The Triumph of a True Christian Described, Commentary on verse · Verse 14

The Triumph of a True Christian Described · Commentary on verse · Verse 14

p. 324VERSE 14.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the ſonnes of God.

IN this 14. Verſe, our Apoſtle confirmes and proues that which he put downe in the latter part of the verſe foregoing, namely this, that all true beleeuers mortifying the deeds of the bodie by the Spirit, ſhall liue: that they ſhall liue both cōfortably here in this world, and that they ſhall alſo liue eternally in happineſſe and glorie hereafter in heauen. The Apoſtles argument to that purpoſe is from the proper ſubiect of that life, or from the perſons that are capable of it, and fit to be partakers of it, and thoſe are the ſons of God, the children of God. And thus he reaſons, the ſonnes of God, or the children of God ſhall aſſuredly liue both comfortably here, and alſo happily and gloriouſly hereafter. Now ſuch are they that mortifie the deeds of the body, which the Apoſtle expreſſeth in termes equiualent, and of the ſame ſignification, ſuch are they that are led by the Spirit: and making his ſpeech generall, he ſaith, As many as are led by the Spirit, they are the ſonnes of God. They are the children of God, therefore they muſt needs liue, and they ſhall certainly liue both a comfortable life here in this world, and they ſhall alſo be ſure to go to heauen. And this argument the Apoſtle doth further confirme and amplifie in 15.16.17. verſes. I ſpare to lay forth the reſolution of theſe words, till we come to the handling of them.

Interpretatiō.Now touching the words of this 14. verſe, I will ſtand a while to vnfold the ſence and meaning of them. For as many as: or whoſoeuer they be, of what place, calling, or condition: the propoſition is generall. Are led by the Spirit. The Spirit is here put metaphorically for the effect and worke of the Spirit. The word here rendred led, ſignifies acted, moued, or ſtirred forward, foreign. Now the acting, or mouing of the p. 325Spirit is either generall (for the Spirit workes in all creatures:) In him they liue moue, and hauehave their being, Act. 17.28. or it is more ſpeciall, namely, in men. And againe, in men the Spirit of God workes diuerſly, as by enduing ſome men with skill and cunning in trades, others with gifts fit for regiment and gouernment, others with the gift of prophecying, and preaching, and ſuch like. Now theſe workes and actions of the Spirit are not here meant, becauſe thus the Spirit may worke in the wicked and reprobate, but here the Apoſtle intends a more ſpeciall worke of the Spirit, namely, that worke of the Spirit that is proper to Gods children, for ſo he doth limit it: As many as are led by the Spirit, they are the ſonnes of God. And for the vnderſtanding of this word led, acted, or moued, we muſt know it is a metaphoricall word, borrowed and taken either from ſuch as are blind, and cannot ſee their way, but muſt hauehave one to leade them, and guide them, or from ſuch as want ſtrength to go by themſelues, as weake perſons, or yong children, that muſt hauehave the hand of another to ſupport them, and to leade, and to guide them; as a little child, when it begins to go, muſt hauehave the hand or finger of the nurſe or mother to hold it vp and to leade it. And ſo indeed are Gods children led by the Spirit, the Spirit by his working doth enlighten their minds to vnderſtand and know the will of God reuealed in his word, and to diſcerne ſuch inſtructions as be from God. They are taught of God Ioh. 6.45. And he doth alſo incline and bend their wils and affections to will and to affect good things, and inables them with ſtrength to do good things. And yet that we miſtake not this leading of the Spirit, know further that the Spirit of God leades Gods children, not as a cart or a dead thing, or as a bruite creature is led or drawne, but as reaſonable creatures. And againe, the Spirit of God leades them not violently, and by coaction and compulſion, and againſt their wils, as the Papiſts ſay we hold, but willingly: for the Spirit of God altereth and changeth their wils by grace, and of vnwilling maketh them willing, as Chriſt ſaith, Ioh. 6.44. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath ſent me draw him. And ſo he leades them, p. 326being willing conſequenter, not antecedenter, after their change and not before. And yet further, Gods children are ſo led by the Spirit of God, as that they follow his motion and guidance neceſſarily, and ſo as they cannot but follow it, as a blind man followes his leader willingly, though it be not free for him to go which way himſelfe will. Thus we are to conceiue of the worke of Gods Spirit in leading Gods children, they are led as it were by the hand of Gods Spirit, as reaſonable creatures, and willingly, their wils of vnwilling being made willing, and they follow the motion, guidance, and conduction of the Spirit of God neceſſarily. They are the ſonnes of God. That is, the children of God, as verſe 16. and that not by nature, for ſo is Chriſt onelyonly the Sonne of God, nor by creation, as the Angels be, Iob 1.6.Iob. 1.6.Job 1:6 but by adoption and grace. Thus then take we vp the ſence and meaning of the Apoſtle in the words of this verſe, as if he had ſaid:

For all they, whoſoeuer they be, high or low, rich or poore, of what place, calling, or condition, that are by the ſpeciall worke of Gods Spirit, acted, moued, and guided, that holy Spirit of God both enlightening their minds to vnderſtand and know the will of God reuealed in his word, and to diſcerne things therein taught, and alſo inclining and bending their wils and affections to will and to affect good things, and inabling them with ſtrength to do good things, ſo as they now will, affect, and do good things, as reaſonable creatures, and willingly, their wils being changed by the power of ſanctifying grace, and of vnwilling made willing, and ſo as they now follow the motion and guidance of the Spirit of God neceſſarily, he working in them effectually; they are the ſonnes and daughters of God, the children of God by grace and adoption: the Lord doth ſo eſteeme and ſo account of them.

Obſerue we how the Apoſtle proues, that ſuch as mortifie the deeds of the bodie by the Spirit, or ſuch as are mortified perſons ſhall liue, he proues it by this medium, by this argument, they are the ſonnes of God, or children of God, therefore they ſhall liue both comfortably here, and they ſhall alſo be ſure to liue happily in heauen hereafter. Now this being the Apoſtles argument, it yeelds to vsus this point of inſtruction.

p. 327That Gods children, and onelyonly Gods children, are ſure to Doct. 1 find ſweetneſſe and true comfort here in this world,True comfort here, and happines and glorie in heauen, belongs properly and onelyonly to Gods childred. and are ſure alſo to go to heauen, and to be ſaued, and to enioy happineſſe and glorie with the Lord in heauen. True comfort here in this world, and happineſſe and glorie in heauen hereafter, properly and onelyonly belongs to Gods children, they onelyonly are ſuch as liue both comfortably here, and are ſure to liue happily and gloriouſly hereafter in heauen; for why,

OnelyOnly to Gods children belong the promiſes of peace, of Reaſon. 1 comfort, of ioy, of happineſſe, and of all good, both of this life, and of the life to come: the Apoſtle ſaith, 1. Tim. 4.8.1. Tim. 4.8.1 Tim 4:8 Godlineſſe hath the promiſe of this life preſent, and of that that is to come. From the beginning of the booke of God to the end of it, we finde not any one promiſe of any one good thing made to any but onelyonly to ſuch as truly feare God, and to ſuch as louelove God, and to ſuch as truſt in God, and onelyonly to ſuch as are the children of God: they are pronounced happie, and bleſſed in many places of Scripture, the Lord ſets many bleſſedneſſes on their heads, Mat. 5. from verſe 3. to 12.Mat. 5.3.4. to 12.Matt 5:3Matt 5:4–12 Bleſſed are the poore in Spirit; bleſſed are they that mourne: bleſſed are the meeke: bleſſed are they which hunger and thirſt for righteouſneſſe: bleſſed are the mercifull: bleſſed are the pure in heart: bleſſed are the peace makers: and ſo forward.

Againe, Gods children are borne of God, and begotten Reaſon. 2 of God, 1. Ioh. 5.1.1. Ioh. 5.1.1 John 5:1 who is the fountaine of all true happineſſe and comfort, they are ioyned to the Sonne, who is the heire of all things, Hebr. 1.2.Heb. 1.2.Heb 1:2 they are begotten of the immortall ſeed the word of God, 1. Pet. 1.23.1. Pet. 1.23.1 Pet 1:23 they are fed with immortall food, euen the word of God, and with the bleſſed bodie and bloud of Chriſt to eternall life, as Chriſt ſaith, Ioh. 6.54.Ioh. 6.54.John 6:54 He that eateth my fleſh, and drinketh my bloud, hath eternall life, and I will raiſe him vp at the laſt day. And therefore it muſt needs be, that true comfort here in this world, and happineſſe and glorie hereafter in heauen, do properly and onelyonly belong to Gods children, and they onelyonly are ſure to liue both comfortably here in this word, and alſo to liue happily and gloriouſly in heauen.

p. 328Ʋſe 1 This for the vſe of it, in the firſt place diſcouers an excellent priuiledge of Gods children,A priuiledge Gods children hauehave aboue all others, diſcouered. euen a priuiledge that Gods children hauehave aboue all other men in the world, whatſoeuer they be, that are not Gods children: men may be rich and wealthie, they may hauehave abundance, gold may be as plentifull with them as chippes, they may be great, and mightie, puiſſant and ſtrong, and honourable in the world, and the like: and yet for all this, being not the children of God, they are but in a miſerable ſtate and condition, they hauehave no right nor title to any true comfort, all their wealth, and all their honour and greatneſſe, cannot yeeld them one dramme of true comfort; they ſhall find it ſo when they ſtand in moſt need of comfort, and in the time of triall, and at the houre of death. They being not the children of God, their riches, their honour, and the like, are but giuen them to leaue them without excuſe, and to increaſe their iudgement: yea they being out of Chriſt, they hauehave no right to one bit of bread, or to one ragge; they cannot go to God in time of their diſtreſſe with comfort, and call on him as a gracious father, they cannot ſpeake to him but as to an angrie iudge, readie to powre out his wrath and vengeance on them; they hauehave no promiſe of any the leaſt comfort belonging to them. All the promiſes of God touching the good things of this life and of the life to come, are appropriated to Gods children, and they alone hauehave right and title to them, and they onelyonly are ſure to finde true comfort here in this world, and are ſure alſo to enioy happineſſe and glorie hereafter in heauen: that is the priuiledge of Gods children. And therefore if thou (whoſoeuer thou art) wouldſt be ſure to liue comfortably here in this world, and to liue happily and gloriouſly hereafter in heauen, then neuer reſt till thou be ſure that thou art in the number of Gods children: if thou once come to hauehave good euidence of that, that thou art borne of God, and begotten of God, that thou art borne of the Spirit, Ioh. 3.6.Ioh. 3.6.John 3:6 and borne anew by the immortall ſeed of the word of God, then (indeed) thou art in a moſt happie ſtate and condition, thou haſt then aſſurance of Gods ſpeciall preſence and protection, thou maiſt then p. 329go with boldneſſe to the throne of grace, and finde helpe in the time of need; thou haſt then right and title to all the good things of this life and of the life to come, and thou ſhalt be ſure to find ſweetneſſe and true comfort here in this world, and thou ſhalt be ſure alſo to go to heauen and to be ſaued: and that is an excellent comfort.

Againe for a ſecond vſe, is it ſo that Gods children and Ʋſe 2 onelyonly Gods children are ſure to find ſweetneſſe and comfort here in this world,How onelyonly we may lay claime to heauen. and are ſure alſo to go to heauen and to be ſaued? then we muſt looke that we lay claime to heauen onelyonly as we are the children of God, and hauehave right to it as adopted ſonnes in and through the merits of Chriſt: and we are to renounce all things in our ſelues, and not as blind and ignorant perſons do, hope to be ſaued for our good meaning and good dealing; yea we muſt go out of our ſelues, and looke to be ſaued onelyonly as we are the adopted ſonnes and daughters of God in and through Chriſt.

Yea will ſome ſay, Obiect. (here they that ſtand againſt iuſtification in Gods ſight by the merit of Chriſt his actiue obedience, will be readie to take hold and ſay) are we to lay claime to heauen onelyonly as we are in and through Chriſt adopted to be the children of God? why then what need we the merit of Chriſt his actiue obedience to our iuſtification in the ſight of God, and to giuegive vsus right and title to heauen? we are by Chriſt (we beleeuing in him) freed from the guiltineſſe and puniſhment of our ſinnes, and through Chriſt we are adopted to be the children of God, and as we are the adopted ſonnes of God, we hauehave right and title to heauen, and therefore there is no need of Chriſt his actiue obedience, but we are iuſtified onelyonly by Chriſt his death and paſſiue obedience.

To this I anſwer. Such as are iuſtified by Chriſt, Anſw. are alſo adopted to be the children of God, and hauehave receiued power to be actually accounted his children by Chriſt: it is true, but yet we muſt know that the ground of their adoption is the obedience of the Sonne of God made man, and his voluntarie ſubiection to the Law of God, and his fulfilling of it. So ſaith the Apoſtle in expreſſe words, Galat. 4.4.5. God ſent p. 330forth his Sonne made of a woman, and made vnderunder the Law, not borne but made, that he might redeeme them which were vnderunder the Law, that we might receiue the adoption of ſonnes. The obedience of the Sonne of God, made man, and made vnderunder the Law, is that which freeth true beleeuers from vnderunder the Law, and giues them the adoption of ſonnes. Chriſt as the naturall Sonne of God is heire of his fathers kingdome: and true beleeuers as adopted ſonnes and daughters of God, hauehave right and title to the ſame inheritance. Now Chriſt his mediation yeelds them the grace of adoption, and his mediation is his holy incarnation, and his fulfilling of the Law, and his ſuffering for ſinne: and therefore Chriſt his actiue obedience is needfull to our iuſtification in the ſight of God, and to giuegive vsus right and title to heauen: and we are to lay claime to heauen onelyonly as we are the adopted ſonnes and daughters of God, and as we hauehave right and title to it onelyonly by the merit of Chriſt his obedience imputed to vsus.

Note we in the next place the generalitie of the Apoſtles propoſition. The Apoſtle here puts it downe generally, As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the ſonnes of God.

Doct. 2 The point is this, That whoſoeuer they be that are led by the Spirit of God,God reſpects not the ſtate, condition, or degree of mē in the world, in beſtowing his grace and adoption. they are the children of God, whether they be high or low, rich or poore: the Lord reſpects not the ſtate, condition, or degree of men in the world in beſtowing his grace and adoption. It is neither outward honour, dignitie, or priuiledge in the world, that is any helpe or furtherance to men, nor any meanneſſe or baſeneſſe of place, calling, or degree in the world, that is an hinderance to them in obtaining Gods grace and fauour; there is no reſpect of perſons with the Lord; there is neither Iew nor Grecian, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, but all are one in Chriſt Ieſus. Whoſoeuer he be that truly feares God, and works righteouſneſſe, and ſhewes forth the power of grace, that he is led by the Spirit of God, Ʋſe. Comfort for poore deſpiſed ones truly fearing God.is aſſuredly the child of God. Here is then matter of ſweet comfort for poore deſpiſed ones that truly feare the Lord; doſt thou truly feare God? p. 331doſt thou find the power of grace in thine heart? art thou led by the Spirit of God? and yet art thou poore, and of meane place and condition in the world? and art thou deſpiſed of great ones in the world? do proud rufflers looke bigge on thee, and account thee not worthie to wipe their ſhooes? Care not for it, comfort thy ſelfe with this, thou art a child of God, and thou art as highly in the fauour of God as the greateſt Monarch in the world, yea thou art more deare and precious to the Lord then the greateſt man in the world he being not the child of God. It is not thy pouertie, nor thy meanneſſe and baſeneſſe of condition in the world, that can hinder thee from hauing part with Chriſt, and from hauing intereſt in Gods ſpeciall louelove and fauour: and let that comfort thee, and cheare vp thy heart, when thou art moſt poore and moſt deſpiſed in the world.

In the next place obſerue we, the Apoſtle here makes the leading, guiding and conducting of men by the Spirit of God, to be an infallible proofe of their adoption; he affirmes that they are the adopted ſonnes and daughters of God, whoſoeuer they be that are led by the Spirit of God. Yea we ſee it is the verie propoſition of the Apoſtle, that as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the ſonnes of God. So the point offered from the ſubſtance of this verſe is this.

That ſuch perſons as hauehave the good hand of the holy Spirit Doct. 3 of God, leading and guiding them in ſpeciall manner,An infallible euidence of adoption is the ſpeciall leading, guidance & conduction of men by the holy Spirit of God. they are vndoubtedly the children of God. Such men or women as are by the ſpeciall worke of Gods Spirit acted, moued, and guided, the holy Spirit of God enlightening their minds to vnderſtand the will of God reuealed in his word, and to diſcerne of the things taught of God, and alſo effectually bending and inclining their wils and their affections to will and to affect good things, and enabling them in ſome meaſure with ſtrength to will thoſe things, ſo as now they will affect and do good things willingly, and follow that ſpeciall motion, and guidance, and conduction of the Spirit of God neceſſarily; they that are thus acted, moued, and guided by the holy Spirit of God, are certainly the children of God. This p. 332ſpeciall leading, guidance, and conduction of them by the hand of the Spirit of God, is an infallible euidence and proofe of their adoption, that they are the adopted ſons and daughters of God. And to this the Apoſtle giues further plaine euidence. Galat. 5.18.Gal. 5.18.Gal 5:18 (ſaith he) If ye be led by the Spirit, if ye be acted, moued, and guided by the ſpeciall worke of the Spirit, ye are not vnderunder the Law: for of that he ſpake in the verſe foregoing, ye are not vnderunder the Law; as if he had ſaid, ye are not vnderunder the rigour and curſe of the Law, ye are freed from it, and ye are vnderunder grace: for as the Apoſtle ſaith, Rom. 6.14.Rom. 6.14.Rom 6:14 ye are then iuſtified by Chriſt, and freed from the curſe of the Law, and ye are vnderunder the ſpeciall grace and fauour of God, and ye are in the ſtate of Gods children. 1. Ioh. 4.13.1. Ioh. 4.13.1 John 4:13 ſaith Saint Iohn, Hereby we know that we dwell in him and he in vsus, that we dwell in God and God in vsus: that is, we hauehave fellowſhip and communion with God, Becauſe he hath giuen vsus of his Spirit. Becauſe we find and feele the ſpeciall worke of the holy Spirit of God in vsus, and that we are acted, moued, and guided by his good Spirit, in our mindes, wils, and affections, and in our words and actions, thereby we know it, and thereupon we can conclude to the comfort of our owne ſoules, that we hauehave fellowſhip with God, and ſo are the adopted ſonnes and daughters of God, in and through Chriſt: for none but ſuch as are the adopted children of God, hauehave or can hauehave fellowſhip with God.

Now the reaſons and grounds of this truth are theſe.

Reaſon 1 Firſt, the ſpeciall leading, and guidance, and conduction of men by the hand of the Spirit of God, is a worke of the Spirit that followes regeneration. Men are regenerate, they are firſt borne of God, or borne of the Spirit, and then they are acted, moued, and guided in their mindes, wils, and affections, and in their words and actions, in ſpeciall manner by the ſame Spirit, as the Lord promiſed by his Prophet, Ezech. 36.26.27. that he would firſt giuegive his people a new heart, and put a new ſpirit within them, euen his owne good and holy Spirit, and then he would cauſe them to walke in his ſtatutes, and keepe and do them.

p. 333Againe, the ſpeciall leading, and guidance, and conduction Reaſon 2 of men by the hand of the holy Spirit of God, is a certaine euidence of their being in Chriſt; for howſoeuer the Spirit of God hauehave his worke in all creatures, and he works in men diuerſly, yet he works on none powerfully and effectually, acting and mouing them, to mind, will, affect, and do good things willingly, but onelyonly in the members of Chriſt: and Chriſt and the powerfull and effectuall working of his Spirit are neuer found aſunder, they are neuer ſeuered one from the other. And therefore it being ſo, that the ſpeciall leading, guidance, and conduction of men by the hand of the holy Spirit of God, is a worke following their regeneration, and is alſo a certaine euidence of their being in Chriſt; it muſt needs be that ſuch perſons as hauehave the good hand of the holy Spirit of God leading and guiding them in ſpeciall manner, ſo as now they are acted, moued, and ſtirred forward by the ſpeciall worke of Gods Spirit to good things, in their minds, wils, and affections, are vndoubtedly the children of God. And it muſt needs be, that the ſpeciall leading, guidance, and conduction of men by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God, is an infallible euidence and proofe of their adoption, that they are ſuch as are the adopted ſonnes and daughters of God.

Now this truth diſcouers, that ignorant perſons, ſuch as Ʋſe. 1 are ignorant of God, of the will of God reuealed in his word,Ignorant perſons hauehave no good euidence that they are Gods children. cannot poſſibly hauehave any good euidence to the comfort of their owne ſoules, that they are in the number of Gods children. Ignorant perſons are ſo far from being acted, moued, & guided by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God in ſpeciall manner, as that they are not yet partakers of the firſt worke of Gods Spirit in thoſe that belong to God:Note. for illumination is the firſt worke that the Spirit of God workes in them that belong to Gods election; now ignorant perſons are not partakers of that firſt worke of the Spirit, they are not enlightened, they are yet in their naturall blindneſſe and darkneſſe, the holy Spirit of God hath not yet ſet his hand to worke in them at all to their ſanctification, and therefore they cannot poſſibly p. 334hauehave any good euidence to their comfort, that they are ſuch as belong to God; they may ſooth vp themſelues as commonly they do, that their caſe is good enough, that they are not booke learned, and therefore they hope God will hold them excuſed: but alas, they deceiue themſelues, they cannot poſſibly hauehave any ſound comfort ſo long as they continue in that ſtate of ignorance, let ignorant perſons take notice of it. Yea further, the truth now deliuered diſcouers, that ciuill honeſt perſons, ſuch as are onelyonly ciuilly honeſt, neither hauehave, nor poſſibly can hauehave any good euidence, to the comfort of their owne ſoules, that they are in the number of Gods children: for why, they liue not as they are acted, moued, and guided by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God in ſpeciall manner; no, they onelyonly liue as they are led by the light of naturall reaſon, or by the common grace of Gods Spirit, euen by that grace that is common to them with the reprobate, and may be found, and is many times found in the very reprobate, and ſuch as ſhall be damned: the holy Spirit of God hath not yet had any ſpeciall working in their minds and hearts, and in ordering and guiding of their words, and workes, and actions. And therefore if ciuill honeſt perſons thinke that they hauehave good euidence and proofe of their adoption, that they are the adopted ſonnes and daughters of God, they are exceedingly deceiued, their owne hearts deceiue them: and let ſuch perſons as are onelyonly ciuilly honeſt take notice of it.

Ʋſe. 2 Againe, for a ſecond vſe: Is it ſo that the ſpeciall leading, guidance,The leading, guidance, and conduction of men by the fleſh and by Satan, what it proues. and conduction of men by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God, is an infallible euidence and proofe of their adoption? doth it manifeſt and proue both to themſelues and to others, that they are the ſonnes and daughters of God, and that God is their father and they his children? Why then I beſeech you, what doth the leading, guidance and conduction by the fleſh and by Satan euidence and proue to them? Surely it muſt needs proue to them that they are the children of Satan, that they are the ſonnes and daughters of the diuell, as the Apoſtle ſaith, Romans 6.16.Rom. 6.16.Rom 6:16 His p. 335ſeruants ye are to whom ye obey: ſo indeed it may be truly ſaid, his ſonnes and daughters ye are by whom ye are led Art thou then whoſoeuer thou art, art thou (I ſay) led by the luſts of thine owne heart? doſt thou follow and obey thine owne corrupt and ſinfull luſts? doſt thou do the will of the diuell in ſinning againſt God? thou doſt thereby euidence both to thy ſelfe and to others, that thou art a child of the diuell; and a man may be bold to ſay, that thou art a limme of the diuell: there is warrant ſo to ſpeake from the mouth of the Lord Ieſus, Ioh. 8.44.Ioh. 8.44.John 8:44 Ye are of your father the diuell: And why ſo? Why the luſts of your father ye will do. So indeed if thou do the luſts of the diuell, if thou be once taken of him at his will. 2. Tim. 2.16.2. Tim. 2.16.2 Tim 2:16 if thou ſuffer thy ſelfe willingly to be led by the diuell, and he leades thee to pride, to couetouſneſſe, and to drunkenneſſe, and to ſwearing, and ſuch like, thou art no better then as Paul ſaid to Elimas the ſorcerer, Act. 13.10.Act. 13.10.Acts 13:10 The child of the diuell, and that is a ſtate and condition moſt wretched and damnable. Thou lyeſt open to all the plagues and iudgements of God in this world, and to the eternall wrath and vengeance of God in the bottomleſſe pit of hell: a condition to be thought on with trembling. Ʋſe. 3

I come to a third vſe of the point:Comfort to ſuch as finde themſelues led by the good Spirit of God in ſpeciall manner. Is it ſo that the ſpeciall leading, guidance, and conduction of men by the good hand of Gods Spirit, is an infallible euidence and proofe of their adoption? then here is matter of ſweete comfort for all ſuch as find themſelues acted, moued, guided, and led by the good Spirit of God in ſpeciall manner: they may thereupon conclude, to the comfort of their owne ſoules, that they are in the number of Gods children, and hauehave right and title to all comforts that belong to Gods children, both in this life and in the life to come: and this ground of comfort ſhould euerie one of vsus labour to finde in our ſelues. The diuell will ſuffer thee to ſay, I am the child of God, and I hope to be ſaued; but wouldſt thou hauehave good euidence of it, that thou art indeed the child of God, euen ſuch euidence as will comfort thine owne ſoule in time of triall, and ſilence the diuell when he ſhall call thy ſtate into queſtion, and put thee to the triall? p. 336then neuer reſt till thou find that thou art led by the Spirit of God, that thou art acted, moued and guided by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God in ſpeciall manner, and that he hath a ſpeciall working in thy mind, will, and affections, and in thy words and actions.

Queſt. Thou wilt ſay, How ſhall I know that?

Anſwer. I anſwer thee, by two things eſpecially.

1Firſt, if thou find that thou walkeſt in Gods wayes, in the wayes that God hath appointed thee to walke in, both in reſpect of thy generall and particular calling: if thou walke on in the way of truth, and in the way of Gods ſtatutes, and in the path of Gods Commandements, as Dauid ſpeakes, Pſal. 119.33.35.Pſal. 119.33.35.Ps 119:33Ps 119:35 if thou walke on in the way of holineſſe, and feare of God, in the way of humilitie, in the duties of the worſhip and ſeruice of God, and in the duties of thine owne particular calling, and that in conſcience towards God, endeuoring therein to approue thine heart to God, and keeping thy ſelfe within the bounds of thine owne place and calling, wherein thou haſt the promiſe of Gods ſpeciall protection, Pſal. 91.11.Pſal. 91.11.Ps 91:11 He will giuegive his Angels charge ouer thee, to keepe thee in all thy wayes. If thou thus walke on in good wayes, it is the Spirit of God that leades thee: when men ſtraggle and wander into by-pathes of error and ſinne, it is the diuell that leades them.

2Secondly, if thou finde that thou walkeſt on in Gods wayes, in the wayes that God hath appointed thee to walke in, with chearfulneſſe and with delight, for a man may at ſome time or other be found in a good way, and in the way of holineſſe, and yet go on in that way heauily and drowſily, and as we ſay with leaden heeles, or he maybe drawne on in that way as a Beare is drawne to the ſtake, and then he is not led by the Spirit of God. But if thou walke on in Gods wayes, in the way of truth, in the way of holineſſe, humilitie, and the like, with delight, it is the ioy of thine heart to do the will of God, it is meate and drinke to thee to yeeld obedience to the will of God, and the Commandements of God are not grieuous to thee, 1. Ioh. 5.3. thou art neuer ſo well as when p. 337thou art exerciſed in good duties, either of pietie and religion, or of louelove, merciemercy, equitie and iuſtice, or in the duties of thine owne particular place and calling; if it be thus with thee, certainly then thou art acted, moued, and guided by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God in ſpeciall manner: and hereby trie thy ſelfe, and let euerie one of vsus labour to come to this, let vsus neuer reſt till we find that we walke on in Gods wayes, in the wayes that he hath appointed vsus to walke in, and that we walke in thoſe wayes with chearefulneſſe and delight. Thereupon we may certainly conclude, that we are led by the good hand of the holy Spirit of God, and that will yeeld vsus this comfort, that we are in the number of Gods children, and hauehave right and title to all the comforts that belong to Gods children, both in this life and in the life to come, and that will be an excellent comfort to vsus at all times.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God.

By the Spirit of God, (as I ſhewed) we are here to vnderſtand the effect and worke of Gods Spirit. Now in that the Apoſtle here ſaith, As many as are led by the Spirit of God, you ſee he ſpeakes of many, that are or may be led, and but of one Spirit of God, meaning by the Spirit, the worke of Gods Spirit. Note we briefly,

That the ſpeciall worke of Gods Spirit is but one and the Doct. 4 ſame in many perſons. Many perſons may be,The ſpeciall work of Gods Spirit is but one and the ſame in many perſons. and many are acted, moued, and guided in ſpeciall manner, by one and the ſame good hand of the holy Spirit of God, and there is but one and the ſame ſpeciall working of the good Spirit of God in many perſons. And indeed in all perſons that are truly regenerate, howſoeuer the holy Spirit of God doth worke in the regenerate in different degrees, in ſome he workes more and in ſome leſſe, yet his ſpeciall working is in all that are regenerate but one and the ſame in regard of the kind of working. There is one and the ſame illumination of the minde, and one and the ſame inclination of the will, and of the affections to good things, in all and euerie regenerate perſon: all regenerate perſons are guided by the good Spirit of God, p. 338to know and vnderſtand the ſame good things, euen the good things that God hath reuealed in his written word, and to mind, will, and affect the ſame good things, though in different degrees.

Reaſon. For why, there is the ſame ſpirituall life, and the ſame Image of God, in all the regenerate, as the Apoſtle ſaith Epheſ. 4 4. There is one bodie and one ſpirit. All the members of Chriſt are one bodie, and they are guided by one and the ſame Spirit, and therefore they all vnderſtand, and know, and they all mind, will, and affect the ſame good things.

Ʋſe. This I note, to ſhew that they deceiue themſelues, whoſoeuer they be,They deceiue themſelues, who follow viſions and reuelations beſides the written word of God. that thinke that they are guided by the Spirit of God, and that they follow the lending of Gods Spirit, who follow viſions and reuelations beſides the written word of God, as ſwelling Enthuſiaſts, Familiſts, Anabaptiſts do; they bragge of their priuate illumination by the Spirit, and they take on them the knowledge of ſome things without the word of God. Poore ſoules, they are deceiued, they are led with a ſpirit of error. The Apoſtle cals his preaching the miniſtration of the Spirit, 2. Corinth. 3.8.2. Cor. 3.8.2 Cor 3:8 giuing vsus to vnderſtand, that the word and the Spirit are ſo nearely conioyned, that they muſt alwayes go together: the Spirit ſhineth in the word, and the word is powerfull by the Spirit, and the regenerate are taught of God indeed, Ioh. 6.45.Ioh. 6.45.John 6:45 but it is by the word of God, they are enabled to vnderſtand the ſame good things, euen the good things God hath reuealed in his written word, To the Law and to the teſtimonie, (Iſay 8.20.Iſay 8.20.Isa 8:20) If men ſpeake not according to this word, it is becauſe there is no light in them. Let then Familiſts pretend what light or illumination they will, if it be not according to the written word of God, it is no t…ue knowledge nor illumination, but a meere illuſion of Satan.

Now further obſerue we, that the Apoſtle here ſpeaking of leading by the Spirit of God, the word here rendred led, being metaphoricall, and borrowed from blind men, or from yong children, or weake perſons, he limits his ſpeech to the children of God, to ſuch as are alreadie begotten of God, p. 339and borne of the Spirit of God. Hence two things are further offered, I will ſpeake of them in order.

Firſt, hence we learne, that Gods children, and ſuch as are Doct. 5 alrea…ie regenerate,The beſt of Gods children hauehave ſtill need of the leading and conduction of Gods Spirit. they hauehave ſtill need of the leading and conduction of Gods Spirit. The beſt and the moſt regenerate that liue on the face of the earth, hauehave ſtill need, as blind men, or as babes, to hauehave the holy Spirit of God to be their leader, and to be their ſupporter and their guide; they hauehave ſtill need of the ſpeciall working of the holy Spirit of God, to make them to vnderſtand, and know, and to will, and affect, and to do good things. Though regenerate perſons be altered, and changed, and quickened, and by the firſt grace, the grace of regeneration, made able to mind, will, and affect, and do good things, yet they hauehave ſtill need of ſubſequent grace and of continuall following grace, to make them actually and indeed to mind, to will, and to affect, and to do good things, otherwiſe they neither mind, will, nor affect, nor do any thing that is truly good. And this Dauid knew well, and therefore after he was a man truly regenerate, he often called on the Lord, that he would ſtill leade him, and guide h…m, and direct him by his good Spirit, and that he would make him actually and indeed to vnderſtand, and to will, and affect, and to do good things. Pſal. 119.18.Pſal. 119.18.Ps 119:18 Open thou mine eyes that I may ſee the wonders of thy Law. He was no doubt alreadie enlightened, yet verſe 33.34.35.36. ſaith he,Pſal. 119.33.34.35.36.Ps 119:33Ps 119:34Ps 119:35Ps 119:36 Teach me O Lord the way of thy ſtatutes, and I will keepe it vntounto the end. GiueGive me vnderſtanding and I will keepe thy Law, yea I will keepe it with my whole heart. Direct me in the path of thy Commandements, for therein is my delight. Incline mine heart to thy teſtimonies, and not to couetouſneſſe. And Pſal. 143.10.Pſal. 143.10.Ps 143:10 he ſaith, the Lord was his God: he was perſwaded that God was his father, and that he was his child, and yet he preſently ſubioynes, Let thy good Spirit leade me vntounto the land of righteouſneſſe. 2. Corinth. 3.5.2. Cor. 3.5.2 Cor 3:5 the Apoſtle ſpeaking of himſelfe and of other able Miniſters of the Goſpell, who no doubt were truly regenerate, he ſaith, We are not ſufficient of our ſelues to thinke any thing that is good: any good thing as of our ſelues, but our ſufficiencie is of p. 340God. A plaine text clearing and confirming the truth of the point, that the beſt & moſt regenerate that are in the world, hauehave ſtill need, as blind men or babes, to hauehave the holy Spirit of God ſupporting them, and leading them, and conducting them in the way of holineſſe. And though by the grace of regeneration they hauehave power put into them to mind, to will, and affect, and to do good things, yet they hauehave ſtill need of the continuall following grace of the Spirit of God, to make them actually to mind, to will, and affect, and do good things, otherwiſe they neither mind, nor will, nor affect, nor do any thing truly good: for why

Reaſon. The Spirit of grace is to the regenerate, as the ſoule is to the bodie of man that hath the ſoule in it; and as the bodie is by the ſoule quickened, and made able to moue, and able to ſee, to heare, and to ſmell, yet doth it neither moue, nor ſee, nor heare, nor ſmell, but as it is acted and moued by the ſoule; it is the ſoule that ſees by the eye, and heares by the eare, and the like: ſo regenerate perſons are by the grace of regeneration quickened, and they are thereby made able to mind, will, and affect, and do good things, yet they neither mind, will, nor affect, nor do any good thing, but as they are acted and moued by the Spirit of grace. And therefore they hauehave ſtill need of the continuall following grace of the Spirit of God, to make them actually to mind, to will, and affect, and to do good things.

Ʋſe 1 And this for vſe may ſerue in the firſt place for the humbling of vsus,A ſpeciall meanes to beate downe pride in vsus. and for the beating downe of the pride of our hearts, and may teach vsus not to aſcribe any thing to our owne wit or ſtrength, in that we mind, will, and affect, or do any thing that is truly good. We are readie to pride our ſelues in that we mind, will, affect, or do any good thing; yea ſome are ſo farre ouer carried in the pride of their hearts, as they fooliſhly thinke they are come to a perfection of holineſſe in themſelues. Alas, we are ſo farre from that, though we be truly regenerate, as that we cannot actually thinke, will, affect, or do any good thing, but as we are acted, moued, and helped by the continuall following grace of Gods Spirit. Doſt thou p. 341mind, will, and affect good things? doſt thou louelove and like good things? and doſt thou indeed do any good thing? Bleſſe God for it, it is of his grace thou doſt ſo; it is of grace that thou haſt any power to mind, will, affect, and do good things: yea it is of a ſecond following grace that thou doſt the good thou art made able to do by the firſt grace. And therefore giuegive all the praiſe to the Lord, and magnifie his grace, both for thy abilitie to mind, will, affect, or do good things, and alſo for thy minding, willing, affecting, or doing of any good thing actually: the praiſe of that alſo belongs to the Lord, and to the grace of his good Spirit.

And for a ſecond vſe of the truth now deliuered, it ſerues Ʋſe 2 to make knowne to Gods children whence it is that they do not at all times alike mind, will, affect, and do good things.Whence is is that Gods children are not at al times alike able to mind, will, affect, and do good things. Gods children at ſometimes finde themſelues as it were barren of good thoughts, and of good affections, and that they do not the good things they ought to do: they muſt conſider, though they be regenerate, and made able to mind, will, affect, and do good things, yet they cannot actually mind, wil, affect, and do good things, vnleſſe the Lord vouchſafe vntounto them the continuall following grace of his good Spirit. Now the Lord is pleaſed ſometimes for cauſes beſt knowne to his holy Maieſtie, as for this amongſt the reſt, as one ſpeciall cauſe, to make his children know and acknowledge that it is of his grace that they thinke the leaſt good thought, and that it is he that workes in them both the will and the deed, of his good pleaſure, Philip. 2.13.Philip. 2.13.Phil 2:13 For this, I ſay, and for other good cauſes, the Lord is pleaſed ſometimes to withhold his following grace from his children: and thence it is that they do not at all times alike mind, will, affect, and do good things. And hereupon Gods children are to be ſtirred vp to be earneſt with the Lord in prayer, that he would vouchſafe to them the continuall guidance and conduction of his good Spirit, and his continuall following grace, without which they neither diſcerne nor walke in the good way. And therefore as the little infant when it begins to go, it reaches out for the nurſes hand or finger, ſo do thou that art a p. 342child of God, reach out by prayer for the hand or finger of Gods good Spirit, to leade thee in the way of truth and holineſſe; yea turne thou the Lords precepts into prayers, ſay with Auguſtine, Da quod iubes, & iube quid vis: Lord giuegive that thou commandeſt, and command what thou wilt. And thus ought eueryevery child of God to do in regard of this, that though he be regenerate, yet he cannot actually thinke, will, affect or do good, but as it is acted by the continuall following grace.

Now the ſecond thing offered from hence, that the Apoſtle here ſpeaking of the leading by the Spirit of God, limits his ſpeech to the children of God: the point is this.

Doct. 6 That Gods children are led by the Spirit of God. The holy Spirit of God is the leader and guide of Gods children,Gods childrē are led by Gods Spirit in ſpeciall maner and he leades and guides them in ſpeciall manner: for why,

He leades them by his ſpeciall grace, euen by that grace of his that is proper to them, and which he communicates to none but to them; he reueales to them thoſe things that others are not acquainted withall, euen the deepe things of God, 1. Corinth. 2.10. He leades them by the ſtill waters, Pſal. 23.2. He leades them in the way of truth and holineſſe, in the way that they ought to walke to life and ſaluation, as the Lord ſaith, Iſay 48.17. I am the Lord thy God, which teach thee to profit, and leade thee by the way that thou ſhouldeſt go. And hereby further appeares to vsus the excellent ſtate of Gods children: Ʋſe. The excellent ſtate of Gods childrē in regard of their leader, diſcouered.they hauehave the holy Spirit of God their leader and guide in ſpeciall manner, and therefore they cannot poſſibly miſcarrie. Art thou a child of God? hath the holy Spirit of God begun to leade thee in the way of truth and holineſſe? Feare not that thou ſhalt faile or miſcarrie, it is but thine owne corruption and weakeneſſe that makes thee thinke ſo, if thou hauehave that conceit that thou ſhalt faile, and not be able to hold out in time of triall, feare it not, comfort thy ſelfe with this, thou haſt the good Angels of God for thy guard, and the holy Spirit of God for thy guide, and he will aſſuredly conduct thee ſafe & ſound through all dangers, difficulties, and impediments. Hath the holy Spirit of God as it were giuen p. 343thee his hand, and taken thee by the hand, to leade thee in the right way that leades to life and ſaluation, and will he faile to bring thee thither? no, no, aſſure thy ſelfe he will leade thee on by his grace with daily increaſe of it, till thou come to the end of thy race; he hauing begun in thee his ſpeciall worke of grace, he will finiſh it, Philip. 1.6. Neither the diuell with his temptations, nor the world with her allurements, nor perſecutions, nor death, nor graue, nor hell, ſhall diſappoint thee of comming whither the holy Spirit of God intends to bring thee, and that is into the land of euerlaſting reſt, euen into Gods heauenly kingdome of happineſſe and glorie; he is able to breake thorow all difficulties. Come we now to the 15. verſe.