CHAP. I. Wherein the words are Opened and Ex­plicated.

SEveral things are in these words very considerable for our Christian Edi­fication: First, by way of Division. Secondly, by way of Explication. Thirdly, by way of Doctrine. Fourthly, by way of Application.

First, By way of Division.

First, we have in the words a subject bearing the Denomination of an House: Secondly, the person to whom the right of Propriety doth belong. And that is the Lord: Thine House O Lord. Thirdly, we have the Ornaments of the house, which do most Adorn the same to make it comely and delightful unto the Lord. And that is Holiness: Holiness becometh thine House, O Lord. Fourthly, we have here set forth unto us the duration of this Ornament Holiness, how long its comeli­ness is acceptable in the sight of God; and that is here said to be for Ever; Holines [...] becometh Thine House O Lord for Ever.

Secondly, By way of Explication.

We have several particulars very con­siderable. First, who this Lord is tha [...] claimeth propriety in this house; Secondly, what the House is and how considered Thirdly, what Holiness is: And Fourthly how far the term Ever doth Extend.

Of these particulars Briefly. And First who this Lord is that claimeth proprie [...] in this House.

Now among the multitude of Scriptur [...] Testimonies which do unfold this Quest [...] on, [Page 3] that of Jeremiah is very full and clear; where the Lord, by the Prophet, doth dis­cover himself in these words; But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God, and an everlasting King, at whose wrath the Earth shall tremble, and the Nations shall not be able to abide his Indignation, Jer. 10.10.

To this may be added, Hebrews 3.4. the Words whereof are these; For every House is builded by some Man, but he that built all things is God, who is a Spirit J h. 4.24., or spiritual Essence, pure Hebr. 1.13., perfect Psal. 18.30, e­ternal Deut. 32.4., incomprehensible Deut. 33.27., having his Being of and from himself, and giving Be­ing to all Creatures, of which he is the supream Governour, Orderer, and Dispo­ser, by his Omnipotency, Providentiality, Omnipresency, and Omnisciency, according to his Infinite Wisdom and Divine Will, Jer. 13.23, 24. Heb. 4 13 See Psal. 22.28. Rev. 19.6. Ps. 65.9. Ro. 13.1. Ephes. 1.11. Thus much to the first parti­cular; Who it is that claimeth Proprie­ty in the House.

The Second Question concerns the House it self, under what Consideration it may be taken.

The term House doth signifie a Dwel­ling-place, a place of Abode, Habitation, or of Rest.

Now it is not to be conceived, that any [Page 4] one particular place can comprehend an Incomprehensible and Infinite God.

Do not I fill Heaven and Earth, saith the Lord, Jerem. 23.24. If I ascend up into Heaven, thou art there, saith the Psalmist: If I make my Bed in Hell, behold thou art there: If I take the wings of the Morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the Sea, even there shall thy Hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me, Psal. 139.7, 8, 9, 10, 11; 12.

So that God dwells in Heaven by his glorious essential Presence, in Hell by his Wrath and just Judgments, in the World by his common Mercies, and in his Saints by his Spirit, whereby they are regene­rated, sanctified, assisted, and assured o [...] his Favour, in the use of all his Ordinan­ces. And under this last Consideration, i [...] my ensuing Discourse, I shall consider th [...] House of God: That a Believing people in whom the Covenant of Grace is confir­med by the in-dwellings of the Spirit o [...] Grace in its Operations and powerful In­fluences, whereby they are drawn forth to walk with the Lord Christ, in the Faith and Practice of his Truth, according to his Revealed Will contained in his Word; such a People upon a Scripture-account may be called the Lords-House.

The Apostle Peter writing to the Saints scattered abroad, considering them as Peo­ple in Covenant with Christ, and Parta­kers of the Spirit unto Sanctification and Obedience, putteth them under this Deno­mination; Ye also as lively Stones, saith he, 1 Pet. 2.5 are built up a spiritual House, an holy Priest­hood, to offer up spiritual Sacrifice accepta­ble to God by Jesus Christ: So Hebr. 3.6. Christ as a Son over his own House, whose House are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the Hope firm into the end. The Believing Ephesians likewise be­ing in Christ by Faith, and Christ in them by his Spirit operating and working them up to Sanctification and Obedience, and sealing the Promises unto them. The A­postle considering their near Relation un­to God, which they were hereby brought [...]nto, hath these Expressions concerning them:

Now therefore, saith he, Eph 2 1 20, 21, 22 ye are no more Strangers and Forreigners, but Fellow-Citi­zens with the Saints, and of the Houshold [...]f God; and are built upon the Foundation [...]f the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ [...]imself being the chief Corner Stone; in whom all the Building fitly framed together [...]roweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord, [...]n whom ye also are builded together for an [Page 6] Habitation of God through the Spirit. Thus Gods People are his Habitation: as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my People, 2 Cor. 6.16. The Prophet Isaiah doth bear testimony to this truth, Isai. 66.1, 2. Thus saith the Lord, The Heaven is my Throne, & the Earth is my Footstool: where is the House that ye build unto me? saith the Lord: and where is the place of my Rest? for all those things hath my hand made, and all those things have been saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite Spirit, and trembleth at my Word. Two things briefly we may note in these words: First, the Question propounded; Where is the House that ye build unto me? saith the Lord: and where is the place of m [...] Rest. Secondly, the Lords Answer to hi [...] own Question: But to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrit [...] Spirit and trembleth at my Word. Now how will the Lord look to this man? surely to make his abode with him, to tak [...] up his residence and dwelling with him and in him by his Spirit of Grace, quickning, reviving, comforting and replenishing the Soul with assurances of his Favou [...] in Christ; endowing them with suc [...] [Page 7] Gifts and Qualifications of Grace, where­by they are enabled to offer up spiritu­al Sacrifices of Prayers and Praises ac­ceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

I dwell in the high and holy place, Is 57.15. saith the Lord, with him also that is of a con­trite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Judas, one of Christs Disciples (but not Iscariot) putting forth this Question to his Lord: Lord, faith he, how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self unto us and not unto the World? Je­sus answered and said unto him: If any man love me he will keep my words, Joh. [...]4.23. and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Gods Work in the S [...]ul by his in [...] dwelling there. Now how will the Father and the Son come to such a Soul to take up their abode? surely. by that illuminating and quickning spirit of Truth proceeding from the Father and the Son, enlightening the Understanding, informing the Judg­ment, rectifying the Will, subduing Corruption, and quickning to act in ho­ly Duties, assuring and confirming the Soul in the Favour of the Father and the Son unto eternal Life, according to that Promise of God held forth by Ezekiel 11.19, 20. I will give them one heart, and [Page 8] I will put a new Spirit within them, and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh: whence note by the way, that the Spirit is here said to be a new Spirit, not because it is any new erected thing in it self, for it was of old from eternity: but first, because by its powerful influences and operations it doth take up its residence in that Creature that was formerly desti­tute thereof; and so it is new to the Creature. And secondly, because it doth erect a new Work in the Creature; so as to alter and change the Inclinations and Dispositions of the Heart, by de­stroying the Carnality, Earthliness and Rebelliousness thereof towards the things of God: which is signified by the stony Heart, and making it tender and pliable to yield a cheerful conformity to the Will of God, which is signified by the Heart of Flesh. This great Promise, as to the end of it, is further expressed in these words: That they may walk in my Sta­tutes, and keep mine Ordinances, and do them; and they shall be my People and I will be their God.

To the same effect are the Words of the Apostle Paul, Rom. 8.11, 12, 13. If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus [Page 9] from the Dead, dwell in you; He that raised up Christ from the Dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you: Therefore Brethren, we are Debtors not to the Flesh, to live after the Flesh; for if ye live after the Flesh, ye shall dye: But if ye, through the Spirit, do mortifie the deeds of the body, ye shall live: Hereby saith John, We know that we dwell in him, 1 John 4.13. and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. The Apostle Paul giving Instructi­ons to Timothy, concerning the qualifica­tions of Church-Officers, maketh this ap­plication to Timothy; These things Write I unto thee, that thou mayest know how to be­have thy self in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the Pillar and ground of the Truth, 1 Tim. 3.15. So that, first, Gods people are called the house of God, as they have the in-dwel­ings of God by his Spirit, in its Influences, Operations, and Laws, residing in their hearts: Secondly, They are called the Church of God, as they are a company, or Congregation of people imbodied toge­ther by the Ligaments and Nerves of Gods word, and walk together in the ob­servation of all his Laws and Ordinances, according to his Will. Thirdly, such a peo­ple or Congregation are called the Pillar [Page 10] and ground of the truth, as they perform the office of a Pillar in upholding and pro­pagating truths interest before the men of the world, by doctrine and practice an­swerable thereunto, as the Apostle to the Ephesians teacheth; To the intent, saith he, that now unto the Principalities and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God, Eph. 3.10. So that Gods people within the Evangelical Covenant of Grace, believing on Christ, and conforming to Christ in his holy Laws, Orders, and Ordinances, according to the Gospel-dispensation and improving the same to the obtaining Victory, or overcoming of their own, Corruptions, and inordinate affections to self and the World in its Vanities, and live to God in holy Sanctity by the in­dwellings of God by his Spirit in the heart: Such a people are by the Spirits demon­stration, called the House of God, the Church of God, and the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3.16, 17. And such as overcome, Christ makes Pillars in the same, Rev. 3.12. In which Temple God doth dwell by his Spirit; as the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 6.19, 20. What? know you not that your Body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God; and ye are not [Page 11] your own, for ye are bought with a price, therefore glorifie God in your Body, and in your Spirit, which is Gods, chap. 3. ver. 16, 17. Know you not, saith the Apostle, that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spi­rit of God dwelleth in you; if any man defile the Temple of God, him will God destroy; for, the Temple of God is holy, which Tem­ple ye are. The Temple which Solomon built, was called the Lords house, upon four Considerations:

First, He made choyce of that house a­bove all other, for an house of Sacrifice. 2 Chron. 7.12. verse 16.

Secondly, He Sanctifieth that house to himself for that purpose.

Thirdly, He placed there his name, that his eyes, verse 16. and his heart might be there per­petually.

Fourthly, He promised such acceptati­on of the Worship there performed ac­cording to that dispensation, that his eyes should be open, and his ears attentive to the Prayers there made, ver. 15. and for a clear Testimony thereof, he filled the house with his glory, ver. 2. In all these Considerations, Gods faithful people may be accounted his house:

For first, God hath chosen them, and builds them up a Spiritual House, 1 Pet. 2.5. A habitation for God, through the [Page 12] Spirit, Eph. 2.22. to the use of spiritu­al Service, and the offering up the Sacri­fice of Praise and Thanksgiving to his name.

Secondly, He sanctifieth them, and fitteth them thereunto, 1 Cor. 6.11. Eph. 5.26.

Thirdly, His eyes and his heart are up­on them, beholding with delight their Sa­crifices and Services performed in Faith and Love.

Fourthly, He so accepts of their wor­ship performed in Spirit and Truth, that his ears are open to their Prayers; and for their consolation and assurance, he fills them with Joy unspeakable, and full of glo­ry, 1 Pet. 1.8. Whence note by the way, that when a peoples Sacrifice of Prayer, and Praise, and other obedience, doth arise from an in-dwelling of the Spirit of Faith and Sanctifying grace, and is offered up­on the Altar, Jesus Christ, in the golden Censer of his merits; this doubtless is highly accepted of God, in what place so­ever it be performed according to the words of Christ; Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the mid'st of them, Math. 18.20. The Conclusion drawn from these considerati­ons is this, That although God doth dwell [Page 13] in Heaven by his divine Essence and all-glorious presence, and so Heaven may properly be called his house and dwelling-place; yet God dwelleth also spiritually in, and among his people, who may be called his house or dwelling-place, where he doth Record his Name, and where he doth give his Blessings of Grace, and Mer­cy, as the Apostles in their Epistles to the Churches do declare, and the Author to the Hebrews doth testifie in these words; But Christ, as a Son over his own House, whose House are we, if we hold fast the Con­fidence and the Rejoycing of the hope firm un­to the end. Thus much in Answer to the second Question.

The third particular we have to consi­der by way of Explication, is, the Furni­ture or comly Ornaments of this House, and these are here comprehended under the term Holiness; Holiness becometh thine House O Lord: Holiness is an Ornament which doth adorn and beautifie both the inside and outside of a Christian, or Christi­an Society; it is curiously wrought in the inward man by the In-dwellings of Gods holy Word and Spirit in the influences and operations thereof; and it branches forth it self in those visible actions and practices that are agreeable to Gods Will.

This Ornament comprehendeth within its circumference, the great work of Transformation, somtimes called Reno­vation, or new Creation, according to the Apostles exhortation. And be not con­formed to this World, but be ye Transformed by the Renewing of your minde, that ye may prove what is that good, that acceptable and perfect Will of God, Rom. 12.2. And saith the same Apostle, Eph. 4.23, 24. Be ye Renewed in the Spirit of your minde; and that ye put on the New Man, which after God, is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness: When the minde is transform­ed from Carnality to stand in the things of God, it may then be said to be Holy: The will also may be said to be Holy when it is transformed from that stubbornness and Rebelliousness, which by corrupted Nature it standeth in against the will of God, and is become submissive and obe­dient to the will of God, so as freely to observe it in all his Commands, and free­ly to submit unto his Will in all his dispen­sations; saying, The Will of the Lord be done.

So likewise the affections, when they are transformed from Earthly objects to Heavenly objects; when the Meditations, Desires, Love, and Delights, are all [Page 15] seated in God, and in the things of God; this may be accounted holiness in the in­ward man; holiness in the outward man doth arise from this inward work as from the root, and brancheth forth it self in word and action; as that holy man David saith of himself, That his mouth should shew forth the praise of God, Psal. 34.1. and his tongue should talk of his Righteousness all the day, Psal. 71.24. It was the Prayer of Paul, that holy Servant of God, in the behalf of the believing Romans, That with one mind, and one mouth they might glorifie God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 15.6. The minde and the mouth should go together in those things where the glory of God, and the edifica­tion of the Church is concerned; yea, all the members of the body, as David saith, I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy Testimony; I made hast, and de­layed not to keep thy Commandements, Psal. 119.59.

It is not enough for a man only to with­draw his affections from Carnal objects, but he must have also his eye fixed upon the Lord, and his Truth, with the Pro­fessors thereof; as David saith, Psal. 101.6. Mine eyes shall be upon the Faithful of the Land, that they may dwell with me; [Page 16] Neither is it enough for a man to have his hand shut from doing any action of vio­lence or oppression, but he must have it open also in doing works of Mercy and Charity, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the Oppressed go free, Esa. 58.6. to be ready to Distribute, and willing to Communicate to such as are in Want, Tim. 6.18. So that when all the faculties of the inward man, and members of the outward man act in their places according to the will of God, by vertue of his sancti­fying and quickening Spirit that gives mo­tion thereunto: When a man is set free from sin, and become the Servant of God, he hath his fruit unto holiness, and the end will be Everlasting Life, Rom. 6.22. So that holiness is the perfection of purity in Nature, Word, and Works; the which perfection is only found in God; but in reference to man, holiness consisteth in pardon of sin, and in transformation of Nature, by the renewing of the mind, from corrupted Nature to a renewed or new-begotten Nature which is wrought by the operations of the holy-Spirit, in such thoughts, words, and actions as arise from that original: And thus much by way of Explication concerning the term Holiness.

The fourth particular concerns the du­ration of this Ornament which is ex­pressed in the Text by the term Ever: Holiness becometh thine House O Lord for Ever. The term Ever, doth here signifie Time without limitation or end, and so it is taken somtimes in Scripture: We have the Lords Kingly Office in respect of the du­ration of it, set forth by this term Ever; The Lord sitteth King for Ever, Psal. 29.10. So the Apostle Paul, setting forth to the Thessalonians the second coming of Christ, and the happy Estate of the Faith­ful at that day, when the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we, saith he, which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up together with them, to meet the Lord in the aire, and so shall we ever be with the Lord; wherefore comfort one another with these words, Thes. 4. whence I apprehend the the term Ever to signifie Time, without limitation or end, which is also called E­ternity, or Life Eternal, Math. 25.46. And so having considered the words by way of Explication, I shall proceed to the Doctrine and Application.

CHAP. II. The Doctrine Propounded and Con­firmed.

THe point of Doctrine, or Observati­on, which doth offer it self to our Christian consideration from the words thus explicated, is briefly this:

Or thus,

This Doctrine is confirmed by such Scriptures as do shew the Grounds and Reasons why it ever becometh Gods peo­ple to be an holy people: And the first ground I shall present to consideration, is this; The first Reason grounded on Col. 3.9, 10. because they do therein most re­semble God their Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ their Elder Brother.

Paul to the Colossians gives this Exhor­tation; Lye not one to another, seeing that ye [Page 19] have put off the Old man with his deeds, and have put on the New man, which is renewed in knowledg after the Image of Him that Created him. The same Apostle in his E­pistle to the Ephesians, gives the like Ex­hortation; Put off saith he, Ephe. 4.22, 23, 24. concerning the former Conversation the Old man, which is corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts, and be renewed in the Spirit of your minde; and that ye put on the New man, which af­ter God, is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness. In which words we may note:

First, That the Lord calls for a renew­ed mind, and not only the mind, but also the whole man.

Secondly: The way in which this work of Renovation is wrought; and that is through a true and sanctified knowledge of God: Put on the New man which is renewed in Knowledge.

Thirdly: Here is the likeness or Image into which the New man is renewed, and that is after the Image of Him that Cre­ated him after God, or the likeness of God.

Fourthly: Here is the particulars where­in this Image or Resemblance of the New Creature unto the Creator, doth consist; and that is in Righteousness and true Ho­liness.

Agreeable hereunto are the words of the Apostle to the Corinthians: 2 Cor. 3.18. But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same Image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord; So that Holiness doth most resemble the Image of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ; therefore it ever becometh the Lords people to be an holy people.

The se­cond Reason grounded on Ephe. 1.4.A second Ground and Reason why it e­ver becometh Gods people to be an holy people, is, because God hath chosen them thereunto in Christ, before the foundati­on of the world, as the Apostle teacheth the Ephesians; According (saith he) as he hath chosen us, in Him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and with­out blame before him in Love. In this Scripture we may note these three parti­culars.

First: God's choyce of his people.

Secondly: Upon what account this choyce is made; and that is, not our works foreseen, but Christ's merits, he hath chosen us in him.

Thirdly: To what end this choyce is made; and that is, that we should be ho­ly, and without blame before him in Love. But if it be asked how hath God chosen [Page 21] his people in his Son unto holiness before the foundation of the world? I Answer, God did from Eternity see the lost con­dition of his people, through their trans­gression of his Law; and their defaceing his Image of holiness, in which he did at first Create them: He also did foresee, and in himself purpose and decree a satis­faction to his Justice, in and by Jesus Christ, his obedience to his just Law, which man had transgressed; and by his suffer­ing death for sin in the same humane na­ture that had sinned, that thereby a per­fect Righteousness and Justification might be wrought for man-kinde, that all those who through grace, and the operations of the holy Spirit are in time brought over to believe in Jesus Christ, should be justi­fied from all things, from which they could not be justified by the Law, Act. 13. and sanctified to the obedience of Christ, and to acceptance with the Father through him. And so God beholding his people from Eternity, in that Righteousness that Christ by his perfect obedience to the Law, should in time obtain; and in that satisfaction which he should make to di­vine Justice by his sufferings on the Cross: God also beholding his people in that work of Regeneration and Sanctification, [Page 22] which in time Christ by his Spirit should work and effect in them, did accept and choose them in this means, to be a people to the praise and glory of his grace; in relation whereunto are these words of the Apostle to the Ephesians; For we are his Workmanship, saith he, Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath be­fore ordained that we should walk in them, Eph. 2.10. So that Gods people ought ever to be an holy people, because they are chosen thereunto from Eternity. And this is the second Reason.

The third Reas n grounded on 1 Thes. 4 7. 2 Tim, 1.9.A third Ground and Reason why it ever becometh God's people to be an holy peo­ple, is, because they are called thereunto with an holy calling, as the Apostle to the Thessalonians saith; God hath not called us unto Ʋncleanness, but unto Holiness. The Apostle also writing to Timothy, speak­ing in the words before of God, Who (saith he) hath saved us, and called us with an holy Calling, not according to our Works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. In these words we have the Lords act of saving his people, set forth unto us in two particulars: First, he Saved us. Secondly, he Called us; whereby the term Saved, I do apprehend that free and full [Page 23] Redemption from Sin and the Wrath of God, due to man for sin, which Jesus Christ, the unspotted Lamb of God, hath by his perfect and unsinning obedience, wrought for Man-kind; Rom. 3.24, 25. Ephes. 1.5, 6, 7, 8. for which obe­dience sake, the Father doth give to his people a free and full Remission of their sins, with everlasting Salvation.

And by the term Called, I understand the operating power of Christ's Spirit, bringing persons into the way of Salvati­on, and investing them with the holy Calling, whereby they may receive the priviledges of the Gospel; that is, Adop­tion, Sanctification, and Justification, as John 1.12. 1 Cor. 6.11. which the Spi­rit of Christ doth work either immedi­atly, as in the Apostles, or more ordinari­ly in the Ministry of the Word, plainly and purely set forth to the understanding, to the producing Faith, Regeneration, and Sanctification, whereby the Creature is called forth to walk with God in that way whereunto it hath pleased the Father to annex the promise of salvation, according to those words of the Apostle to the Thes­salonians; 2 Thes. 2.13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you Brethren, beloved of the Lord; because God hath from the Beginning, chosen you to Salvation, [Page 24] through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the Truth. Believers therefore are the persons that are saved and called, not according to their works, but accor­ding to the purpose and grace of God, given in Christ Jesus before the world be­gan; so that mans works are no ways me­ritorious of Salvation, nor any original ground of Gods love to man; but Justifi­cation, Sanctification, and Glorification, together with all the means appertaining thereunto, are God's free gift to man up­on the account of Jesus Christ; to the end, that man in a diligent improvement of the same, might bring forth the fruit of holiness to the praise & glory of his name; God hath called his people unto holiness, with an holy calling, therefore it becom­eth them always to be an holy people, su­table to their Call. And this is the third Reason.

The forth Reason grounded on Levit. 20.7, 8.A fourth Ground and Reason, why it e­ver becometh God's people to be an holy people, is, because God hath enjoyned holiness upon his people by special com­mand: The Lord said to the Children of Israel, to whom he had given his Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances: Sanctifie your selves therefore, and be ye holy, for I am the Lord your God, and ye shall keep my Sta­tutes, [Page 25] and do them, I am the Lord which sanctified you. As if he should have said, I am the Lord your God which have chosen you unto my self, to be an holy people; and to that end, I have sanctified unto you the means of holiness, therefore sanctifie your selves through a careful and diligent im­provement of the means that you may be holy.

So the Apostle Peter gives the like ex­hortation by vertue of the same command: But as he which hath called you, is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation, be­cause it is written, be ye holy, for, I am ho­ly, 1 Pet. 1.15, 16. So that God's peo­ple are to be an holy people, because they are enjoyned thereunto by special com­mand. And this is the fourth Reason.

A fifth Ground and Reason why it ever becometh God's people to be an holy peo­ple, The fifth Reason is grounded on Psal. 29.1, 2. may be taken from the consideration of the beautifulness of holiness: It doth beautifie and adorn the Christian, and the Christian-profession; or the profession of Christianity. It is of great excellency to the advancement of God's glory, to the promoting of the Gospel, and to make Christian performances in the way there­of delightful in the sight of God; and therefore the spirit of God by the Psalmist [Page 26] hath this exhortation unto the Sons and Daughters of men: Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty; give unto the Lord the glory and strength; give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Psal. 96.

The sixth Reason is grounded on 2 Cor. 7.1.A sixth Ground and Reason why it ever becometh God's people to be an holy peo­ple, is, because they are a people unto whom God hath made exceeding great and precious promises, 2 Pet. 1.4.

The Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, makeing a recital of many excellent pro­mises which God hath made to his people, as to dwell in them, and walk in them, to be a God unto them, and to accept them as a people unto himself, repeats an ex­hortation laid down by the Prophet Isaiah, Esa. 52.12. 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. to come out, to be separate, and not to touch 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 Al­mighty: As if the Lord should say, my Di­vine power and providence shall be over them for their protection; my Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel shall be in them by its influences and operations, to instruct them in the way of Life; My mercy shall be exercised in remission of their sins: The experiences of my Love shall reple­nish [Page 27] their hearts with consolation and sup­port in time of trouble; My Righteous­ness shall plead their cause, and right their wrongs against all their Oppressors: As a Father will I take care of them in this their present Pilgrimage, and interest them in an Heavenly and Everlasting Inheri­tance, that it may be well with them for ever. Upon these and the like considera­tions the Apostle groundeth this Exhorta­tion. Having these promises (dearly be­loved) let us cleanse our selves from all fil­thiness of Flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1.

So that God's people are a people unto whom God hath freely given exceeding great and precious Promises; therefore it becometh them to be an Holy people: And so I shall proceed to some Considera­tions by way of Application; only make a brief recital of the six particulars laid down for the proof of the point; namely, It ever becometh God's people to be an Holy people; and to be found therein, is matter of great concernment.

First, Because they do therein most re­semble God their Heavenly Father.

Secondly: Because they are thereunto Elected in Christ from Eternity.

3dly: Because they are thereunto called with an Holy means or calling.

Fourthly: Because God hath enjoyned holiness upon his people by special Com­mand.

Fifthly: Because holiness is a beautifying Ornament unto a Christian and Christianity.

Sixthly: Because they are a people unto whom God hath made exceeding grea [...] and precious promises.

CHAP. III. Containing some Considerations, by way of Application.

The first Ʋse of Informa­tion.THe foregoing Considerations may be of use unto us in several particulars by way of information.

First: To inform our Judgments where­in the beauty and comliness of a Christian doth consist; that is to say, not in fleshly beauty, nor the adornings of gay Appa­rel; but in Holiness. God delighteth in the likeness of himself, where he seeth his own Image in a person or people, that's the soul he delighteth to honour with the [Page 29] Communications of his choycest favours: The Lord hath set apart him that is godly, for himself, Psal. 4.3.

Secondly: We are hereby informed into the original or first moving cause of holiness in a people, with the means and promises thereunto appertaining; and that is God's electing Love in Christ Je­sus, as the Apostle teacheth: But God who is Rich in Mercy for his great Love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ; by Grace ye are saved, Eph. 2.4. and herein is Love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us; and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 4.10. So that Jesus Christ, with all the means of holiness, and promises thereunto apper­taining, are the effects of the Fathers Love; see Deut. 7.6, 7, 8.

Thirdly: The third Ʋse of Informa­tion. We are hereby informed into the knowledge of the will of God con­cerning holiness in his people: It is cer­tainly the will of God that his people should be an holy people, seeing he hath chosen and called them thereunto, as the effects of his Love towards them: For this is the will of God, even your Sanctifica­ [...]ion, that ye should abstain from Fornicati­ [...]n; that every one of you should know how to [Page 30] possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Ho­nour; 1 Thes. 4.3, 4, 7. for God hath not called us to Ʋnclean­ness, but unto Holiness. So that it is the will of God that his people should be a [...] holy people.

Fourthly: It may inform us of our Duty in answer to God's command: God's command implyeth his peoples duty in obedience to the command, by a careful im­provement of the means which he hath or­dained to accomplish that end: The Lord said to the Israelites of old, Sanctifie your selves, and be ye holy, for I am the Lord which sanctifie you, Levit. 20.7, 8. As if he should say, I am the Lord which se [...] you apart for my self, and sanctifie the means whereby you may be an holy peo­ple; therefore sanctifie your selves by a careful and diligent walking in the use of that means, that you may be an holy peo­ple unto me: So likewise the Apostle to the Romans saith, If ye through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the body, ye shall live, Rom. 8.13. Also to the Philipians he gives this Exhortation; Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure, Phil. 2.12, 13. All which Scriptures do shew that God is the chief Author of the means, and th [...] [Page 31] mover to the means; yet there is some­thing enjoyned on the Creatures part in obedience to the command, wherein the Creature by the direction and assistance of the means, ought to be active in the things of God which concern its own salvation, and the Edification, Comfort, 1 Thes 5.9, 10, 11. and Assu­rance of others; and that not upon the account of merit or desert on the Crea­tures part, but to glorifie God that hath freely given forth both means and merit in his Son, whom God the Father hath or­dained supream Head, King, and Gover­nour to his Church and People; that men might honour the Son by obedience to his Laws, as they honour the Father; Joh. 5.22, 23. unto which obedience, through Faith in the me­rits of Christ, God the Father hath annex­ed the promise of Salvation of his own free Love and rich Mercy: Heb. 5 9. so that Salva­tion is on God's part an act of Mercy; on Christ's part an act of Merit; on man's part it is undeserved in his best obedience: for, It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth; but of God that sheweth Mercy, Rom. 9.16.

A second Use which the afore-mention­ed considerations may direct us unto, The se­cond Ʋse is of Ad­miration. is a use of Admiration: It may raise up our Souls to behold with Admiration God's [Page 32] great Love, All the Works of God are to be Ad­mired of his Saints; Especially his g [...]ace in Christ to effect holiness in his people, and hap­piness thereup­on. and rich Mercy manifested in all his proceedings, in, and by Jesus Christ towards man, (a sinful and undeserving Creature) who by sin had dishonoured God, defaced his Image of Righteousness and true Holiness, wherein he was at first Created, and deprived himself of the Pa­radice of God, and made himself an ob­ject of his displeasure, according to due desert.

Now that God should look upon the Creature in its lost condition and corrup­ted state (from which he was no way able to recover himself) with such an eye of pity, and bowels of compassion, as to lay help upon one that is mighty, even Jesus Christ his only Son, both God and Man, to take satisfaction in him that sinned not, for the world of Sinners: And by his grace to accept those unto the adoption of Sons, that by Faith receive Jesus Christ, as in the Gospel he is tendred, Joh. 1.12. and to repair the decayes of Nature, and to restore that Image of holiness which by sin was defaced; to pardon the sin of Sin­ners, and to impute Righteousness unto them without the deeds of the Law; to behold the Creature in the Righteousness of his Son, and to bestow upon him Hea­venly felicity and eternal life, is admirable [Page 33] Mercy, and he is to be admired in all them that believe it, 2 Thes. 1.10. They may say with the Psalmist, What is man, that thou art mindful of him, or the Son of man, that thou visitest him, Psal. 8.4. And with the Apostle; O the depth of the Riches, both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his Judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his Counseller? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompenced unto him again? for of him, and through him, and to him are all things; to whom be glory for ever Amen, Rom. 11.33, 34, 35, 36.

Thirdly: Is it so, The third Ʋse is of Examina­tion. Self Ex­amination of our hearts and ways is a Chri­stians du­ty, and of great con­cernment. that holiness ever be­cometh the people of God; and to be found adorned therewith, is matter of great concernment? it may then put us upon a third Use by way of Examination, to move us to examine our own hearts and wayes, how far we have attained to the Ornament of holiness, which so becometh the people of God: And in the prosecuti­on of this Duty, two things are to be con­sidered.

First: Our hearts, or inward man.

Secondly: Our wayes, or outward walkings: We may know our holiness by our Heavenliness: Hath the Lord through [Page 34] the illuminations of his Spirit, and the operations thereof manifested to thy Soul the great sufferings of Christ, to procure the pardon of thy sins, together with the priviledges of Adoption, Justification, and Salvation? hath he shewed thee the dig­nity of Christ, in respect of his Offices, King, Priest, and Prophet? hath he sealed the benefits and priviledges thereof to thy Soul, with the signet of his Love, through the demonstrations of his holy Spirit to thy great Consolation in the enjoyments thereof? so that thy mind and affections are thereby raised up from Earthly and Carnal objects, and seated on God with so earnest a desire and delight in him, that thou canst truly say with the Psalmest, Whom have I in Heaven but thee, and there is none opon Earth that I desire besides thee, Psal. 73.25. Thy Testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever, for they are the re­joycing of my heart, Psal. 119.111. When thou canst experience by a supernatural work of grace, that thy affections are so fixed on the Lord, that thou canst sincerely love him for his own sake; and in love to him, bear an affectionate esteem to, and delight in his Testimonies, Statutes, Ordi­nances, and Commands, so as to make them thy choyce, Psal. 119.30. or cho­sen [Page 35] Subjects of thy meditations, and rule of observations, when thou canst experi­ence thy will by grace, made free to stand in the will of God, so as in love to him, submit and wait upon him in all his dispen­sations; serve, worship, and obey him in all his institutions: When thou canst ex­perience thy desires drawn forth towards him, with holy longings, thirstings, and pantings after more enjoyments of him, and supplications to him for further strength and power of grace to assist thee, support and uphold thee against those corruptions and temptations that attend thee, lest thou shouldest thereby be over­come to sin against God to the dishonour of his Name, the grief of his Spirits, and stain the profession of his Truth.

When thou canst experience this end in thy desires and supplications for his assist­ing grace, as aforesaid; The Saints end in their de­sires and supplica­tions to God for grace. A right end Crowns the action. not only that thou mightest not dishonour God by sin, but also that thou mightest honour him by such motions and actions as may answer his will in his commands, to the experi­encing of self-ends, self-righteousness, self-merits, and carnal delights, and the vain pleasures of this world, in a dying or dead condition in thee, and thee dead to them, so as not to have any motion or [Page 36] action thereunto approved by thee, when thou canst experience such a Love to the Lord, as that for his sake thou canst per­form Offices of Love towards all men, as opportunity serveth thee; Gal. 6.10. and that as they are his Workmanship by Creation; but especially to his Saints, as they bare his I­mage by Regeneration; for every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him, 1 Joh. 5.1. So when thou canst experience such a supernatural work of grace in thee, every experience will be an evidence that thou hast attained unto a good degree in the ornament of ho­liness, and hast an interest in the promises thereunto belonging.

But on the contrary; if thy mind, will, affection, desire, delight and meditation is chiefly exercised on carnal and wordly ob­jects, with expectation of content therein; but as to the things of of God, which con­cern his glory, and the eternal welfare of thy Soul, thou hast but little affection thereto, thy mind and meditation but lit­tle exercised therein, thy love, desire and delights but cold to the exercise thereof; it is an evident sign thou art but in the Old Man, and in thy corrupt Estate, in the carnal mind, earthly affections, obstinate will, worldly desires, and vain delights [Page 37] thou hast not yet put on the New Man, which after God is Created in Righteous­ness and true Holiness; for, look how far a man hath proceeded in the work of Morti­fication of the Old Man with his deeds, and in putting on the New Man, with the ftuits and effects thereof: so far hath he attained towards the Ornament of Holiness.

Wherefore first: Let us examine our selves, and consider what sins we have cast off, what Lusts we have subdued, what Corruptions we have conquered, through the holy means and Heavenly calling, and divine assistance which we have Re­ceived,

They that are Christs, have Crucified the Flesh with the affections and Lusts, Gal. 5.24.

Secondly: Let us examine our selves, and consider how far we have proceeded in putting on the New Man; what Works of Faith? what Labour of Love? 1 Thes. 1.3. what Patience of Hope we have been exercised into the glory of his name, that gives the means, and commands obedience.

It may be some Soul may say within it self, I have spent much time in hearing God's Word Preached, I have been often in Prayer and Fasting, and in receiving the [Page 38] Sacraments; yea, and have preached in Christs Name to others: and many Alms have I given, and many good deeds to my Neighbours and Brethren have I done, as need required: also, many Sins and Vi­ces, which formerly I delighted in, I have now cast off: therefore I hope I have at­tained to a good degree in the Ornament of Holiness.

These Exercises of Preaching and Hea­ring Gods Word, Prayer and Fasting, Alms and good Deeds done to Neigh­bours and Brethren, are all Duties belong­ing to a Christian, which he ought to do ac­cording to the measure of the Gift given: But let us examine our End, in the per­formance of such Undertakings; it is the End that crowns the Action: if we per­form these or the like Christian Duties to by and base Ends, as to be seen of men, to obtain the favour and applause of some persons with whom such Duties are in e­stimation; or because it is the Fashion or Custom of the Countrey wherein we live, at least, of the better sort: or for lucre of some temporal Benefit; or that thereby we might deserve Gods Love, or purchase Heaven. These and the like Ends will be unto our performances, but like unto the dead Flies in the Apothecaries Ointment; [Page 39] it will destroy the sweet Savour thereof in the Nostrils of God, and we shall be for­ced, at last, to lie down in sorrow with that doleful Sentence, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity, Matth. 7.22, 23.

But when Christian Performances do flow from an inward work of Grace re­ceived, from a renewed Mind and sincere Love to God; to the end we may there­by glorifie him in faithful Obedience to his Commands; and obtain strength a­gainst corruptions and temptations that do so frequently assault us; and that we may be instrumental to edifie and build up others also in the Knowledg of God, and in obedience to his Will; that they may set their hope in God, and glorifie his Name by becoming obedient to his Com­mandments: then the more active we are in those Christian Duties, the more is our Comliness in the fruits of Holiness; the more is our power and strength against our Corruptions; the more increase of Grace; the more communion with God; the more we glorifie his Name, the more peace of Conscience, the more comfor­table enjoyments of Gods Favour, and the more rejoycing in his Promise of our eternal Happiness through Jesus Christ.

Wherefore let us examine our selves, first, whether we are moved or acted by a right Principle, viz. an inward work of the Spirit of Grace, quickening, sanctifying and renewing the inward man. Secondly, whether we perform our Christian Duties in a right manner according to the Directi­on of Christ in his Word. Thirdly, whe­ther we perform them to a right end; viz. that God may have the Glory in all our Obedience, through Jesus Christ: and if we can experience these particulars, we may have the comfortable assurance of Gods favourable acceptation of us upon the account of Christ as an holy people comely in his sight.

Objection arising through doubts & fears.But happily some Soul may say, I have a long time pressed after the attainment of Holiness; and I have thought it hath been from a right Principle, in a right manner, and to a right end; and yet me thinks I cannot attain to the perfection of Holi­ness, so as to be without many spots and stains of Sin; by reason of which, I am a­fraid, my best and holiest Duties will not find acceptance with God.

Answer to the Obje­jecting or doubting Soul.In answer whereunto, we may consider that spots and stains of Sin may be and are in the best of Gods Servants, by rea­son of our present state composed of Flesh [Page 41] and Spirit, two contraries, the Flesh lu­sting against the Spirit, and the Spirit a­gainst the Flesh, which occasioneth much weakness and frailty in the best of Gods Servants; by reason of which weakness, and the strong temptations many times that do assault them, for want of a care­ful watchfulness, the poor Servant of God is overtaken with Sin; although he appro­veth not of it, nor delighteth in it, but beholdeth it with sorrow and grief of heart: And in this condition God some­times suffereth his dearest Servants, for good Reasons; as, first, because they should not be exalted above measure with high thoughts and conceits of themselves; but beholding their own Imperfections, they might be the more humbled in the sense of their own weaknesses.

Secondly, that they may be provoked to depend upon God: and to seek unto him for his Grace and holy Spirit, to com­fort, support and strengthen them upon all occasions.

Thirdly, that seeing their own imper­fect state, they might be moved to prize Jesus Christ and that atonement made by him with the higher estimation: The whole have no need of a Physitian, Mar. 2.17 but they that are sick: Christ came not to call the righteous, [Page 42] but sinners to repentance. This is not spo­ken to encourage any to continue in sin; that Grace may abound, Rom. 6.1. but by way of support to that Soul that seeth it his duty to be holy in all manner of con­versation; and therefore presseth after it; but lying under the sense of his own weak­ness is cast down with doubts and fears of his not being accepted with God, because he cannot attain to Holiness in the perfection thereof. But although the full perfection of Holiness will not be attained till this vile Body be changed, and this Mortal hath put on Immortality: yet notwithstanding when the Creatures Endeavours after Ho­liness do arise from the work of Grace, and renewed Mind, and are performed in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ; the spots and stains of Sin being beheld with grief of heart, and the Blood of Christ thereunto applied by Faith, both Perso [...] and Performance shall assuredly be accep­ted, and through the sanctifying Grace of Christ shall appear in the comely Orna­ment of Holiness, without spot before the Throne of God, who did from eternity behold and accept his people in his Son, and not in themselves; as hath been before considered.

CHAP. IV. Of the Use of Exhortation.

A Fourth Use that presenteth it self unto us from the aforementioned Considerations, is, an Use of Exhortation. Hath God chosen his people in Christ, that they should be holy, hath he called them thereunto with an holy Calling; hath he commanded them to be holy in all man­ner of Conversation. Then let us be ex­horted to strive to answer Gods end in e­lecting, calling and commanding us to be holy, by pressing after Holiness in the use of that means that God hath ordained to accomplish that End: let us put on that noble Spirit of Blessed Paul, that Servant of God; I press towards the Mark, saith he, for the price of the high Calling of God in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3.14. Holiness is an high Calling; yea, it is an high Calling of God in Jesus Christ, well becoming the people of God. Men are most earnest af­ter [Page 34] a Comodity when they consider these two particulars in it: first, the Necessity of it: secondly, the Excellency of it: wherefore to press on the Exhortation on our Spirits, let us consider Holiness in these two particulars.

First, Holiness is of great necessity: for, saith the Scripture, without Holiness no man shall see the Lord. Hebr. 12.14. Want of Holiness deprives a Soul of the comfortable enjoyment of God.

Adam when he had defiled himself with Sin was thrust out of Paradice from the comfortable enjoyments and paradicical priviledges he was there invested with.

It is true, that wicked men may, and many times do, enjoy a great measure of this worlds felicity, in respect of the Rich­es, Honours and Pleasures thereof; while Gods faithful Servants suffer hard things: which made David at a stand till he went into the Sanctuary of God, and gained understanding in the Promises of true Fe­licity in eternal life made to the sanctified ones: and then he understood the End of those wicked and unholy men. That as to true peace with God, and assurance of his favour, as to enjoyment of Communion with him in Grace here, or in Glory here­after, there is no Promise made to them [Page 45] in that their unsanctified estate: and there­fore he puts on this resolution: But as for me, I will behold thy Face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness, Psal. 17.15. There is no behol­ding God without Holiness, with true sa­tisfaction to thy Soul. Wherefore let that Exhortation of the Apostle be an Ex­hortation to us; Follow Peace with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. O let the consideration of the necessity of Holiness strengthen the Ex­hortation upon our Spirits, so as to quicken us in our motion after the attain­ments thereof.

Secondly, let us be exhorted to put on this Ornament of Holiness upon the consideration of the Excellency of it: the which is very great in several respects: first it is very beautiful in the sight of God; it beareth his Image, and adorns the Soul with the likeness of himself; it beautifieth the Profession of Truth, and filleth the Soul with Love both towards God and to­wards all men: yea those excellent fruits of the Spirit, as Love, Joy, Pe [...]ce, Long-suffering, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance, against which there is no Law: What are they but effects of San­ctification? 1 Cor. 6.11. 1 Pet. 1.2. [Page 46] therefore let all persons that make profes­sion of Christ be exhorted to worship the Lord in the Beauties of Holiness. Ps. 110.3. Ps. 96.9.

Secondly, Holiness is of great Excellen­cy in respect of its Descent: it is of an hea­venly Birth: those only are the persons invested with it, that are born not of Blood, nor of the Will of the Flesh, nor of the Will of Man, but of God, Joh. 1.13. Joh. 3.3, 5. It is the Church that is san­ctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be Saints, Rom. 1.7. 1 Cor. 1.2. and for the Church he gave himself, that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water through the Word, that he might present it to himself a Glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and with­out blemish, Ephes. 5.26, 27. Holiness is therefore of great Excellency: as also the Excellency of Holiness doth demon­strate it self by its Valuation; nothing be­low the precious Blood of Jesus Christ could be a valuable price to purchase it, 1 Pet. 1.18, 19. yea those excellent Ver­tues that are in Charity must needs ac­company [...] viz. it suffereth long and is kind, [...] not, it vaunteth not it self, is not p [...]e [...] up, doth not behave it self unseemly, seeketh not her own, is [Page 47] not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, re­joyceth not in iniquity, but rejoyceth in the truth; it may be said, though I speak with the tongues of Men and Angels, though I understand all Mysteries, though I bestow all my Goods to feed the Poor, and give my Body to be burned, and have not Holiness, it profiteth me nothing: O! therefore follow Peace with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Thirdly, Holiness is of great Excellen­cy, in regard of the priviledges it brings to the Soul; it gives peace of Conscience, and Comfort in a dying hour; it gives Boldness to appear before the great tri­bunal Seat of Justice, to behold the Face of the Judg with assurance of his Favour: when the great Men of the Earth, and the rich Men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty Men, and every Bond-man, and every Free-man, that is not adorned with Holiness, shall call to the Rocks and Mountains, to hide them from the Face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the Wrath of the Lamb, Revel. 6.15, 16. O! what would many a poor Soul give to be found in this Ornament of Holiness, when Death shall summons him to the Grave, and this Consideration is upon [Page 48] his Spirit, that the next thing he hath to do after Death, is, to arise and come too Judgment, when all his Riches, Honours, Pleasures and delightful Vanities, carnal Friends and Companions in Iniquity, with all those goodly things his Soul hath lusted after shall be turned into Gall and Bitter­ness to his Soul, and become his miserable Comforters, to the greater horrour of his Conscience, and the furtherance of his con­demnation? See Rom. 2.9. When tribulati­on and anguish shall be upon the Soul, then will the poor Soul bewail his former Folly, and careless Negligence, in slighting the Means of Grace, and the precious Price put into his hand, and he had not a heart to improve it, Prov. 17.16. and all those things whereon his heart was fixed shall be dissolved according as it is writ­ten: But the Day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the night, in the which the Hea­vens shall pass away with a great noise, and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat; and the Earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burnt up: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what man­ner of persons ought we to be in all holy Con­versation and Godliness? 2 Pet. 3.10, 11.

Fourthly, let us consider this Ornament of Holiness in respect of the Duration of [Page 49] it: Holiness is an everlasting Ornament unto the people of God: it becometh Gods House for ever: It is the Wisdom of the Children of this world, That when they want any Commodity, as Apparel, or otherwise, they will endeavour to ob­tain it with these three considerations in their eye: first, where they may buy at the best hand, or cheapest rate: secondly, which Commodities are likely to be of longest continuance: thirdly, which are most beautiful and fashionable.

Now let us cast our eye upon this Or­nament of Holiness, of which there is so much necessity, that without it no man shall see the Lord: and we may behold it tendred unto us at a very cheap rate, as on our part; for although Gold and Silver will not purchase it, yet God doth freely give it in the use of the means that he hath ordained to effect it. Let us then improve the means, and God hath promised a Bles­sing. It will indeed cost us the parting with our rotten rags of the Old man: but what are they in comparison to the Orna­ments of the New man, which after God is created in Righteousness and true Ho­liness: it may be it will cost us the par­ting with our former Companions in worldly vanities: and not only our gross [Page 50] sins, but our own Righteousness, which is of the Law, Phil. 3. It may be it will cost us the parting with a good Name among men, and with our Goods, Liberty and Life, which are things near and dear unto us: but if we part with all these for Ho­liness, we shall be abundantly gainers by the hand: for what are corrupt Lusts and carnal Vanities in comparison of the Gifts and Graces, and spiritual enjoyments of Christ? and what is the Fellowship of car­nal Friends and vain Companions unto the Communion of God in Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Saints? and what are the Sufferings of Gods people, though in Name, Person and Estate, in comparison of that exceeding and eternal weight of Glory promised unto a holy life? Holiness doth far surpass all valua­tions that can be laid in opposition to it: wherefore let us lay out for Holiness; it is a rich bargain at the highest Rate.

Secondly; Holiness is an Ornament ex­ceeding durable in respect of its Use and Service: the more it is made use of, the more excellent it is: Holiness is every way serviceable to the Creature: it helps the Creature to glorifie God in obedience to his Commands, as to find acceptance with him: it helps towards peace of Con­science [Page 51] and Comfort in a dying hour: it helps towards a sanctified use of all the Creatures with comfort in the enjoyments of them: it helps a Soul to the sight of God, and that blessed enjoyment of Com­munion with him in Glory: Yea it is ser­viceable upon all accounts, at all times, in in all places, in all companies, & in all con­ditions: provided the Creature cast it not off as a Garment out of fashion & esteem; but put it on, and gird it to him, and be al­ways found in it, and it will be so service­able to him, that as abovesaid, the more it is made use of, the more excellent it is. For,

Thirdly, Holiness is never out of fashi­on and esteem with God and good men: it is that which God in Christ designed from Eternity, to accomplish in his people; and Holiness shall be the Ornament of the people of God unto Eternity: when all these outward things shall be dissolved, holiness shall remain in its primitive beau­ty: Holiness accompanieth and beautifies a Soul not only in this life, but also in the life to come, as saith the Text; Holiness becometh thine House, O Lord, for ever.

O let us be exhorted and moved there­fore by all these forementioned conside­rations, to run the Race set before us; [Page 52] to press after the Mark for the Price of the high Calling of God in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3.14. to follow Peace with all men, and Ho­liness, without which no man shall see the Lord, Heb. 12.14.

CHAP. V. Containing some Directions how to pu [...] on the Ornament of Holiness.

I Shall now apply my self to the enquiring Soul, which happily may pro­pound this question: You exhort us to Holiness, and to press after it, because i [...] is excellent, and of great necessity: bu [...] what course may we take, that we may so press after Holiness, as to obtain it?

In answer hereunto, I shall lay before you these ensuing Considerations by way of Direction.

First, I shall propound to your consideration the center where Holiness, togethe [...] with the means for the obtaining thereof is placed.

Secondly, the way in which a man must walk, and the manner how he must press on to the Center where Holiness is cente­red, so as to obtain the same.

First, as Holiness in its perfection re­sideth in God the Father: so Holiness, to­gether with the means for the effecting the same, in the Children of Men, is, of the Father centered in God the Son, Jesus Christ both God and man, and by the ho­ly Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son, in its powerful influences and o­perations upon the inward man, is wrought and effected in them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be Saints through the exercise of Faith in Christ.

Now for the clearing up of these things to our understanding, let us consider some Scripture-Testimonies. The Apostle Paul, speaking of Jesus Christ, hath these Ex­pressions: For it pleased the Father, that in him should all Fulness dwell, Coll. 1.19. And in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, Col. 2.9. Saint John saith, And the Word was made Flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his Glory, the Glo­ry as of the only begotten of the Father, full of Grace and Truth, Joh. 1.14. in whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg, Col. 2.3. and of his Fulness [Page 54] have all we received, and Grace for Grace, Joh. 1.16. So that in Christ is centered both Holiness and the means to produce Holiness in the Sons and Daughters of men, unto whom he tenders Holiness in the Gospel, as John the Evangelist teaches, He came unto his own, and his own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God; even to them that believe on his Name, Joh: 1.11, 12. And hence it is, that God hath chosen his people in Christ, that they should be holy, even because the perfecti­on of Holiness is inherently in Christ, with sufficiency of the Spirit of Grace to effect Holiness in his people through believing.

If then thou wouldst press after Holiness, so as to attain such a degree thereof that thou mayst have the comfortable sight of God, and be enabled to stand before him with joy, then observe these ensuing par­ticulars.

The Eye fixed on Christ by Faith, is a great help towards the attain­ment of Holiness.1. In all thy undertakings, look unto Jesus, have an eye of faith fixed on him; he is the Center where Holiness is centered: if we look short of the Center, we are like to fall-short of our purpose: let us therefore take the counsel of the Apostle; Let us run with patience the Race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Authour and Finisher [Page 55] of our Faith, 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, Heb. 2.1, 2. Yea, whe­ther we read the Word; pray, or perform any other Christian Duty whatsoever, let us still look to Jesus, with desire that we may have more Knowledg of him, more Faith in him, and more Love and Obedi­ence to him: let us look unto Jesus with an Eye of Faith fixed on him, and behold his performances on our behalf: let us be­hold his humility, who was very God, and yet, assuming the human Nature, became also Man; and taking upon him the form of a Servant, became obedient not only to the divine Precepts of his Fathers Law, but also unto Death, even the most shameful Death of the Cross. O let us look un­to Jesus, and behold him in his Sufferings, and in the Cause and End of his Sufferings. The Cause of his Sufferings was our Sins, the End of his Sufferings was to free us from Divine Wrath due to us for Sin, and to obtain Eternal Salvation for us.

To look unto Jesus, and with an Eye of Faith, to behold him as aforesaid, Gods way is a sure and a safe way. is to take Gods way to hearken to his Call and to observe his counsel, for our better attain­ments unto Holiness and Heavens Happi­ness, [Page 56] as saith the Lord by the Prophet I­saiah, Behold my Servant whom I uphold, mine Elect in whom my Soul delighteth, I have put my Spirit upon him, he shall bring forth Judgment to the Gentiles, Isai. 42. I said, behold me, behold me unto a Nation that was not called by my Name, Isai. 65.1.

Secondly, let us not only look unto Je­sus and behold him, but also consider him; this is a piece of Divine Counsel: A due Conside­ration of Christs sufferings a great help to­wards the attain­ment of Holiness. also consider the Apostle, and High-priest of our Profession, Christ Jesus, Heb. 3.1. O let us consider the Greatness of his Bur­then in his Sufferings of Death; wherein he did not only suffer a natural Death, but also did bear the burthen and weight of Divine Wrath due to Mankind for Trans­gression: the which being set home upon his precious Soul by the hand of Divine Justice, forced him into that Agony, that his Sweat was as if it were great Drops of Blood falling down to the ground; and to cry out, Luk. 22.41. Matt. 27.46. O my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? as if the sense of Divine Wrath had so overwhelmed his precious Soul, that all the appehensions of his Fa­thers Love had been ecclipsed from him.

One sin set home to the Soul by the hand of Divine Justice is a heavy bur­then: how great then is the weight which [Page 57] Christ underwent for us. Surely, saith the Prophet, he hath born our Griefs, and car­ried our Sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted: but he was wounded for our Transgressions; he was bruised for our Iniquities: the Chastise­ment of our peace was upon him, and with his Stripes we are healed: All we like Sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all, Isa. 53.4, 5, 6.

Certainly, if the Sons and Daughters of Men did but look through all their out­ward, transitory and fading Felicities unto Jesus Christ, with a serious consideration of those hard things he hath undergone, to procure Redemption for their poor sin­ful Souls, it would more draw up and endear their Affections to the Lord, and produce in them a delightful endeavour to honour him in the way of Holiness.

Thirdly, as we should look unto Jesus, and consider him in his great Undertakings for us: so ought we to consider his Faith­fulness towards his Father, in respect of the Trust he reposed in him; and towards Man also in the prosecution of poor fallen Mans Redemption: Had he shrunk back in those great and hard Undertakings, how had the Father lost his Glory, and [Page 58] Man his true Felicity? but he, like a faithful and valiant Souldier, set his Face like a Flint Isai. 50.6, 7. against all the oppositions the World and Devils could raise against him, until he had faithfully compleated his Undertakings to the Glory of his Father: so that he could boldly make up his ac­counts, saying, Father I have glorified thee on Earth, I have finished the Work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorifie thou me with thine own self, with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was, Joh. 17.4, 5. O let us look unto Jesus with a serious consideration of his Faithfulness to our Cause, and it will both quicken and direct in the way to Ho­liness: and we being faithful after his ex­ample shall have boldness in the day of account.

Consider Christs Love, which is strong & of great power.Fourthly, let us look unto Jesus, and consider with a due consideration, his ten­der; affectionate Love and yerning bow­els of Compassion towards Mankind, ma­nifested in his great Undertakings for us. Surely, if ever that Saying of Solomon in his Song of Songs be made good in any, it was abundantly manifested in Christs Love to Man: his Love indeed was strong as Death; Cant. 8.6. the many Waters of Affliction, nor Flouds of the Ungodly, [Page 59] nor Death (the King of Terrors) could not be able to quench the Flames thereof: greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his Life for his Friend: but so great was the Love of Christ to poor worthless Creatures, that while we were ungodly, and enemies to him, he died for us, Rom. 5.6, 8, 10. so that Redemption, Justification, Sanctification and Glorifica­tion are the effects of Divine Love; the which, if we could behold with a believing Eye, and seriously consider, it would be an excellent means to raise up our affecti­ons to Love and Delight in the Lord, and to quicken us in our motions towards the Attainment of Holiness: for every Perfor­mance of Christ in the days of his Humili­ation was so perfumed with Love towards us, that did we truely apprehend it, and really consider it, it would be of force to draw our feet out of those crooked paths of carnal vanities, and to place them in those pleasant paths where Peace with Holiness doth dwell.

Fifthly, A due consideration of Christs Exaltation, is a great help towards the Attainment of Holi­ness. let us look upon and consider Jesus Christ in his Ex­altation: The Scripture saith, that Christ is entred into Hea­ven it self, now to appear in the presence of God for us, Heb. 9.24 to carry on [Page 60] the Execution of his Office as High-priest, to be Interceder and Advocate with the Father on the behalf of his People, to per­fume their Prayers and Praises, which are offer'd up in his Name, with the sweet Perfumes of his own Merits, wherein the Father doth accept them: and therefore, as the Apostle saith, he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him; seeing he hath an unchangeable Priesthood, and ever liveth to make Inter­cession for the Saints, according to the Will of God, Heb. 7.24, 25. Rom. 8.27. Should I transgress the Kings Law in some high nature, whereby his Displeasure is so provoked against me, that all that I can do cannot appease his Wrath, nor stop the proceedings of Justice against me unto Death: in this sad condition should a Friend arise on my behalf, who is of near Relyance to the King, and in tender Love and Pity to me should take my Case upon himself, and make an atonement for me, not only to the appeasing of the Kings Wrath, but also to the procuring of his Fa­vour so far, as not only to save my Life and Possessions forfeited, but also to en­dow me with such Benefits and Privi­ledges in his Kingdom, as far surpass all my former Enjoyments; yea farther, this [Page 61] Friend in Court, doth so engage himself by Promise unto me, that if I should again transgress the Kings Commandment, (pro­vided it be not wilfully, but only through weakness, infirmity, and inability to re­sist the Strength of the Tempter) that then he will become my Advocate and In­terceder with his Majesty, to make an A­tonement on my behalf: O how great is the Love and tender Affection of this my Friend! how may these his Actions pre­vail upon my Heart, to rejoyce in him, and engage my dearest Affections to him, to love him, and so delight in him, as to desire more communion with him, to hearken to his Counsel, and to obey his Will in whatsoever he commands me? And indeed, while I exercise mine Eye upon this happy Object with a serious con­sideration of the excellent Benefits I recei­ved by him, there is nothing more dear unto my Soul: but if I cast mine eye & con­siderations upon lower Objects, of less con­cernment, and short of my Friend, I may soon forget his loving Kindness, and suf­fer my Love and Delight to grow dead to­wards him.

Surely, herein is our Condition repre­sented; for we, unworthy Creatures, have transgessed not only a Law of an Earthly [Page 62] King, but even of an Eternal God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, at whose Wrath the Earth shall tremble, and the Nations shall not be able to abide his Indig­nation, the which is due unto every Trans­gressor of the Law of God. And such is our weak and frail estate now since the Fall: yea such is our wilful Stubbornness, that in many things we offend all, and be­come guilty before God, whose Law con­demns us, and whose Justice calls for Sa­tisfaction: so that every Soul is liable to his Indignation and Wrath, which we are no ways able, of our selves, to appease, nor stop the Proceedings of Justice from in­flicting upon us the heavy Horrors and Terrors of Divine Wrath, and the Indig­nation of the Almighty; no, not so much as for one day, much less for time without end, or for Eternity.

Now in this our sad condition, which we are fallen into by reason of our Trans­gression, a Friend is risen up on our behalf, even Jesus Christ the Son of Righteousness with Healing in his Wings, Mal. 4.2. who hath not only performed the Office of an High-Priest in the days of his Humiliati­on, in offering his own Body upon the Cross, to make an Atonement for us, and to free us from the Wrath to come, Heb. 10.10. [Page 63] Ro. 5.11. but also is entred into heaven it self, now to appear in the presence of God for us, Heb. 9.24. to enrich us with such Benefits & Priviledges as Grace & Glory doth afford.

If now a poor Soul lie under the appre­hensions of Gods Displeasure for some sin committed, if he want an increase of Faith in Gods Promises, if he want inward peace and assurance of Gods Favour, if he want Power against Corruption and Temptati­on, if he be oppressed by the violence of men, and want Patience to bear it, if he want Wisdom or Knowledg in the things of God, or any Grace or good thing whatsoever, would this poor Soul make its humble address unto God, the Father of all Mercies and Fountain of all Supply to all our Wants, from whom every good and perfect Gift proceedeth, that he would grant a continual Supply of all good things, according as the conditions of his poor Creature doth require Then behold, O thou poor Soul, behold thy Friend at Court, Jesus Christ in his un­changeable Priesthood, and ever glorious Exaltation on the right hand of the Maje­sty on high, there to appear in the pre­sence of God for us in all the approachings of thy Soul unto God, take this Friend with thee; he is able to save them to the utter [Page 64] most, that come unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for us, Heb. 7.24. There is no approaching to the Father without the assistance of the Son, our faithful High-Priest, Mediator and Advocate, as he himself hath said, I am the way, (saith Christ) the Truth and the a Life, no man commeth to the Father but by me, Joh. 14.6. I am the Door, saith Christ, by me if any man enter, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find Pasture, Joh. 10.9. as if he should have said, I am the way, or place of entrance to the Father; by me, if any man enter, he shall go in and out, that is, he shall have free access unto the Father, Ephesians 2.18. and he shall find Pasture, even such spiritual enioyments, as shall abundantly refresh, replenish and con­tent the Soul even to its full satisfaction.

When Christ foretold to his Disciples his Exaltations to the Father, and the great concernment he should be unto them therein, as their High-Priest, to intercede for them, he leaveth these Expressions, with other, upon their Spirits, for Com­fort and Encouragement in times of Sor­row and Affliction, and as a piece of Di­vine Counsel useful upon all occasions: Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he will [Page 65] give it you: hitherto ye have asked nothing in my Name: ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full: these things have I spoke unto you in proverbs, the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs: but I shall shew you plainly, of the Father: at that day ye shall ask in my Name, and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loveth you; because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God, Joh. 16.23, 24, 25, 26, 27.

I cannot well pass these Words, with­out observing some of the particulars therein contained, first the thing enjoy­ned, and that is Prayer: secondly, the Per­son enjoyning, that is Jesus Christ: thirdly, the Persons enjoyned, which are Disciples, or persons learned and taught by Christ: fourthly, the Person to whom the Disciples are directed to present their Petitions, and that is God the Father: fifthly, the means or way of Acceptation, & that is, they are to pray unto the Father in Christs Name; Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my Name (saith Christ) he will give it you.

There are three Specialties included in [Page 64] [...] [Page 65] [...] [Page 66] word, Three Specialties in Christs Name, the which being observed in our approaches to the Father, are very prevailing for our Acceptance with him. Name, which we are to observe in order to the right performance of the Duty of Prayer: The first is Christs Authority or Command; as when a poor Soul in the sense of its Wants and Weakness shall approach unto God upon this or the like account, The first is Christs authority. saying, Father, I thy poor unworthy creature being made in some measure sensible of my own Wants and Imperfections, and of thy Fulness and All-sufficiency, do humbly appear in thy presence, being directed to Thee, the Foun­tain of all Supplies, by the special Com­mand of thine only Son, in whom thou art well pleased, in whom thou hast made ma­ny gratious Promises to thy People, have respect, I pray thee, as thou hast to thy Son, so also to thy poor Creature, that ex­erciseth Faith in the Promises and in the Commands of thy Son, True Faith ap­plies both Promise and Com­mand. whom thou hast or­dained to be King of Saints, and by whose Authority I now approach thy presence, and for whose sake, I pray thee, grant fupplies of Grace and spiritual Assistance according to thy Divine Wisdom and good Pleasure, to the further enabling thy poor Creature to glorifie thy Name in this my present Pilgrimage, that my [Page 67] Soul may be supported in the many straights and troubles that this World af­fords; and so confirmed in the assurance of everlasting Peace and Consolation with thy Son, and with thy Saints, in eternal Bliss and Happiness. Thus when a poor Soul, through the Exercise of Faith in the Commands of Christ, is drawn forth con­scientiously, to act in obedience thereunto, [...]t is, doubtless, an argument greatly pre­ [...]ailing with the Father; for Obedience [...]o the Son is agreeable to the Fathers Will, and hath many precious Promises [...]nnexed thereunto.

A second Specialty, or prevailing Argu­ [...]ent, included in Christs Name, doth arise [...]om the Influence and Operations of the Word and Spirit of Christ upon the Crea­ [...]res Affections, whereby the Love and [...]esire of the Soul is bent toward the en­ [...]yment of Spiritual things, with holy [...]ngings, thirstings and pantings after [...]od; and for further participations of [...]s Grace, making its address unto God these or the like words, saying, Fa­ [...]er, I thy poor unworthy Creature, unto [...]om thy Son Jesus Christ hath appear'd, [...] the Divine Illuminations and Operati­ [...]s of his Spirit, in and through thy Word, [...]ereby I am, in some measure, made [Page 68] sensible of my own Wants, and of tha [...] Fulness & All-sufficiency that is in thee [...] supply the same, do humbly approa [...] thy presence upon the account of th [...] Son Jesus Christ, being directed to the for Supplies by him whom thou hast ordai­ned not only King of Saints, but also th [...] Prophet of thy People, to teach them Obedience to thy Will.

Behold, O Lord, the chief Cause as Ground of my coming to thee, even t [...] Son, thine only Son, he it is that quicke [...] me, and raiseth up my Affections towar [...] thee, by the powerful Influences and Operations of his holy Spirit, whereby th [...] Riches of thy Grace is, in a measure, [...] my Soul discover'd, my hope of acceptatio [...] with thee much reviv'd, my love unto th [...] somewhat enflamed, and the desires of [...] Soul after more enjoyments of thy speci [...] Grace and Favour much enlarged: ther [...] fore, O Righteous Father, I pray the [...] behold me in thy Son, as being enlightne [...] moved and quickened to come unto the by him: it is his work upon my heart, s [...] pernatural and divine, even the Effect his Prophetical Office, whereby I t [...] poor Creature am made sensible of [...] own Wants and Necessities, and where [...] I behold a Fulness for Supply in thy bl [...] ed [Page 69] Self, and whereby my Soul is drawn forth towards thee, with earnest desires after more Communications of thy Grace and Favour.

And now, Dear Father, I pray thee, behold the Work of thy Son upon my Soul, yea thine own Work in and through him, and satisfie those longing Desires wrought in me by vertue there­of, with assurance of Acceptance with thee, and of the Communication of the Gifts and Graces of thy holy Spirit, to the re­plenishing of my Soul with spiritual injoy­ments, and to the further enabling me to walk before thee in the ways of Holiness, to the Glory of thy Name, and to the ever­lasting Consolation of my Soul through Je­sus Christ: to whom with thee and thy holy Spirit be ascribed all the Honour, Praise and Glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Thus when the poor Soul can make its approach to the Father of Mercies, expe­riencing the Work of Divine Grace by Jesus Christ, enlightening and quickening to holy Duties; so that the Creature can truly plead, that Jesus Christ, executing his Prophetical Office upon the inward Man, is the Ground and Cause of its approaches to the Father. This, doubtless, is an Ar­gument [Page 70] greatly prevailing with him for Acceptation, and for an Answer of Peace from him, seeing the original Ground and moving Principle is his own work of free Grace upon the Creature, wrought by his own Son, through the operative Power of his holy Word and Spirit, to the Praise and Glory of his Name.

It was the main Argument of the Prophet Isaiah, When the Lord doth work the Love and Desire of a Soul unto himself, it is a sign that be intends to that Soul a farther Bene­fit. where­with he moved God, and strengthened his own Confi­dence in him: Lord, saith he, thou wilt ordain Peace for us, (and why so?) for thou hast wrought all our Works in us: other Lords besides thee have had Domi­nion over us; but by thee only will we make mention of thy Name, Isai. 26.12, 13.

It may be said of a Souls coming to God in the Name of Christ, as aforesaid, as David said of his and the peoples Wil­lingness to offer Provision for the building of the Temple: But who am I, and what is my People, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee, 2 Chron. 29.14. For such a frame of Spirit doth flow from a superna­tural Work, wherein the Creature is [Page 71] taught of God; the Duties which he per­forms, do flow as Fruits and Effects of what he hath received from the Lord, to the Glory of his Name.

Thirdly, a Christian comes to the Fa­ther in the Name of Christ, not only upon the account of the Commands, nor only because Christ, by Divine Disco­veries, hath wrought an earnest Desire in him after further Enjoyments; but also when he comes unto the Father upon the account of the Merits of Christ, making his Address to this or the like effect, saying,

Most glorious God and merciful Father, in Jesus Christ, although my Sins of Omis­sion and Commission (by which I have transgressed thy holy and just Law, and offended thy Majesty) do render me not only unworthy of the least of thy Mer­cies, but also worthy of thy just Condem­nation to proceed against me; yet foras­much as thy only Son Jesus Christ, in the prosecution of his Prophetick Office, hath revealed unto my Soul, that the excee­ding Riches of thy Grace and free Mercy to thy unworthy Creatures, is so aboun­ding, that thou hast given thy Son, who hath fulfilled thy Law by his actual Obe­dience thereunto, to the end that I, thy [Page 72] poor Creature, which stand condemned thereby, by reason of my manifold Sins whereby I have transgressed the same, might receive a free, full and absolute Remission, Pardon, and Deliverance from the Guilt, Dominion and Punishment of Sin, having an interest in the Righteous­ness which thy Son by his Obedience hath obtained, through the Exercise of that su­pernatural Grace of Faith, wrought in my Soul by the Influence of the Word and Spirit of thy Son: I therefore, thy poor unworthy Creature, am emboldened and somewhat enabled to appear before thee in hope of Acceptation; forasmuch as the Riches of thy Grace and free Mer­cy to thy unworthy Creature is so aboun­ding, that thou hast not only given thy Son to fulfil thy Law by his actual Obe­dience, but also passively to suffer the Ig­nominy and Reproach of the World, and patiently to yield and offer up himself in obedience to thy Will and determinate Counsel unto Death, even the most shame­ful Death of the Cross, shedding his most precious Blood, and undergoing the Ter­rors of Divine Wrath due unto us for our Transgressions, upon which account thou hast declared thy self to be a God well pleased in thy Son, and reconciled [Page 73] unto such as through a true and lively Faith are united to unto Him, whom thou hast raised again from the dead, and set at thine own right hand in Glory, now to appear in thy glorious presence for us, as an Interceder and Advocate.

Now therefore, most righteous Father, as thou hast given unto thy poor Creature this new and living way unto the Throne of Grace, to approach thy presence with free access, I come unto thee utterly re­nouncing all my own Righteousness, as be­ing not any ways meritorious or deserving the least of the Mercies which thy poor Creature doth enjoy, and casting my whole dependency upon the Merits of Je­sus Christ my only High-priest, Mediator and Advocate for my acceptance with thee: I beseech thee therefore, even upon the account of thine only Son, to grant me a free and full pardon of all my Sins, and to seal the assurance thereof unto my Soul, by that illuminating, quickening, sealing and sanctifying Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from thy blessed self, and from thy Son, my blessed Saviour. Therewith do thou enlighten my Un­derstanding, that I may understand thy Mind and Will contained in thy Word: therewith confirm my Judgment in thy [Page 74] Truth, and let me experience the Demon­strations of thy Love in Christ: therewith transform and rectifie my rebellious Will, and bring it to a conformity to thy Will in all things: thereby inable me to mor­tify my Corruptions, and let not Sin have dominion over me: thereby do thou draw my Affection unto thy self, and let not worldly Vanity be my delight.

O do thou replenish and satisfie my thirsting Soul

with the rich treasures of thy Grace in Christ, through the operating power of thy Spirt of Truth, that my heart may abun­dantly rejoyce in thy saving Benefits, and be thoroughly furnished to praise thy Name.

O Lord hear, accept and answer thy poor Creature in these and all other particulars, which thou in thy infinite Wisdom judg­est most expedient for thy poor Creatures [Page 75] temporal and eternal well-being, to the Glory of thy Name, even for the merito­rious Name sake of thy Son, my only Redeemer and Advocate, by whom I have received Command, Direction and En­couragements to appear before thee, for whom thy poor Creatures have always cause to bless and praise thy holy Name: unto whom, with thee and thy holy Spi­rit, be ascribed (as is most due) all Glory, Power, Praise and Obedience, by us thy Creatures everlastingly. Amen.

Thus have I briefly delivered my Ap­prehensions concerning the Creatures go­ing to God the Father by Prayer in the Name of his Son Jesus Christ: wherein we may take notice of some particu­lars: as,

First, what great Concernment Christ is to the Believing Soul now in the days of his Exaltation, whose Name is a prevailing Principle with the Father, in the behalf of all those that come unto God therein.

Secondly, how highly it doth concern e­very Soul to have an Eye of Faith fixed on him, and consider him with a due consideration in all his Benefits.

Thirdly, consider that, as I am upon a [Page 76] use of Direction towards the Attainment of that ex­cellent Ornament, Prayer in Christs Name is an excell nt means for the attaining to an estate in the Ornament Holiness: because it hath precious Promises there­unto annexed. Holiness: so Prayer in the Name Christ is not one of the least of the means where­by it is attained, inasmuch as Jesus Christ (who is Truth, and cannot lye) hath crowned the Duty with a Promise of the Fathers Gift; as he hath said, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he will give it you, Joh. 16.23. And, lest any should reply, Lord, we know not the Father, and how shall we come unto him? he annexeth this Promise also to the other, The time com­eth (meaning the time of his Exaltation) that I shall shew you plainly of the Fa­ther. That Soul that would ob­tain a true and saving knowledg of God the Fa­ther, must take Je­sus Christ for his Counsellor

And, lest there should be any scruple or doubt arise, that they should not perform the Duty aright, or not so perfect with­out Imperfections as to be heard of the Father, and answered by him: he annex­eth this Promise also unto the rest, for their Encouragement in the Duty; in that day (saith he, meaning his Exaltation) ye shall ask the Father in my Name, and I say to you, that I will pray the Father for you, Joh. 16.25, 26.

O excellent Priviledg, Christ the Saints ad­vocate, an excellent priviledg: wouldst thou per­take of the priviledg, be active in the duty. to that Soul for whom the perfection of Wisdom, Know­ledg and Fidelity is exercised to plead its cause! Christ the Wisdom of God and the Power of God is become an High­priest for ever, to intercede with the Fa­ther in the behalf of those Souls that come unto the Father with a dependency by Faith upon his Intercession, for their Ac­ceptation with the Father: wherefore, as saith the Holy Ghost, having an High­priest over the House of God, let us draw near in full assurance of Faith, having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience, and our Bodies washed with pure Water, let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering: for he is faithful that promised, Heb. 10.21, 22, 23.

O! did we really consider this High­priest Jesus Christ, as in his Humiliation, so also in his Exaltation, executing his Priestly Office upon our account, that we might experimentally partake of the bene­fits and Priviledges thereof: how would it engage our Love to him, our Delight in the enjoyments of him, and our utmost Endeavours to answer his End in all his undertakings for us: which is, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, Ephesians.

CHAP. VI.
Containing a Word of Advice, to con­sider Christ in his Kingly Office, and by Faith to embrace him in the same, in order to our better Attainment un­to Holiness.

SIxthly, would we attain unto Holiness, & be found in the Ornaments thereof: then we are concerned to exercise our eies of Understanding and Faith upon the Dignity and Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, beholding and considering of him, and submitting to him in his Kingly Of­fice, wherein the Father hath exalted him unto his own right hand of Power, and Throne of Majesty on high, to sway the Scepter of Rule and Government in Righteousness, by his righteous Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, Heb. 1.8. and to execute Justice and Judgment accor­dingly against all opposers. The Prophet Isaiah, speaking of Jesus Christ, saith of [Page 79] him, he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears; but with Righteousness shall he judg the Poor, and reprove with Equity, for the meek of the Earth, Isa 11.3, 4, 5.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath gi­ven all things into his hand, or into his Pow­er and Jurisdiction, Joh. 3.35. Paul to the Ephesians saith, that He, meaning the Fa­ther, hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the Church, which is his Body, Eph. 1.22. Christ a King by the Fa­thers Or­dination, whose Laws and Sub­jects are his King­dom.

By Headship is signified Supremacy, Soveraignty, or his Kingly Office and Au­thority, to give forth Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, with Order of Rule and Go­vernment, with Power to command Obe­dience thereunto, with Power to defend his Subjects in the proper Rights and Pri­viledges of his Kingdom, to plead their Cause, to revenge their Wrongs, and to crown them, his Subjects, with an immortal recompence of heavenly Glory, all the op­positions of the Devil & wicked men not­withstanding; as the Lord by his Spirit in his Word hath of old declared, saying, Yet have I set my King upon my holy Hill of Sion, Psal. 2. The word Yet is a Relative to what is in the foregoing Verses related; as if the Lord should say, Although the [Page 80] Kings of the Earth and Rulers, yea, though Herod and Pontius Pilate, the chief Priests and Elders, the Scribes and Pha­risees, yea all the rude multitude of the people consult together, & set themselves against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their Bands, and cast their Cords from us: yet for all whatever they can do, I have exalted him, & set him at my right Hand of Power and Majesty, Act. 5.31. far above all Principalities, and Powers, and Might, and Dominion, and e­very Name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: & hath put all things under his Feet, Eph. 1.20, 21, 22. that is to say, all persons of what Rank and Quality soever, by what Names, Titles or Dignities soever distinguished; together with all earthly Dominions, Rules and Governments whatsoever to be at his disposing, or deposing, according to his own Will and Pleasure: all shall be brought in subjection unto him, either by active Obedience to his Laws and righte­ous Government, or passively to submit unto the Execution of his Justice; as it is written, At the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow, Phil. 2.9, 10, 11. the which bowing of every Knee, doth intend Sub­jection to his Laws, as aforesaid, or Sub­mission [Page 81] to his Justice; unto one of which all the whole Creation of Men and Angels shall be forced to submit unto: Such a Construction the Apostle Paul seemeth to put upon the words, Rom. 14.11. But why dost thou judg thy Brother, or why dost thou set at naught thy Brother? we shall all stand before the Judgment-Seat of Christ: his ground and reason is, because it is writ­ten, As I live, saith the Lord, every Knee shall bow to me, and every Tongue shall con­fess to God: the which Expressions the A­po [...]le asserteth, to prove the certainty of Christs sitting on the Seat of Judgment, and that all persons in particular, none ex­cepted, shall be forced to app ar before him, to give an account how they in this life have acted in order to the Supremacy of Christ, and to receive the Sentence of Absolution into Glory, or the just and righteous, but dreadful Sentence of Con­demnation into everlasting Perdition: as the Apostle Paul by the Spirit of God doth testifie, that will render to every Soul of Man, that doth evil, Indignation and W [...]ath; But Glory, Honour and Peace, Immortality and eternal Life to e­very Soul of Man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; for God is no respecter of persons, Rom. 2.9, [Page 82] 10, 11. every man shall give an account of himself unto God, Rom. 14.12.

Surely, it will then be in vain for un­godly and wicked men: be they of what Degree, Rank or Quality soever, to call to the Rocks and Mountains to fall upon them, and hide them from the Face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the Wrath of the Lamb; Rom. 6.15, 16. for nothing in that day shall be found to be a shelter, vers. 17. but an Interest in Christ by Faith, which in this day of Grace bringeth forth the fruits of Obedience to the Supremacy of Christ.

We usually say, a man forewarn'd of a danger, is fore-arm'd; he will seek to se­cure himself in time, and take him for a Friend that gives him the warning.

O! how many friendly warnings hath the Lord by his Spirit in his Word given unto poor sinful mortal man, of the great and eminent dangers approaching, as the fruits and effects of Sin? O what friend­ly Counsel and advice hath he laid before us for security, did we improve the same accordingly; as if his very bowels yerned towards us for our eternal preservation? O how are his Warnings and Counsels made out in his Word to all sorts of men, of what Degree, Rank or Quality soever, [Page 83] high and low, rich and poor, free and bond, as if he was no Respecter of per­sons in his Warnings, Advice and Coun­sels, as he is no Respecter of persons in Judgment.

The Lord having made known, by his Spirit in his Servants, the certainty of his accomplishing his Decree, and fore-De­terminations in exalting his Son Jesus Christ into the Throne of Kingship and Seat of Justice, The Lords Advice to Maje­st a es. gives this Counsel and Advice unto Kings, and other inferiour Magistrates, saying, Be wise now there­fore, O ye Kings, be instructed ye Judges of the Earth, serve the Lord with Fear and Trembling, kiss the Son, lest he be an­gry, and ye perish from the way, while his Wrath is kindled but a little: Blessed are are all they that put their trust in him, Psal. 2.10, 11, 12.

As if he should have said, O ye Kings and Judges of the Earth; in whose hands the Sword or Power of Magistracy is en­trusted: herein doth the principle part of your Wisdom consist: let the Salutati­ons of your Love and chief Respects be manifested towards Christ Jesus the Son of God, whom the Father hath exalted into the Throne of Government & Seat of Justice, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; [Page 84] Let the Salutations of your Love and chiefest Respects be manifested towards him, The Wis­dom of the majestrate chiefly consists in making Christ chief in his Coun­sel, in his Laws and Govern­ment; for thereunto is the Blessing promised. by embracing his Counsel for your Counsel, his Laws for your Laws, his Government for your Government, his Subjects that desire to obey him in his Laws and righteous Government, the people of your chiefest protection and objects of your Praise, that you may be as nursing Fathers unto them, but a terror to those that do evil; as it is writ­ten, Isai. 49.23. Rom. 13.3. The Lord hath signed this with the Promise of his Blessing, as before expressed.

The Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul asserting the Soveraignty of Christ, into which God the Father hath exalted him, Phil. 2.9, 10, 11. doth lay down this Ex­hortation, vers. 12. as drawn from the a­foresaid consideration of his Soveraignty? Phil. 1.12. Wherefore, my Beloved, as ye have al­ways obeyed not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out you own Salvation with fear and trembling. As if he had said; wherefore, as ye have hitherto subjected your selves to the Soveraignty o [...] Jesus Christ, by Obedience to his Laws and Form of Government: so that no [...] only in my presence, but also in my ab­sence, you have been growing and increa­sing [Page 85] in the same: so let your careful endea­vours be in a holy, awful, reverential fear & spirit of Humility, to be still growing & in­creasing with all perseverance in the Faith and Practice of all the Will of God: in as much as true Faith in Christ doth demon­strate, and shew forth it self by the fruits of sincere Obedience to Christ, and per­severence therein, hath the promise of Sal­vation thereunto annexed; as Christ him­self did intimate unto those Jews that be­lieved on him, Joh. 8.31. If ye con­tinue in my Word, then are ye my Disciples indeed; and ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free. O did we with David set the Lord Jesus Christ al­ways before us, Psal. 16.8. having an Eye of Faith fixed on him, as in his Priest­ly Office, so also in his Kingly Office, exe­cuted in his giving forth Laws, Statutes, Ordinances and Order of Government, with Rules of Observation and Com­mands, and Examples for our better Obedience thereunto: see Genes. 49.10. Isai. 9.6. did we behold him, and seri­ously consider him the anointed and ap­pointed King and Lawgiver, by the Fa­ther ordained Head over all things, to his Church in the great concerns of Gods Worship and our Salvation, the alone [Page 86] exalted King of Sion, and Judg of the World, with a due consideration, Isai. 33.22. Psal. 2.2. Act. 5.31, 32. Jam. 4.12. doubtless we might thereby the more be induced, and the better behold the great concernment that lieth upon us, to quicken our motion in the use of the means ap­pointed by God the Father for our bet­ter attainment unto Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord to his eternal Consolation: The Man Christ Jesus Judg of the World by the Fathers Ordinati­on, whereof his Resurrection is a sure testimony; the which inviteth all persons to live to Christ in his way of Holiness that their Account may be comfortable in that day. for God hath appoin­ted a day in which he will judg the World in Righteousness, by that Man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assu­rance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead, Act. 17.31.

CHAP. VII.
Wherein is contained some considerati­ons concerning the Propheticall Office of Christ, necessary to our better at­tainment of a Degree in the Orna­ment of Holiness.

OF all Wisdom demonstrated in or a­mong the Sons and Daughters of Men, the Divine Wisdom of God in Christ is the most excellent and wonder­ful, most to be admired and desired.

Christ the Wisdom of God, and the Power of God, 1 Cor. 1.24. in whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg, Col. 2.3. in comparison whereof all the Wisdom of this world is but Foolishness in Gods esteem, 1 Cor. 1.20. Of all ca­ses that we are concerned to seek for Counsel in, the Case of our Souls for the Salvation thereof is our great concern­ment; and of all Counsellors for Advice in this case, we are most concerned to ad­vise [Page 88] with Christ, and seek to him for Coun­sel herein: Lord (saith Peter) to whom else should we go? thou hast the Words of Eter­nal Life, Joh. 6.68. neither is there Sal­vation in any other, Act. 4.12. It was commendable Prudence in Mary, that she was careful in this case of great concern­ment: she sits at Jesus's Feet to hear his Words, and makes all other Concern­ments for to give place hereto, Luk. 10.39, 40, 41, 42. And what was the reason, think ye, that Mary was taken up in so high esteem with the Words of Christ? Doubtless this was one among the rest, the Vertue and Tendency of his Words was unto the A [...]tainments of Holiness, and Heavens Happiness to her Soul, the words of Eternal Life.

This is that Lyon of the Tribe of Juda, and Root of David, that hath prevailed to open the Sealed Book, Revel. 5.5. even the Mysteries of the Kingdom, and way of Holiness, which from the beginning was hid in God: but now made manifest for the Obedience of Faith. This is that great Prophet of whom Moses spake, say­ing, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you: and it shall come to pass, that every Soul that [Page 89] will not hear that Prophet, shall be cut off from his people, or I (saith the Lord) will require it of him, Deuter. 18.18. Act. 3.22, 23.

Whence note by the way.

First, That God the Father, according to his fore-determination and ancient Pro­mise, hath raised up Jesus Christ, and or [...]ained him chief Prophet to his Peo­ple.

Secondly, Christ the Mediator between God and Man. Jesus Christ is here said to be a Prophet like unto Mos [...]s, that is, as Moses in that day did stand as a Media­tor between God and his People, to re­ceive the holy and lively Oracles of the Mind and Will of God from the Mouth of God, and dispence the same unto the People in that Dispensation; so Christ is the Mediator between God and Man now under the New Covenant, to receive of the Father the lively Oracles of the Mind and will of the Father, and to commu­nicate them unto the Sons and Daughters of Men in this Dispensation of the New Covenant.

Thirdly, An Advertisement to all persons to observe the Voice of Christ in the Mi­nistry of his Word. a third thing to be noted here, is, the Injun­ction or Command of the Father: Him shall you hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Fourthly, the Danger that will ensue to that Soul that doth not hearken to this Prophet: I will require it of him, saith the Lord, Deut. 18.19.

Fifthly, One thing more is considerable, in vers. An Adver­tisement to all Prea­chers, to take heel they preach not any thing that the Voice of Christ in his Word doth not own. 20. that if any Prophet shall pre­sume to speak a Word in my Name, saith the Lord, that I have not commanded him, or that shall speak in the Name of other Gods, that Prophet shall die.

Would a poor Soul attain to Holiness, so as to have an Interest in that comely Ornament, then consider Jesus Christ in the Execution of his Prophetical Office, which standeth in a revealing, or discove­ring the Mind and Will of God the Fa­ther unto the Sons and Daughters of men, with Advertisements and Perswasions to a Reception of the same, and a walking an­swerable thereunto.

The Prosecution of which Office he did perform doctrinally in his own person in the days of his Humiliation, and in the days of his Exaltation, by his Spirit in his Apostles, by immediate Inspiration, whose Doctrine and Practice for Church-Con­stitution, [Page 91] Order of Worship and Disci­pline, he confirmed to all succeeding Ge­nerations with Signs and Wonders, and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, Heb. 2.4. and since more ordinarily by the Mini­stry of the word confirmed, as aforesaid: I say, more ordinarily by the Offices and Officers; as Pastors and Teachers gifted for the work of the Ministry, to teach those confirmed Truths of Jesus Christ, contained in his Gospel, unto the Sons and Daughters of Men, for their Con­version, Edification, Comfort and Confir­mation of them in the Faith and Practice of all his holy Laws, Ordinances and Or­der of Government and Discipline, ac­cording to his own Institution, Pattern and Appointment, together with all those Promises and Priviledges in his Word of Truth, given out to them that in Love and Loyalty unto him and his Soveraign­ty subject unto him, and walk with him in the same.

Hereunto doth the Holy Ghost, by the Apostle Paul, witness, Eph. 4.8. When he ascended up on high, he led Captivity captive, and gave Gifts unto men: and, vers. 11. he gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work [Page 92] of the Ministery, for the edifying of the Body of Christ; till we all come in the uni­ty of the Faith, and of the Knowledg of the Son of God, unto a perfect Man, unto the mea­sure of the stature of the Fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with e­very wind of Doctrine by the sleight of men, and cunning Craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Some few things I would here note by the way: The Gos­pel Veri­ties are Gods Ora­cles, by him con­firm'd to us for stand­ing truths to be highly prized, and faith­fully em­braced, the Foun­tain from whence they flow being con­sidered.

First, that the Gospel-Dispensation is the lively and holy Oracles or Word of God the Father, which Christ by his Prophetical Office hath received of the Father, and made known to us the Sons and Daughters of Men, and confirmed to us by the witness of the Father, not only by the Resurrection of his Son, but also by signs and wonders, and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, for the Glory of his Name, and the Salvation of those that so em­brace it as the Oracles of God so confir­med.

Secondly those Pastors and Teachers that, in Love and Obedience to the Lord, [Page 93] do make the Apostolical confirmed-Doctrine and Practice their Rule and Ground of Doctrine and Practice for Conversion of Souls to Christ, An Ad­v [...]rtisement to Gods peo­ple, both Preachers and Hea­rers, to keep close to the Gos­pel-Rule. Constitu­tion of Churches, Admittance of Mem­bers, Order of Government and Disci­pline accordingly are such as Christ hath given and gifted as Ministers in his hand, Revel. 1.20. whereby he doth prosecute perseveringly from age to age his Pro­phetical Office, in order to Mans Salva­tion.

Thirdly, the natural Use, The Gospel is of great excellency and con­cernment to poor sinners, the use & tendency of is being co [...]side­red. Vertue and proper Tendency of the Gospel Apostoli­cally taught, observed and confirmed, as aforesaid, is the ordinary means, by the Father put into the Heart and Hand of Christ, for Mans Edification in the Know­ledg of Christ, Unity in the Faith of Christ, a Participation of the Fulness of Christ unto an attainment of Perfection in Christ, together with Stability in Christ unto Salvation by Christ, through believing in Christ, and conforming to Christ in the Teachings and Administrations thereof wherefore, as I am upon an Use of Di­rection to the enquiring Soul after the way to Holiness Attainments, or the At­tainment to Holiness; so I have set before thee Jesus Christ in his Offices, as an Ob­ject, [Page 94] whom thou art concerned to behold by an eye of Faith, and seriously to consider him with due consideration, as in his Humi­liation, so also in his Exaltation in the Exe­cution of his Offices; as in his Priestly and Kingly Offices, so also in his Prophetical Office; consider his Wisdom, his Love, and Faithfulness, made out to poor Sin­ners in the Execution of his Offices; con­sider his Ability and Sincerity herein: his Wisdom is infinite, it's the Wisdom of God; his Counsel is holy Counsel, 'tis heavenly Counsel, the VVords of eter­nal Life: his Love is great Love, pure Love; 'tis such a Love that drew him forth to deny himself unto Death for Sin­ners: consider him in his Ability: he is Almighty, All-sufficient, full of Grace and Truth, able to save (to the uttermost) them that come unto God by him: consider him in his Sincerity; he is sincere and re­al-hearted in his words and actions, in all his Undertakings, and Dispensations unto poor Sinners, that look unto him, and ad­vise with him for Counsel in their concerns for Holiness, and Heavens Attainments. Man's Rejection of his Counsel is his Sor­row; he wept over Jerusalem: Mans Embracing of him is his Joy; there is Joy in Heaven over one Sinner that repen­teth, [Page 95] that turneth to the Lord, to walk with him in his holy ways; he is real-hear­ted and sincere in his Word and Actions: therefore wouldst attain to Holiness, that comely Ornament, look unto Jesus, be­hold him in his Offices, as thy Prophet to teach thee by his Counsels, the King to govern thee by his Laws, and thy Priest to make an Atonement for thee by his Sacrifice: His Sacrifice is holy, his Laws are holy Laws; every Ordinance of Christ is holy; his Word and Counsel therein is holy: yea, all his ways are ways of Holi­ness; and all persons walking in the same with a due observation, are by the Holy Ghost owned for a holy People, holy and beloved.

O, wouldst thou look unto Jesus, so as to make him the Object in thine Eye, and the Subiect of thy Meditations! doubtless it would be a means to direct thee in the way to holy Attainments, and quicken thy motion thereunto.

The Prophet David hath laid us down an example of his own Practice of this na­ture, I (saith David) have set the Lord always before me, Psal 16.8. as if he had said, I have beheld the Lord through Grace, an Object of great Excellency to my Soul: therefore have I chosen him to [Page 96] be the only Object, upon whom I desire always to exercise the Eyes of my Under­standing and Faith, with Considerations and Meditations of his VVord, his Laws, Statutes, Testimonies, his Counsels, lo­ving Kindness and Faithfulness in the same; as he further expresseth, Psal. 119. I have chosen the way of truth, thy Judg­ments have I laid before me: I have stuck unto thy Testimonies, O Lord, put me not to shame, vers. 30, 31. I have rejoyced in the way of thy Testimonies as much as in all Riches: I will meditate on thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways: I will de­light my self in thy Statutes, I will not for­get thy Word, vers. 14, 15, 16. thy Testimo­nies also are my delight and my Counsellers, vers. 24.

Thus did David set the Lord always before him: and behold the Priviledges David reaped hereby unto himself: He is at my right Hand, (saith David) I shall not be moved, Psal. 16.8. Two general Priviledges is here noted, in which is comprehended many particulars:

First, here is the Lords presence with David in his aforesaid Exercise.

Secondly, here is Davids Stability of Faith, Hope, Assurance and Confidence of attaining to the full enjoyment of the [Page 97] Lord in the state of Glory, through the presence of the Lord with him: Thou wilt shew me the path of Life: in thy presence is fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore, Psal. 16.11. the sense and sight hereof fills Davids heart with joy: Therefore my heart is glad (saith David) and my Glory rejoyceth, my Flesh also shall rest in hope: vers. 9.

So Psal. 34.5. They looked to him, and were enlightened: and their Faces were not ashamed: that is, they were not failed of their Expectations.

Wherefore, wouldst thou attain to Ho­liness, and Heavens Happiness, look un­to Jesus, advise with his Counsel in his Teachings, in his Word: exercise thine eyes of thy Understanding and Faith there­upon; it is thy great concernment in or­der to thy Attainments in the Ornament, Holiness: yea, so look unto him, as to consider him as aforesaid.

Consideration and Meditation are of great use in the way of Holiness: Samu­el speaking a word of Exhortation unto Israel, to fear the Lord, and serve him with all their heart; the more to engage them, and make his Exhortation prevai­ling with them, he puts them upon the act of Consideration upon the great things [Page 98] that God had done for them: For, consi­der (saith he) what great things God hath done for you, 1 Sam. 12.24: as if a due consideration of Gods Mercies were of great concernment, to produce an awful Reverence of God in the heart of a peo­ple, and of great use to beget motion in his Service.

And, doubtless, did we exercise our con­siderations seriously upon the Lord Jesus Christ in his Offices; & consider how great things the Lord hath done and doth do for us thereby: did we consider Gods End therein, with the use and Benefits thereof unto poor, fallen, enslaved, sinful man through believing; it would, through the Blessing of God, prove to be of an enga­ging nature, to engage us to press after the Attainment of Holiness; and of a di­recting nature, to direct us in the way; also of an incouraging nature, to incou­rage against all difficulties lying in the way; and of a quickening nature, to quicken our motion towards the per­fecting of Holiness in the Fear of God. Israels Ingrati­tude in not exer­cising their Considerations upon the gratious Dealings of God towards them, but upon their carnal Vanities.

It was the great complaint of the Lord against Israel, even their want of Con­sideration, [Page 99] Isa. 1.3. The Oxe knoweth his Owner, and the Ass his Masters Crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. So in chapt. 5.12. the Lord by the Prophet complaineth, saying, The Harp and the Viol, the Tabret and the Pipe, and Wine are in their Feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the Operation of his hands.

And may it not be the great complaint of the Lord against the men of this Gene­ration, as to the generality of them? that although the Lord is the owner of them, not only by Creation, but also by Purchase and Price paid; and although the Lord hath created Man with that noble Faculty of Rationality, above others of his Crea­tures, to the end they might be considerate of his Word and works of Divine concern­ment, to the glory of his Name; and al­though he hath furnished the Masters Crib, even Jesus Christ and his Word, with the excellent Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg, Gifts and Graces, for Soul-nourishment in holy and heav nly Attainments, for the Glory of his Name, and the eternal Consolation of the Soul: yea although the Lord doth many times work and operate by his Word in the Ministery thereof, upon the Mind, Affe­ctions, [Page 100] and understanding Faculties, both to will and to do according to his good pleasure; and that by his loving Invitati­ons and perswading Arguments, Exhor­tations and Promises: yet notwithstan­ding what Ignorance of God, and Fruit­lesness in the things of God, what little strength of Grace remains in the greatest part of the men of this Generarion.

And what's the reason thereof? Su [...]ely (saith the Lord) Wine and Musick is in their Feasts (i. e.) they give themselves up to the Vanities of this world, in the Profits and Pleasures thereof, to fulfil the fleshly lustings of a carnal Heart; but they regard not the Works of the Lord, neither consider the Operation of his Hands. Surely, would we seriously consider the great Work of God in Jesus Christ, and the Operation of his Word and Works manifested in this our day; how useful would it be unto us for Direction unto Holiness, and to quicken our motion there­unto?

CHAP. VIII.
Containing some Directions tending to our better Attainment of that comely Ornament Holiness, by put­ting on of Jesus Christ; and abiding in him.

GReat Care and Cost is exercised by many for the putting on upon the Bo­dy, not only such Raiment necessary for the Preservation of its Health and Modesty, but also for such Attire that they think may most beautifie and adorn it to an e­steem in the Eyes of Men; mean while that Attire that is of greatest concern­ment for the adorning of both Body and Soul, to make them comely and delight­ful in the sight of God, is laid by, disre­garded, as Ornaments out of fashion.

Holiness is the comely Ornament, well becoming Gods House, Gods People.

As I am upon a Use of Direction to the inquiring Soul for its Attainment to Holi­ness, [Page 102] and in the foregoing Chapters have laid some Directions before you, in order to that Attainment, by an Act or Exercise of the Eyes of the understanding Facul­ties upon Jesus Christ in his Offices, as King, Priest and Prophet, anointed and appointed thereunto by the Father.

Also an Act of Consideration; to con­sider him in the prosecution of the said Offices, with the Use, End and Tendency thereof towards the Sons of Men; as the Eye-Salve for the clearing the Eyes of the Understanding, to behold the way of Holiness, and the Excellency of its At­tainments.

Now in further prosecution of this Use of Direction, I shall propose a further Action, in order to our perfecting Holiness in the fear and way of God.

The which is, to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Would we attain to an Estate in the Ornament of Holiness: then our great concernment is, to put on the Lord Je­sus Christ. It is a piece of Divine Coun­sel, not mine, but the Lords, given by his Spirit, whose Office it is to lead Souls into all truth.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 13.14.

Three things are here liable to be pro­posed in way of Inquisition, by the enqui­ring Soul: as first, wherein persons are con­cerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Secondly, how persons are concerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thirdly, why persons are concerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to that Attainment of Holiness.

To the first Proposal, wherein Christ is to be put on: and that is in a threefold respect, in order to that Attainment:

First, in respect to his Offices.

Secondly, in respect to his Qualifications.

Thirdly, in respect to his VValkings.

To the second Proposal, how Christ is to be put on in respect to his Offices, Qua­lifications and VValkings: And,

First, to his Offices.

And that is, by an Act of Faith adhe­ringly and dependingly; as when a Soul beholding God the Father tendering his Son in all his Offices, as King Priest and Prophet, to the Soul: the Soul is here­by moved to accept and take (by Faith) Jesus Christ with all his Offices, so as wholly to confide in him, and depend on him, and on him alone, for a free pardon and a full Remission of its sins, and for its acceptation with the Father, through his [Page 104] Atonement and Satisfaction made, by Ver­tue of his Priestly Office.

Secondly, to confide in him, and de­pend upon him, in order to his Kingly Office, as the only Lawgiver, unto whose Laws the Subjection and Obedience of the Creature is due, and ought to be perfor­med, and as its great Protector to eternal Bliss.

Thirdly, adheringly, by applying and relying, by confiding in him, and depen­ding upon him in his Doctrine, teaching Advice and Counsel contained in his VVord, as the only Rule and Guidance of a Soul into the paths of Holiness and way of Salvation, by Vertue of his Of­fice Prophetical.

Thus to put on Christ, doth put a Soul into possession of most excellent Privi­ledges: as,

First, Christs Merits, obtained by ver­tue of his Priestly Office, doth become the Souls Righteousness and Justification unto the Fathers Acceptation.

Secondly. Obedience to the Laws of Christ, as King, is attended with many Blessings from the Father, who accepts it as Honour done, as unto his Son, so also unto himself.

Thirdly, by a Souls putting on of Christ [Page 105] as its Prophet: the Soul is put into pos­session of a sure word of Prophecy, an infallible Counsel for Direction how to stear its Course both in Word and Acti­on, so as to please God, and to possess his favour, in whose favour is Life, saith the Psalmist, Psal. 30.5.

Secondly, the second thing proposed, wherein persons are concerned to put on Jesus Christ, is in his Qualifications of Grace: It is not enough for persons to hear the Word of Christ, nor to act in the visible Ordinances of Christ; but also to endeavour so to improve the Word and Ordinances of Christ, by an Application of Christ in the same to the Heart through believing, that by the Power of the Word of Christ in our Hearts we may attain to the Qualifications of Christ, in their proper nature; ruling in our Hearts by the Dominion and Power thereof, to the enabling of us to subdue the Qualifications of Corruption, and to bring our Thoughts, Words and Actions, our Minds, our Wills and our Affections into a conformity unto Christ.

And for Testimony hereunto, that per­sons are concerned to put on Christ in his Qualifications, and wherein these Quali­fications do consist, I shall call in two or [Page 106] three Scripture Evidences among many, which that infallible Spirit of Truth, proceeding from the Father and the Son, hath recorded, Phil. 2.1. If there be there­fore any Consolation in Christ, if any Com­fort of Love, if any Fellowship of the Spi­rit, if any Bowels and Mercies, fulfil ye my Joy, that ye be like minded, having the same Love, being of one accord, of one Mind: let nothing be done through Strife, or Vain-glory; but in lowliness of Mind: let each esteem others better than them­selves: let this Mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, &c.

See here is a Unity of Qualifications required between Christ and his People; the same Mind, the same affectionate Love, the same bowels of Compassion and Mercies, the same Humility, the same Patience in the Quality, though we cannot reach the Quantity.

To this purpose is that Divine Exhor­tation, Coloss. 3.12. Put on therefore, as the Elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of Mercies, Kindness, humbleness of Mind, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as Christ for­gave you, so also do ye; and above all things put on Charity, which is the Bond of Perfect­ness: as if he had said, And above all things [Page 107] put on a real Love unto the Lord, and unto one another for the Lords sake; and let all your Actions flow from that Original, and be therewith compounded.

This is my Commandment (saith Christ to his Disciples) that ye love one another, as I have loved you, Joh. 15.12.

O see Christ and Christians Oneness in the matter of Qualifications, according to what Christians do or ought to press after, in order to the Attainment of Ho­liness.

Those Souls that would attain to Holi­ness must put on Christ in his Offices, al­so in his Qualifications.

Thirdly, as it is the great concernment of Souls, to put on Christ in his Qualifi­cations and Offices, in order to Holiness, so also in example of walking sutable to those Qualifications. It is not enough to receive Grace, and to have the Qualifica­tions of Grace wrought in us; but there must be a bringing forth the Fruits there­of, by a visible motion and action in all those ways wherein the Glory of God and the Benefit of his People is concer­ned, after the example of Christ, accor­ding to our measure received.

Jesus Christ in the days of his Humilia­tion was active to administer Grace unto [Page 108] poor Sinners, for their Conversion, Edi­fication and Salvation, according to what he had received of the Father: so Divine Counsel doth require every man, as he hath received the Gift, so to administer the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold Graces of God, 1 Pet. 4.10. Edifie one another, as also ye do, 1 Thess. 5.11. building up your selves on your most ho­ly Faith, Jude 20. exhort one another, Heb. 3.13. admonish one another, Col. 3.16. forewarn and reprove in the case of Sin: These are some of the footsteps of Christ, that he had his motion and wal­king in; these are some of the foot­steps of the Flock of Christ, wherein they are by Divine appointment to fol­low Christ in: and he that saith, he abideth in Christ, ought so to walk even as he wal­ked, 1 Joh. 2.6. It was commendable in the believing Romans, that they so im­proved the Word of Christ to an increase of Grace and Knowledg to an ability to admonish one another, Rom. 15.14. The Thessalonians were under Commendati­ons for their edifying and comforting one another in things of God, while the He­brews lay under Reproof, in that they, for the time that they had received the Gos­pel, ought to have been Teachers of o­thers, [Page 190] they were become such as had need to be taught again the first Principles of the Oracles of God, Heb. 5.12.

The Corinthians were commended for keeping the Ordinances to them delive­red; but at the same time reproved for not observing of them in manner and form, according to the order of the first Institu­tion or Delivery: therefore he that saith, he abideth in Christ, ought so to walk even as he walked: To this agreeth those words of Paul to the Corinthians, Be ye Follow­ers of me, even as I also am of Christ, 1 Cor. 11.1. even so, not otherwise, Christ must be the Pattern for Matter, Manner and Form; Christ walked in the observation of all the Laws and Ordinances in Mat­ter, Manner and Form, wherein his Fa­thers Will, his Worship and Service was concerned; he that saith he abideth in him ought so to walk even as he walked. Should I by the way give one instance of Christs Observation in that holy Ordinance of Divine Institution unto a holy Use and End, that in these days is by most people laid aside, and by many violently oppo­sed and abused, calling it a low, carnal, empty thing, a Shadow without a Sub­stance, and a Shell without a Kernel, and the like, or worse, and the Observers of [Page 110] it had in gteat reproach; the which Or­dinance is that Baptism where a Gospel-Minister is the Administrator, and the Subject a Believer demonstrating Faith in Christ, and much Water the Matter, and both going down into the Water, the Administrator dipping or overwhelming the Subject in the Water, in the Name of the Father, Son and holy Ghost, the Man­ner and Form. This Baptism, as low as some would lay it, is from Heaven, ap­pointed by God the Father as a Branch of his Mind and VVill. To this Ordinance of Baptism in VVater did Christ the Son of God, and Head of his Church, submit unto, in obedience to his Fathers VVill, as an act of Righteousness, thereby con­firming it as the VVill of God, and an act of Righteousness unto his People, for to observe and do in obedience to the will of God; the which Ordinance Christ hath ratified and confirmed unto his Church, and every Soul exercising Faith in him, by his Authority and Command, as a standing Ordinance, to be observed in its place, and to its Ends & Uses, for and during the time of the Gospel-Administration; the which is like to be until time shall be no longer, Revel. 10.6. or the great and terrible day of the Lord come, in which [Page 111] the Lord will judg all men, and those living under the Dispensation of the Gos­pel, according to their embracing or re­jecting of his Counsel contained in the Gospel: as it is written, The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his migh­ty Angels in flaming Fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting De­struction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the Glory of his Power, 2 Thessalon. 1.7, 8.

Therefore seeing the afore-recited Bap­tism was by God the Father instituted as a Branch of his VVill and an Act of Righte­ousness for Believers to observe and do; and Christ his Son hath confirmed it unto us by his personal Act therein, and also by his word of Command and Counsel thereunto: He that saith, he abideth in Christ, ought so to walk, so to observe the same, it being by Divine Authority made one of the footsteps of the Flock of God.

But here is one thing liable to the In­quisition of the enquiring Soul, unto which I would say something before I pass this particular.

Quest. What is the End and Ʋse of Bap­tism.

Ans. Baptism is an Appointment of God, to stand as a visible sign or token of his Covenant of Grace made in Christ for the Remission of Sins, and Acceptation of Persons, that through a supernatural Illu­mination do see themselves siinners & loft by sin, and their Redemption from the gift of Sin, and their Justification unto Life, to consist in Christ, by vertue of his Death, Burial and Resurrection, as a Propitita­tion and Atonement by him made, unto his Fathers satisfaction, and acceptation, upon the conditions of Faith and Repen­tance; that is to say, upon their embra­cing of him believingly unto a dependency upon his Merits alone for their Justifica­tion from Sin unto Life, and Repentance unto a purpose of Heart to live to Christ in his Laws and Counsel contained in his VVord: and hence it is, that Baptism is sometimes called the Baptism of Repen­tance for the Remission of Sins: Luk. 3.3.

First, because by Gods Requirement it is to be attended with Repentance in the Subject unto a purpose of heart, to live to God, as contained in the Covenant.

Secondly, because by Baptism God doth visibly signifie both unto the Belie­ver acting in Baptism, and also his Church, that he accepts that person unto a free [Page 113] Remission of its Sins, and also to all his Church-Priviledges contained in his Co­venant.

Thirdly, because a Believer in Baptism doth signifie both to God and Man its Ac­ceptance of Christ, and Repentance unto a purpose of Heart to live to Christ, by whom he receiveth the Atonement con­tained in the Covenant.

Fourthly, because a Believer doth in Baptism resemble Christ in his Death, Bu­rial and Resurrection, by which our A­tonement was obtained: Therefore (saith the Apostle) we are buried with him in Baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of Life: for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his Death, we shall be also in the likeness of his Resurrection; knowing this, that our Old Man is crucified with him, that the Body of Sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve Sin, Rom. 6.4, 5, 6.

Whence note, that the Gospel-Baptism is a Resemblance of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ unto Be­lievers: Christ descended down into Death and the Grave, taking upon him the weight and burthen of the Sins of sin­ful [Page 114] Men that went astray: a Believer descendeth (in Baptism) down into the Water, an Eliment of Death, where it gaineth power, and and is therein by the Administrator buried or overwhelmed, taking upon the Command and the Ex­ample of Christ for its Rule thereunto; his Will for to obey, and taking upon him the Merits of Christ, whereby his Sins are done away.

Christ ariseth out of the Grave by the Glory of God the Father, purposely to live unto the Glory of God the Father: but one thing here, among the rest, I mind: He leaves his heavy burthen of Sin behind.

The Believer ariseth up out of the Wa­ter, as out of a Grave, by the Glory of God the Father's Grace, with purpose of heart to live unto the Glory of God the Father, through the power of Grace: and here one thing, as before, I mind: He leaveth all his former Sins behind, all done away by vertue of Christs Blood, by Faith applied in this similitude.

And now (saith Ananias to Saul) why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized: and wash away thy Sins, calling on the Name of the Lord; Act. 22.16. not that the Wa­ter in it self washeth away Sin; but the [Page 115] particular application of Christs Death, Burial and Resurrection, with the Ends, Use and Efficacy thereof by Faith, as they are to the Eye of Faith represented by the Act of Baptism, with three Motions in the Water; as going down into the Water, buried in the Water, and arising up out of the Water, as aforesaid: the which Baptism, with the form of Words thereto, is the Gospel-Baptism, approved by the Divine Counsel of God, to be the visible sign and token of his Covenant made in Christ unto Believers, wherein God signs to them his Acceptation of them unto the Priviledges of his Cove­nant: they sign to God their Acceptation of the Covenant, and Christ the Media­tor thereof, to live to him according to his Mind and Will contained in the Co­venant.

The Apostle Peter, speaking of Noahs Ark, and eight Souls therein, saved by wa­ter, saith, Like Figure whereunto even Bap­tism doth now save us, not the putting a­way the filth of the Flesh, but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Two things are here laid down as In­struments of Noahs Safety, the Ark and the Water: They get into the Ark, and [Page 116] the Water carrieth up the Ark above the deluge, to their preservation: But we are principally concerned to look unto the o­riginal Ground of their Preservation, which was,

First, Gods Command and Counsel to Noah discovered.

Secondly, Noahs Faith in embracing, and acting accordingly. Noah believes God makes Preparation, and gets into the Ark: and therefore Hebrews 11. attri­butes their Safety unto Gods Command and Counsel, and to Noahs Faith: By Faith Noah being warned of God, &c.

Noah herein had the Answer of a good Conscience towards God, he acted suta­ble to his Will revealed, and was pre­served: Like Figure whereunto Baptism now saveth us, saith Peter, not the washing away the filth of the Flesh, but the Answer of a good Conscience towards God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Three things are here considerable in these words of Peter.

First, Baptism is here said to be of a sa­ving nature.

Secondly, wherein it cometh so to be of a saving nature: and that is said, to consist in the Answer of a good Conscience towards God.

Thirdly, how it cometh to be of a sa­ving nature: and that is, by the Resur­rection of Jesus Christ.

But why by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

First, because that the Resurrection of Je­sus Christ is a sure confirmation to us, that Jesus Christ hath suffered Death, shed his Blood, for the obtaining a free and full Remission of Sins unto a Justification from the Guilt thereof, and from the Condem- thereunto belonging, even to as many as believe on his Name.

Secondly, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we have a sure Confirmation,

1. That he ever liveth to be a Me­diator between God the Father and Man, as the chief Prophet to his People.

2. That he ever liveth to make Inter­cession for his People, as their High-Priest.

3. That he ever liveth to be the sole Head, King and Lawgiver, for Rule and Government unto his People, for their Direction, Protection and Preservation into a full poss [...]ssion of Salvation, accor­ding to the Covenant.

Thirdly, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we have sure Confirmation, that he ever liveth to raise us up out of the [Page 118] Grave, 1 Thess. 4.14. 2 Cor. 4.14. by his power unto an estate of Immortality and eternal Life; we being on him, and con­forming to him, according to the condi­tions of the Covenant: Herein God com­mended his Love unto us (saith the Apostle) in that while we were yet Sinners Christ died for us, much more than being now justified by his Blood we shall be saved from Wrath through him: for if when we were Enemies we were reconciled by the Death of his Son, much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life: that is to say, by his Life, whereunto he is risen again, will he much more carry on the Management of every Branch of the Covenant, which on his part is to be performed to the crowning of all his reconciled ones with eternal Sal­vation, even as the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an evidence of assurance unto all men, that God will by the Man Christ Jesus judg the World, Act. 17.31. so is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ a sure evi­dence of Confirmation, that Jesus Christ ever liveth to perform every Branch of the Covenant unto Believers, as aforesaid, by vertue of his Offices.

Now, as it is the Counsel ond Require­ment of God, that persons should through the Gospel-Ministration, believe on Christ, [Page 119] and conform to Christ, as aforesaid; so also is it the Counsel and Requirement of God, that persons so embracing of Christ by Faith, with purpose of heart to con­form to him, should visibly confess their Faith in Christ, and visibly put on the Profession of Jesus Christ by Baptism, in the way of Christ, confirmed unto us in the Gospel, Gal. 3.27. the which Baptism, although with Water administred, doth unto the Eye of Faith comprehend figu­ratively the Ark of Safety, with the Mer­cy Seat also (i. e.) Christ Jesus, with the Covenant of Grace in him, which carrieth the Soul (through Faith) above the deluge of Sin and Condemnation for the same, wherein the ungodly world do sink and perish, while the Believer remaining in the Ark doth dwell in safety. Would you know the Reason why the Eunuch, when baptized, went away rejoycing? Act. 8.39.16.34. Surely he was by Faith gotten into the Ark, wherein he did be­hold his security from the aforesaid de­luge of Sin and Condemnation; and set into a state of peace with God unto his consolation: we joy in God (saith the Apo­stle) through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the Atonement, Rom. 5.11.

Noah in believing Gods Word, and im­proving the Means by God appointed according to his Advice and Counsel, doth therein answer a good Conscience to­wards God; and answered his Conscience with peace and security, to his great joy and consolation: so a Believer in embra­cing Gods Word, and improving it ac­cording to his Advice and Counsel, doth therein answer a good Conscience towards God, and God doth in the said Improve­ment answer the Conscience with peace, and the Soul with preservation, to its great joy and consolation.

A Believer by being baptized doth thereby visibly justifie God in the truth of his Word, and God does by Baptism visibly signifie his justifying of the Belie­ver unto a participation of all his Church-priviledges, according to his Cove­nant.

The Publicans (saith Christ) justified God being baptized with the Baptism of John: but the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him: Luk, 7.29, 30.

The Publicans, it seemeth, did apply the Word of God believingly: the Phari­sees and Lawyers gave not so much cre­dit thereunto.

Where the Word of a King is (saith So­lomon) there is Power: But the Admini­stration of the Gospel of Christ is not on­ly the Word of a King, but it is the Word of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, in whose Word Baptism standeth both by Command and Promise, Matth. 28.19. to Believers by Command, for their Ob­servation, and by Promise to their Con­solation and Salvation.

He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved, Mark. 16.16, the Word of this King is a Word of Power: it is the Power of God unto Salvation, to every one that be­lieveth, Rom. 1.16. yea it is a Word of Power also to the Unbeliever, for to judg him unto Condemnation for rejecting the same: as, saith Jesus Christ, He that re­jecteth me, and receiveth not my Words, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judg him at the last day: (his Reason is) for I have not spoken of my self; but my Father which sent me, he gave me a Commandment what I should say, and what I should speak, And I know that his Commandment is Life ever­lasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak, Joh. 12, 48, 49, 50.

Here behold a faithful Mediator be­tween [Page 122] God and Man, the Man Christ Je­sus; he brings nothing to the Sons of Men, but what is the Mind and Will of God the Father, for them to believe, ob­serve and do accordingly: and as Baptism is equally confirmed to us, with the rest of Gospel-Doctrine, for to be believed, and observed in its place: so it doth great­ly concern all persons exercising Faith in Christ, to observe it so as to answer the Will of God, and a good Conscience in the Administration and improvement of the same, in order to its End and Uses: and withal consider, that if it doth be­come a Shell without a Kernel to any per­sons, it is for want of Faith in the Subject upon whom it is administred: to behold the Kernel, and to feed thereon: and in­deed it is the Wisdom and good Pleasure of Almighty God to order the preaching of the Word unto all people, for to be­get Faith in them, and those converted to the Faith unto a visible Demonstration of the same, to be meet Subjects for Bap­tism and visible Church-membership by the same.

And whereas some persons do pretend they are baptized with the Spirit, and therefore slight Baptism with Water, as too low an Ordinance for them to observe [Page 123] in the administration of it, and rather plead the cessation of it than the observa­tion of it.

In answer whereunto, consider that if any persons might have been exempted from Baptism upon that Plea, of being baptized with the Spirit: then doubtless, Christ, and also those persons spoken of Act. 10. might have been exempted, inas­much as they were extraordinarily inspi­red with the Spirit and Gifts thereof: yet these must put on the Administration thereof, as an act of Righteousness in sub­mission to the Will of God.

Whence note, that the highest Attain­ments of the Spirit and spiritual Gifts of Grace, we can attain unto in this Life, doth not exempt or free any person from, but rather obligeth the more unto, and maketh them the more meet for action in those Ordinances of Baptism and Bread and Wine in their several places, ends and uses.

And indeed it is a question, whether those persons pretending the abovesaid Plea, for their Omission and Opposition of the afore-recited Ordinances, are at all pertakers of that Spirit whereunto they do pretend: forasmuch as it is the Office of the Spirit of Truth to lead Souls into [Page 124] the Observation of all Truth, and not in­to the Omission or Opposition of the same.

In the next place consider, that although I have proceeded so far upon this point of Baptism, in order to the Vindication of it, and Believers in the Observation of the same: yet have I not digressed from the Matter of Direction to the enquiring Soul, in order to its Attainment to Holi­ness: forasmuch as Baptism, as before considered, is a holy Ordinance, institu­ted by the holy God unto holy ends and uses; neither is it of the Matter of putting on of Christ, as before asserted, in order to the Attainment of Holiness, but is com­prehended in the same; that is to say, his Offices, Qualifications and Example of Walkings:

In order whereunto, consider those Words asserted by the Apostle Paul, Gal. 3.27. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ: and so I shall proceed to the next perticu­lar; which is, to abide in him.

Fourthly, as we are concerned to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, as aforesaid, in order to our Attainment unto Holiness, so also we are concerned to abide in him.

It is a piece of Divine Counsel delive­red by our Lord and blessed Saviour Jesus Christ unto his Disciples, Joh. 15.4, 5. Christians must abide in Christ in order to their per­fecting Holiness. Abide in me and I in you, as the Branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it abide in the Vine: no more can ye, except ye a­bide in me; I am the Vine, ye are the Bran­ches: he that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. Sometimes in Scripture we have this abiding in him set forth by the terms continuing and per­severing: The Apostle Paul, Col. 1.21, 22.23. putting the Colossians in mind of the End of Christs Death for them, which was,

First, to reconcile them unto himself, and unto the Father in him.

Secondly, to present them unto the Father holy, unblameable and unreprove­able in his sight, he addeth this proviso, If ye continue in the Faith, grounded and setled, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard.

Whence note by the way, that a well-grounded Faith in Christ, attended with stability therein, according to the Apo­stolical Ministration, is the principal way to attain to Holiness, to the Fathers accep­tation: such will Christ adorn with the holy Robes of his own Righteousness; [Page 126] and therein justifie them to the Fathers ac­ceptation unto Life eternal.

Therefore, as ye have received Christ Je­sus the Lord, so walk ye in him, rooted and built up in him, as ye have been taught, a­bounding therein with Thanksgiving, Col. 2.6. I may not omit Saint Johns Exhor­tation and Advice in his first Epistle, chap. 3.24, 25, 28. Let that therefore a­bide in you which ye have heard from the beginning: if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you: ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Fa­ther: and this is the Promise that he hath promised us, even eternal Life. And now little Children abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Whence note by the way,

First, that as persons are concerned to put on Christ in order to Holiness and Heavens Attainments: so it is their stabi­lity or abiding in it that crowns them with the same: Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy Crown, Revel. 3.11.

Secondly, note that a person near con­formity to and abiding in the Apostolical Doctrine, in all things wherein the Faith and Practice of a Christian is concerned, is the best visible Demonstration of a [Page 127] Souls being and abiding in the Father and the Son: see 2 Joh. v. 9.

Thirdly, note that a people abiding in the Gospel-Doctrine, and so in the Fa­ther and the Son by Faith: they do there­by much augment the joy, comfort and confidence of the true Gospel-Minister (in the day of Christs second appearing) un­der whose Ministry they have been con­ducted into that estate.

And now, little Children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have con­fidence, and not be ashamed before him, at his coming. 1 Joh. 2.28. For what is our Hope or Joy, or Crown of rejoycing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? for ye are our Glory and Joy: for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord, 1 Thess. 2.19, 20. chap. 3.8.

Thus having briefly laid down these four Rules for the enquiring Soul, to ob­serve in its progress towards the Attain­ment of Holiness: as,

1. That he look to Jesus with an eye of Faith, as he is held forth in the Gos­pel-Administration.

2. To consider him in his Undertakings for us, and in his Benefits to us.

3. To put him on in the particulars a­fore-premised.

And 4. To abide in him.

Now whereas there was three particu­lars proposed, in order to the putting on of Christ: as,

1. Wherein he is to be put on.

2. How he is to be put on: and

3. Why he must be put on in order to that Attainment.

Having laid down something to the first and second, it remains that something be said to the third, Why Christ must be put on by those that would attain to Holi­ness? And,

First, because he is the Center in whom all the means appertaining to Holiness is by the Father centered: In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are compleat in him, Coloss. 2.9, 10. Christs Person is holy, his Word is holy, his Works are Holy, his Name is holy, his Nature is holy, his Laws, Ordinan­ces, Government, Councel; yea all in himself, and proceeding from himself is holy; he is the Fountain of Holiness, full of the Springs of God.

Secondly, Persons must put on Christ in that Attainment; because it is the Will of God, and his fore-determination and appointment from Eternity, that in Christ should that Attainment of Holiness be un­to [Page 129] all persons, through believing or putting on him as aforesaid. There is no other way standing in the Election or Counsel of God to attain unto Holiness, but only in Jesus Christ, as saith the Apostle, Ac­cording as he hath chosen us in him, before the Foundation of the World, that we should be Holy and without blame before him in love, Ephes. 1.4. Wherefore would we attain unto an Estate in the Ornament of Holiness; would we have Christ formed in us, and we transformed into his like­ness, so as to bare his Image, his Name and Nature? Would we answer God the Fathers Predestination, Election, and Calling? Would we have the assurance thereof sealed unto our Souls, and have an entrance into his Kingdom? Then put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and abide in him as afore considered; in his Offices, Qualifications, and Example of walking; its the great design of God in Christ from Eternity; its the joy of every faithful Gospel-Minister to behold such effects wrought in a people; fulfil ye my joy (saith the Apostle) that ye be like mind­ed, having the same love. Its the Beauty of a Christian; the very quintescence of Christianity; the honour of Religion, to the glory of God.

O put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and a­bide in him, and make not provission for the Flesh, to fulfil the Lusts thereof.

CHAP. IX.
Containing a use of Reprehension and Admonition unto several sorts of men in this Generation; who notwith­standing the Excellency of Holiness, and the great concernment thereof, to the advancing of Gods Glory, and the Creatures Comfort, and Eternal Consolation, do wilfully neglect, or carelesly improve the way and means for the attainment thereof, as if it was an Ornament altogether out of fashion, and of no use, nor comlinest to be found in it.

Of these Persons, are first

THe Ignorant Soul that sitteth down contentedly in an Estate of Igno­norance, making the Custome of their Country, and the Traditions of [Page 131] their Ancestors, the only rule and ground for their chiefest actions; but as for the matter of Holiness, with the way and means of its attainment, the poor Crea­tures are meerly strangers: The Estate and Condition of such Souls is much to be lamented, in that so much means of know­ledg is afforded, and so much ignorance remaining under the same, by reason of a careless negligence of applying the ratio­nal faculties of the Soul in the diligent use of the means afforded by a serious search into the revealed will of God, with due consideration and meditation of the same, thereby to gain the knowledge of him, acquaintance with him; to glorify his name, and to the establishing of the Soul in the knowledge of its Salvation.

The Spirit of God in Scripture reckon­eth the said carelessness and negligence in this matter, under the notion of folly, and indeed it is a point of the greatest folly in the world, and to be admired, that God having given forth such excellent means of Knowledge and Salvation in the same, and the Creature not esteem it worth the im­proving.

Solomon was a man endued with great Wisdome, and yet he seemeth not to reach the depth of the Creatures negli­gence [Page 132] herein; or at least, Gods great mercy in affording such excellent means unto the Creature, and waiting upon him in the same: Wherefore (saith he) is there a price in the hand of a Fool to get Wisdome, seeing he hath no heart to it, Pro. 17.16. yet Solomon layeth the cause of a persons not attaining to Wisdom, in his not im­proving the means; and his not impro­ving the means, to be his folly, as we may understand him in his expressions, Prov. 24.7. Prov. 24.7.

Wisdom is too high for a Fool (saith Solo­mon): and why? He openeth not his mouth in the gate; as if he had said, The way and means in which Wisdom is attain­able, is by him neglected.

As without Knowledg the Mind cannot be good, so doubtless it is generally pos­sessed with Carnality; the which, as saith the Apostle, is Enmity with God, Rom. 8.7. and, through Ignorance is alienated from the life of God, Eph. 4.18. It were much to be desired that every Soul in this Estate, would take Counsel of the Spirit of God, given out by Solomon, to cry af­ter Knowledg, and lift up the Voyce for Understanding; to seek for her as for hid Treasures; implying a diligent search in­to God's Word, with earnest supplicati­ons [Page 133] to the Throne of Grace for the at­tainment thereof; Then (saith the Text) shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the Knowledg of God; for the Lord giveth Wisdom, out of his mouth com­eth Knowledg and Ʋnderstanding, Pro. 2.2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

I shall only present two or three Scrip­tures more to the consideration of those persons that sit down as satisfied and con­tented under this Estate of Ignorance, and so leave them to the good pleasure of the Almighty; the first Scripture is recorded in Pro. 24. ver. 3, 4. Through Wisdom is an House builded, and by Ʋnderstanding it is Established, and by Knowledg shall the Chambers be filled with all precious and plea­sant Riches. These words admit of a spiritual sence and meaning, as it may be thus: The House builded, to signify a Person or People built up in the Faith of Christ, and observation of his Truth, as Saint Peter teacheth in his first Epistle, chap. 2. vers. 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual House, &c. to this sence are those words of Jude; But ye be­loved, building up your selves on your most ho­ly Faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, &c. Jud. 20.

Secondly: You have the means by [Page 134] which the building is reared up, and that is here said to be through Wisdom, inti­mating the divine Wisdom and Counsel of God contained in his Word.

Thirdly: The way of Establishment, and that is said by Ʋnderstanding. As if a right understanding of the Mind and Will of God, or the Truth, as it is in Jesus, were the only way to a Souls Establish­ment therein; Psal. 119.34. Give me Ʋnderstanding (saith David) and I shall keep thy Law, yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart, when Wisdom entereth into thy heart (saith Solomon) and Knowledg is pleasant unto thy Soul, Prov. 2.10, 11, 12. Discretion shall preserve thee, Ʋn­derstanding shall keep thee, to deliver thee from the way of the evil man, &c.

Fourthly: It is said, by Knowledg, shall the Chambers be filled with all pleasant and precious Riches, intimating the in­ward and uppermost Roomes of the Soul, as the Mind, the Will, Affections; yea, all the rational faculties of the Soul, shall through the true knowledge of God in Christ, be filled and furnished with the precious qualifications of divine grace, according to Christ Jesus, in a measure, and with the pleasant and comfortable manifestations of God's love in Christ, wherein is satisfying Joy and Pleasures for ever-more.

This is Eternal Life, to know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent, Joh. 17.3.

Hereunto agreeth those words of Peter in his second Epistle, recorded in the first Chapter, ver. 3. whose words are these; Grace and Peace be multiplyed unto you, through the knowledge of God, and Jesus Christ our Lord, according as his Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto Life and Godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to Glory and Vertue; whence we may note these particulars by the way.

First: The gift given unto us of God, and that is, all things that pertain to Life and Godliness.

Secondly: The way of conveyance of these things unto the Soul; and that is said to be through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thirdly: The effects wrought in the Soul by the means received in know­ledge, and that is an Estate of Godliness and assurance of Eternal Life, and also preservation in this Estate: Whence we may observe, that an Estate of Holiness, or Godliness, and Eternal Life, with all things appertaining thereunto, is the free and proper gift of God, and is highly to [Page 136] be prized, Observe. and carefully improved to the Glory of God, by every Soul that de­sires his own well-being in the knowledge and enjoyments of God, wherein the true felicity and comfort of the Soul doth con­sist; the which attainments is enjoyed through a true knowledge of God in Christ. To this agreeth those words of St. Paul, Col. 3.10. The new Man is re­newed in Knowledge, after the Image of him that Created him, in Righteousness and true Holiness, Eph. 4.24. Whence note also by the way, that in, and through a true Knowledge of God in Christ, are the Mortifications of the Old Man of Sin, and the qualifications of Grace wrought in a Soul.

O what's the Reason that there is so little Renewedness in the qualifications and Conversations of many people in our days, and so much abusing of the Sacred Name of God, by Swearing and Cursing, and many prophane speeches! as also the abuse of the Creatures by Drunkenness, and the like excess: Also the many vain carnal, loose, licentious practices, acted and observed with delight therein. Is it not the want of this Knowledge of God in Christ? Is not Ignorance the Mother of such Prophaneness and Impieties? and [Page 137] what's the Reason that God's dear Chil­dren are many times hated and reproach­ed, reviled and villified? Yea, saith Christ, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think they do God Service. Christ gives us this Reason; All these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me, Joh. 16.3.

O consider, all ye that content your selves in an Estate of Ignorance, and solace your selves in Carnal and Worldly Vani­ties, and are careless and negligent in ap­plying and improving the means of Know­ledge; to the end you might glorifie God, and thereby be enabled to answer the end of God in your Creation; his end in gi­ving his Son to die for your Redemption; and his spiritual Word, Counsel, and Ad­vice therein for your Sanctification; that thereby in a good improvement of the same, you might be made meet to glori­fie his Name, and to enjoy his glory! O consider the loss and damage that you hereby sustain, by slighting or carelesly neglecting such precious means, granted forth unto such gracious ends for a little Carnal Vanity!

Consider how you will answer it in the day of account, when for all these things God shall bring thee to Judgment.

O! how do many Parents in this case not only prejudice their own Souls, but also the Souls of their Children, and those within their jurisdiction; whereas it is the requirement of God, that Parents should lay up the words of God in their hearts, and teach them to their Children, that they might know the Lord, and set their hope in God; they not only neglect this great concernment, but also by their own viscious lives & evil example, rather teach them the Vices of Swearing, Cursing, Drunkenness, and much Prophaneness, to God's dishonour, and their own ruine both of Body and Soul; not considering that God will require it of them, and bring them to Judgment for the same.

O how many Parents, although not so vicious and prophane, yet are so earnest in their pursuit after this worldly interest, to gain for themselves, and enrich their Children with great Portions of this earthly Treasure, as wholly to give up themselves thereunto, not minding those Treasures that are Divine, and of a more greater concernment to the gaining an in­terest in Christ, either for their selves or Children, by instructing of them thereun­to, until death seise upon them, and sum­mon them to the Grave; and then perhaps [Page 139] send for a Minister to pray for them: the which I do not condemn, because I know God is merciful; yet I know that God is also just, and will bring Souls to Judg­ment, and then whither God will accept this last Sacrifice for the whole, I shall leave to the only wise God to deter­mine.

But know and consider that it is the un­doubted Will and Requirement of God, that Parents should Treasure up the word of God in their hearts by Consideration, Meditation, and Application, believingly and diligently endeavour to plant the same word of God in the hearts of their Chil­dren, as they come to be capable of the teachings of it, to the end, that they might know the Lord, and reverence his Holy Name, observe his Will, and place their hope in him. To this purpose see and consider Deut. 6.6, 7, 8. Deut. 11.18, 19, 20. Deut. 4.9, 10. Psal. 78.5, 6, 7. to these Testimonies of the Will of God do those words of the Apostle Paul bear wit­ness, Eph. 6.4. Solomon saith, by Humi­lity, and the Fear of the Lord, are Riches and Honour, and Life.

Would we have our Children truly Rich and Honourable, and live Everlast­ingly, so then lay up the Word of Grace [Page 140] in our own hearts, treasure it up there; Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all Wisdom, Col. 3.16. Secondly: Let your diligent endeavours be to an­swer God's Will in making forth the same unto your Children, to their Edification, to the planting of that Immortal Seed of the Word in their hearts, that they may set their hope in God, and fear before him, and humbly walk with him in the way of his Commandements: Train up a Child in the way that he should go, and when he is Old, he will not depart from it. Pro. 22.6.

Objection. If God hath Elected me, or my Chil­dren unto Salvation, he will one time or other bring us to an Estate of Salvation? But if God hath not Elected us thereto, all my labour in that kind will be to little purpose; for if there be a particular E­lection of persons, as there seemeth to be, then what I do in that case, is but needless, or to strive against the stream.

Answer. That there is an Election, is certain; and that God hath placed this Election in his Son Christ, is as certain; see Eph. 1.4. and that persons do partake of, and witness this Election in themselves, as they imbrace Christ, believingly, and conform to him in holy Sanctity, is also [Page 141] true: See 1 Thes. 1.3, 4. 2 Thes. 2.13.

And therefore so much the rather should you give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure, by a growth and in­crease of Grace unto an attainment of the qualifications of grace wrought in you, according to the qualifications of Jesus Christ, and as the Apostle teacheth, Gi­ving all diligence (saith he) add to your Faith, Vertue; and to Vertue, Knowledge; and to Knowledge, Temperance; and to Temperance, Patience; and to Patience, Godliness; and to Godliness, Brotherly-kindness; and to Brotherly-kindness, Chari­ty. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7.

And, as there is an Election in Christ unto Salvation, through believing in Christ, and conforming to him in the way of Holiness, attainable through a careful applying and improving the means there­unto appointed; so also is there a Repro­bation determined and decreed of God from Eternity, unto those persons that in love to their Lusts, and carnal, and world­ly Vanities, do obstinately persist in op­posing, or carlesly neglecting, do slight the means afforded, so as not to imbrace it in the love thereof, and carefully im­prove it to the glory of the Lord; that [Page 142] like as they reject God's Counsel, and his Love and Mercy in the same, to satisfie their Lusts in worldly and sinful Vanities; so the Lord hath determined that in their Unrighteousness, he will reject them, and leave them to Sathans delusions, that di­vine Justice may be satisfied in their Con­demnation.

To this purpose consider well some Te­stimonies (among many) given out by God's Spirit in his Servants of old; as in 2 Thes. 2.10, 11, 12. the Epistle of Jud. 4. Here observe, they are persons turn­ing the grace of God into Laciviousness, denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ; and withal observe, that this denial is not to be confined only to such Atheists that say there is not any God; but also those persons are herein comprehended, that in words do acknow­ledge there is a God and Christ, but yet although they live under the dispensation of Gods gracious word, and word of grace, yet refuse to live in God's Counsel therein contained, to live in those ways & works that their own ungodly Lusts do lead them to; and such are those persons that Paul to Titus speaketh of, that con­fess they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, [Page 143] and unto every good work, Reprobate, Tit. 1.16. and with these Scriptures consider Wisdoms Voyce, Prov. 1. ver. 20. to the end of the Chapter: Wherefore all ye that lye down securely upon the bed of Ignorance and Prophaneness, solacing your selves in Carnal Vanities, and the Mammon of this world: O look unto the Lord, who desires the Knowledge of God rather than burnt Offerings, Hos. 6.6. and obedience to his Will, rather than Sacrifice. Look up and behold, it is not Ignorance and Prophaneness, but Holi­ness that leads to Happiness; It is not the qualifications of the Old Man, as Hatred, Malice, Envy, Evil-speaking, Back-biting, and Devouring, nor any Prophane and Carnal Vanities; but the qualifications of love to Christ, his Truth and Members, yea love to Enemies, to all men as they are the Creatures of God, the workman­ship of his hands; with Peace towards all men, Mercy, Pitty, and Compassion to­wards the Oppressed and Distressed; Meekness, Patience, Long-suffering, Gen­tleness, Goodness, Faith, and Tempe­rance; with joy and delight in the exer­cises of Piety and Charity, that leads to Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord; against such (saith the Apostle) [Page 144] there is no Law: And they that are Christs, have Crucified the Old Man or the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts. Neither is it Ignorance, but a true Knowledge of Christ, through which the Old Man is Crucified, and these divine graces or qualifications of Christ are begotten, con­ceived, nourished, and preserved in the Soul, and brought forth into action, to the perfecting Holiness in the fear of God. Neither is it, a Mind, and Meditations exercised chiefly in temporal things; but a diligent and careful exercising the mind and meditations in the divine Precepts, and Counsel of God, contained in his word; with a wrestleing at the Throne of Grace, for a sanctified use thereof unto the Soul, whereby the true Knowledge of Christ, and the truth in him is obtain­ed. VVherefore, wouldst thou have Heaven for thy Inheritance? press after Holiness. VVouldst thou be Holy? suf­fer not the Old Man to lye Uncrucified in thee; but press hard after the attainments of the divine qualifications of Christ, so as to have them ruling in thee; and from that principle, let all thy actions flow both towards God and men. And wouldest thou attain to this degree? press after a right knowledge of Jesus Christ and God [Page 145] in him. And wouldest thou attain to a right knowledge of God in Christ? Take the Testimonies of the Mind and Will of God contained in his Word for thy Counsellors: Advise therewith, by a di­ligent exercise of thy mind, and meditati­ons therein; waiting upon God with sup­plications, for a blessing thereupon. Where­with (saith David) shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto, ac­cording to thy Word, Psal. 119.9.

As if he had said, by making the Word of God his chief Counsel, and regulating his thoughts, words, Psal. 119 93, 104. and actions by that rule. Through thy precepts I get under­standing; therefore I hate every false way; I will never forget thy precepts, for with them thou hast quickened me.

O that every Soul in an Estate of Igno­rance and Prophaneness, would in time consider David's foot-steps, and the foot-steps of all the flock of God; and consider the experienced Benefit they did attain unto, by walking in the Counsel of the Lord contained in his word; and by way of imitation, turn their feet, their affecti­ons, unto the Testimonies of the Lord, and up and be doing, while it is called to day, before the night cometh, when no man can work. He that gathereth in Summer, is a [Page 146] wise Son (saith Solomon), but he that sleep­eth in Harvest, is a Son that causeth shame, Prov. 10.5.

These words in the spiritual sence of them, giveth us this note, or observation by the way; That it is a point of excel­lent wisdom in a person, or people, dili­gently to improve opportunities and means for Heavens Attainments, while the season serveth; but shame and con­tempt are the attendants of a person or people careless and negligent in impro­ving opportunities and means for Hea­venly attainments in their season, or while they are afforded to them.

If thou beest wise, thou shalt be wise for thy self, Prov. 9.12. Thy diligence in season shall redound to thy own advan­tage and eternal benefit. But if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it; for God hath not called us to Ʋncleanness, but unto Holiness, 1 Thes. 3.7, 8. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, at whose Wrath the Earth shall tremble, and the Nations shall not be able to abide his Indignation, Jer. 10.10. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished, Prov. 22.3. In the fear of the Lord is strong Confidence, and his Children shall [Page 147] have a place of refuge, Prov. 14.26. Sure­ly he scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace unto the lowly; The Wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of Fools, Prov. 3.34, 35. The heart of the Prudent getteth Knowledge, and the ear of the Wise seeketh Knowledge, Prov. 18.15. The words of the Lord are pure words, Psal. 12.6. They are the words of Wisdom, Knowledge, & Understanding; they pro­ceed from the Fountain of Wisdom, Know­ledge, & Understanding; & God doth give Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understand­ing thereby, unto such as imbrace his Counsel in the same, and improve it ac­cordingly, waiting upon him therein in love thereunto, as saith David; Thy Word is pure, therefore thy Servant loveth it, Psal. 119.140. Thou, through thy Com­mandements, hast made me wiser then mine Enemies, Psal. 119.98. for they are ever with me; the entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple, Psal. 119.130. David experiencing the truth of the words of God, and the ver­tue, use, and efficacy of the same unto his Soul, doth here set forth the excellency thereof to the praises of God, and to the encouragement of others, to prove the excellency thereof by an imbracement adhearingly; Every word of God is pure [Page 148] (saith Agur) He is a Sheild unto them that put their trust in him, Prov. 30.5.

Every word of God is pure, his Testi­monies, his Commands, his Promises, his Invitations, Exhortations, Admoni­tions and Reproofs; yea, all his whole Counsel is pure, flowing from a pure God, given out to pure ends, to bring defiled Sinners to a state of purity; every word of God is pure in it self, and pure in the esteem of every true Child of God; the sanctified heart: I esteem all thy pre­cepts in all things to be right, saith David, Psal. 119.128. Wisdom is justified by her Children, saith Christ, Math. 11.19. Poor Publicans justify God, Luk. 7.29. by e­steeming and embraceing of his Counsel: but have any of the Rulers, or of the Phari­ses believed on him? Joh. 7.48. The Pha­rises and Lawyers rejected the Counsel of God against themselves, See Luk. 14.16, to the 24. Luke 7.30. They would not justify God by esteeming and embraceing of his Counsel, as held forth by his Authority, although God witnessed to the same by his mighty hand: The Poor, the Lame, and Maim­ed, come in at the invitation, and partake of the benefits, while the world­ly interested persons slight the invi­tation, and the loving kindness of the Inviter for their worldly interest sake, to [Page 149] the procuring to themselves the displea­sure of the Inviter, the Lord, and to their loss of a participation of the benefits.

And so by observing lying Vanities, Jonah 2.8. they forsake their own mercy, that they hap­pily might have had upon their imbrace­ing and improving what they were invi­ted to.

Wherefore, A Word to the in­ordinate and open Prophane. consider all ye that act the Prodigals part in Ryoting and Drunken­ness, and other prophane and vicious Vanities, to the wasting of your precious time and opportunities, your temporal Estates and Wits, and all in the service of sin, to the impoverishing of your poor souls, and the souls of your Chil­dren, for want of Education in the know­ledge of God; unto the Condemnati­on of your own souls, and the souls of your Children by your evil Example, as much as in you lyeth. O consider, that by reason hereof, not only your Children, but also your Wives and other Relations; yea, the whole land of your Nativity is forced into mourning; and especially, when God shall visit for these things; as saith the Lord by his Servants the Pro­phets: see one Testimony among many, Hos. 4. where it is said, that the Lord had a controversy with the Inhabitants of the Land: the cause seemeth two-fold [Page 150] first, They lay aside truth, and the know­ledge of God by the same, and acts of mercy (which the knowledge of God and truth leadeth to), as things out of request and estimation with them: Secondly, as effects ensuing, and demonstrations there­of, they fall into those great and gross a­bominations of Swearing, Lying, Killing, Stealing, and committing Adultery, and all excess, even unto blood; and there­fore shall the Land mourn, &c. O that every such Soul would consider and act the Prodigals part in his return, and that timely, while the Fathers armes of mer­cy are open to embrace them: O (saith the Lord) that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep my Commandements always, that it might be well with them, and with their Children for ever, Deut. 5.29. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer, the holy one of Israel, I am the Lord thy God, that teacheth thee to pro­fit, that leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go: O that thou hadst hearkened to my Commandements, then had thy peace been as a River, and thy Righteousness as the Waves of the Sea, Isa. 48.17, 18. Note, Gods desire is that Sinners should return and live to him: Note, Those that hearken to God's Commands, so as to walk therein, are those that live to God, [Page 151] and are blessed of him; Blessed are all they that do his Commandements, that they may have right to the Tree of life, and may enter in thorow the Gates into the City, for without are Dogs, and Sorcerers, and Whore­mongers, and Murtherers, and Idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lye, Rev. 22.14, 15. I, but what Estate shall these without possess, and where, the same Authour tells us, chap. 21.8.

But the Fearful, and Ʋnbelieving, and the Abominable, and Murtherers, and Woremongers, and Sorcerers, and Idolaters, and all Lyars, shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brim­stone, which is the second death, Rev. 21.8. I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testify these things unto the Churches; I am the root, and the off-spring of David, the bright and morning Star, Rev. 22.16.

Secondly: A word to the industrious Worldling.

O consider ye, in whose hearts the world hath full possession, that cannot spare one corner to give entertainment to the word of God by way of meditation and contemplation thereupon, although God requires the whole heart unto him­self: Consider ye that are in an immode­rate pursuit after this earthly treasure: Take heed (saith our Saviour Christ) and [Page 152] beware of Covetousness, for a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth. Here me-thinks, I should hear some say, that as to matter of Covetousness, I think I am clear; for although I am industrious in my pursuit after the things of this world, yet I have not taken any thing from any man, but what I pay for; neither do I wrong any man, but pay every man his own; and therefore I think I am not guilty of Co­vetousness.

But then the question is, whether we can say as much in the case between our selves and God; and between us and our Souls; and between us and our Relati­ons? and first, Let us consider a little as in the matters of God; have we not in our earnest pursuit after our worldly in­terest, spent the most part of that time that God hath required for his Service, upon our worldly interest? have not our minds and affections been exercised upon our worldly and carnal interests, when they should be exercised by meditations and contemplations, with love and de­light in God, his word and works, and celebrating praises unto his name? do we not by our earnest pursuit after this worlds interest, make our bodies and spi­rits [Page 153] so dull, drowsy, and unfit for God's Service, that if we appear but one hour in a week therein, we spend the most part thereof in sleep?

Do we not by our earnest pursuit after this worlds interest, deprive our Chil­dren of that Soul-Education that is due unto them from us by God's require­ment?

Do we not by our earnest pursuit after this worlds interest, with-hold more then is meet from the Poor and Needy, as in acts of Mercy, Charity, Pitty and Com­passion by Gods commanded?

And if so, is it not Coveteousness? yea, is it not Covetousness which is Idolatry, when that our time, our strength, medita­tions, considerations; our wills and af­fections are so dedicated to the world, whereby God wants that Honour and Service that is due unto him; and our Souls want that nourishment that is of its greatest concernment; and our Children want that Soul-Education that is their right and due from us to be performed to them; and the poor and needy eyes want that refreshing, that of right by God's re­quirement, and the bond of Nature, and the bond of Charity, we ought to com­municate unto them? There is that scat­tereth [Page 154] (saith Solomon) and yet increaseth; and there is that with-holdeth more then is meet, but it tendeth to Poverty: The libe­ral Soul shall be made fat, and he that wa­tereth, shall be watered also himself, Prov. 11.24, 25. The merciful man doth good to his own Soul, but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh, Prov. 11.17. The sence of these words is made out, and confirmed by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, 1 Epist. 6.17, 18. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches; but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to en­joy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for them­selves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on Eternal life, verse 19.

O consider ye that have the world chief in your hearts, that sins of Omission are condemning sins, as well as sins of Com­mission. See Matth. 25. where you have a large description of several under the sentence of Condemnation, only charged with Omissions; as the foolish Virgins, for omitting the time and season for pro­viding themselves of Oyle; and the sloathful Servant, that improved not his [Page 155] Talent to the advantage of his Lord; and the hard-hearted, and close-handed, that did not visit, relieve, and shew mercy un­to the poor, distressed, and oppressed Members of Jesus Christ. Wherefore consider, and Sow to your selves in Righ­teousness, that you may Reap in Mercy, break up the fallow ground of your hearts, for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain Righteousness upon you, Hos. 10.12.

Thirdly: A word to the more knowing and seeming Religious; yet acting the qualifications of the Old Man.

Is Holiness of such concernment, as be­fore considered; and the way of its At­tainment is by putting on of Christ in his offices, qualifications, and example of walking? It may administer a word of Reprehension and Admonition unto those of us in particular, and also all persons that have attained a great measure of know­ledge in the Doctrin of Christ; yea, in the foundation-principles of Christi­anity, and yet do not persevere to the putting on of Christ in his qualifications of grace, and example of walking, to the Crucifying of the qualifications of the Old Man. O how doth Pride abound in many knowing people, whose knowledge should teach them humility? how many [Page 156] Professors, even men of great knowledge, do suffer their desires to run on in an im­moderate pursuit after the riches and ho­nours of this world, whose knowledge should lead them to covet earnestly the best gifts? O how is self-love and self-endedness abounding in this Generation, and that among knowing persons, whose knowledge should lead them to deny themselves more in worldly things, to follow Christ in the way of holiness; but as if those words of Paul were made good in our days, Phil. 2.21. All seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christs.

O how doth that old deformed qualifi­cation of the Old Man, even Envy, Ha­tred, and Malice, shew it self unmortifi­ed among many knowing people, bear­ing the denomination of Christians, only upon the account of some differing opini­ons, about ceremonial circumstances; or it may be some difference in Judgment in the manner of Church-constitution, or ob­servation of Ordinances, or order of Discipline, to the exposing one another unto the devouring jaws of Cruelty; by Imprisonment, loss of Estate and Life, for not conforming the one to the other in an outward conformity, although in judg­ment and conscience there is no union, as [Page 157] experience doth manifest in the dealings of the Papists with the Protestants, and the Protestants one towards another in the case of non-conforming outwardly in reli­gious worship, in those things that in judgment and conscience they cannot act Faith in, as to be agreeable to the will of God; whereas, if Christians in name would be Christians in nature, and act one towards another in the qualifications of Christ; if difference in judgment should cause a dividing in the matter of assem­bling in religious worship for conscience-sake; yet Ephraim need no more envy Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim, but each enjoy his own priviledges and liberty of Conscience in Religious Worship, with­out any more hailing into Captivity, or complaining in our streets, by reason of the tender Conscience being oppressed?

Obj. But we are commanded to contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints; & the more, because of certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this Condemnation, Ʋngodly men turning the grace of God into Laciviousness, and deny the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude 1.4.

Ans. First: We are to consider the persons concerned in the duty, of contending, to be [Page 158] Christians called into a Church Assembly in the faith and order of the Gospel.

Secondly: For what they should con­tend, and that is said to be for the Faith once delivered to the Saints, or the Do­ctrine of the Gospel, and the observation thereof accordingly.

Thirdly: With whom they should con­tend; and those are gain-sayers of cor­rupt principles, and gain-sayers of cor­rupt practices.

Fourthly: The manner of the mannage­ment of this contention also is considera­ble, and that is two-fold, as 1. Respecting persons without the Church, as not being Church-members: 2ly. Persons within the Church, as Church-members. As to persons without, there is no way of con­tending with them, to bring them into an imbracement of the Gospel and Church-membership thereby, but the manage­ment of the word of God unto them, and the example of a Godly life; and if they will not be won thereby, there is no other forceable means upon Gospel-record ap­proved, that the Church of Christ should by temporal penalties force them into Church-membership, before, through Faith in Christ, they are made willing thereunto; for temporal penalties may [Page 159] force the body into a way of worship, but they cannot force the spirit; and God re­quireth no such worship, for the time is come (saith Christ,) that they that worship the Father, must worship him in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to wor­ship him, Joh. 4.23, 24. And Paul as­serteth his remembrance of the believing Romans in his Prayers, with this testimo­ny; God is my witness (saith he) whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that without ceasing, &c. Note here, Pauls Spirit and Gospel-truth are joyned toge­ther in the worship of the Father; such the Father seeks to worship him: Now Club-law cannot beat these two together, although laid on by human might and power. As saith the Lord concerning Christ, and his building of his Gospel-Church under the denomination of his Zerubabel; not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord, Zach. 4.6, 7. Hereunto agreeth those words of the Apostle Paul, 2 Cor. 10.4. The Wea­pons of our warfare are not Carnal, but mighty through God, to the casting down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it self a­gainst the knowledge of God, and bringing into Captivity every thought to the obedience [Page 160] of Christ: the which weapons he doth fur­ther explain, Ephes. 6.14. Stand therefore, having your loyns girt about with Truth and the breast-plate of Righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, taking the shield of Faith, and the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all per­severance. These, and the like weapons, are the weapons of the holy Catholick Church, that believeth aright, and is uni­versal in the truth, by which, they ma­nage their contention with those that are without; and those that withstand that meanes, are to be left out of the Church in the world, during the pleasure of the Almighty, and to be judged by that means they have rejected and condemned with the world, in the day that God shall judge the world by Jesus Christ.

But secondly: The text saith there are certain men crept in unawares, ungodly men, &c. It seemeth that there were some in those times, that by pretending Faith in Christ, were admitted into Church-membership, which afterwards discovered themselves by an ungodly la­civious life: These it seemeth had no right [Page 161] unto Church-membership, although a right to the hearing of the Word by ver­tue of Christ's Commission, yet not unto Church-membership; they crept in unawars: that is, their counterfeit Faith was not discerned, until afterwards that it appear­ed by error in opinion or practice.

But how must the Church contend for the Faith with these persons, and carry on the management thereof?

First: In a respective love to their per­sons, tendering the good of their souls, but with a hatred of their sin; and in love to their souls, to reprove and admonish them; laying before them that part of Gods Law, against which the crime is acted; that thereby, they may the better be convinced and reforme, and so by the sword of the spirit, the word of God, to deal with them, if possible, unto a Refor­mation. But in case no Reformation doth appear, then to proceed in the severity of Justice against them by Excommunicati­on, according to Christ's rule and order; and thereby cast them out of the Church into the world again, as not to have any further priviledge in the Church then what the Lord affords the world, which is admittance to hear the Word for their Conversion. But what is the end of this [Page 162] severity? There are divers ends; as first, To signify God's severity against sin and obstinate sinners, that as they are justly, for sin, cast out of Communion with his Church, and the gracious priviledges there­unto afforded here on Earth: So assured­ly, without timely Repentance unto a Re­formation, such persons are by God's de­termination, and shall be by the sentence of the just Judge of all the world, See Math. 18.18. ex­cluded from Communion with the Church triumphant, and all her glorious priviledges in her glorified state.

Secondly: To the end, that the Sinner may consider and see his sin, be humbled for it, 1 Tim. 1.20. and ashamed of it, and repent un­to a reformation, that the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord: see 1 Cor. 5.

Thirdly: To the end, the Church may preserve her own purity and holy-state, from being defiled with those sins, which if suffered, may get into other members and corrupt them, and it becometh a sin unto the Church in her neglect of duty; see the Church of Corinth, chap. 5. the Church of Pergamus, and the Church of Thyatira, Rev. 2. all under reproof here upon the neglect of this duty.

Neither is the Church in general, nor the Officers thereof in particular, to make [Page 163] Edicts of their own devising, and enjoyn them as parts of God's worship, and to be observed, which are not Apostolically confirmed as to be the will of God, nor to Excommunicate any person for not ob­serving the same, without defiling their holy state with the guilt of sin; for saith Christ unto those persons that stood stead­fast in the Apostolical Observations, and received not the contrary, I will put upon you (saith Christ) none other burthen, but that which ye have already; hold fast till I come, Rev. 2.24, 25.

Whence note by the way; First, That it is the will of Christ that his people should observe that way of Church-consti­tution, Doctrin, order of Worship and discipline, which was Apostolically con­firmed without diminishing ought there­from, until the second coming of Christ.

Secondly: That it is not the will of Christ that any Innovasions or Additions to that order of Worship should be brought in, or imposed upon the Consci­ences of his people, but that the Innova­tors, & Observers, shall bear their sin, and in retaining the Observations of the said Innovations, do thereby cease from being Catholick, or a people universal in the Truth.

But in case Innovations are brought in­to the Church, and maintained by the power of the Church, and imposed upon the Members; and some of the Members cannot in Conscience bear them, what way may they take to secure themselves from the guilt of sin, that attends the Church in the Observations of such Inno­vations, and not sin against God? An­swer, first: By contending against them, by the rule of truth, that if by any means the Church may be convinced of their E­vil; and if this will not prevail, then to answer the call of God and his Counsel therein; which is, To come forth from a­mong them, and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, saith the Lord, 2 Cor. 6.17. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midest of her, be ye clean ye that bear the Vessels of the Lord, Isa. 52.11. Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her Plagues, Rev. 18.4.

The which call of God, I do presume was justifiable in Luther and Calvin, and other Protestants, who for the abomina­ble Innovations of the Roman Church, did dissent and separate from her; which al­though [Page 165] she was once a true Church of the Gospel-Constitution and Order, as the Apostle Paul in his Epistle giveth Testi­mony of them, calling them Beloved of God, and giveth thanks to God that their Faith was spoken of through-out the whole world, as in chap. 1.7, 8. And I my self (saith Paul) also am perswaded of you my Brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able al­so to admonish one another, chap. 15. 14.

Yet notwithstanding, in process of time, she hath much corrupted her self by her own Edicts and Innovations, contrary to the rule of Truth, as to become a Miste­ry, a Babel of Confusion, rather than the Catholick Church of Jesus Christ. And whereas she doth contend with her dissen­ters by the temporal Sword, by Fire and Fagot, and Imprisonment, and the like, she seemeth to sit on the scarlet-coloured Beast, making her self drunk with the blood of Saints, as it is written, Rev. 18. The which way of contending, Jesus Christ hath not allowed to his Church in all the dispensation of the Gospel, that Tares (although Tares) should be pluck­ed up out of the world, lest they pluck up Wheat also. And if in case the Pro­testant Churches that have cast off the Su­premacy [Page 166] of the Romish Church, and shall yet retain some of her Innovations and Ceremonial Circumstances, or bring in and impose other of their own, which are not warranted by Gospel-testimony, to be agreeable to the will of God, to the satisfying of tender Consciences, and shall exercise the like power to force the said Impositions upon the Conscience in the matters of God's Worship; then, if any persons shall in Love and Loyalty to the Lord, hearken to the call of God, and come forth and separate, to the end they may set their feet in the holy ways of God, and worship him in his holy ap­pointments, exposing themselves to the bearing of the Cross for Jesus sake; then let the said Protestant Churches blame themselves, and not those that separate from them unto the aforesaid end; for Christ's Sheep will hearken for the voyce of Christ to warrant their undertakings in the matters of their God; they must worship him in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship him, wherefore worship the Lord in the beau­ty of holiness, according to the pattern in the Mount, or that which is Apostolically set forth unto us: wherefore, according to the exhortation given by the Apostle Pe­ter, [Page 167] Let us every one lay aside all Malice, Guile, Hypocrisies, Envyings, and Evil speakings; and as new-born Babes desire the Milk of the Mothers breast, and feed there­on for its natural nourishment: So let eve­ry one of us desire the sincere Milk of God's Word, so as to feed thereon for our spiritual nourishment and growth in the knowledge of Christ, and qualifications of grace, till we have Christ formed in us, as the Apostle saith, Gal. 4.19. And we conformed to his Image in Righteous­ness and true Holiness, according to the sore-Predestination or Appointment of God, Rom. 8.29. That when he shall come as a Bridegroom, to receive his Spouse unto himself, and to settle her in his Heavenly Mansions, which he is now preparing for her, we being found in those Wedding Robes, may be accepted of him, and received by him into Com­munion with him to the participation of his choycest Loves, in that inheritance which sadeth not away; and in the mean time, let us (as the Holy Ghost saith) follow after those things that make for peace, and things whereby one may Edi­fy another; and as the Apostle saith, Let all your things be done in Charity, 1 Cor. 16.14. For although (saith the Apostle) I [Page 168] speak with the tongues of Men and Angels, and have all the gifts of Prophecy; under­stand all Mysteries, and all Knowledge, and all Faith to remove Mountains; give all my Goods to feed the Poor, and my Body to be burned, and have not Charity, it profits me nothing, Cor. 13.1, 2, 3.

Knowledge and gifts not sanctified with the qualifications of the graces of Christ, puffeth up (saith the Apostle) 1 Cor. 8.1. But Charity edifieth, Love worketh no ill to his Neighbor, therefore Love is the ful­filling of the Law, Rom. 13.10. Surely if this grace of Love in Jesus Christ was so rooted and grounded in our hearts, as to become the qualification in us, and princi­ple from whence our words and actions both towards God and men did proceed, how would peace and unity adorn our ha­bitations, and holiness shew forth it self to the praise and glory of God the Fa­ther? how would our knowledge, gifts, and all enjoyments be sanctified to us in the use thereof; and Envy, Strife, and Contention dissolve and fly away? But I must hasten to another Use that my Doctrin leads me to, and that is a Use by way of caution unto the Saints, or those that have attained unto a good degree in the Ornament of Holiness.

CHAP. X.
Containing a Use by way of Caution un­to the Saints, or those that have at­tained unto a good degree in the Or­nament of Holiness.

IT is a common thing among most peo­ple, that when they have cast off their old Garments, and put on new that are comely and fashionable, credible, and profitable, to be very careful and cautious, and take great heed of them lest they should be defaced with spots and stains of pollution; and it is Wisdom so to do, and a point of prudence; and if the Children of this world are so wise in their Generation, for the preserving of their temporal concerns, how much more are the Children of God concerned to ex­ercise much wisdom and prudence, in be­ing very cautious (with great heed and care) that their credible, fashionable, and comely Ornament of Holiness be preser­ved from the stains and pollutions of sin? [Page 170] All sin is of a defiling nature, and doth much stain and pollute the Soul, together with its Ornaments of Holiness and San­ctity, whereunto it hath attained, and especially when they are committed a­gainst Knowledge and Grace received, as the Apostle saith to the Galathians, chap. 4.8. How be it then, when ye knew not God, ye did service to them that were no Gods; but now after ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye a­gain? &c. As if he had said, But now after God hath so known you, as to com­municate unto you of his free grace in his Son, and the Truth, as it is in him to the comfort of your Souls, how turn ye again? &c. Signifying, that sins against Know­ledge and Grace are of a deep defilement, and very hard to be washed out; re­quiring not only the hot water, or tears of true Penitency, but also a measure of infinite mercy to clear the stains thereof. O how was poor David fain to struggle at the Throne of Grace, with tears and fears again and again, for Infinite Mercy to come into his help, to wash out those crimson stains; and until mercy came in, all that he could do, would not clear the stains thereof! still the complaint was, My Sin is ever before me.

When Peter's sin was set before his face, how did the sight and sence thereof cause him bitterly to weep, and wash his stain with the Laver of brinish tears, and lamenting sorrow; yet had not infinite Mercy come in to his help, how had he been foyled under the same wherefore admire God's Mercy, but presume not upon the same for any allowance to sin; for he hath said, Rom. 9.15. I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy. Esau found no place of Repentance, although he sought it carefully with tears, Heb. 12.

But Secondly: All ye that have begun in the spirit, and set your faces Sion-wards, O be very cautious, and take great heed, and be very watchful against [Page 172] sin; because as it is of a defiling nature, so is it also of a depriving nature: Sin in God's people, many times deprives them of many comfortable enjoyments, which otherwise they might happily enjoy: Sin depriveth Angels of their Heaven, Man of his Paradice, Israel of his Canaan, and many a poor soul of the manifestation of God's favour, both in temporal and spi­ritual enjoyments, as is evidenced by the word of the Lord in many Testimonies: whereof let us consider one testimony, Jer. 2.2. Thus saith the Lord concerning Israel, I remember thee, the kindness of thy Youth, the love of thine Espousals, when thou wentest after me in the Wilderness, in a Land that was not sown. Israel was Ho­liness to the Lord, and the first-fruits of his increase; all that devour him shall offend, evil shall come upon them saith the Lord. In which words the Lord puts them in mind of their former kindness and love unto him, and their walking with him in that their former state, then Israel was holiness unto the Lord; and yet in the next verses, the Lord is taking up this com­plaint against them; What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after Vanity, and become vain; and in chap. 5. he saith, [Page 173] Your sins have with-holden good things from you.

From which words we may note four particulars.

First: That God's people are very apt to decline from their first degree of holi­ness, obtained in their first Illuminations and Experiences of God. They were holi­ness to the Lord in their first Espousals, but now become vain, and gone from God; the Church of Ephesus was eminent for God, but now fallen from her first love, Rev. 2.

Secondly: Note, that the people of God are usually most holy, and walk most close with God, when they have but little of these outward things to depend upon: When thou wentest after me in the Wilder­ness, in a Land that was not sown, then Israel was Holiness to the Lord.

Thirdly: Note, that the more close God's people keep to him in the way of Holi­ness, the sooner shall their Adversaries in their enterprises be defeated: All that devour him shall offend; evil shall come up­on them, saith the Lord.

Fourthly: Note, that God's people declining the way of Holiness, deprive themselves of comforts very great, and not their Enemies, but themselves do oft [Page 174] thereby defeat, Hos. 8.3. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good, the Enemy shall pursue him.

But Thirdly, by way of Caution.

As God's people are greatly concerned to take heed, and be very cautious of medling with sin, because it is of a de­filing nature, and also of a depriving na­ture, so is it also of a destroying nature: Sin suffered in the Creature, and not washed out by true Repentance and rich Mercy as aforesaid, and especially when entertained with delight: O how will it not only stain our Ornaments of Grace and Holiness, but also eat up and destroy by degrees, like the Moth in the Gar­ment, and the Worm in the Nut, the very life, marrow, and quintescence of Christianity or power of Godliness; even that love, zeal, reality, and sincerity of heart, with all those gifts and spiritual en­dowments and enjoyments formerly at­tained, until there be nothing left but an out-side form of Godliness, if that; so that the Creature becometh as to spiritual performances, and acts of grace in the life and power thereof, but like unto a man whose soul is departing, or departed, lit­tle left but an out-side Carkass; and if a [Page 175] little, yet but weak in motion, as the Holy Ghost doth seem to testify, con­cerning the Estate of the Church of Sar­dis, Rev. 3.1, 2. I know thy works (saith the Lord) Thou hast a name that thou liv­est, but art dead; be watchful and streng­then the things that remain, and are ready to dye. Whence observe, here was only a name; that is to say, an out-side form, or shew of Godliness; but as for the power of Godliness, the very marrow and quintescence of Christianity, that was as it were even at the last gasp, in a dead or a dying condition; and this seemeth to be the state of most in that Church, excepting a few names (saith the Lord) that have not defiled their Garments; from whence we are given to understand, that the main ground and reason that the life and power of Godliness were thus de­stroyed in them, was their want of watch­fulness against sin; but suffering it to grow and increase in them, either by o­mision of duties required, or committing sins forbidden, or both, they being al­lowed and continued, without a true Re­pentance to a Reformation. To this doth the Estate of the Churches of Ephesus and Laodicea witness, as also many other pre­sidents in holy Scripture; the which, to [Page 176] run over so large a field, my present time and occasions will not permit; wherefore let us be very cautious how we meddle with it, but watch against it, take heed and be ware of it, and the occasions there­of, whether they be sins of Omission or Commission; all sins are of a destructive nature, and especially sins against Know­ledge and Grace received, being allowed and approved of, or winked and con­nived at: How plentifully doth the Scrip­ture set forth the destructive nature of sin, and particularly those Grandees, In­fidelity, Hypocrisy, Heresy, Drunken­ness, and Gluttony, prophane Swearing, and Blasphemy, Whoredom and Adul­tery, Coveteousness and Idolatry, Pride, Presumption, and Oppression, and the like: The which sins are (with many other) not only destructive to soul and body, gifts and graces, but also unto Families and Church-fellowships, Cityes and Countrys, Kings and Kingdoms, as the Scriptures do plentifully evince, as saith the Lord by Samuel, chap. 12.25. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be con­sumed, both you and your King; in which words are intimated as to Israel, so to us; that if a people do live in such a wicked vicious life, as highly to provoke God's [Page 177] Justice against them, that then God would consume them with such Judgments, as they, nor their King should be able to withstand.

Whence note by the way, that men of a wicked vicious Conversation, thereby endeavour ruine to their King & Nation; concerned therefore is the Kings Authori­ty for to suppress such wickedness and grand impiety.

Secondly: Note by the way, that men in whom is civil honesty, and Godly sin­cerity, are the best Subjects; for whose sake many times the tranquility of a City or Nation is prolonged; wherefore all ye that have any respect unto your Native Country, King and Kingdom, or unto your own souls, and yet are solacing your selves in wicked vicious ways, let Da­niels Counsel find acceptation with you, To break off your Sins by Righteousness, and your Iniquities by shewing Mercy to the Poor, if it may be a lengthening of your own tranquility, and of your Country, King and Kingdom, Dan. 4.27.

And all ye that are Descipled to Christ, and by confession of Faith and Baptisme, have joyned your selves into a Congrega­tional way of Church-communion, to live to Christ, and to walk with him in all his [Page 178] holy appointments contained in his word; remember Christ's Counsel by way of caution to you: Take heed (saith he) un­to your selves, that your hearts be not over­charged with Surfeting and Drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares; for as a snare shall it come upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole Earth: Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted wor­thy to escape all these things, and to stand before the Son of man, Luk. 21.34, 35, 36. O consider, the Caution is a piece of Di­vine Counsel, take heed therefore: And as Surfetting and Drunkenness is become a part of the abounding sins of this Age and Nation, and many temptations and opportunities thereunto are presented, and many evils thereby doth ensue; take heed therefore, watch and pray against the temptations, occasions, and evils thereof; and consider, that as Drun­kenness dismables and makes a man un­meet for divine Contemplations and Re­ligious Services, so also the immoderate cares of this life makes persons unfit and unmeet for the same, and also unmeet for the enjoyments of glory: Therefore take heed, and beware, watch and pray against the same; also consider what dishonour [Page 179] it is to God, what reproach to religious profession, what grief to the spirit and spiritual persons, and wounds to your own Souls attend thereupon: Take heed therefore, watch and pray always, that ye may escape these things; once again consider, that unto you that are Christians by profession, these sins are sins against divine Love, Light, and Knowledge re­ceived; sins against rich grace, sins of a deep defilement, sins against Covenant-mercies and obligations, which if after we have escaped such corruptions through di­vine Illuminations and Experiences of God in Heavenly concernments, and shall again therewith be entangled and brought in bondage, may not the last state be worse then the first? Therefore take heed, watch and pray, that ye may be able to withstand all temptations, and to stand before the Son of man. If our first Pa­rents Adam and Eve, in their estate of In­nocency, did, by yielding unto one temp­tation against the known Law of God, so corrupt themselves and Posterity, as to stain and pollute their Ornaments of Holi­ness and Righteousness, and thereby disa­ble themselves to withstand many other temptations without a divine assistance; how do we know, but we, by yielding un­to [Page 180] one temptation, to transgress allowing­ly the Law of God known unto us, may thereby disable our selves to withstand Satan in many other of his wiles? one sin may give advantage to another; and there­fore take heed, watch and pray for di­vine assistance, that ye fall not in tempta­tion; and as we are to take heed of vici­ousness of life, so also of corruptness of judgment in the points of Faith by false Doctrines, which are likewise some of Satans baits and subtil wiles, wherewith he lyeth in wait to deceive; take heed therefore, watch and pray against the same, try before ye trust, and prove them by the word of Christ before ye imbrace; If any bring not the Doctrin of Christ, re­ceive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed, for he that bideth him God­speed, is partaker of his evil deeds: As saith Saint John in his second Epistle, vers. 9, 10, 11. Take heed (saith Christ our Sa­viour) for many shall come in my name, and shall deceive many: Take heed therefore, watch and pray, that ye may obtain a firm Faith in Christ, and a well-grounded judgment in his Counsel, contained in his Word, his Testimonies, Commands and Promises to the enabling of you to live therein, and according thereunto, to the [Page 181] perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Plentiful is the Scripture of Cautions up­on this account, whereunto I shall refer you, and proceed unto a further prosecu­tion of this Use by way of Caution, con­sidering that omission of Duties required, is sin of dangerous consequence as well as actual transgression. Take heed, and be­ware of neglect of duty, and particularly the omission of action in the Word of God and Prayer: The Word or Doctrin of Christ is somtimes called the word of Faith, because it is the ordinary means in the ministration of it to beget Faith, and to nourish Faith, and to compleat Faith in a Soul towards Jesus Christ: It is somtimes said to be the power of God to Salvation unto every one that believeth; be­cause the tendancy, use, and efficacy of it, is to the directing, leading, and nou­rishing of Souls up to the attainments of Salvation by Jesus Christ: And as it is the requirement of God, that the Sons and Daughters of men should harken dili­gently unto his Word in the ministrations of it, and to meditate therein, and to ap­ply it, and improve it to the glory of his Name, and to their attainments unto ho­liness and happiness, so it becomes a duty incumbent upon us to be active therein; [Page 182] Therefore take heed and beware of neg­lect in this great duty, and our omission thereof become our great sin, and the Word that we have omitted, become a witness against us to our Condemnation: And let those that through grace have re­ceived ministerial gifts, and imployed in the work of the Ministery, take heed of omitting willingly or carelesly what the Lord requires at their hands in order to their feeding of the Flock of God; take heed therefore of omitting, but watch and pray for opportunities to the work, and for divine assistance in the work, that ye stain not your Ornaments of Holiness by the sin of Omission.

And in the duty of Prayer, take heed of Omission, lest it become sin unto us; God forbid (saith Samuel) that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you, 1 Sam. 12.23. God's People are requi­red to pray for an increase of Labourers in the work of the Ministery, and for an increase of gifts and qualifications sutable to the work in those that are already im­ployed: And if Paul did stand in need of, and required the Prayers of God's People, who was extraordinarily gifted; how much more ordinary gifted-Ministers? Paul required the Prayers of the Christi­ans, [Page 183] in order to his preservation from the hands of wicked and unreasonable men: And herein Christians ought to be active at the Throne of grace in behalf of Gos­pel-Ministers now, and especially when the storms of Persecution arise against them.

Christians are required to pray for the civil Magistrate, for Kings, and all that are in Authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and ho­nesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. The Office of Magistracy is an Ordinance of God, appointed to execute Justice against evil doers; but for the praises and protection of them that do well; the Office is weigh­ty, and of great concernment, and re­quires not only humain Wisdom and Counsel, but divine also, to the well ma­nagement thereof; therefore it is of con­cernment that God be sought unto, both by the Magistrate, and also by the Sub­jects on the Magistrates behalf, for di­vine assistance in Wisdom, Understand­ing, and Faithfulness of heart; for the well management of the civil Laws, ac­cording to the Will of God, and the glo­ry of his Name, and the Subjects privi­ledges: Wherefore, as Gospel-injunction [Page 184] doth require the duty, take heed of o­mitting the same, lest it become a sin, de­filing and staining the Ornament of Holi­ness in your attainments thereof.

Also, consider that this duty of Prayer is extended as the duty of every Christi­an, not only for themselves, but also for one another, and for Enemies and Perse­cutors: Therefore take heed, omit not the duty, lest it become sin unto us of a deep pollution; Continue in Prayer, and watch thereunto with thanksgiving, Col. 4.2. Note, Here is a further duty to be joyned with Prayer, for Christians to be active in, and that is Thanks-giving: All our enjoyments are said to be sanctified to us by the Word of God and Prayer, and are to be received with thanks-giving. He that offereth praise, glorifieth me, saith the Lord: Praises and thanks-giving to God, is a Heavenly exercise, a work re­quirable here in the Kingdom of grace, and more perfectly performed in the Kingdom of glory by Saints and Angels in their glorified state. God that hath bles­sed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, is worthy of all praise and thanks­giving to the glory of his Name; from him we receive all our spiritual and tem­poral enjoyments, and unto him belong­eth [Page 185] praise and thanksgiving to the glory of his Name: Every mercy enjoyed, calls for a return of praise to the Lord, from whom it doth proceed: Therefore let us be careful here, take heed of omitting this great duty, lest we be found deep in sin, and our Ornaments of Holiness be defi­led: Ten Leapers were cleansed by Christ, but where are the nine? only one return­ed to praise the Lord.

Take heed therefore, watch and pray, that you may be sensible of God's mercies afforded, and not forgetful of your re­turns: I cannot here stand to number up the mercies afforded to us, they are great and large; yet here is one among the ma­ny I would say somthing to.

It is not long, since a strong, rough, East wind did blow upon us for several years; it may be the Lord had a good end in it, as to sift us, to prove and try the reality of our hearts towards him in our under­takings, to blow away the Chaff, but to preserve the Wheat; so that although tryed, yet the Lord in measure did de­bate with it; so that although under the left hand of affliction, yet upholden by a right hand of mercy: So that as the Apo­stle saith, We were troubled on every side, yet not distressed; Persecuted, but not for­saken; [Page 186] cast down, but not destroyed. Here­in are we to behold God's hand with much thankfulness, and to take heed that we forget not his Providences, under which rough dispensation, we may remember that we did set several days apart to seek the Lord by Fasting & Prayer, laying our condition & cause before him: And for as much as it hath pleased the Lord suddenly to turn back the rough stormy wind, and to bring a calmy Southern serene refresh­ing gale upon us, in such a way as was un­expected by us, although our hope in him was for a deliverance in his time, and which way should seem good unto himself, for the glory of his name; and indeed, as the Lord is admirable in all his works and ways, so in this; that by the same hand he did chastise us, by the same hand he should deliver us: as if the Lord was minded to seal the truth of those words of Solomon unto us; that, the Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord; as the rivers of water he turneth it whither soever he will, Prov. 21.1. O who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his Coun­seller; did we think such a thing, or did our Prosecutors expect it? may not we herein say with the Psalmist? When the Lord turned again the Captivity of Zion, [Page 187] we were like them that dream: Rather question whether it was a real thing, or a fained, then readily to believe it.

But for-as-much as it hath pleased God thus admirably to answer our poor Petiti­ons put up unto him in the name of Jesus Christ, beyond our deservings or expecta­tions; let us in these ensuing particulars be very cautious, and take heed, and be­ware.

First: That we do not omit the attri­bution of this our deliverances to the Lord, to the glory of his Name, as the original Author thereof, and to the King as an instrument in his hand, lest the o­mission hereof become sin unto us, and a stain unto our holy Atchievments; but rather with Ezra, say, Blessed be the Lord, that hath put such a thing as this in the Kings heart.

Secondly: That we be very cautious, and take great heed, and beware of o­mitting our duty in a return of praises sutable to the benefits we receive by the Lords answering us in our requests unto him. O let it not be said of us as once of Hezekiah; But he rendered not again, ac­cording to the Benefit done unto him, 2 Chro. 32.25. And of Israel, that when he slew them, Then they sought him, and enquired [Page 188] early after God, and they remembred that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer, Psal. 78.34, 35. but they soon forgot his works, they waited not for his Counsel, Psal. 106.13. But ra­ther so apply and improve his benefits herein, as to make them the greater ob­ligation to us to love the Lord, to trust in him, and to wait upon him in his holy appointments as long as we live, as saith the Psalmist; I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voyce and my supplication; because he hath enclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live, Psal. 116.1, 2.

Thirdly: Let us be very cautious, and take heed unto our selves, and beware, that by Carnal security we abuse not our liberty and priviledge of prosperity by acts of vanity, and neglect of our duties in true Christianity, and so make our pri­viledge of liberty and prosperity to be­come of greater damage to us than ten or twelve years of Persecution hath ever yet done; for as much as we shall sin under the greater Mercies, and so must ex­pect the greater Judgments from the Lord: There is, in a day of Prosperity, more danger of a peoples growing into Carnal Security, and forgetting of their [Page 189] God, than in a day of affliction, if we take not heed; as the Lord said to Israel of old, When ye shall come into the good Land, and have Houses builded, and Vine­yards, and Olives planted, and your Cattel multiplyed, and ye have eaten and are full; then beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his Commandements, and Judgments, and Statutes, which I Com­mand thee this day, that then thou forget not the Lord thy God that brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage, Deut. 6.12.

Whence note, that God's People that have had great experiences of God, are in times of peace and plenty very apt to for­get the Lord, and to turn aside from a due observation of his ways, and thereby de­file themselves with the sins of ingratitude, and great disobedience under eminent mercies, highly provoking the Lord: would we be a holy people unto the Lord? Let Israels and others sins, and punish­ments for the same, make us timely to beware lest we stain our chiefest Orna­ments thereby, and watch and pray a­gainst such ingratitude; the neglect where­of, may cause God to neglect us of those supplyes of grace necessary to uphold us; and in all our approaches to the Lord, we [Page 190] are also to take heed, and be careful that our end be right; that we might glorify God in our act of Prayer, and our end of asking any thing of God, may be for our better glorifying of his Name; the end many times crowns the action; as the words of Saint James doth imply; Ye have not, because ye ask not; and ye ask, and have not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your Lusts, Jam. 4.2, 3. Wherefore would we have God to sup­ply and support us, let us not omit our duty in seeking to him; would we have him answer us in our seeking to him? then let us take heed that we omit not a right end in what we seek unto him for.

The omission of one thing more I would present, to mind, that we take heed of (lest it should become sin unto us), and that is, of omitting the ministring of our temporal things unto such as perform the Office of ministring unto us in spiritual things, especially if it be by the Minister required; for as much as the Lord hath so required and ordained that they that Preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel: The Apostle Paul would have the Churches know their duty in this point, and the Ministers power to require it, although he voluntarily would rather [Page 191] work with his hands, then to be chargable to the Churches: But as for me, as I have not been chargable hitherto in that nature, for what hath by me been done upon that account, so do I not desire to make the Gospel chargable to any, except the greater necessity; yet as Paul would, so would I have Christians know their concernment in this point, as well as other points of Christianity, and to take heed, lest Omission here do not become a sin of deep pollution, since it is doubtless the requirement of God: see 1 Cor. cap. 9. Gal. 6.6. And let the Minister on the o­ther hand take heed, and beware, that he make not temporal means and honour the chiefest end and master-wheel of his mo­tion in the work of the Ministry, and it become a pollution of the Ornaments of holiness unto him.

Also take heed and beware of omitting actions of charity towards the poor, and it become our sin; For as much (saith Christ) as ye have not done it to one of the least of these my Brethren, ye have not done it unto me; go ye therefore into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels; but he that giveth to the Poor, lendeth to the Lord, and he will repay it: Blessed is the man that considereth the Poor, the Lord [Page 192] will deliver him in the time of trou­ble.

And so I shall conclude this Use by way of Caution, with those words of Deut. 4.9. Only take heed to thy self, and keep thy Soul diligently, lest thou forget the things that thine eyes have seen, and lest they de­part from thy heart all the days of thy life; but teach them thy Sons, and thy Sons Sons.

CHAP. XI.
Containing a Use of Encouragement unto Believers, to Press after the attainment of Holiness, and to Per­severe therein.

THe first consideration I shall pro­pound for Encouragement in the prosecution of this design, for an Estate of Holiness, is, the warrantable­ness of the design; it is highly approved of God, insomuch that God doth com­mand the prosecution of this design: Be [Page 193] ye holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Persons prosecuting this design for holi­ness in God's way, out of which there is no attainment, they do hereby answer God's Will, and a good Conscience, the which is a good encouragement in the prosecution of a design; a good issue and success thereof may be expected: But Secondly,

A second ground of encouragement in the prosecution of this design, may arise upon the consideration of the promise of assistance in the management of this de­sign for holiness, made to the prosecutors of the said design.

A man having a design for his advance­ment in this world, either for the obtain­ing some great Estate of Land, or place of Honour and Dignity, and having the word of a King for his assistance, by his Countenance, his Court and Counsel, his Laws and Authority for the accomplish­ment thereof; how doth this raise up, and enlarge the heart of this man with en­couragement in the prosecution of his de­sign, and confirm his hope of attaining his end therein? How much more may the Christian-Soul be raised up with confi­dence, and his heart enlarged with in­couragements in his design for holiness, [Page 194] and hope of attaining unto the perfection thereof? Considering he hath not only the command, but also the promise of him who is the King of Kings, the Omnipo­tent, Immortal, and Omni-present Ma­jesty of Heaven and Earth, with all his Heavenly Court and Counsel, Laws and holy Appointments to protect and assist us in the management of this great design for our attainments unto holiness; without which no man shall see the Lord.

O what an assistance is this, for a poor Soul to have the whole Court of Heaven to assist him in his design and management thereof, where God the Father by his ho­ly appointment doth ordain his holy Word and Counsel therein, to inform us, his holy Spirit to enable us, his holy An­gels to encamp about us, to minister se­curity to us in the said design, and his ho­ly Son, Jesus Christ, to Crown us with the perfection of Holiness in himself; consi­dering also that he is faithful that hath pro­mised, who also will do it.

O what great encouragement is this that the Lord hath laid before us? What rich grace is this, that God doth not only command us to be holy, because he is ho­ly, but attends upon us with all holy means appertaining to the attainment of [Page 195] an holy state; that we in a good im­provement of the means, according to his Counsel against Sin and Satan, and our own Corruptions for the attainment of a holy life; we might both Plow in hope, and Sow in the hope of Reaping a sure and certain Estate of holiness in its perfection, to the great joy and consolation of the Soul, in the sweet enjoyments of Com­munion with the Lord: But Thirdly,

As we may be encouraged in this de­sign, by the warrantableness of it, God highly approving of it; and secondly, from the promise of God to assist us in the management of the design: So thirdly, we may be much encouraged upon the consideration of the faithfulness of him that hath promised assistance to us; Know therefore (saith Moses) that the Lord thy God, is God, the Faithful God which keep­eth Covenant and Mercy with them that love him, and keep his Commandements to a thousand Generations, Deut. 7.9. This is an excellent encourageing argument and attribute of God, to strengthen the courage and confidence of a Christian in his design, for the perfecting holiness in the fear of God; if a Christian in the management of this design, do meet with temptations and oppositions by the Lusts [Page 196] of the flesh, the Devil, or Wicked men, here is a special ground of courage and confidence; God is faithful, 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, 1 Cor. 10.13.

Should a Christian in his management of this designe be possessed with some fear or jealousie of its own Imperfections and Weaknesses, that by reason of the same it shall not attaine unto an estate of Holiness, to stand acceptable with­out blame in the sight of God: Here in this Case-consider, that God is faithful who hath Called you unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, 1 Cor. 1.8, 9. who will also confirme you unto the End: that ye may be blameless in the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ: Wherefore thou Christian Soul pressing after the attain­ment of Holiness, consider Gods faith­fulness as a remedy against any fears, doubts, or jealousies, that may arise up­on the sight or sense of thy own weakness and imperfections: hath God also called thee unto the fellowship of his Son, to walk with him in his holy Laws and Council contained in his Word, stri­ving against Sin, for to attain unto an [Page 197] Holy state? God hath also called thee un­to the fellowship of his Son, in the participation of his Righteousness and true Holiness; in which Robes he will accept thee as unblameable in his sight: Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it, 1 Thes. 5.24. Therefore press after Holiness, but against the defilements of sin, depending on Christ for perfection therein, who Crowns Saints endeavours, and adds to their store, his own perfect purity; to acceptance evermore.

Thou hast a few names (saith the Lord to the Church of Sardis) That have not defiled their Garments. It seemeth these few persons did carefully endeavour in the use of the means, to keep up and nou­rish the life and power of Godliness in them, so as not to allow themselves in that deadness and sloathfulness that others were found in, nor in those false doctrins and opinions that were on foot among others; neither in those loose and la­civious practices and abominations of the times; but their hearts being real to the Lord, and their careful endeavours was to keep themselves undefiled from the sins of the times.

So the Lord Jesus Christ doth record them here, according to their careful en­deavours [Page 198] and integrity of their hearts, al­though they might have failings and im­perfections, without which there is no man on this side the grave; yet they be­ing not allowed but endeavoured against, the Lord seems to take not any notice thereof, nor layeth any thing to their charge on that account; for as much as such souls, thus consciencious of sin, do in the sence of their own imperfections, the more humble themselves before the Lord, admiring his mercy, and judge themselves unworthy of the same. Well, but what of these few; They (saith the Lord) shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Note, here for encouragement in this de­sign for holy attainments, two things e­specially laid down in promise to such: First, Union with Christ in his white robes of Innocency, Righteousness, and Holi­ness in the perfection thereof; Christ will cover the failings and imperfections of such souls with his own perfections. Se­condly: Here is Communion with Christ, Christ accepts them in Communion with himself; They shall walk with me in white: Christ puts his perfections upon them, as aforesaid, and makes them meet-Com­panions for himself; They shall walk with me: O what rich grace is this? what an [Page 199] encouragement is here to press after such attainments, when Christ hath engaged himself to make up our wants with his own fulness; our imperfections, with his own perfections, and thereby make us meet for fellowship with himself; They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. Note, Here Christ seems to at­tribute a worthiness in them of these pri­viledges, although in all that they have done, is but their duty, and not deserving at the hand of Christ so great priviledges; but such is the gracious goodness of the Lord, that he will not let the gift of a cup of cold water, Math. 10.42. that is given to one of his Disciples, for his sake, go unrewarded; how much more respects will he freely show towards those that for his sake in love to him, do improve his Counsel unto a denial of themselves in all ungodliness and worldly (Tit. 2.11, 12.) Lusts and Vanities, to walk with Christ in his Counsel, confessing his Name, and professing his truth, in opposition to Sin, the World, and the Devil, to the ma­nagement of this design of perfecting ho­liness in the fear of God, to the glory of his Name: Yea, so doth Christ respect such souls, that he confirms his former words with a second Confirmation; He that o­vercometh [Page 200] the same, shall be Cloathed with white Rayment, and I will not blot his name out of the book of Life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his An­gels, Rev. 3.5. O what great encou­ragements hath the Lord laid before us! if we are upon the management of this de­sign for holiness in the way of Christ's Counsel, He will Cloath us with his own Robes, and keep our names clear in the book of Life; and confess our names, and bear his Testimony for us before his Father, and before his Angels, as he also testifyeth, Math. 10.32.

O behold the faithfulness of God, that as he hath commanded us to be holy, so hath he graciously promised his assistance to us in our endeavours, by his Divine Counsel in his Word to inform us, by his Spirit to enable us, his Angels to secure us; and by his Son, to Crown our weak per­formances with his own perfections, to his gracious acceptation; He hath made us accepted in the beloved, Eph. 1.6.

Thus having briefly presented three ge­neral grounds, comprehending many par­ticulars, for encouragement to the Christi­an soul, that in love and loyalty to the Lord, entereth a design for holy attain­ments. As first: The warrantableness of the [Page 201] design, God manifesting his approbation of it by his command thereunto. Second­dly: God's promise of assistance. Third­ly: His faithfulness in performing of his Promise. I shall only present a fourth ground of encouragement, which is as fol­loweth.

A fourth ground of encouragement in this design, is, The sure reward that is an­nexed by promise unto those souls that in the way of God, do manage a design for the attainment of a holy state; unto such souls there is a sure reward, as saith the Spirit of God by Solomon: The Wicked worketh a deceitful work; but to him that soweth Righteousness, is a sure reward, Prov. 11.18.

This Reward, is sometimes in Scripture called the Reward of Inheritance, as in Col. 3.24. Whatsoever ye do, do it hear­tily, as to the Lord, and not to men; know­ing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the Re­ward of Inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ; also this Inheritance is said to be an Eternal Inheritance, Heb. 9.15. and an Inheritance incorruptible, 1 Pet. 1.4. Sometimes it is called a Kingdom; as in Matth. 25.34. and in Luk. 12.32. Fear not little Flock, it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom, a King­dom [Page 202] that cannot be moved, Heb. 12.28. Sometimes in Scripture, this Inheritance or Kingdom is called Eternal Life, as in Joh. 10.28. My Sheep hear my Ʋoyce, and they follow me, and I give unto them Eter­nal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand: See further Matth. 25.46. Rom. 6.23.

Quest. But where is this Inheritance or Kingdom, saith the enquiring soul, that I may behold it?

Answ. The Apostle Peter tells us, It is reserved in the Heavens, for you that are kept by the power of God through faith unto Sal­vation, 1 Pet. 1.4, 5. Note, its by the power of God, that ye are kept thereun­to; the power of God in the operation of his Word, and efficacy of his Spirit, work­ing in, and by the Word; therefore love the Word, delight therein, hold it fast, its the power of God unto Salvation, unto e­very one that believeth, Rom. 1.16. Note also, its through faith; therefore look well to your faith, make not shiprack of faith, but keep up faith in its due exer­cise, for ye are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation. The Servants of God, of old, did behold the promised Inheritance by faith, to their great comfort and encouragement, as saith [Page 203] the Authour to the Hebrews, chap. 11. These all dyed in faith, not having re­ceived the Promises; but having seen them afar off, and were perswaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth: Moses by faith, beheld this re­compence of reward, and in respect there­unto, he chose rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; for he had respect to the Recompence of Reward.

Quest. But when will it be that this promised Inheritance and Reward shall be possessed by the Believer, pressing after holiness? many have been in the expecta­tion of such a thing indeed, but since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the Creati­on, 2 Pet. 3.4.

Answ. The Apostle Peter affirmeth, That the Lord is not slack, as some men count slackness, but is long suffering to us [...] ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to Repentance, 2 Pet. 3.9. It may be that God hath some peo­ple yet to Convert, and to add unto his Church, that his coming is prolonged: But the day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the Night, in the which the Heavens [Page 204] shall pass away with a great noyse, and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat; the Earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy Con­versation and Godliness? Nevertheless, we according to his promise, look for new Heavens, and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth Righteousness. It is enough for us that we have the word of promise made out, and confirmed to us by the Eternal and Infinite God to exercise our faith and hope upon; and it is our duty to wait upon him in faith and patience, for the performance of the same unto us in his time: It is his own free gift, not our de­serts, and that he will at last accomplish it to any soul, it is infinite mercy to be admired. The spirit of God hath signifi­ed unto us, that it will be performed at the second coming of Christ personally, as in Col. 3.4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in Glory; whereunto agreeth the words of Paul to the Thessalonians, chap. 4.16, 17, 18. which words are these; For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voyce of the Arch-angel, and with the Trump of God, [Page 205] and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the Clouds, to meet the Lord in the Ayr, and so shall we ever be with the Lord, wherefore comfort one another with these words; and in chap. 5. Comfort your selves together, and edifie one another, even as also ye do, vers. 11. Whence Note by the way, that it is the duty of Christians, and the property of souls, espoused to Christ, so to apply and improve the promise of Christ's second personal coming, as to make it a ground of comfort and encouragement one to another, of edification in, and the obser­vation of all his holy appointments perse­veringly.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ, a little be­fore his sufferings, being conversant with his Disciples, and fore-seeing the sorrow and trouble that would attend them after his departure; he, for their better sup­port, encouragement, and comfort under the same, leaveth them this Cordial to feed upon; Let not your hearts be troubled, (saith he) ye believe in God, believe also in me; in my Fathers House are many Man­sions; if it were not so, I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come [Page 206] again and receive you to my self, that where I am, ye may be also, Joh. 14.1, 2, 3. The Lord hath furnished the holy Scrip­tures with plenty of provision of this na­ture, as if his faithful Servants were likely to have great need of encouragements, support, and comfort after his departure, by reason of the many troubles and oppo­sitions the world would raise against them in their faithful obedience unto him; so that, as the reward of Inheritance is sure, and certain to the faithful; so the more full accomplishment thereof, will at the second coming and glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, be performed.

But of the day and hour knoweth no man, saith our Saviour, no not the Angels in Heaven, but the Father only, Matth. 24.36. But as a Thief in the Night, will it come suddenly upon all that dwell upon the Earth; the which doth invite every soul to a diligent watchfulness in the way of God, and a patient waiting in the ex­pectation thereof, Matth. 24.42.

The Husband-man (saith Saint James) waiteth with long patience for the precious fruits of the Earth, until he receive the for­mer and latter Rain: Be ye also Patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the [Page 207] Lord draweth nigh, Jam. 5.7. Cast not away therefore your cenfidence, which hath great recompence of reward, for ye had need of Patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise, for he that shall come, will come, and will not tar­ry; now the Just shall live by Faith, &c. Heb. 10.35, 36, 37. Saint John saith, he saw under the Alter the Souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and the Testimony that they held; crying, how long Lord, wilt thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the Earth; and white Robes were given to every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest for a little season, until their fellow Ser­vants also, and their Brethren that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled, Rev. 6.9, 10. It may be the Lord hath some of his Servants yet to suffer for his sake, that his comeing is yet prolonged: And white Robes were given them, and it was said, that they must rest for a little season, &c. whence Note, first, That Innocent blood cryeth for the hastening of Christ's coming to judge and revenge its cause a­gainst its Persecutors; and the Lord will assuredly in due time answer the cryes thereof. Secondly, Note, That Christ's Perfection, with the Reward of Salva­tion, [Page 208] being sealed and assured to a Soul by the influences and opperations of the spirit of Christ, as a pledge of the Fathers love and special favour, should be unto every such soul of an inducing nature, to move and draw forth the soul to exercise faith and patience, to wait upon the Lord, with a dependency upon him to plead its cause, and to revenge its wrongs, and to perform the accomplishment of all his promises in his own time; he that belie­veth, maketh not hast, he waiteth God's time as the best time.

Wherefore, considering that the ma­nagement of a design for holy attainments, is attended with such encouragements, as God's Approbation and Command, and his promise of assistance in the way of at­tainment, and his crowning our endea­vours with perfection in his Son, and with a Reward of an Eternal Inheritance, to be fully possessed by the holy people, the Saints of the most high God, at the se­cond coming of Christ, personally bring­ing his reward with him; therefore Be­loved, Building up your selves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep your selves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life, Jude v. 20.

CHAP. XII.
Containing a Use of Comfort and Con­solation unto those persons that are industrious in the management of a design for holy attainments in the way of God's Counsel.

CHristian Friends, having related something in the former Chapter, concerning a Reward of Inheri­tance or Kingdom, to be possessed by the holy people at the second comeing of Je­sus Christ personally, as a matter or ground of encouragement unto Holiness; so for a ground of Consolation, I would put into consideration something of the priviledges the heirs of this Inheritance shall possess in the possession thereof: But I must confess that my capacity is too nar­row to comprehend, and tongues of Men and Angels too short to declare the ex­cellencies of those priviledges in the lati­tude thereof: But when we shall come to experience the priviledges of that Inheri­tance, [Page 210] by a full possession thereof in the glorious presence of the Majesty of the E­ternal Deity in the Heavenly Mansions, we may with admiration say as the Queen of Sheba, concerning Solomons Wisdom and Magnificence, that the one half had not been declared to us.

And as the Queen of Sheba was, by the report she had heard drawn forth to make an experiment of Solomons Magnificence, by putting her self upon a Journey to his Court: So hoping that some souls may be provoked to put forth it self upon a journey towards the Heavenly Court in the paths of Holiness, upon the report of the excellent priviledges thereof, to an ex­periencing of the Magnificence of the same, although not the one half be declared. Consider with me these few particulars as privilegdes appertaining to the heirs of the aforesaid Inheritance or Kingdom, to be experienced by a perfect possession at the second coming of Christ personally.

The first general priviledge including many particulars, we shall consider to consist in that excellent and glorious change of the body which at that day shall be effected in the Resurrection thereof, with a uniting of body and spirit; in which glorious change the body will be [Page 211] Immortal, no more subject unto death; a spiritual body, no more subject to hun­her, thurst, cold, sickness, nor any putri­faction whatsoever; an Incorruptible body, no more subject to sin, temptati­ons, sorrow, fears, tears, nor terrors, nei­ther from the apprehensions of any op­pression by man, nor any displeasure of Almighty God; but a glorious body, al­together capable of beholding the glori­ous Essence, & beautifical presence of the glorious Majesty of the Lord, which ex­celleth the beholding with a mortal eye; for evidences hereunto, see 1 Cor. 15. Rev. 7.16. Rev. 21.4. Our Conversation is in Heaven (saith the Apostle) from whence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile bo­dies, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious Body, according to the working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself, Phil. 3.20, 21. We know (saith Saint John) that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is, 1 Joh. 3.2. Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now we know in part, but then shall we know as we are known, 1 Cor 13.12.

He that hath this hope, purifieth him­self even as he is pure: O thou that art in [Page 212] the management of a design for Holy At­tainments, here is a ground of comfort, encouragement and consolation to thy soul, although men may kill this vile bo­dy, and cut thee off in the way, they can­not deprive thee of thy end; thou shalt be raised again, a glorious body like unto him, who is able to subdue all things un­to himself, and be made capable of that glory, that no mortal eye is able to be­hold, nor tongue express: But Secondly,

As the body shall at that day admit of a glorious change, as to be like his glorious body, so the will, the affections, with e­very faculty of the soul, shall in this re­unity, be transendently glorious with the Image of God: That soul, that in this life, by some beams and influences of Christ's love, is drawn and contracted in love to Christ, and holy longings after further Communion with him, shall then have its desires accomplished in the glori­ous presence of her Beloved; then will that glorious Marriage between Christ and his Spouse, be gloriously, solemnized with the glorious presence of God the Father, and Christ the Bridegroom, at­tended with an innumerable company of Angels; then shall souls Espoused to Christ here in this day of grace, by some [Page 213] streams of Christ's love, be then filled with the Ocean of divine love from Eter­nity; then will Christ beautifie and a­dorn his Beloved with the glorious beauty of himself, and make her beautiful and comely, and delightful unto himself; yea, in that day will Christ give his Spouse the right hand of fellowship, he will set them on his right hand with this sweet saluta­tion; Come ye Blessed of my Father, In­herit the Kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the World.

O consider, if some drams of Divine Love in Christ will in this day of grace comfort and refresh a soul, and give cause of rejoycing, how much more will the soul be filled with joy and consolation, when it cometh to live in the full Ocean of Divine Love from Eternity? Surely this is joy unspeakable, and full of glory; but Thirdly:

A third priviledge belonging to this Kingdom, or reward of Inheritance, may be considered, consisting of most excellent Associates, Companions in fellowship and communion together: That soul now pressing after holiness in this day of grace, and now delighting in such Companions, in whom evidences of grace appeareth, shall there live in the full enjoyment of [Page 214] Communion with God the Father of all our mercies, and with God the Son, the Redeemer of all our comforts, and with the Holy Ghost, God equal with the Fa­ther and the Son; See Heb. 12 22, 33, 24. the Illuminator of our understandings, the quickner of us in the life of grace, the sanctifier of us to the subduing of sin, the helper of our weak­nesses and infirmities in our Christian du­ties, the seal of our Redemption, and wit­ness of our Adoption; the souls comfor­ter in Tribulation, and director in all the paths of holiness; together with an in­numerable company of Angels and glori­ous Saints, whose Communion of per­sons shall flow from a perfect union of spirit; solemnizing a perpetual Sabbath to the Lord, in Praises and Thanksgivings, in perfection of purity, and real-hearted sincerity in fulness of joy and consolation; while the Ignorant, and Prophane, the Carnal Worldling, and the Voluptuous, with the Time-serving Formalist, that have spent the day of grace in pursuit of their own carnal interest, little minding the interest of Jesus Christ in the foot­steeps of the New Man, which is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness, shall have no part in the Resurrection with them that shall be counted worthy, or [Page 215] made meet for these priviledges, but shall be everlastingly excluded this Heavenly fellowship, with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, having not so much much as one dram of God's love and fa­vour to abate the flames of those horrors and terrors ceasing upon their souls, through the sence of Sin and Condemna­tion for the same, in that Eternal Wrath and fiery Indignation of the Almighty, where the Worm of Conscience is always gnawing, with Accusations of disobedi­ence to the just and holy Laws of a Righ­teous God, the Fire of whose Wrath, and Flames of Divine Vengeance never goeth out, but will be everlastingly burning in the soul, time without end; where the best Associates, and chiefest Companions will be the Devils and damned Spirits in Hell, and the best harmonious melody will be Confusion of howlings for extre­mity of pain, and gnashing of Teeth in endless sorrows. But Fourthly:

A fourth priviledge in this Reward of Inheritance, or glorious Kingdom, to be enjoyed by those persons that in this day of grace press after holy attainments per­severingly, may be considered consisting in a due proportion of the Inheritance and Heavenly Mansions, every one an Heir, [Page 216] joynt-Heir with Christ; every one a free possession, and every one free in his pos­session; every one a full possession, and e­very one full of true content with his pos­session; every one a possession full of true delight, comfort, and satisfaction; and every soul taking a full delight, comfort, and satisfaction in his possession; every one a peaceable possession, and every one acting peaceably in his possession; every one a possession full of divine love, and e­very one acting in his possession in that principle of divine love, which worketh no ill to his Neighbour; every one a pos­session full of the glory of the Lord; and every one rendering glory unto the Lord in his possession. He that overcometh shall Inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my Son, Rev. 21.4. And if Sons, then Heirs, Heirs of God, and joynt-Heirs with Christ; if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together, Rom. 8.17. And there shall be no more Curse, but the Throne of God, and of the Lamb shall be in the City of their Habitations, and his Servants shall serve him, and they shall see his face, and his Name shall be in their foreheads, Rev. 22.3, 4. But Fifthly:

A fifth priviledge considerable in this In­heritance, may be in the perpetuity there­of: [Page 217] A man, Heir to an Earthly Inheri­tance, and entering into possession of the same, in considering the great benefit that it will be unto him, many times his heart is raised up with joy and delight therein; but considering again on the other hand, how soon death may take him away from it, or an Enemy by force and violence take it from him, or considering how soon he may be surprised with afflictions in bo­dy or mind, or in both; whereby the comfortable enjoyment of this possession may be taken off; he considering the un­certainty thereof, how doth this abate the delight and comfortable satisfaction that the poor Creature did seem to fancy to himself?

But as for this Heavenly Inheritance, it is perpetually sure to every soul possessed thereof; and therefore, as it is a pos­session yielding a fulness of true delight and comfort unto perfection of satisfacti­on in the first enjoyment of possession: So the consolation thereof, is no whit a­bated or lessened by any fears, or doubts that may arise concerning a deprivation: There is no place left for fears nor doubts where the possession is so, surely founded and confirmed: As for this Inheritance (saith Peter) it is incorruptible and unde­filed, [Page 218] & that fadeth not away, its a Kingdom that cannot be moved; It is an Eternal Ever­lasting Inheritance, founded upon the Basis of Eternal love, even the infinite love of the Eternal God, and confirmed unto the Heirs thereof by the Eternal decree of the incorruptible & unchangable God; & up­holden, & maintained by the Omnipoten­cy, Omnisciency, Omnipresence, Immor­tality, & Incomprehensibility of the same Eternal, Infinite, and Everlasting God; Everlasting in his love to those Souls in possession of this Inheritance; Everlasting in his peace which passeth all understand­ing; Everlasting in his glorious presence, that filleth all in all; And there shall be no Night there, and they need no Candle, nei­ther light of the Sun; for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall raign for ever and ever, Rev. 22.5. Therefore, we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God, acceptably with reverence and Godly fear, Heb. 12.28.

For as much as the Kingdom is Unmovable and Everlasting; so also is the joy and consolation of the Inhabitants thereof an Everlasting Joy and Consolati­on which neither Men nor Devils can de­prive the soul of. Death cannot do it, [Page 219] there shall be no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain, no more hailing in­to Captivity, nor complaining in the Streets, by reason of Oppression; but all Violence shall be done away, and Ever­lasting Joy, Peace, Comfort, and Conso­lation, shall be as a Crown upon the heads and hearts of these Inhabitants: God shall be all in these souls, and these souls shall be all in God, by a Union of qualifi­cations Divine, and the sweet enjoyments of his glorious benefits, the height, the length, breadth, & depth, whereof eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive. Too narrow is the capacity of mortal man to comprehend, and the tongue of Men and Angels to express the Latitude there­of: Wherefore gird up the loyns of your minds; be sober, and hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ, as obedient Chil­dren, not fashioning your selves according to the former lusts in your Ignorance; but as he that hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of Conversation, because it is written, be ye holy, for I am holy, 1 Pet. 1.13, 14, 15, 16. But sixthly:

A sixth priviledge appertaining to the Heirs of this Kingdom, to be by them [Page 220] enjoyed at Christ's personal appearing at his second coming, may be considered herein, for to consist, that he that is their Head and Husband, with whom there is a unity of Affection and Covenant-Con­tract, and is the Recorder for his Espoused Souls, that puts their tears in his Bottel, and Records their sufferings in his book of Remembrance, and by whom, and for what, even for their love to him, and loyalty to his Supremacy in the observa­tion of his Laws, and for rejecting the contrary. This is a great ground of con­solation, that he that is their Recorder, their Head and Husband, is the only po­tentate King of Kings, and Judge of all the World, who will bring his Records with him, and make his personal appearance in the glory of his Majesty, and seat of Justice, attended with his glorious An­gels, and glorified Saints to Judge the World in Righteousness, who will not respect persons in Judgment, nor pervert Judgment for gifts nor reward; but in Righteousness will he Judge the cause of the Poor, and with Equity will he plead for the Meek of the Earth; who will then plead the cause of his people with a wit­ness against those that in this time of their Pilgrimage have oppressed and persecuted [Page 221] them. A poor man being oppressed by one that is too potent for him, and being not able to relieve himself, he maketh his address unto the King, laying open his cause before him, resolving to wait with patience for his relief; at length the King ariseth, and taketh this poor mans cause into his hand, and pleadeth it with his Adversary, and rights him in his wrongs, and avengeth him of his Oppressor. O how doth this administer comfort to this poor man! O how doth this oblige and endear the affections of this Poor man un­to his Prince, and fill his heart with joy and gladness, and thanksgiving for such a benefit; and shall not God avenge his own Elect, which cry day and night un­to him, though he bear long with them, they having committed their cause unto Him, and cast their burthen upon him? yea (saith our Saviour) I tell you he will avenge them speedily: O what Consolati­on doth this bring unto oppressed Souls in the cause of God, and especially when the Lord shall plead their cause with their Adversaries, what praises will it bring forth unto his Name: I heard (saith Saint John) a great voyce of much people in Hea­ven, saying Alleluja, Salvation, and Glory, and Honour, and Power unto the Lord our [Page 222] God, for he hath Judged the great Whore which did corrupt the Earth with her Forni­cations; True and Righteous are his Judg­ments, for he hath avenged the blood of his Servants at her hand: and again, they said Alleluja, and her smoak-rose up for ever and ever; in her was found the blood of Pro­phets and of Saints, and all that were slain upon the Earth, Rev. 18.24.19.1, 2, 3. Note, the Heavenly Host rejoyceth when God pleadeth the cause of his people with their Adversaries: Rev 19.5. And a Voyce came out of the Throne, saying praise our God, all ye his Servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great: Babylon rejoyced in the day of Sions troubles, and helped for­wards her Afflictions; and Sion must re­joyce in the Lords hand of Justice upon Babylon in the day of her Desolation: Wherefore all ye that in this day of your Pilgrimage are in God's way, pressing af­ter holy Attainments, in order to the adorn­ing of your souls for further Communion with your holy God, your Head and Hus­band, although many troubles may at­tend you, and many difficulties, oppositi­ons and temptations compass you about; Yet cast not away your Confidence which hath great Recompence of Reward, Heb. 10.35. But raise up your hearts, and labour [Page 223] to strengthen your Confidence in the Lord by a serious Meditation and Appli­cation of the Testimonies and Promises of God contained in his Word unto all long-suffering and patience; For yet a lit­tle while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry, Heb. 10.37. For as sure as he was once offered to bear the sins of many, so, surely to them that look for him, will he appear a second time with­out Sin unto Salvation, Heb. 9.28.

And then assuredly will the Lord own a people, that now in this day of Grace press after Holy Attainments in the way of God for his People peculiarly, as Taught by him, Redeemed by him, San­ctified by him, and Justified by him; the effects of the Fathers Election in himself, and the fruits of the Travels of his Soul in the sufferings of himself; his Beloved E­spoused to himself, his Inheritance Pur­chased with his own blood unto himself; and his Fellow-heirs to possess Eternal Glory with himself, unto whom, every wrong done, he taketh as done unto him­self, ( Act. 9.4, 5.) and Recordeth it, eve­ry Tear by them shed, through their Op­pression, he bottleth up for a Witness a­gainst the Oppressor in the day of his Vengeance; Psal. 56.8. when he maketh Inquisition [Page 224] for blood, he remembreth them; then will he not only take account of actions done against his people, but also of the omission of that good they might have done unto them, and should have mini­stered to them in the day of their distress; In as much as ye have not done it to one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me, Matth. 25. See this Omission is reward­ed with go ye Cursed; with what reward then will the Act of Oppression be re­warded; the Lord hath spoken, he will also bring to pass; the Lord will perform, and none shall hinder his proceedings: Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find Faith on the Earth? Luk. 18.8.

True Faith in Christ, works by Love to Christ, a stability in the way of Christ; the which, by the words of Christ, is like­ly to be very rare, and scarce to be found among the Sons and Daughters of men in the latter days, immediatly before his coming, unto which the Apostles in their holy writings do bear their Testimonies: Therefore, when ye shall see but little true Faith on Earth, as it were, but here and there a man, or a few that are sted­fast in the Profession of Christ, as the truth is, in Jesus, according to the primi­tive [Page 225] Institution and Law of Love, but great instability in ways of worships, turn­ing and twisting, soon this way, and soon that way, and but few performing obe­dience as to the Lord by the rule of God's Word; and when ye shall see the Iniquity of prophaneness in actions, and erronious opinions to abound, Mat. 24.11, 12, 23, 24. and the love of many to wax cold, and actions of Charity to be almost grown out of use, scarce here and there a man acting in the principle of true love to Christ, in obedience to him, nei­ther towards God in his worship, nor the Neighbour in civil Curtesies; but almost all carryed on by a self-ended principle of self-love in their actions, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. all which are evi­dences of want of true faith; then lift up your heads, for your Redemption draweth nigh; then behold, the Judge standing at the door, as it were ready to plead your Cause, and to revenge your wrongs, and to give you a full and free Possession of his glorious Kingdom: He that shall come, will come; and will not tarry, even so come Lord Jesus: Now the Just shall live by Faith, but if any man draw back, my Soul shall have no pleasure in him, saith the Lord, Heb. [...]0.37, 38. 1 Pet. 4.19.

Wherefore (as the Apostle Peter teach­eth) Let them that suffer according to the [Page 226] will of God, commit the keeping of their Souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Cre­ator; for we have not an high Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our In­firmities, but was in all points tempted, even as we are yet without sin, Heb. 4.15. for in that he himself hath suffered, being temp­ted, he is able to succor them that are temp­ted, Heb. 2.18. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4.16.

O let every one of us, in this our pre­sent Pilgrimage, endeavour to have the word of Christ dwelling richly in our hearts, and Heavens glory in our eye; and let us run with patience the holy Race for holy Attainments; considering that holiness is an Ornament ever becom­ing the people of God; to be found there­in, is a matter of great concernment.

First: Because therein God's people do most resemble the Image of God, their Heavenly Father, and Christ their Re­deemer.

Secondly: Because thereunto they were Elected in Christ from Eternity.

Thirdly: Because thereunto they are called with an holy calling.

Fourthly: Because thereunto they are enjoyned by special Command.

Fifthly: Because holiness is a beauti­ful Ornament well becoming a Christian and Christianity.

Sixthly: Because God's people are a peo­ple to whom precious promises appertain.

Seaventhly: Because holiness is an ex­cellent Ornament is respect of its dura­tion, the more made use of and improved, the more comely and perfect it is.

Eighthly: Because there is a great ne­cessity of it; for without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.

Ninethly: Because there is a sure Attain­ment of a holy state, in pressing after it in the way of God.

Tenthly: Because thereunto is anex­ed a sure reward of an Eternal Inheri­tance.

Eleventhly: Because holiness puts a Soul in a capacity to see the Lord, and to enjoy Union and Communion with him in a state of glory to its Eternal Conso­lation.

Twelfth: Because negligence and care­lesness in improving the means appointed of God for holy Attainments, puts a Soul in a capacity of possessing God's great dis­pleasure under his Eternal wrath.

Wherefore, dearly Beloved, having an holy God that requires holiness in us, and holy Services to be performed by us, in the way of his own holy appointments to the glory of his Name; and he having made out unto us such great and preci­ous Promises in the same, Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God; always considering that holiness is an Ornament well becoming the House of God; his people for ever to be found therein, is a matter of great concernment and so with that Exhortation, 1 Sam. 12 24. I shall conclude: Only fear the Lord and serve him in Truth with all your heart for, consider how great things the Lord hath done for you.