his Seed; As you may see, Gal. 3.6, 7, 8, 9, 11— 16, 17, 18.
• 2. The law when given by Moses, found man so weakned by the fall of Adam, that it could not bring man to righteousness and life, but notwithstanding the giving the law, man would have perished Eternally, had not God sent his Son Jesus Christ to dye for our sins. Rom. 8.3. Gal. 3.21.

But for what end then was the law given, if not to a Covenant of life?

(A. 1.) To bring us to the knowledge of our sin and misery. Rom. 3.20. By the law is the knowledge of sin. Gal. 3.19. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of Transgressions.

(2.) To be our School-Master to lead us to Christ, that when we see we can't attain that Righteousness which the law requires, we may seek for Justification and Salvation to Je­sus Christ. Gal. 3.24. The law was our School-Master to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by Faith.

(3.) The law was given to be a Rule of our lives, to direct us how to carry our selves towards God, and towards all men. Prov. 6.23. The Commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.

3. Life and Righteousness is to be had in Christ, and no where else but in and by Christ. 1 Joh. 5.11, 12. And this is the record, that [Page 316]God hath given us Eternal Life, and this Life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath Life, and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not Life. And as Eternal Life is to be had in Christ, so also is that Righteousness whereby we are justified and accepted in the sight of God, to be had in Christ. Isa. 45.24. Sure­ly shall one say, in the Lord have I Righteous­ness and Strength. Jer. 23.6. This is the name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness. For the better understanding of this, that the Righteousness whereby we are justified and accepted before God, is not any works of Righteousness which we have done in Conformity to the law, but the righteous­ness which Christ hath wrought for us, let us consider these 3 or 4 things.

• (1.) All our own righteousnesses are full of imperfections, and therefore cannot justi­fie us in the sight of God, who is a God of pure eyes, that cannot behold iniquity. Isa. 64.8. VVe are all as an unclean thing, and all our Righteousnesses are as filthy rags. The Holyest men that ever lived, that have been full of good works, have been afraid to ap­pear before God in their own righteousness. Phil. 3.9. And be found in him, not having mine own Righteousness, which is of the law—
• (2.) We not being able to bring unto God a righteousness of our own, whereby we might be justified and accepted, God provi­ded a righteousness for us, in and by his Son [Page 317]Jesus Christ, whereby we might be justified and accepted in his sight. 1 Cor. 1.30. Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us Righteousness. 2 Cor. 5.21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him.
• (3.) This righteousness of Christ, by and upon the account of which we are accepted and justified in the sight of God, is his Active and Passive Obedience. His Active Obedi­ence in fullfilling all that righteousness which the law required. Rom. 5.19. As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one, shall many be made Righteous. And his Passive Obedience, whereby he suf­fered Death for our sins. Rom. 5.9. Being justified by his blood. It was by his being made a Sacrifice for our sins, that we are made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. 5.20.
• (4.) This righteousness of Christ, consist­ing of his active and passive obedience, is made over, or imputed to all that believe on him. Rom. 10.4. For Christ is the end of the law, for Righteousness to every one that believ­eth.

4. A right understanding of the law would give us such a discovery of our sins, and the imperfections of our best works, as to take us off from resting in the works of the law for our justification before God. Gal. 2.19. I through the law am dead to the law, that I might [Page 318]live unto God. I will mention two or three things concerning the law, that may convince us there is no hope for any man whatever, to at tain righteousness and life by the law.

• (1.) The law is Spiritual, and forbids Spi­ritual sins, and requireth Spiritual duties, and that may convince the Holyest man on earth of much sin, and make him cry out of him­self, that he is an undone sinner, without the mercy of God and the mercies of Christ. Rom. 7.14. We know that the law is Spiritual, but I am Carnal, sold under sin. The Spirituality of the law convinceth the Apostle Paul, that he had in himself much Carnality, and by rea­son of the sad effects of Original Corruption, he was not able to perform that Spiritual Obe­dience the law called for, which is the mean­ing of that expression, sold under sin.
• (2.) The law forbids all evil motions, and sinfull inclinations of the heart. The first mo­tions of sin that arise in the heart, and all evil lusts in the heart, though not consented to, though opposed are a Transgression of the law. Rom. 7.7. I had not known sin but by the law, for I had not known lust, except the law had said thou shalt not covet. The Apostle did not understand the lustings and inordinate desires of the heart to be sin, when not con­sented to, till he considered, that the first mo­tions of sin were forbidden by the law, and were Transgressions of that command, thou shalt not covet. If there be but a foolish [Page 319]thought in our minds, though it be not allowed of, though it be not suffered to lodge there, it is a sin against the law of God. Prov. 24.9. The thought of foolishness is sin.
• (3.) The least omission at any time, of any duty that the law requireth, and the com­mission of the least sin that the law forbids, brings us under the curse of the law. Gal. 3.10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of tht law to do them. If a man were able to keep the whole law, and should offend but in one point, he is guilty of Eternal Death by the law, as well as if he had broken all the Command­ments of God. Jam. 2.10. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, is guilty of all. So Grotius; Non minus morte punitur, quàm si omnia praecepta violasset. And Capellus; Aeque damnatur ac si in omnibus de­liquisset.
• (4.) There is no escaping this curse of the law, when we have offended in any one point, but by Jesus Christ; All the good works we can do in conformity to the law, will not ex­empt us from it, but do leave us under this curse. Gal. 3.10. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. The only es­caping from the curse of the law is by Christ. Gal. 3.13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. And therefore there is no resting for any man in the law, or in his own righteousness, no [Page 320]hope that any man should attain righteousness and life by the law. But if we would have that righteousness whereby we may be accept­ed in the sight of God, and would have Eter­nal Life, we must seek for both in Christ, and if we close with Christ, we shall in him have righteousness and life.

Another great hinderance of closing with Christ, is this present evil world. A world­ly Spirit hinders our closing with Christ, seve­ral ways.

• 1. Because when mens hearts are set upon the Profits, and Honours and Pleasures of the World, they make light of Christ, and pre­fer these things above Christ. This is evident from the parable of the King that made a Mar­riage for his Son, which was neglected by those that had their hearts set on the World. Mat. 22.5. They made light of it, and went their ways, one to his Farm, another to his Mer­chandize. Many mens heads and hearts are so full of the World, that they make light of the offers of Christ, and Salvation by Christ.
• 2. Some persons are at such ease in their Worldly enjoyments, and are so well satisfi­ed with the World, that they find no need of Christ, and Salvation by Christ, and desire no other Heaven but what they have here on the Earth, and to such men, their prosperity proves their ruin. Prov. 1.32. The prosperity of fools shall destroy them. To such as these [Page 321]may be applyed the wo. Luk. 6.24. Wo unto you that are rich, for ye have received your Consolation.
• 3. The love of the honours and pleasures and profits of the World, keepeth men from embracing Christ, because there are several duties in Christianity which cannot be perform­ed, but they will expose us to reproaches and losses, and hardship, and hatred in the World. Joh. 5.44. How can ye believe which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only.

Now no worldly thing, either the honours or pleasures, or profits of the World, should keep us from a sincere and hearty closing with Jesus Christ, and that upon these grounds.

1. It is infinitely better to enjoy Christ than to enjoy all the honours, all the pleasures, all the profits, all the goodly things in the World, as will appear several ways.

• (1.) The good things of this World can be enjoyed no longer than a man lives in this World; They may be taken away before we dye, but the term of life is the longest time of their enjoyment. They may be ta­ken away by Fire, by Oppressors, by For­reign Enemies, that may strip us as naked as in the day we were born; Yea if God do not continue them with us by his Providence, they would of themselves flee away swiftly from us, and come at us no more. Prov. 23.5. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? [Page 322]For riches certainly make themselves wings, they flee away as an eagle towards Heaven; He doth not say wilt thou set thy heart, but wilt thou set thine eyes. The riches of the world in comparison of the Riches of Christ, are so far from deserving our hearts, that they are not worth the looking after with our eyes; He calls them things that are not, that is, are not what men think them to be, are not abiding, they are gone in the twinkling of an eye; He adds farther, that 'tis certain, riches are most uncertainly, for certainly they make un­to themselves wings, and flee away as an Ea­gle towards Heaven. But if they be not ta­ken away, if they do not flee away in the time of life, it is most certain, we must leave them all behind us when we dye. 1 Tim. 6.7. For we brought nothing into the World, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. But if we embrace Christ, Christ and his benefits shall be ours for ever. This God is our God for ever and ever. Psal. 48.14. He will not on­ly stick to us, and bless us as long as we live, but he will give us all the good things of Hea­ven for an Everlasting Possession. Joh. 6.47. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believ­eth on me hath Everlasting Life.
• (2.) All the things of this World, while they are enjoyed, are poor, vain empty things, that can't give any true satisfaction to the Soul, but create more vexation of Spirit, than they give comfort. Eccl. 2.17. All is vanity and [Page 323]vexation of Spirit. The words are few, but of large extent. All Worldly Enjoyments, Riches, Honours, Pleasures, all are vanity, empty things, uncertain things, and all are vexation of Spirit. A poor man that goeth to his day labour, hath more comfortable Nights and Days than many Rich men, that have abundance of the World. Eccl. 5.12. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, but the abundance of the Rich will not suffer him to sleep, Abundance of the VVorld rather cau­seth disquietment than comfort; But now such as embrace Christ, have solid and Soul satisfy­ing comforts in Christ. Psal. 13.5, 6. My Soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fat­ness— When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. The night is a solitary and uncomfortable time, yet in the night watches there are Soul satisfying comforts to be had in Christ. Such as em­brace Christ by Faith, have in him and from him joy unspeakable. 1 Pet. 1.8, In whom believing ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
• (3.) A man may possess much of the world and yet be miserable here, Jam. 5.1. and be miserable in the other world to all Eternity. Luk. 16.22, 23. The rich man dyed and was buried, and in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment— while he lived, he was cloathed in Purple, and fine linnen, and fared sumptuously every day. ver. 19. but as soon as he was dead [Page 324]he went to Hell, and was tormented in fla­ming Fire, and could not get so much as a drop of water to cool his Tongue. But they that get possession of Christ, and trust in Christ, are in a blessed condition whilst they live, and shall be in a most blessed condition for ever in the World to come. Psal. 2.12 Blessed are all they that trust in him. All that accept of Christ for their Lord and Saviour, and are obedient to him, shall be saved with an Eter­nal Salvation. Heb. 5.9.

2. The surest and best way to get the good things of this World, at least so much of them as is good for us, is to receive Christ, and seek after our Souls Salvation, and to live an Holy Life, rather than to neglect Christ, and our Souls Salvation, and to give our selves wholly, or chiefly to mind the things of the World, which may be proved several ways.

• (1.) They that serve Christ, and seek chiefly after their Souls Salvation, have the promise of all things necessary for this Life, as well as the Life to come. Math. 6.33. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righ­teousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. 1 Tim. 4.8. Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come. And a pro­mise from God is better security for the things of this life, than our own wisdom, or indu­stry, or present possessions though great, or what else the whole World can afford to us.
• [Page 325](2.) When Christ becomes ours, the world is ours, so far as God seeth it needfull, and so far as he seeth it good for us, it shall be ours. 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23. All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollo— or the world— all are yours, and ye are Christs. All things in the world shall be for the furtherance of our Spiritual and Eternal welfare, the crosses as well as the comforts of the world.
• (3.) All things in the world are at the dis­posal of God, and he gives them to whomso­ever he will. 1 Chron. 29.12. Both riches and honour come of thee — and it is in thine hand to make great. Dan. 4.17. The most high ruleth in the Kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And seeing the whole world is at the disposal of God, is a likelier way to obtain the world, to seek and serve the Lord, and his Son Jesus Christ, or to live in the neglect of God, and to disregard his service?

Obj. But some may say, how is this the surest and best way to obtain the world, to embrace and serve Christ, when as ordinarily the servants of God have less of the world than other men.

A. 1. They that seek and serve the Lord have as much of the world as the Lord seeth to be good for them. Psal. 34.10. They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing: [Page 326]And it is far better being without, than ha­ving that which the Lord seeth would be hurt­full for us. And Riches are of that nature, that to have abundance of them proves a real hurt to some men. Eccl. 5.13. I have seen Riches kept for the Owners thereof, to their hurt.

2. That little of the world which the ser­vants of God have, is better than the great possessions of other men. Psal. 37.16. A lit­tle that a righteous man hath, is better than the Riches of many wicked. If any say, how can this be, that a little that a righteous man hath should be better than the riches of many wick­ed? I answer.

• (1.) The servants of Christ have more comforts in their little, than wicked men have in their abundance; For they have their little with Gods Blessing, which takes away the sorrow from what they possess Prov. 10.22. The blessing of the Lord it maketh Rich, and addeth no sorrow therewith. But other men have a curse and vexation added to what they have. Prov. 3.33. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked.
• (2.) The Servants of Christ have their lit­tle with a good Conscience, and a good Con­science is a continual Feast. Prov. 15.15. a merry heart is a continual Feast. Rich men make Feasts sometimes, which the poor ser­vants of Christ can't do, yet they excell the Rich man, for they have a continual Feast. [Page 327]One of the greatest Feast made by Rich men that we read of, was that which King Ahasu­erus made, which lasted an Hundred and Fourscore days. Esth. 1.4. But behold here a better, yea a continual Feast. But now other men have their estates with an accusing Con­science, and that is a continual vexation.
• (3.) The servants of Christ have more contentment in their little, than other men have in their greatest abundance. Eccl. 5.10. He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver, nor he that loveth abundance with increase. VVicked men are in straits in their greatest abundance; Job 20.22. In the full­ness of his sufficiency, he shall be in straits. But the servants of Christ have a sufficiency, and a contented mind in the midst of their wants and straits. Phil. 4.11, 12. I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content: both to be full, and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need.
• (4.) The servants of Christ have their lit­tle with the love and favour of God. Deut. 10.18. He loveth the stranger in giving him Food and Rayment. VVhen his People are strangers, and he gives them but little Food and Rayment, yet they have it with his love. Psal. 146.8. The Lord loveth the righteous. But other men are hated in their greatest abun­dance. Psal. 5.5. Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. And a little with the love of God, is better than great riches, and his hatred [Page 328]therewith. Prov. 15.17. Better is a dinner of Herbs where love is, than a stalled Ox, and hatred therewith. If the meanest fare with love from men, be better than the choicest provision, and hatred therewith, how much more is this true of the love and hatred of God.

Sect. 8. Doubts and scruples about our being under the offer of Christ, an hinderance to our closing with Christ; These doubts an­swered.

It may be some will say, if I saw and knew that God offered Christ, and Salvation by Christ to me, I would accept of him on any terms: but I have many doubts and scruples upon my mind, whether God offers Christ to me, as my unworthyness, the greatness of my sins, my being so little affected with my sin and misery, my long neglect of Christ, and the like, and I can't tell how to think that God should offer Christ to such an unworthy creature, to such a great sinner, to such an hard hearted creature as I am, to one that have neglected and stood out so long as I have done. For satisfying these scruples I shall lay down these following propositions, about the offer of Christ, and Salvation by Christ, to all sorts of sinners, on the terms of Faith and Repentance.

1. The Lord Jesus Christ with all his sa­ving benefits, is offered to the meanest and most worthless persons in the whole world, (when the Gospel comes) that find their want of Christ, and are willing to receive him, though they have no mony, that is nothing of any value to commend them to God, yet they may have Christ, and all his benefits freely. Isa 55.1. Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no mony, come ye, buy and eat, yea come buy Wine and Milk without mony, and without price.

2. There is an offer of Christ, and Salvati­on by Christ, to all sorts of Sinners; The poor, and the lame, and the blind, and the halt, were called to the Marriage Supper; Persons of the lowest condition, such as are in by-lanes, high-ways and hedges, and such as are most despicable in the eye of the world, the maimed and the blind are to be called and entreated with all earnestness to come to Christ. Luk. 14.21, 23. Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the City, and bring in hither the poor and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind— Go out into the High-ways and Hedges, and compell them to come in. We see here all sorts of sinners, even such as are most despicable in their own eyes, and the eyes of the world, the poor, the maimed, the halt the blind, sinners in all places, the High-ways, Hedges, Streets, Lanes, all are called, and that with such importunity, as if they were [Page 330]compelled, for this compelling is to be under­stood of earnest entreaties, and using prevail­ing arguments; As Luk. 24.29.

3. Jesus Christ, and Salvation by Christ, is offered freely to the greatest and chiefest of sinners, if they will accept of him, and repent of their sins. 1 Tim. 1.15. This is a faithfull saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the World to save sin­ners, of whom I am chief. Prov. 28.13. Who­so confesseth und forsaketh shall find Mercy. Adam, all circumstances considered, was one of the chiefest of sinners, for he was the cause of the death of all the men that ever lived. 1 Cor. 15.22. In Adam all dye. He brought sin into the World, and death, and by his dis­obedience made all men sinners, and corrupt­ed all Mankind. Rom. 5. By one man sin en­tered into the World, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men. ver. 19. By one man's disobedience many were made sinners; Yet Christ and Salvation by Christ was offered to Adam in that promise. The Seed of the wo­man shall bruise the Serpent's head. Gen. 3.15. It may be some are in a despairing way, be­cause they have not only been sinners them­selves, but they have corrupted and made others sinners, and have not only made others sinners, but have been the occasion of the death of many persons. Though this be a wofull case, yet not desperate; By Adam's disobedience many were made sinners, Hun­dreds, [Page 331]Thousands, yea all Mankind, Christ only excepted; And Adam was the cause of the death of Hundreds, Thousands, Milli­ons of Men, Women and Children, yea in Adam all dye, yet Salvation by Christ was of­fered to Adam.

4. Christ Jesus with his saving benefits is offered to children and old men, bond and free, male and female; He is willing that lit­tle Children should come unto him for Life and Salvation. Mar. 10.14. Suffer the little Children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. The giv­ing of the Spirit, which is one of the saving benefits of Christ, is promised to all sorts of persons, Young and Old, Male and Female, Bond and Free, Men-servants and Maid-ser­vants. Joel 2.28, 29. I will pour out my Spi­rit upon all flesh, and your Sons and your Daughters shall Prophesie, your Old Men shall dream Dreams, your Young Men shall see Vi­sions; And also upon the Servants, and upon the Hand-maids, in those days will I pour out my Spirit. By dreaming Dreams, seeing Visions, and Prophesying, we may understand that God in the days of the Gospel, would reveal his mind and will to all sorts of Persons by his Word and Spirit, as he did in old times to some peculiar Persons by Dreams and Visi­ons.

5. Jesus Christ offers himself, and all his sa­ving benefits, even to such as have for a long [Page 332]time neglected and rejected the offers of grace, made to them in the Gospel, and notwith­standing all former neglects and refusals, if now they will come in, they shall be accept­ed. Rom. 10.21. But to Israel he saith, all day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a rebellious and gain-saying people. The stretch­ing forth the hands signifie the offers of grace made in the Gospel, the offer of Pardon and Salvation upon their Faith and Repentance, and this offer was made and continued from time to time, to a rebellious and gain-saying people. To the Jews that had refused Christ, and preferred a Murderer before him, yea, and had not only refused, but killed him that came to save their lives: there is a promise of forgiveness of their sins upon their Repent­ance. Acts 3.14, 19. Ye denyed the holy one and the just, and desired a Murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of Life— Repent ye, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out— Another instance of Christ's of­fering himself, and his saving benefits to such as have neglected former offers of grace: We have Rev. 3.20. Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him, and sup with him, and he with me. This is part of the Epistle sent to the Church of Laodicea, where there were many luke-warm persons, that deserved to be spued out of Christ's Mouth. ver. 15. And many self-conceited persons, that thought [Page 333]their Estate good, when they were in a most miserable condition. ver. 17. And notwith­standing their luke-warmness, and self-con­ceitedness, he makes a gracious offer of him­self to them, Behold I stand at the door and knock— The Greek word is [...] in the Praeter-perfect Tense, which is used for the Present. I have stood— and I am not gone though ne­glected, though the door be kept shut, I stand there still, and knock and call, if any man hear my voice. One paraphraseth thus on the words; Siquis qualiscunque fuerit, peccator, hypocrita, qui diu obstitit Evangelio, &c. What manner of man soever he hath been, though he hath been a vile sinner, though he hath been a hy­pocrite though one that hath long rejected the offers of grace in the Gospel. If any man hear my voice and open the door, that is, ac­cept of the offers of grace in the Gospel, con­sent to receive me on the terms of the Gospel, no former neglects or refusals of Christ shall hinder such a man's Salvation, for it follows, I will come into him, and sup with him, and he with me, that is, I will bestow my self and all my saving benefits upon any man that open­eth unto me, whosoever he be, and whatso­ever he hath formerly been or done against me.

6. Remission of sins, and Salvation are of­fered by Christ to backsliding, revolting sin­ners, upon their Repentance, though they have beakslidden often, and done very hei­nous [Page 334]things after their backsliding from God Jer. 3.1.5, 22. Thou hast played the harlot with many lovers, yet return again unto me saith the Lord— Behold thou hast spoken, and done evil things as thou couldst— Return ye back-sliding children, and I will heal your back-slidings.

But some may say, I once had the offer of Salvation by Christ, but I did not embrace it, I fear now it is too late, and that my day of grace is past, and so there is no hope for my Soul, that ever I should be made partaker of Christ.

A. No man ought to conclude his day of grace and Salvation to be past as long as he is in the Land of the living. If Christ be not accepted before we dye, then we shall miss of him for ever. The day of grace, and the day of Salvation is gone for ever, if Christ be not embraced before Death comes. But as long as we are in the land of the living, there is a door of hope stands open to us. Eccl. 9.5. To him that is joyned to all the living, there is hope. As long as we are under the Preach­ing of the Gospel, which is the Ministry of Reconciliation, it is an accepted time, and a day of Salvation. 2 Cor. 5.20. Compared with 2 Cor. 6.2. Now then we are Ambassa­dors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christs stead, be ye re­conciled to God — Behold now is the accepted [Page 335]time, behold now is the Day of Salvation. While God is treating with us by his Embas­sadors, who do in Christ's stead pray us to be reconciled to God, so long 'tis an accepted time, and a day of Salvation. Upon the last day of the Feast, when the people were to be dismissed, and sent to their own home, the Lord Jesus made an offer of himself to all that did thirst after him. Joh 7.37. In the last day, that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cryed, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. This Feast was the Feast of Tabernacles, ver. 2. which Feast lasted many days. Lev. 23.34, 36. Their dwelling in Tabernacles while in the VVilder­ness, till they came to Canaan, was an Em­blem of our Frailty, whilst we remain in the Body, which is called a Tabernacle. 2 Cor. 5.1. 2 Pet. 1.14. I must put of this my Ta­bernacle, that is, my body; As our Lord Je­sus offered himself to every one that was a thirst on the last day of the Feast of the Ta­bernacles, so he doth offer himself to us, even to the last day of our continuance in our Earth­ly house of this Tabernacle. The penitent thief who embraced Christ, the last day of his being in this Earthly Tabernacle, upon the day of his death, was accepted of him.

But some may say again, the weary, and the thirsty, and the heavy laden, and such as are of a broken heart, and are burdened with their sins, are invited to come to Christ, but [Page 336]I am not affected as I ought to be, with my sin and misery, I am not humbled for my sins, but I have an hard, dead, insensible heart, and therefore I am afraid Christ is not offered to me.

A. 1. Even such as are not affected with their sin and misery, but have high thoughts of their own excellencies, when as in truth they are wretched and miserable, are invited to come to Christ for good and white ray­ment and eye Salve, whereby they may have a true sight of their own state, and be made sensible of their sin and misery. Rev. 3.17, 18. Because thou sayest I am rich, and encreas­ed with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked— I counsel thee to buy of me Gold and white Rayment— and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou may­est see— VVe see the poorest and most mise­rable, which are not affected as they ought with their sin and misery, are called upon to repair to Christ, and to be dealing with Christ, for the choicest of his benefits, Gold, white Rayment, eye salve, that they might see, and be made rich, and have their nakedness covered.

2. As Christ was sent to bind up, and heal the broken in heart; Isa. 61.1. So he was exalted to give Repentance to hard hearted sinners. Act. 5.31. And it is his work to [Page 337]take away the stony heart from those that have stony hearts, and give them hearts of flesh; For it is the Lords promise to take away the stony heart, and to give an heart of flesh. Ezek. 36.26. And it belongs to Christ, as he is Mediator and surety of the new Cove­nant, to see this as well as other promises of the Covenant fulfilled.

3. Sleepy and secure sinners are called upon by the Gospel, to awake out of their sleep, and to look to Christ for light and life. Eph. 5.14. Wherefore he saith, awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

4. Though you do not find such an hunger and thirst, such a weariness and burdened condition as others find, yet if you are willing to have Christ on the terms of the Gospel, willing to be ruled and saved by him in his own way, you need not doubt but Christ with all his saving benefits is offered freely to you, as freely as to any other person, for he is offer­ed freely to every one whosoever he be, that is willing to have him. Rev. 22.17. Whoso­ever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Sect. 9. Doubting of Christ's willingness to receive us, an hinderance of our closing with Christ. This doubt removed.

It may be some will say, I am willing to accept of Christ on the terms of the Gospel, [Page 338]but I doubt whether Christ will accept of me because I have been such a vile and sinfull crea­ture, and still find in my self such an unsancti­fied heart, and such a corrupt nature.

A. They that are willing to accept of Christ on the terms of the Gospel, may lay aside all their doubts of Christ's accepting them, of what nature soever they be; And that on such grounds as these.

1. We have Christ's own word and pro­mise, to assure that if we come to him, he will in no wise cast us out. Joh. 6.37. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. Him, without exception of any person or any sin, him whosoever he be, and whatsoever he hath done, that cometh to me, that is, that believeth on me, that receiveth me as I am of­fered in the Gospel, that in the sense of his lost and perishing condition, cometh to me to save him, I will in no wise cast out; [...] Two Ne­gatives, I will not, I will not cast him out; I will in no wise— no accusation that Satan shall bring against him, for the multitude or great­ness of his sins, or his long continuance in his sins, or any other accusation shall prevail with me, to cast him out; I will in no wise cast him out, that is, I will graciously accept him. Nonrepellam a me, a societate mea & commu­nione bonorum; I will bestow my self and all my benefits upon him, I will not cast him out, that is, out of my Kingdom, I will receive him to be with me where I am.

2. Though we have been sinners, yet if we be penitent sinners, the Lord Jesus will re­ceive us upon our coming to him. 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. When Christ was on earth, he received those that came to him, though they had been great sinners, and though he incurred the cen­sures of the Pharisees thereby. Luk. 15.2. The Pharisees and the Scribes murmured, say­ing, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he is not less mercifull now he is in Heaven, than he was while he was on Earth.

3. The parable of the prodigal Son may satisfie us, that our Lord Jesus will not only not reject penitent sinners, though they have been the chiefest of sinners, but will receive them willingly and joyfully. Luk. 15, 20, 24, 25. The Father received his Son with all joy, when he returned home penitent, and yet he had been a vile wretch, he had spent all his estate on harlots and riotous living. ver. 13.30. And would have submitted to a base, low employment, rather than return to his Father; It was pure want that drove him to go to his Father, because he was ready to pe­rish with hunger, yet this vile wretch that was unworthy of the name of a Son, was enter­tained and received with great joy.

Sect. 1. Comfort to be had in Christ, against indwelling corruption.

In Regenerate persons there are remain­ders of Original Corruption. The Apostle Paul complained of the indwelling of sin. Rom. 7.17. Sin that dwelleth in me; And he did not only find sin dwelling in him, but war­ring against the law of his mind, and leading him captive to the law of sin, which was a ve­ry great trouble and burden to him. ver. 23.24. And what was Paul's comfort against the indwelling, warring, and captivating power of sin? It was Christ Jesus. Rom. 7.24, 25. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. I will shew what comfort there is in Christ, against the [Page 345]remainders of Original Corruption.

1. Christ's blood is a Fountain set open on purpose for washing away the Fountain of sin, and uncleanness that is in, and issueth forth out of our hearts. Zech. 13.1. In that day, there shall be a Fountain opened to the house of Da­vid, and the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin, and for uncleanness. This Fountain is the blood of Christ. 1 Joh. 1.7. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth from all sins. There is no other Fountain under Heaven set open for the cleansing away of sin, but the blood of Christ, which is compared to a Foun­tain, because of its sufficiency to supply all commers, and the continual efficacy, the Fountain runs night and day continually. The day wherein this Fountain is set open, is the day and time of the Gospel; For under the law it was covered over with divers Types and Ceremonies, it was vailed with the Cere­monies, but now that vail, that covering is done away. It was a Fountain sealed and con­cealed from the Gentiles, but now 'tis a Foun­tain opened to the Jews and Gentiles, for though only the house of David, and the In­habitants of Jerusalem are named, yet the Gentiles are included in this promise, for they are of the same body, and fellow-heirs with the Jews, of the promises of God. Eph. 3.6. Observe farther, for what end this Foun­tain is set open, that is, for sin and for un­cleanness, that is, to wash away all sorts, and [Page 346]all manner of sins, our Original and Actual sins, the uncleanness of our hearts and lives. It may amaze us when we see and consider what a Fountain of sin and uncleanness is in our hearts, but it may greatly comfort us, when we consider that Christ's blood is a Foun­tain, set open on purpose to wash away sin and uncleanness.

2. Though sin doth, and will dwell in us as long as we live, yet this may comfort us, it shall not have the dominion over us. Rom. 6.14. For sin shall not have dominion over you, because ye are not under the Law but under Grace. For our Lord Jesus Christ hath by his death obtained deliverance from the reigning power of indwelling corruption, so that though sin remain in us, it shall not reign over us, we shall not be the servants of sin. Rom. 6.6. Knowing this, that our old man is Crucisied with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. And therefore though we find sin not on­ly dwelling in us, but warring against the law of our minds, and sometimes prevailing over us, and leading us captive, yet we should be­lieve that God for Christ's sake, will both par­don and subdue our sins. Psal. 65.3. Iniqui­ties prevail against me, as for our Transgressi­ons thou shalt purge them away. The purging away of sin implyes both the pardoning our sins by the blood of Christ, Psal. 51.7. Heb. 1.3. Heb. 9.22. and the mortification of [Page 347]sin, or purging sin out of our hearts and con­versations. 2 Tim. 2.21. Isa. 4.4. and 27.9. Now David did rest upon God for the purging away his Transgressions, even when he found iniquities prevailing, that is, he did trust in God, that for Christ's sake he would both par­don and subdue his sin.

3. As it is a ground of trouble that sin dwel­leth in us, so it is a ground of great comfort that we have the Spirit of Christ to dwell in us as a Fountain of grace and holiness, and that this Spirit of grace shall dwell in us for ever, and as a Well of water, springing up to Ever­lasting Life. 1 Cor. 3.16. Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? And this Spirit of Christ which is given to us, to dwell in our hearts, shall dwell and abide with us for ever, Joh. 14.16, 17. I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of Truth, he dwelleth in you, and shall be in you. And he dwelleth in us as a Fountain of Grace and Holiness, or as a VVell of water spring­ing up to Everlasting Life. Joh. 4.14. The water that I shall give him, shall be in him a Well of water, springing up into Everlasting Life.

4. Though sin dwell in those that are in the Members of Christ, yet it shall not be impu­ted to them unto their Condemnation. Rom. 8.1. There is therefore now no Condemnation [Page 348]to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. He doth not say, there is no sin in them that are in Christ Jesus, but though their be sin in them, there is no condemnation to them. ver. 34, Who shall condemn? It is Christ that dyed. Christs death hath made satisfaction for our sins, and there­fore such as are in Christ shall not come into Condemnation, but are passed from death to life.

Sect. 2. Comfort in Christ for lapsed Christi­ans, that have fallen into heinous sins, that have wounded their Conscience, and broke their Peace.

Besides the great trouble that ariseth to the Servants of Christ from indwelling corruption, they may through the Temptations of Satan, and their own weakness, and want of watch­fullness, fall into actual Transgressions of a very heinous nature, that may break their Peace, and wound their Consciences, as Pe­ter who denyed Christ, and curse and swore he did not know the man, which caused him when he came to himself to weep bitterly. And David committed such heinous sins in the matter of Ʋriah and Bathsheba, that caused such anguish of Spirit, as if all his bones had been broken, and therefore being in a joy­less condition, as full of anguish as a man that hath broken bones, he prays thus to God. [Page 349] Psal. 51.8. Make me to hear joy and glad­ness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce. Now though this be matter of deep. Humiliation, for Christians to fall into heinous sins, yet it is not a desperate case, for there is comfort in Christ for lapsed Christians, though the sins into which they have fallen be of an heinous nature, and that on these grounds.

1. Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father, and pleads our cause for us, that our sins may not be imputed to us, but may upon our Repentance be forgiven us; As Stephen interceeded for his Persecutors, Act. 7.60. Lord lay not this sin to their charge. So doth Christ interceed with his Father for all his Members, VVhen they fall into any heinous sin, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. Christ's love to his Members is infinitely above Ste­phen's love to his Persecutors, yet Stephen prayed for them when they had committed an heinous sin, the shedding of blood, the shed­ding innocent blood, the blood of a Martyr, of a man full of the Holy Ghost, his own blood, yet Stephen interceeded for them, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And the love of Christ being infinitely above Stephens, will not be much more interceeded for his members, his Servants, in their greatest falls, though their sins be of an heinous nature; Lord lay not this sin to their charge, that our Lord Jesus doth interceed for us, when we fall into sin, that our sins may not be laid to our charge; [Page 350]VVe may see, 1 John 2.1, 2. My little Chil­dren, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not, and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole World. The children of God must be very carefull they do not sin against God; But suppose they do sin, must they despair? No, if any man sin we have an advocate— 'tis not said we had an advocate, as if he ceased to be our advo­cate when we fall into sin, but we have an ad­vocate with the Father, and he is a powerfull and prevalent advocate. Jesus Christ the Righ­teous, whom his Father never denyed any thing in the days of his Humiliation, Joh. 11.22, 42. much less will he deny him any thing in the days of his exaltation, and the person with whom he interceeds, is the Father, who is the Father of mercies, a God ready to for­give, waiting to be gracious, who is Christ's Father, and our Father; And he useth a pre­vailing argument when he pleads for us, he presents his own blood, which is the propiti­ation for our sins; And he is advocate for all that do and shall believe on him, in all places and all ages of the World. 1 Joh. 2.1, 2. Compared with 1 Joh. 5.12. If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father— These things write I unto you that believe. As David interceeded with his Captains, on the behalf of Absolom, though an undutifull rebellious [Page 351]Son. 2 Sam. 18.5. Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absolom. Even so doth Christ interceed with his Father, for his Rebellious and Disobedient Children: deal graciously for my sake with such and such per­sons, though they have rebelled against thee.

2. The death of Christ hath obtained par­don for all our sins, sins after, as well as sins before Conversion, great and heinous sins as well as lesser sins. 1 Joh. 1.7. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin. Isa. 53.5. He was wounded for our Trans­gressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. The two Hebrew words used by the Prophet, as Rivet observes, all sorts even the worst kind of sins, [...] sig­nifieth superbam mandati transgressionem, re­bellionem & defectionem. A proud transgres­sing of the law of God, rebellion and revolt­ing from God. [...] signifieth perversitatem, malitiam, a sinning out of perverseness and malice; For such sins as these, was Christ wounded and bruised, and by his stripes we are healed, and obtain pardon for our greatest offences.

3. There are mercies and forgivenesses with God, upon Christ's account, even for such as have rebelled against him. Dan. 9.9. To the Lord our God belong mercies and for­givenesses, though we have rebelled against him. To rebell against the Lord, is more than to [Page 352]sin out of infirmity, it speaks willfulness in sin, it is the highest degree of sin, likened to the sin of Witch-craft, when men have to do with the Devil. 1 Sam. 15.23. Rebellion is as the sin of Witch-craft. Yet there are mer­cies and forgivenesses with the Lord, for such as have rebelled against him, not only mercy and forgiveness, but in the Plural number, mercies and forgivenesses to signifie the abun­dance of mercies and pardons that are with God, for such as have rebelled, though they have not rebelled once or twice only, but ma­ny times; And therefore the Lord is styled a God of pardons, who hath pardons in store for rebellious sinners upon their Repentance. Ne. 9.16, 17. But they and our Fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and refused to obey— and in their rebellion appointed a Cap­tain to return to their bondage, but thou art a God ready to pardon, (or as 'tis in the Mar­gent) a God of pardons, gracious and mercifull, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and for­sookest them not

4. The Covenant of grace, which is con­firmed with Christs blood, admits Repent­ance, and promiseth pardon of sin to back-sli­ders, upon their Repentance, though they have deeply and grievously revolted from the Lord. The children of Israel were grievous revolters, Jer. 6.28. They are all grievous revolters, yet they are called to Repentance. Isa. 31.6. Turn ye unto him from whom the [Page 353]Children of Israel have deeply revolted. And have a promise of pardon upon their Repent­ance. Jer. 3.22. Return ye back-sliding chil­dren, and I will heal your back-slidings. If any say it may be these to whom the Lord speaks here, and promiseth to heal their back-slidings on their return to him, had not they back-slidden so often, and in such an heinous manner; To which I answer, that they had back-slidden often, is evident from ver. 1. Thou hast played the Harlot with many lovers, yet return unto me. And besides he speaks of back-slidings in the Plural number; He saith not, I will heal your back-sliding, as if they had back-slidden but once, but I will heal your back-slidings, intimating that though their back-slidings were many, (which they them­selves acknowledge. Jer. 14.7. Our back-slidings are many.) yet upon their returning he would heal them all. And that they were guilty of very great and heinous sins, as well as many back-slidings, to whom God makes this promise; Return O back-sliding children, and I will heal your back-slidings, is evident from ver. 5. Behold thou hast spoken and done evil things, as thou couldst.

5. When the servants of Christ fall into heinous sins, God will visit their Transgressi­ons with his Rod, and their sins with Stripes, but for Christs sake he will not cast them out of his love, nor break his Covenant with them. Psal. 89.30, 31, 32, 33, 34. If his [Page 354]children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments, if they break my Statutes, and keep not my Commandments, then will I visit their Transgressions with the Rod, and their Iniqui­ties with Stripes; Nevertheless, my loving kind­ness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My Covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my Mouth.

Sect. 3. There is comfort in Christ for such as are but weak in grace.

Such as are but weak in Faith, and weak in other Graces, do usually walk very uncom­fortably, and are under much perplexity of Spirit, upon the account of their weakness. We are exhorted to support the weak. 1 Thes. 5.14. which implyeth that weak Christians are liable to faint and sink, now there is com­fort in Christ for weak and feeble Christians. I will instance in some grounds of Consolation for weak Christians.

1. There is a sufficiency of Grace and Strength in Christ, for the weak as well as the strong. What was said to the Apostle, when he was under the buffetings of Satan; 2 Cor. 12.9. My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. The same may be said to the weakest Christian, that con­flicts with many fears, and strong temptations, Christ's grace is sufficient for thee, and his [Page 355]strength is made perfect in weakness, that is, the weaker we are, the more eminently his strength is put forth, and manifested on our behalf. The Lord is wont in an eminent man­ner to put forth his power in supporting and upholding weak Christians. Isa. 40.29. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength.

2. The Lord Jesus Christ is very tender and carefull of weak and feeble Christians; He gathereth his Lambs with his Arm, and car­ryeth them in his Bosom. Isa. 40.11. He shall feed his Flock like a Shepherd, he shall gather the Lambs with his Arm, and carry them in his Bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. By Lambs we may under­stand young and weak Christians. There is no Shepherd so tender and carefull of his lit­tle Lambs, as the Shepherd of Israel is of his Lambs. His gathering his Lambs with his Arm, signifieth his preserving them by his Divine power, his carrying them in his Bo­som, signifieth his tender love to them, and his tender care over them. They lye near his heart, he carryeth them in his Bosom, he gently leadeth those that are with young, that is, such as are in a burdened condition, afflict­ed and distressed Consciences. When Crea­tures are with young, they are burdened and heavy; It may also signifie such as are in the way to Conversion. Another Scripture set­ting out Christs tenderness to weak Christi­ans, [Page 356]we have Isa. 42.3. A bruised Reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax, (or as it is in the Margent) the dimly burning flax he shall not quench. That this is spoken of our Lord Jesus Christ, is evident from Mat. 12.20. The Reed is very weak, a little blast of wind makes the Reed to shake and tremble. Mat. 11.7. A Reed shaken with the Wind. The Reed when bruised, is weaker than the Reed that is whole. The Reed signifieth the weak trembling Christian, the bruised Reed a weak Christian bruised with afflictions and temptations, such an one Christ will not break, that is, he will support and uphold them; The smoking or dimly burning flax, he will not quench; That is, he will cherish weak, and recover lapsed Christians; The wick of the lamp that burns but dimly, that hath much smoke obscuring the light, that hath that which is offensive (for smoke is offensive to the eyes) mixed with that little light, that little good which is in them, such Christ will not quench, but will cherish and carry on his own in them. Isa. 29.18. The eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. Though there be much obscurity and darkness mixed with our knowledge, when the Lord first opens our eyes, yet by degrees that dimness shall wear off, and we shall have a more clear knowledge of the mysteries of our Salvation. Isa. 32.3. The eyes of them that see, shall not be dim.

3. Weak Christians that build their Faith and Hope upon Christ, build upon a sure and strong Foundation; For Christ is a sure Foun­dation to the weak as well as the strong. Isa. 28.16. Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tryed stone, a precious corner-stone a sure foundation. Jesus Christ is such a sure and strong foundation, that all the Devils in Hell shall not be able to prevail against the weakest Christian that is built on this founda­tion. Mat. 16.18. Ʋpon this Rock will I build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not pre­vail against it.

4. VVeak Christians have a strong and Al­mighty God to stand by them, who hath pro­mised for Christs sake to help, strengthen and uphold them. Isa. 41.10, 13.14. Fear thou not for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the Right­hand of my Righteousness— Fear not I will help thee, fear not thou worm Jacob, I will help thee saith the Lord— VVhat is weaker than a worm? yet to Jacob that was but as a worm in his own and others apprehension, trampled upon, and despised by the men of the world, the Lord calls out three times, fear not, fear not, fear not, and why? because though Ja­cob was but as a worm; The God of Jacob who is an Almighty God, saith to Jacob I will help thee, I will strengthen thee, I will up­hold thee. The Almighty God is able to up­hold [Page 358]the weakest Christian under all oppositions and discouragements. Rom. 14.1, 4. Him that is weak in the Faith receive ye— yea he shall be holden up, for God is able to make them stand.

5. Where there are the weakest measures of Grace, they are taken notice of by God, and shall have a great and glorious reward from the Lord. When there was but some good thing towards the God of Israel in Jeroboam's Son, the Lord took notice of it, and brought him to his grave in peace. 1 King. 14.13. All Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. They that have but weak gifts, and mean talents, yet if they be faithfull in that little which is committed to their trust, they shall have a great and glorious Reward. Mat. 25.23. Well done good and faithfull servant, thou hast been faithfull over a few things, I will make thee Ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Sect 4. There is comfort in Christ for such Christians as mourn under their decay in grace, and under their unprofitableness un­der the means of grace.

To be unprofitable under the means of grace, is a very uncomfortable condition; Such have cause to cry out, my leanness, my leanness, wo unto me. And especially it is mat­ter of lamentation to be in a declining condi­tion, to decay in Grace, to lose our first love, and to grow weak in Faith, and abate in our zeal and activity for God, a decaying, decli­ning condition is a very uncomfortable condi­tion, yet there is comfort to be had in Christ for such as mourn over their unprofitableness, and their decays in Grace; And that on these accounts.

1, The Lord Jesus is able to make the most barren Soul to become fruitfull. 2 Cor. 9.8. God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye always having all-sufficiency in all things, may abound in every good work. These Corinthians before God wrought upon them, were very Graceless, vile persons; As we may see, 1 Cor. 6.11. Such were some of you— That is, such vile sinners as were mentioned, ver. 9.10. Unrighteous, Fornicators, Ido­laters, Adulterers, Effeminate, abusers of themselves, with Mankind, &c. Yet he tells them, that God was able not only to work [Page 360]Grace, but to make Grace, all Grace abound towards them, and to cause them to abound in every good work. God can make Faith to abound in the most unbelieving Soul, and brokenness of heart to abound in the hardest heart of sinners, and love and zeal to abound in those that are lukewarm, yea he can make all Grace to abound in the Graceless; The Lord maketh the dry Tree to flourish. Ezek. 17.24. I the Lord have dryed up the green Tree and have made the dry Tree to flourish. And he maketh a barren Womb fruitfull. Psal. 113.9. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyfull Mother of children. Now he that doth this by the barren VVomb and dry Tree, can't he do the like by our bar­ren Hearts. He that maketh the dry Tree to flourish, can't he make our dry hearts flourish? and he that maketh the barren VVomb fruit­full, can't he make our barren hearts fruitfull also. And as the Lord is able to make a bar­ren Soul become fruitfull, so also to recover such as are gone back, and decayed in Grac [...] Psal. 23.3. He restoreth my Soul— VVhen our Souls are gone back and declined, he can re­store them again. After Jerusalem had lain wast many years, God caused her wast places to be built again. Isa. 61.4. They shall build the old wasts, and raise up the former desolati­ons. That God that did this for Zion, can do as much for the Sons and Daughters of Zi­on, namely recover them from their inward decays and desolations.

2. The Lord Jesus is appointed by God to carry on, and finish the work of grace, as well to begin grace in our Souls. Heb. 12.2. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, and as the author and finisher of our Faith, so of our other graces also. Phil. 1.11. Being filled with the fruits of Righteous­ness, which are by Jesus Christ— It is by Jesus Christ that we have the fruits of Righteous­ness, and that we are filled with these fruits— He is appointed to be as Rivers of water in a dry place. Isa. 32.2. A man shall be as Ri­vers of water in a dry place— This man is none other, but the man Christ Jesus, as he is cal­led. 1 Tim. 2.5. who is God and Man in one person; VVhat Rivers of water are to the dry ground, that is Christ to our dry and bar­ren souls. The water will make the dry and barren ground fruitfull. Job 38.26.27. To cause it to rain on the earth— to satisfie the desolate and wast ground, and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring out. So doth Christ cause those that are dry and barren, to bring forth the fruits of Righteousness by the dew of his grace. VVater will recover those things that are withered and greatly decayed, as we see in Trees of which Job speaks. Job 14.8, 9. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof dye in the ground yet through the sent of water, it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant. There is not less virtue in the grace of Christ for recover­ing [Page 362]withered and decayed Souls, then there is in water, to recover a withered, decayed Tree; Therefore when we feel our dimness, and barrenness, and decayed condition, we should go to Christ, that he would be to us as Rivers of water in a dry place, that he would revive, carry on, and finish the work of grace in our Souls, and that he would fill us with the fruits of Righteousness. Isa. 42.3. He shall not quench the smoking flax. Elly­chnium languescens, fere extinctum. Pisc. qui­bus restat aliquid Pietatis, sed paene extinctum calamitatibus. Gro. Nutantes in Pietate confir­mabit & praeditos scintilla pietatis aliqua velut moribunda, fovebit & excitabit Jun. It re­fers to languishing Christians, that where Grace is so declined and decayed that it is rea­dy to dye.

3. The Lord hath promised for Christ's sake to give us the dew of his Grace, which shall cause us to grow in Grace. Hos. 14.5. I will be as the dew unto Israel, and he shall grow as the Lilly — Consider what condition Israel was in when God made this promise; I will be as the dew unto Israel, and he shall grow as the Lilly. Israel was in a fallen, de­clined, backslidden condition. ver. 1.3. O Is­rael thou hast fallen by thine iniquity— I will heal their back-sliding. Ch. 4.16. Israel slideth back as a back-sliding heifer. Ch. 8.3. Israel hath cast if the thing that is good— Yea Israel was so far declined, and in such a miserable [Page 363]condition, that it is said of Israel, Hos. 13.9. O Israel thou hast destroyed thy self— Yet to this Israel that was fallen by iniquity, back-slidden from God, cast off that which was good, destroyed themselves upon their Con­fession of their sin and prayer for Mercy, God promiseth, I will be as the dew unto Israel, and he shall grow like the Lilly— There are two things observable in the growth of the Lilly, it groweth speedily. Mat. 6.28. Consider the Lillies of the field how they grow. It is Pli­ny's observation concerning the Lilly, Lilio ni­hil foe [...]undius, no Flower is more fruitfull than the Lilly; It groweth also Gloriously. Mat. 6.29. Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. See another promise of giving growth in Grace. Hos. 14.7. They that dwell under his shadow shall return, they shall revive as the Corn, they shall grow as the Vine. They that dwell under his shadow, it may be understood, either of Israel's sha­dow, and so is a promise to the Members of the Church of Christ, joyning themselves to his Church— or else of the shadow of Christ. As Cant. 2.3. I sate down under his shadow with great delight. So the Caldee— In umbra Christi sui, under the shadow of Christ, and then the sense is, they that betake themselves to Christ, and abide with Christ, shall be made fruitfull in Grace and good works, con­sonant to that promise. Joh. 15.5. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth [Page 364]forth much fruit. Now taking this shadow to be meant of Christ, then it is a gracious promise to such as betake themselves to Christ, that they shall revive as the Corn, and grow as the Vine; How is that? The Corn lyeth buried under ground for a while, and seems to be lost; And after it appears, it meets with cold winds, and frost, and draught, that makes it hang the head, turn yellow, look in a decaying manner, yet through the warm Sun and Dew of Heaven, it reviveth again; So 'tis with them that dwell under Christ's shadow, though they meet with many Pull­backs, and that which was springing up, seems to wither and decline, yet they shall revive as the Corn, and grow as the Vine. The pru­ning and cutting the Vine makes the Vine be­come the more fruitfull, and so it intimates a growth under afflictions. In the Winter the Vine looks like a dead stick, hath no Beauty nor Savour in it, but in the Spring it puts forth and flourisheth abundantly. Vines give a plea­sant smell, and bring forth pleasant fruit. Cant. 2.13. The Vines, with the tender Grape, give a good smell; And the Fruit of the Vine is sweet and pleasant fruit. I might mention more promises of growth in Grace; As Psal. 92.12. Job 17.9. Now by virtue of these and such like promises, when we find a decay of Grace, we may rest upon God that he will come in with fresh supplies of Grace. Psal. 92.10. I shall be anointed with fresh Oyl. [Page 365]David was sometimes sensible of great decays in Spiritual Estate, as when he complains my moisture is turned into the drought of Summer, yet then he did rest upon God for fresh sup­plies of Grace and Comfort, which may be the meaning of those words, I shall be anoint­ed with fresh Oyl: For the Graces of the Spi­rit are called an unction or an anointing. 1 Joh. 2.20, 29. Ye have an unction from the Holy one— The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you. The Graces and Com­forts of the Spirit are compared to Oyl. Psal. 45.7. Thy God hath anointed thee with the Oyl of gladness. Mat. 25.3. They that were foolish took their Vessels, and took no Oyl with them. When God pours out his Spirit upon us, then he is said to anoint us. Isa. 61.1. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me— Fresh Oyl may signifie re­newed supplies of the Spirit of Grace. The restoring a Consumptive person that was wast­ed to skin and bone, is called fresh Flesh. Job 33.21, 25. So the renewed supplies of Grace and Comfort, given to a decayed soul, may be called an anointing him with fresh Oyl.

Sect. 5. There is comfort in Christ, for such as are poor in Spirit and full of want, and mourn under their Spiritual Poverty.

Such as are in a poor condition as to Spiri­tuals, full of wants, when they reflect upon their poverty and emptyness, it causeth for­row and trouble of Spirit. Psal. 69.29. I am poor and sorrowfull. Psal. 119.22. I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. Now there is comfort in Christ for such as are poor in respect of their Spiritual Estate, and are full of wants, and are in a troubled condition, because they find themselves to be so poor and full of wants; And that on these grounds.

1. There is a fullness in Christ of all those Graces, and all those good things which we find wanting in our selves. Col. 1.19. It pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. And that fullness which dwelt in Christ was for our sakes, that out of his fullness he might Communicate to us Grace, answerable to those Graces which are in him. Joh. 1.16. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. The gifts which Christ re­ceived, he did not receive to keep them to himself, or to bestow them on the Angels, but to give them to the sons of men. Psal. 68.18. Thou hast received gifts for men, yea for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might [Page 367]dwell amongst them. These gifts which Christ received for men, include gifts of Grace, as well as other gifts, as namely the gifts of the Holy Ghost, the gift of Faith and Love, &c. For the Psalmist speaks of such gifts as do make us meet to have the Lord dwell with them. Now the Lord dwelleth in us by his Spirit, 1 Joh. 4.13. and by Faith, Eph. 3.17. and by Love. 1 Joh. 4.16.

2. All those good things which we find wanting in our selves, we have them in Christ, they are ours in him. Though this seem strange yet 'tis true, that we should have that which we want: we have those things in Christ, which we find wanting in our selves. In him we have righteousness and strength, when we feel weakness in our selves. Isa. 45.24. In him we have wisdom, sanctificati­on and redemption, 1 Cor. 1.30. we are bles­sed with all spiritual blessings, even while we complain of our want of them, we are bles­sed with them all in Christ, though we have not the actual enjoyment of them. Eph. 1.3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Je­sus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly places in Christ. The poorest Christian hath all things in Christ.

3. In the Lord's own time which is the best time, you shall have a full and rich supply of all your needs, both for Body and Soul. Phil. 4.19. My God shall supply all your need, ac­cording to his riches, in glory by Christ Jesus.

4. Though we are poor, and low, and full of wants, yet we are accepted of God in Christ, and he thinks thoughts of love and mercy, and peace towards us. Psal. 40.17. But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me.

5. Those Christians that are poor in Spirit, and full of wants, are in a blessed condition, for they are heirs of the Kingdom of Hea­ven, and as soon as they come to Heaven, their wants shall be so fully supplyed that they shall never want any thing to Eternity. Mat. 5.3. Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

6. The poorest Christian, that is poorest in Spirituals, hath what God in his infinite wisdom seeth to be best for him, and hath bet­ter things than the richest man in the World. for he hath God for his portion. Lam. 3.24. And the Lord is the best portion in Heaven and Earth. Psal. 73.25, 26.

Sect. 6. There is comfort in Christ for such as mourn under deadness, and want of quickning influences.

Spiritual deadness is a great trouble to gra­cious souls, when the Apostle Paul felt the body of Death, it made him bemoan his wretched condition, that he should be under so much deadnss. Rom. 7.24. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the [Page 369]body of this death? That our comforter against spiritual deadness is in Christ, the following words shew, I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Though there be cause of mourn­ing when we look into our own dead hearts, yet there is cause of thanksgiving and rejoy­cing when we look up to God in Christ; And that on these grounds.

1. The end of Christs assuming our nature and suffering death for our sins, was to give us life, not only eternal life hereafter, but spiri­tual life here, and that in a plentifull measure. Joh. 10.10. I am come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Joh. 6.51. I am the living bread which came down from Heaven, if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world

2. Though there be in us much deadness, yet in Christ and with Christ there is a foun­tain of life. Psal. 36.9. For with thee is the fountain of life, and in thy light shall we see light. As it is with Fountains of water, there is water to be had at all times, and for all comers, in the Fountain; So it is with the Fountain of life, there is life to be had con­stanly, freely, a sufficiency of life for all comers, at all times to be had from this Foun­tain of life.

3. The Lord hath given us many gracious and comfortable promises to encourage us to [Page 370]hope in him for quickning grace, at such times as we find our selves under deadness, as Joh. 11.25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resur­rection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet he shall live. Joh. 6.57. He that eateth me, even he shall live by me. Psal. 69.32. Your heart shall live that seek God. Psal. 22. They shall praise the Lord that seek him, your heart shall live for ever. Amos 5.4. Thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, seek ye me and ye shall live. We see here that Spiritual and Eternal Life is pro­mised to such as seek the Lord; These promi­ses may be a great comfort to us under our deadness.

4. Jesus Christ hath provided us excellent helps against our deadness. I will instance in two helps.

• (1.) His word, that hath a quickning in­fluence in it. Psal. 119.50. Thy word hath quickned me. And ver. 93. I will never forget thy precepts, for with them thou hast quickned me. And as the Precepts so the promises of the word have a quickning virtue in them. We may say of the promises with Hezekiah. Isa. 38.16. O Lord by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my Spirit.
• (2.) His spirit is an excellent help against deadness. Joh. 6.63. It is the spirit that quick­neth. The spirit of Christ is the spirit of life, and this quickning spirit shall be given to those that ask it of God. Luk. 11.13.

5. When Christ who is our life shall ap­pear, we shall appear with him in glory, and when we appear with Christ in glory we shall ive with him for evermore, and shall never any more be troubled with deadness, but shall be freed from the body of sin and death for ever. Col. 3.3, 4. Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God, when Christ who is our Life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Your Life is hid with Christ in God: It may be understood of the life of Grace here, and the life of Glory hereafter. Our life of Grace is hid not only from the eyes of the VVorld, but at sometimes and in part from themselves; As Davenant observs; Ex parte quoad quos sanctos, quippe qui vitam hanc sentiant in se esse valdè infirmam, obscuram, dubiam, obtentationes diaeboli & carnis. Yet the weakness of our Spiritual Life, the deadness that is mixed with the life of grace, shall not hinder our appearing with Christ in, and if we appear with him in glory, all our dead­ness and imperfections shall be done away for ever.

Sect. 7. There is comfort in Christ for such as are troubled for the weakness and imper­fections of their services.

Many Christians finding their service they do for God and their Generations, attended with very great weakness, and many imper­fections, are much troubled and discouraged thereby; But to such as go under this burden, there is comfort to be had in Christ; and that in these respects.

1. Our persons and services are accepted of God, not for the worthyness that is either in our persons or services, but for the sake and upon the account of Jesus Christ. Eph. 1.6. He hath made us accepted in the beloved. And as our persons are accepted in Christ, so are our services also. 1 Pet 2.5. — To offer up spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. If any say, how can imperfect servi­ces that have sin mixed with them be accepted of God; I answer, by the merits of Christ the imperfections and sins that are mingled with those holy services which we perform to God are done away, and the services rendered ac­ceptable to God. Exod. 28.38. And it shall be upon Aarons Forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things of the children of Israel, which the children of Israel shall hollow in all their holy gifts, and it shall be alwayes on his Forehead, that they may be accepted before [Page 373]the Lord. Aaron was a Type of Christ our great High Priest. The Plate on his Forehead that had graven on it Holiness to the Lord, was a Type of the merits of Christ, who is the Lord our Righteousness; As Aaron bare away the iniquities of the holy things Typi­cally, which being done, they were accept­ed of God. So Christ doth really and truly bear away the sins of all services, and thereby they are accepted of God.

2. Though our services have much weak­ness and many imperfections in them, yet if they be performed with Upright hearts God will accept them. 1 Chron. 29.17. I know also my God, that thou tryest the heart, and hast pleasure in Ʋprightness. As little done by an Upright man is more acceptable to God, than great services done by wicked men. Pro. 15.8. The Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomi­nation to the Lord, but the Prayer of the Ʋp­right is his delight.

3. VVould you serve God and your Gene­ration in a better manner if you were able? and is it your burden that you can serve God no better? then know for your comfort that God through Christ will accept of your wil­ling mind, though you have not such abilities to serve him as others have, or as you your selves desire to have. 2 Cor. 8.12. If there he first a willing mind it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

4. It is a great comfort to those that mourn over their imperfections, that how imperfect soever they are in themselves, they are com­pleat in Christ. Col. 2.10. Ye are compleat in him.

5. Our imperfections shall not hinder us of the love of God here, nor of the Kingdom of Heaven hereafter. Psal. 73.22, 23, 24.

Sect. 8. There is comfort in Christ for such as are under the hidings of Gods face, and are troubled because they can't enjoy Communion with God.

It is the lot of some Christians to be under the hidings of God's face, and to want Com­munion with God, and that is a great trouble to them. Psal. 30.7. Thou didst hide thy face and I was troubled. Now there is comfort for such in Christ, and that in these respects.

• 1. It was one great end of Christ's death to bring us to the enjoyment of God. 1 Pet. 3.18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that we might be brought unto God. The great obstacle to our Communion with God is our sins; For 'tis sin that separates between God and us. Isa. 59.2. Behold your iniquities have sepparated between you and your God. Now Christ's death hath taken away this obstacle of our Communion with God, for whereas our sins had put us far from God, and caused God to stand afar off [Page 375]from us, by the blood of Christ we are made nigh to God. Eph. 2.13. But now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
• 2. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself was un­der the hidings of Gods face, and that in time of great distress, when he was upon the Cross, when nigh unto death he cryed out, Mat. 27.46. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? But how doth this make for the comfort of a Soul under the hidings of Gods face, that our Lord Jesus Christ himself was in a desert­ed condition.

A. 1. Hence we learn that the hidings of God's face is consistent with a state of adopti­on, and the special love of God; For Christ was the beloved Son of God, in whom he was well pleased, yet he was in a deserted condition in a time of trouble, in a dying hour, and therefore we should not question the Fatherly love of God, because of the hi­dings of his face. Isa. 64.7, 8. Thou hast hid thy face from us—But now O Lord thou art our Father.

2. Seeing our Lord Jesus hath been under the hidings of God's face, he knoweth how to pity and succour those that are in this conditi­on. Heb. 2.18.

3. We have gracious promises, which are all yea and Amen in Christ Jesus, that though the Lord be withdrawn from us, yet if we return, he for Christ's sake will return unto [Page 376]us. 2 Chron. 30.9. The Lord your God is gracious and mercifull, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. Mal. 3.7. Even from the dayes of your Fathers ye are gone away from mine Ordinances, and have not kept them; Return unto me, and I will re­turn unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts. Jam. 4.8. Draw nigh to God, and God will draw nigh to you.

4. Though you want sensible influences from God, yet if you be one that hath closed with Christ upon the terms of the Gospel, God hath Communicated himself to you for your God and Father in Christ by Covenant, and hath given you the priviledge to be one of his Sons, Joh. 1.12. and that is a higher de­gree of Communion with God, than the giv­ing insensible influences to that you ought not to say, you have no Communion with God, because there is a suspension of influences, when as the Lord hath given himself for your God by Covenant, and hath taken you for his children.

Sect. 9. There is comfort in Christ for such as are troubled with fears of falling away.

What David said concerning Saul, 1 Sam. 27.1. I shall now one day perish by the hand of Saul. the like some Christians who have ac­cepted Christ on the terms of the Gospel, and have given themselves to Christ, are rea­dy [Page 377]to say in their hearts, I shall one day fall away from Christ, and perish for ever. My heart is so treacherous, and indwelling cor­ruption so strong, and Satan's Temptations so prevalent, and the oppositions from the world may be so great that I fear I shall not hold out to the end, but shall fall away, and this is a great trouble to me. Now there is comfort to be had from Christ against these fears of falling away, and that on these grounds.

1. The intercession of Christ is a ground of comfort to such Believers on Christ as are trou­bled with fears of fallingaway; For he pray­eth for us that our Faith may not fail. Luk. 22.31, 32. And the Lord said, Simon, Si­mon, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as Wheat; But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not. And he that prayed for Peter that his Faith might not fail, he hath prayed for all that do and shall believe in him. Joh, 17.20, 21. Neither pray I for these alone. but for them also that shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one. &c. And what Christ prayed for was al­wayes granted. Joh. 11.41, 42. Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me, and I know that thou hearest me alwayes.

2. The Members of Christ may be com­forted against their fears of falling away from God's Everlasting Covenant; For God is en­tered into an Everlasting Covenant with them, that he will not turn away from them, and [Page 373]that he will keep them from departing from him. Jer. 32.40. And I will make an Ever­lasting Covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good, and I will put my fear into their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. See Isa. 54.10.

3. The unchangeableness of Gods love is a good ground of comfort against fears of fal­ling away. Joh. 13.1. Jesus having loved his own that were in the World, loved them unto the end. It is not said, having loved his own that are in glory, but that are in the world, where they are liable to temptations and corrupti­ons, and troubles, he loved them to the end. Rom. 8.38, 39. For I am perswaded that nei­ther death nor life, nor angels, nor principali­ties, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heigth, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. God's love being unchangeable, we may rest satisfi­ed that the same love which called us to the knowledge and Faith of Christ, will keep us from departing from Christ, seeing the gifts and the callings of God are without Repent­ance. The same love that quickned us when we were dead in sins and trespasses, will also preserve us unto Eternal Life.

4. The attributes of God may comfort weak Christians against their fears of falling away. The name of the Lord is our strong Tower, whether we may run and be safe [Page 379]against these fears; as for instance

• (1.) The power of God that is engaged to keep and preserve us till we are brought safe to Heaven. 1 Pet. 1 5. Who are kept by the power of God, through Faith unto Salvation. And though the Lord lets us fall for our Humi­liation, yet he will not suffer us to be utterly cast down. Psal. 37.23, 24. This power of God that keeps us, is able to stablish the weakest Christians against all Oppositions. Rom. 16.25. To him that is of power to stablish you— The Apostle speaking of such as are weak in the Faith, saith; Rom. 14.1, 4. Him that is weak in the Faith receive you— yea he shall be holden up, for God is able to make him to stand.
• (2.) The mercy of God preserveth us from falling away. Psal. 94.18. When I said my foot slippeth, thy mercy O Lord held me up, and this mercy stands fast with us for ever! Psal. 89.28. My mercy will I keep for him for ever­more. Isa. 54.8.
• (3.) The faithfullness of God is a comfort against our fears of falling away. 2 Thes. 3.3. The Lord is faithfull who will stablish you and keep you from evil.

5. The Lord Jesus Christ hath assured his Sheep that they shall never perish, but that he will give them Eternal Life, and that none shall pluck them out of his hands. Joh. 10.27, 28, 29. Where observe, that all the sheep of Christ are kept by the power of the Father [Page 380]and the Son, to Eternal Life, so that they shall never perish. For our fuller satisfaction in this case, let us see what are the grounds of those fears of falling away, which perplex our minds, and see how we are secured against all of them.

• (1.) Is it the strength of Satans Tempta­tions? The Lord hath engaged his faithfull­ness, that he will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. 1 Cor. 10.13.
• (2.) Is it the strength of indwelling corrup­tion? The Lord hath engaged himself by promise to subdue our iniquities. Mic. 7.19.
• (3.) Is it the opposition that the World maketh against us, the troubles and persecu­tions of the world makes us fear that we shall fall away? Christ hath overcome the world for us. Joh. 16. ult. And no men by all that they can do shall pluck any of Christs sheep out of his hands. Joh. 10.27, 28. 1 John 4.4.
• (4.) Are we afraid that God should leave us, and that we being left of him should fall a­way? He hath engaged himself by promise, that he will never leave nor forsake us. Heb. 13.5. He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
• (5.) Are we afraid of our own treacherous backsliding hearts? He hath engaged to put his fear into our hearts, that we shall not de­part from him. Jer. 32.40.

Sect. 10. There is comfort in Christ for such whose heart is sick because there hope is de­ferred.

Solomon tells us, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, Prov. 13.12. And many Christi­ans find it true by experience, while hope for promised mercies, and mercies begged in prayer, and their hope is deferred, their hearts grow sick, and their spirits faint within them, Psal. 143.7. Hear me speedi­ly O Lord, my spirit faileth, Psal. 119.81, 82. My soul fainteth for thy salvation. Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, when wilt thou comfort me. Now there is comfort in Christ for such as find their hearts fainting, when prayed for, promised, hoped for mercies are deferred. And that on these grounds.

1. Promised mercies shall furely be given in God's time, which is the best time for all things, Hab. 2.3. — The vision (that is, the mercies promised to the prophet in a vision) is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lye, though it tarry, wait for it, be­cause it will surely come, it will not tarry. And the like I may say of mercies begged in prayer, they shall furely come if they be such as are ac­cording to the will of God, 1 Joh. 5.14.

2. Our Lord Jesus Christ intercedeth with his Father to give us all promised mercies. For he is the Mediator of the New Covenant, [Page 380]and Mediates with God on our behalf, that for his sake he would give us all the blessings promised in the new Covenant. He also in­tercedeth for us with his Father to give us all those mercies which we ask in his name agree­able to his will, Heb. 7.25. And the Lord will not deny Christ any thing for which he maketh intercession.

3. The longer hoped for mercies are de­ferred, the sweeter they will be when they are given to us, Prov. 13.12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire com­eth it is a tree of life.

4. When hoped for mercies are delayed till the heart is sick, and begins to faint, yet it is good still to keep up our hope in God, Lam. 3.18, 26. Psa. 119.81. For we please God when we hope in his mercy, Ps. 147.11.

5. The main and best of hope is for things laid up in heaven for us, Col. 1.5. For the hope which is laid up in heaven for you. If in this life only we had hope in Christ, we were of all men most miserable. The best blessing which a Christian hopes for are laid up in heaven. There we shall have an answer of all our prayers, a fulfilling of all promises, a sa­tisfaction of all our desires, when that blessed hope is accomplished, it will make amends for the deferring and frustration of all other hopes. Wherefore let us look after and wait patiently for that hope, Tit. 2.13. 1 Pet. 1.13.

Sect. 11. There is comfort in Christ for such as are assaulted with horrid temptations, as blasphemy, self-murder, &c.

Some Christians are assaulted with grievous temptations, as blasphemous thoughts, self-murder, &c. that they are even weary of their lives. Now to such there is comfort to be had in Christ, in several respects, as

1. None of all the temptations of Satan can bereave a Christian of eternal life. For a Christian's life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3.3. Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. And what is hid with Christ in God is out of the devils reach.

2. Though Satan may temptthe members of Christ, yet he shall be never able to overcome them, but they shall overcome him and all his temptations, Rev. 12.11. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, Eph. 6.16. Above all things taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Col. 2.15.

3. The worst of Temptations are consi­stent with the Fatherly love of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was the beloved Son of God was tempted to cast himself down from a pinacle of the Temple, and to fall down and worship the devil, and what worse sin than to worship the devil?

4. We are assured by God, that if we re­sist the devil he will flee from us, Jam. 4.7. And therefore whatsoever Temptation he as­saults us withal, let us resist him, believing that he will flee, and if he come again let us resist him again. We are also assured, that though the Lord suffer Satan to tempt us, yet he will not suffer us to be tempted above what he will enable us to bear, 1 Cor. 10.13. There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: But God is faithfull who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.