Christ the Way and the Truth and the Life, Chapter 5
CHAP. V. How Christ is to be made use of, as the VVay, for Sanctification, in generall.
HAving shown how a poor soul, lying under the burden of sin & wrath, is to make use of Iesus Christ, for righteousnesse & justification, and so to make use of Him, goe out to Him, and apply Him, as He is made of God to us righteousnesse 1. Cor. 1: v. 30. and that but briefly; this whole great businesse being more fully, and satisfactoryly handled, in th…t fore mentioned great, though small Treatise, vix The Christians great Interest. We shall now come and show, how a beleever or a justified soul shall furder make use of Christ, for Sanctification, this being a particular, about which, they are ofttimes much exercised and perplexed.
That we may therefore, in some weak measure, through the helpe of His light and grace, propose some things to cleare up this great and necessary truth, we shall first speak a little to it, in the generall, and then come to cleare up the matter more particularly.
Before we speak of the matter in generall, it would be remembered, first, That the person who only is in case to make use of Christ for Sanctification, is one, that hath made use of Him already for Righteousnesse & justification: for one who is a stranger to Christ▪ and is living in nature, hath no accesse to Christ for sanctification. He must be a beleever and within the covenant, ere he can make use of the grounds of sanctification, laid down in the covenant. One must first be united to Christ, and justified by faith in Him, before he can draw any vertue from Him for perfecting holinesse. He must first be in Him before he can grow up in Him, or bring forth fruit in Him. And therefore the first thing that souls would goe about, should be to get an union made up with Christ, and be cloathed with his righteousnesse by faith▪ and then they have a right to all his benefites: first they should labour to get their state changed from enmity, to peace & reconciliation with God, through faith in Jesus.
Yet, next, it would be observed. That when it is said, that one must be a beleever, before he can go to Christ, & make use of Him for▪ holinesse & sanctification; it is not so understood, or said. That one must know, that indeed he is justified by faith▪ before he can make any use of Christ for sanctification. One may be justified, and a beleever, yea and growing in grace through Iesus Christ, and so actually improving the grounds of sanctification, and making use of Christ for this end, and allowed thereunto, and yet win to no certainty, o… his union with Christ, of his justification through faith in Him▪ no… of his faith.
But thirdly, if it be said, How can a soul with confidence approach to Christ, for usemaking of Him, in reference to sanctification, that is still doubting of his state and regeneration? I answere▪ It is true, a clear fight of our interest in Christ by faith, would be a great encouragement to our confident approaching to, and usemaking of Him, in all things; and this consideration should mo…e all, to a more earnest search & study of the marks & evidences of their Interest▪ a good help whereunto they will finde in the forementioned book. I shall only say this here. That if the soul, have an earnest desire, t… be sanctified wholly, and to have on the image of God, that he may glorifie Him▪ and panteth after holinesse, as for life, that he may look like Him, who is holy▪ & maketh this his work and study; sorrowing at nothing more than at his short coming; crying out and longing for the day, when he shall be delivered from a body of death, and have the old man wholly crucified; he needeth not question his interest in Christ▪ & warrant to make use of Him, for every part of sanctification: for this longing desire after conformity to Gods law, and panting after this spiritual life to the end God may be exalted, Christ glorified, & other… edified; will not be readyly found, in one that … yet in nature. It is true, I grant, some who designe to establish their owne righteousnesse; and to be justified by their owne works & inherent holinesse, may wish, that they might be more holy and lesse guilty: and for some other corrupt ends, they may desire to be free of the power of some lust▪ which they finde noxious & troublsome; and ye… retaine with love and desire, some other beloved lusts; and so have a heart still cleaving to the heart of some detestable thing or other: But gracious souls, as they have respect to all the commands of God; so they have not that designe of being justified before God by their works; nor do they study mortification, or sanctification for any such end▪ nay, they no sooner discover any by as of their false deceitfull hearts unto any such end, but as soon, they disowne it, and abhore it. So that hence believers may get some discovery of the reality of their faith, and interest in Christ, and of their warrand, yea & duty to make use of Christ for sanctification.
T…s premised, we come to speak some thing, in the generall, of beleevers usemaking of Christ, as made of God to us Sanctification: and for this end, we shall only speak a little to two things, first we shall show, upon what account it is, that Christ is called our sanctification, or made of God to us sanctification, as the Apostle's phrase is 1. Cor. 1: 30. or what Christ hath done, as Mediator, to beginne, & carry on to perfection, the work of sanctification in the soul. And secondly, How the soul is to demeane it self in this matter, or how the soul is to make use of, & improve, what Christ hath done, for this end, that it may grow in grace▪ and perfect holinesse in the fear of God.
As to the first, we would know, that though the work of sanctification be formally ours; yet it is wrought by another hand, as the principal efficient cause; even by the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Father is said to purge the branches, that they may bring forth more fruit Iohn. 15: 1. 2. hence, we are said to be sanctified by God the Father, Iud. vers. 1. The Son is also called the sanctifier Heb. 2: 21. He sanctifieth & cleanseth the Church, with the washing of water by the word Ephes. 5. …6. The Spirit is also said to sanctifie 2. Thes 2: 13. 1 Pet. 1: 2. Rom. 15: 16. Hence we are said to be washed & sanctified by the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 6: 11.
But more particularly, we are said to be sanctified in Christ. 1. Cor. 1. 2. and He is made of God to us sanctification 1 Cor. 1. 30. let us then see, in what sense this may be true: and
1 He hath by his death & blood procu… that this work of sanctification shall be wrought, & carryed on: for he suffered without the gate, that He might Sanctifie the people with his owne blood Heb. 13: 12. we are saved by the washing of regeneration, & renewing of the holy ghost, which He shed on us abundantly, through Iesus Christ our Saviour Tit. 3: 5, 6. He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifie unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Tit. 2: 14. Thus our sanctification is the fruit of his death, & purchased by his blood… He gave himself for his church, that he might sanctifie it Ephes. 5: 25, 26.
…, He dying as a cautioner & publick person, beleevers are accounted in law to be dead to sin, in Him. Hence the Apostle tells us, Rom. 6: 3▪ 4, 5, 6. that as many of us as are Baptized into Iesus Christ were Baptized into his death; and that therefore we are buryed with Him by baptisme into death; and are planted together in the likenesse of his death; yea and that our old man is crueified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that hence forth we should not serve sin: whence beleevers are warranded & commanded vers. 11. to reckon themselvs to be dead indeed unto sin: and therefore sin should not reigne in their mortall bodyes to fulfill the lusts thereof vers. 12. This is a sure ground of hope & comfort for beleevers, that Christ dyed thus, as a publick person; and that by vertue thereof, being now united to Christ by faith, they are dead unto sin by law; and sin cannot challenge a dominion over them, as before their conversion it might have done, and did; for the law hath dominion over a man, as long as he liveth▪ but no longer: wherefore beleeving brethren, becomeing dead to the law by the body of Christ, are marryed to another, even to Him, who is raised from the dead, that they should bring forth fruit unto God Rom. 7: 1, 4.
3. Hence It followeth, that our old man is crucified with Christ, that the body of sin might be destroyed Rom. 6: 6. So that this old tyrant, that oppresseth the people of God, hath got his deaths wounds, in the crucifixion of Christ, & shall never recover his former vigour & activity, to oppresse & beare down the people of God, as he did: He is now virtually, through the death of Iesus, killed, & crucified, being in Christ, nailed to the crosse.
4. His resurrection is a paune & pledge of this sanctification: for, as He died as a publick person, so He rose againe as a publick person: we are buryed with Him by baptisme, that likeas Christ was raised up from the dead, by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newnesse of life. Rom. 6: 4. and beleevers are said to be planted together with him, in the likenesse of his resurrection vers. 5. and they shall live with Him. vers. 8. and therefore they are to reckon themselvs, alive unto God, through Iesus Christ our Lord, verse. 11. we are raised up together Ephes. 2: 6.
5. This sanctification is an article of the covenant of redemption, betwixt the Father & the Son Esa. 52: 15. so shall he sprinkle many nations: & Cap. 53: 10. He shall see his seed, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Christ then having this promised to Him, must see to the accomplishment thereof, and will have▪ it granted to him; seing He hath fulfilled all that was engadged to by Him, having made his soul an offering for sin.
6. This sanctification is promised in the covenant of grace. Ier. 33. 8. & I will cleanse them from all their iniquity Ezech 37: 23.—and I will cleanse them. So Chap. 36: 25. Then will I sprinkle cleane water upon you, & yee shall be cleane, from all your filthinesse, & from all your idols will I cleanse you. Now all the promises of the covenant of grace are confirmed to us in the Mediator: for in Him all the promises are yea & amen 2. Cor. 1: 20.
7. He hath also purchased & made sure to his owne, the new nature, and the heart of flesh▪ which is also promised Ezech. 36: 26. & 11. 19. Ier. 32. 39. This is the new & lively principle of grace, the spring of sanctification, which cannot be idle in the soul▪ but must be emitting vitall acts natively.
Yea, through Him, are beleevers made partakers of the divine nature, which is a growing thing; young glory in the soul. 2. Pet. 2: 3, 4. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things, that pertaine unto life & godlinesse, through the knowledge of Him, that hath called us to glory & virtue whereby are given unto us exceeding great & precious promises, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature. &c.
8. The Spirit is promised, to cause us walk in his statutes Ezech. 36: 27. Now all these promises are made good to us in Christ, who is the cautioner of the covenant: yea He hath gotten now the dispensing and giving out of the rich promises of the covenant, committed unto Him; so as He is the great Lord treasurer and administrator of the great & glorious purchased blessings.
9. There are new waterings, breathings, & gailes of the Spirit, given in Christ. Esai. 27: 3. He must water his garden or vinyaird every moment. This is the north winde, & the south winde that bloweth upon the garden Cant. 4: 16. He must be as the dew unto Israel. Hos. 14: 5.
10. Through Christ is the beleever brought into such a covenant state, as giveth great ground of hope of certane victory. He is not now under the law but under grace; and hence inferreth the Apostle Rom. 6: 14. That sin shall not have dominion over them. Being now under that dispensation of grace, whereby all their stock, is in the Mediators hand▪ & at his disposall; and not in their own hand & power, as under the covenant of works, there is a sure ground laid down for constant supply & furniture, in all necessities.
11. Christ hath prayed for this. Iohn. 17. 17. Sanctifie them through thy truth. where the Lord is praying, that his disciples might be more & more sanctified, and so fitted & qualified for the work of the ministrie, they were to be imployed in. And what He prayed for them, was not for them alone▪ but also for all the elect, proportionably, who are opposed to the world, for which He did not pray v. 9.
12. He standeth in relation to beleevers of a Vine, or a Root, in which they grow as branches, so that by abiding in Him, living by faith in Him, and drawing sap from him, they bring forth fruit in Him Iohn. 15: 1, 2, 4, 5. Their stock of grace is in Him, the root; and He communicate…h sap and life unto his branches, whereby they grow, floorish, and bring forth fruit to the glory of God.
13. Christ hath taken on Him the office of a Prophet and Teacher, to instruct us in the way, wherein we ought to goe: for He is that great Prophet, whom the Lord promised to raise up, and who was to be heard and obeyed in all things Deut. …8: 15. Act. …. 2…. and 7: 37. He is given for a witnesse & a leader. Esai. 55: 4. and we are commanded to hear Him Mat. 17: 5. Mark. 10: 7.
14. He hath also taken on Him the office of a▪ King Psal. 2: 6. Mat. 21: 5. Esai. 9: 6, 7. Phil. 2: 8. 9, 10, 11. and thereby standeth engadged to lubdue all their spirituall enemies, Satan & corruption: Psal. 110. He is given for a leader and commander. Esai. 55: 4▪ and so can cause his people walk in his wayes.
15. When we defile ourselves with new transgressions & failings. He hath provided a fountaine for us to wash in: a fountaine opened to the house of David & to the Inhabitants of Ierusalem for sin & for uncleannesse Z…ch. 13: 1. and this fountaine is his blood which cleanseth from all sin Heb. 9: 14. 1. Iohn. 1: 7▪ Revel. 1: 5.
16. He is set before us, as a copie & pattern… that we should walk even as He walked 1. Ioh. 2▪ 6. He left us an example, that we should follow his stepps 1. Pet. 2: 21. But we would beware to separate this consideration from the preceeding, a… Antichristian Socinians do, who will have Christ only to be a copie.
17. He hath overcome Satan our arch-enemie▪ and hath destroyed his works. 1. Iohn. 3▪ 8. He came to destroy the works of the devill. And in particular his works of wickednesse in the soul▪ Thus He is a conquerour, & the Capta…e of our Salvation.
18. As He hath purchased, So hath He appointed ordinences, for the laying of the foundation, and carrying on of this work of sanctification… both Word & … are appointed for this end▪ The Word to convert and to confirme▪ Iohn. 17: 17. sanctifie them through thy truth, thy word is truth, said Christ. The word is given as the rule; and also through the meanes thereof is life and strength conveyed to the soul, to perfect holinesse in the fear of God 1. Pet. 2: 2. And the Sacraments are given to strengthen & confirme the soul in the wayes of God.
19. As He hath laid downe strong encouragements to his followers, to hold on in the way of holinesse, many great & precious promises, by which they might be partakers of the divine nature. 2. Pet. 1: 4. and by which they are encouraged to cleanse themselves from all filthinesse of the flesh & spirit 2. Cor. 7: 1. and many motives to hold on & continue; So hath He rolled difficultyes out of the way, whether they be within us, or without us, and thereby made the way easie, and pleasant to such as walk in it; so as they may now run in the way of his commandements, & walk & not weary, & run & not be faint.
Nay 20 we would remember, for our encouragment and confidence, that in carrying on of this work lyeth the satisfaction of soul, & the pleasure of the Lord, that must prosper in His hand, & thus He seeth his seed, & hath of the travail of his soul, and is satisfied.
These particulars rightly considered will discover unto us, what a noble ground for sanctification▪ is in Christ laid downe for beleevers, which they may, and must, by faith, grippe to, that they may grow in grace, and grow up in Christ▪ and perfecte holinesse; and what a wonderfull contriveance of grace this is, wherein all things are made so sure for beleevers; Christ becomeing all things to them, and paveing a royall & sure way for them▪ sure for them, and glorious to himself.
As to the second particular; that is, How beleevers are to carry in this matter, or how they are to make use of Christ, and of those grounds of sauctification, in Christ, which we have mentioned.
First, There are some things which they would bewar of, and guaird against: as,
1. They would bewar of an heartlesse despondency, & giving way to discouragements, and hearkning to the language of unbeleefe, or to the suggestions of Satan, whereby he will labour to perswade them of the impossibility of getting the work of sanctification throughed, or any progresse made therein to purpose. Satan & a deceitfull heart can soon muster up many difficultyes, & alledge that there are many Lyons, many insuperable difficultyes, in the way, to discourage them from ventureing forward: and if Satan prevail here, he hath gained a great point. Therefore the beleever would keep up his head in hope, and beware of multiplying discouragements to himself, or of concludeing the matter impossible; for then shall he neither have heart nor hand for the work, but sit downe & wring his hands, as overcome with discouragement, & despondency of Spirit.
2. They would beware of wilfull rejecting their owne mercyes, and forbearing to make use of the grounds of hope of strength and progresse, in the matter of sanctification, which Christ hath allowed them to make use of. There is such an evill even amongst Gods children, that they scarre at that which Christ out of great love hath provided for them, and dar not with confidence make use of nor apply to themselves, the great and comfortable promises, to the end they might be encouraged: they will not take their allowance, as thinking themselves unworthy; and that it should be presumption in them to challenge a right to such great things; and they think it commendable humility in them, to stand aback; and so wilfully refuse the advantages and helps, that make so much for their grouth in grace.
3. They would beware of a carelesse neglect of the meanes, appointed for advanceing in holinesse: for though the meanes do not worke the effect, yet it is by the meanes, that God hath chosen to worke the work of sanctification: Here that is to be seen, that the hand of the diligent maketh rich; and the field of the slothfull is soon grown over with thorns and nettles; so that poverty cometh as one that travelleth, and want as an armed man. Prov. 24: 30, 31, 34. It is a sinfull tempting of God, to think to be sanctified another way, than God hath in his deep wisdom condescended upon.
4. Yet they would beware of laying too much weight on the meanes & ordinances; as if they could effectuat the businesse. Though the Lord hath thought good to work in and by the meanes; yet He himself must do the work. Meanes are but meanes, and not the principal cause; nor can they work, but as the principal agent is pleased to make use of them, and to work by them: when we leane to the meanes, and to instruments, we prejudge our selves; by disobligeing God, and provoking Him to leave us, that we may wrestle with the ordinances alone, and finde no advantage. Therefore the soul would guaird against this.
5. Albeit the meanes can do nothing unlesse He breath, yet we would beware not only of neglecting them (as we said afore) but also of a slighting way of performing of them, without that earnestnesse and diligence, that is required. Cursed is he who doth the work of the Lord negligently. Ier. 48: 10. Here then is the speciall art of Christianity apparent, to be as diligent, earnest, and serious in the use of the means, as if they could effectuate the matter, we were seeking; and yet to be as much abstracted from them, in our hopes and exspectation, and to be as much leaning on the Lord alone, and depending on Him for the blessing, as if we were useing no meanes at all.
6. They would beware of slighting and neglecting the motions of the Spirit: for thereby they may lose the best opportunity. They should be alwayes on the wing, ready to imbrace the least motion; and they should stand alwayes ready, waiting for the breathings of his Spirit, and open at his call; least afterward, they be put to call and seek, and not attaine what they would be at, as we see in the Spouse Cant. 5: 2, 3, 4. 5, 6. &c.
7. They would also guaird against the quenching of the Spirit 1 Thes. 5: 12. or greiving of the Spirit. Ephes. 4: 30. by their unchristian & unsuteable carriage: for this will much marre their sanctification. It is by the Spirit that the work of sanctification is carryed on, in the soul: and when this Spirit is disturbed, and put from his work▪ how can the work go on? When the motions of this indwelling Spirit are extinguished, his work is marred, and retarded: and when He is grieved, he is hindered in his work. Therefore souls would guard against unbeleefe, despondency, unsuteable & unchristian carriage &c.
8. Especially they would beware of wasteing sinns Psal. 51: 10. Sins against light and conscience; such as David calleth presumptuous sin…. Psal. 19: 13. They would beware also of favouring any known corruption, or any thing of that kinde, that may hinder the work of sanctification.
Secondly. It were usefull and of great ad…antage, for such as would grow in grace, and advance in the way of holinesse, to be living in the constant conviction▪
1. Of the necessity of holinesse, without which no man shall see God Heb. 12: 14. nothing entering in into the new Ierusalem, that defileth. Revel. 21: 27.
2. Of their owne inability to do any one act aright; how they are not sufficient of themselvs to think any thing, as of themselvs 2 Cor. 3: 5. and that without Christ, they can do nothing Iohn. 15: 5.
3. Of the insufficiency of any humane helpe, or meanes, or way, which they may think good to choose, to mortifie aright one corruption; or to give strength for the right discharge of any one duty▪ for our sufficiency is of God 2. Cor. 3: 5. and it, i… through the Spirit that we must mortifie the deed… of the body Rom. 8: 13.
4. And of the treachery and deceitfulnesse of the heart, which is bent to follow by wayes▪ being not only deceitfull above all things, but also desperatly wicked, Ier. 17: 9.
That by this meanes the soul may be jealous of it self, and despaire of doing any thing in its owne strength; and so be fortified against that maine evill, which is an enemy to all true sanctification, viz confidence in the flesh.
Thirdly. The soul would keep its eye fixed on those things.
1. On Christ's alsufficiency to helpe, in all cases, that He is able to save to the uttermost. Heb. 7: v. 25.
2. On his compassionednesse to such as are out of the way; and ready nesse to helpe poor sinners, with his grace and strength: and this will keep up the soul from fainting and dispaireing.
3. On the commands to holinesse: such as those cleanse your hands, and purify your hearts Iam 4: 8. and be ye holy for I am holy 1 Pet. 1: 15, 16. and the like. That the authority of God, and conscience to a command, may set the soul a work.
4. On the great recompense of reward, that is appointed for such as wrestle on, and endure to the end; and on all the great promises of great things to such, as are sanctified, whereof the Scriptures are full; that the soul may be encouraged to run thorow difficultyes, to ride out stormes, to endure hardnesse, as a good souldier, and to persevere in duty.
5. On the other hand▪ on the many sad threatnings and denunciations, of wrath, against such as transgresse his lawes; and on all the sad things that such as shake off the fear of God, and the study of holinesse, have to look for, of which the Scripture is full; that by this meanes, the soul may be keeped in awe, and spurred forward unto duty, and made the more willing to shake off Leazynesse.
6. On the Rule, the word of God; by which alone we must regulate all our actions; and this ought to be our meditation day and night, and all our study, as we see it was Davids▪ and other holy men of God their dayly work. See Psal. 1. and 119.
Fourthly, In all this study of holinesse, and aimeing at an hiegher measure of grace, the beleever would lavell at a right end: and so would not designe holinesse for this end, that he might be justified thereby, or that he might thereby procure and purchase to himself heaven and God's favoure for the weight of all that, must lie on Iesus Christ, who is our Righteousnesse: and our holinesse must not dethrone Him, nor rob Him of his glory, which He will not give to another: But would study holinesse, to the end, he might glorifie God, Father, Son, and holy Spirit; and please Him, who calleth to holinesse; and thereby be made meet to be partaker of the Inheritance of the saints in light Col. 1: 10, 12. and be made a meet bride for such a holy bridegroome, and a member to such an holy head: that hereby others might be edified Mat. 5: 16▪ 1. Pet. 2: 12. and 3: 1, 2. that the soul may look like a temple of the holy ghost, and like a servant of Christ's, bought with a price 1 Cor. 6: 17, 18, 10. 20. And have a clear evidence of his regeneration and justification, and also that he may expresse his thankfulnesse to God, for all his favours and benefites.
Fiftly. The soul would by faith lay hold on, and grip fast to the ground of sanctification: that is to say. 1. To what Christ hath purchased for his people. 2. To what as a publike person He hath done for them: And so by faith,
1. Challenge a right to, and lay hold on the promises of grace, strength, victory, and throwbearing, in their combating with corruption within, and Satan and a wicked world without.
2. Reckon themselves dead unto sin, through the death of Christ; and alive unto God through his resurrection, Rom. 6: 4, 11. and that the old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed vers. 6. and that they are now, not under the law, but under grace, vers. 14.
That by this meanes, they may be encouraged to continue fighting against a vanquished enemy, and not give over, notwithstanding of disappointments, discouragements, prevailings of corruption, &c. and the beleever may know upon what ground he standoth, and what is the ground of his hope and exspectation of victory in end; and so he may run, not as uncertanely; and so fight, not as one that beateth the aire 1 Cor. 9: 26.
Sixtly. In this work of sanctification, the beleever would be much in the lively exercise of faith; fight by faith; advance by faith; grow up, and bring forth fruit by faith: and so▪
1. The beleever would be oft renewing his grips of Christ, holding Him fast by faith, and so abideing in Him, that he may bring forth fruit Iohn. 15: 4, 5.
2. Not only would he be keeping his union fast with Christ, but he would be also eyeing Christ by faith, as his store house, and generall Lord dispensator of all the purchased blessings of the Covenant, which he standeth in need of: and looking on Christ, as standing engadged by office, to compleate his work of salvation; and to present him with the rest to himself holy, without blemish, yea and without spote or wrinkle or any such thing Ephes. 5: 27.
3. He would by faith gripe to the promises, both of the generall stock of grace, the new heart & heart of flesh, and the Spirit to cause us walk in his statutes Ezech. 36: 26, 27. and of the severall particular acts of grace, that he standeth in need of, such as that Ier. 30: 8. I will cleause them from all their iniquities &c. so Ezech. 36: 25: Ier. 31: 19. as the Church doth Micah. 7: 9. He will subdue our iniquities &c. And so having, or gripping these promises, we are to cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh & Spirit, and perfect holinesse in the fear of God. 2 Cor. 7: 1.
4. As the beleever would by faith draw out of Christ, through the conduite of the promises, which are all yea & amen in Him, 2 Cor. 1. 20. grace, strength, knowledge, courage, or what ever his fight in this warfare calleth for, to the end, he may be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, Ephes. 6: 10. So he would by faith roll the weight of the whole work upon Christ; and thus cast himself, and his care and burden on Him, who careth for him, 1 Pat. 5: 7. Psal. 37: 5. & 55: 22. and so go on in duty, without anxiety▪ knowing who beareth the weight of all, and who hath undertaken to work both to will and to do, according to his good pleasure: thus should the work be easie and saife, when by faith we roll the burden on Him, who is the chosen one, fitted for that work; and leave it on Him, who is our strength, patiently waiting for the outgate, in hope.
Thus the beleever makes use of Christ, as made of God Sanctification, when in the use of meanes appointed, eyeing the covenant of grace, and the promises thereof, and what Christ hath done to Sanctifie and cleanse his prople, he rolleth the matter on Him, and exspecteth help, salvation & victory, through Him.
CAUTIONS.
But least some should be discouraged, and think all this in vaine, because they perceive no progresse, nor grouth in grace, for all this, but rather corruption as strong and troublesome as ever, I would say a few things to them.
1. Let them search and try, whether their shortcoming and disappointment doth not much proceed from this, that the matter is not so cleanly cast over on Christ, as it should be: Is it not too oft found, that they goe forth to the battell in their own strength, lippening to their owne stock of grace, to their own knowledge or to their duties, or the like? How then can they prosper?
2. Let them mourne, as they get any discovery of this; and guaird hereafter against that corrupt by as of the heart, which is still inclining them to an engadgment, without the Captane of their salvation, and a fighting without the armour of God.
3. Let them try and see, if in studying holinesse, they be not led by corrupt ends: and do not more laboure after sanctification, that they may be more worthy, and the better accepted of God, and that they may have quietnesse and peace as to their acceptance with God, as if this were any cause, matter or condition of their righteousnesse and justification before God; then that they may shew their obedience to the command of God 1 Thes. 4: 3. Ephes. 2: 10. Ioh. 15: 16. and expresse their thankfulnesse to Him, and glorifie God Mal. 1: 6. Mat. 5: 16. Iohn. 17: 10. Ephes. 4: 30. and if so, they ought to acknowledge Gods goodness in that disappointment, seing thereby they see more and more a necessity of laying aside their own righteousness, and of betaking themselves to the righteousnesse of Christ, and of resting on that alone, for peace and acceptance with God.
4. They would try and see, if their negligence and carelesnesse in watching, and in the discharge of duties, do not occasion their disappointments & shortcomeing. God sometimes thinks fit to suffer a lion of corruption to set on them, that they may look about them, and stand more vigilantly upon their watch tour, knowing that they have to do with a vigilant adversary, the devil, who as a roaring lion goeth about, seeking whom he may devoure 1 Pet. 5: 8. and that they fight not against flesh & blood; but against Principalities, against powers, against the Rulers of the darknesse of this world▪ against spirituall wickednesse in high places. Ephes. 6: 12. It is not for nought, that we are so often commanded to watch Mat. 24: 42. & 25: 13. & 26: 41. & 14: 38. Luk. 21: 36. Mark 13: 33, 34, 35, 37. 1 Cor. 16: 13. 1 Thes. 5: 6. 1▪ Pet. 4: 7. Col. 4: 2. through the want of this, we know what …efell David and Peter.
5. They would try and see, whether there be not too much self confidence, which occasioned Peter's foule fall: God may, in justice and mercy, suffer corruption to break loose upon such, at a time, and tread them underfoot, to learne them afterward to carry more soberly; and to work out their salvation with fear & trembling Phil. 2: 12. remembering what a Jealous holy God He is, with whom they have to do; what an adversary they have against them; and how weak their owne strength is.
6. This would be remembered, that one may be growing in grace, and advancing in holinesse, when to his apprehension, he is not going forward from strength to strength, but rather going backward. It is one thing to have grace, and another thing to see that we have grace: so it is one thing to be growing in grace, and nother thing to see that we are growing in grace. Many may question their grouth in grace, when their very questioning of it may evince the contrary: for they may conclude no grouth, but rather a back going, because they perceive moe and more violent, and strong corruptions, and hidden works of darknesse and wickednesse, within their souls, than ever they did before; while as that great discovery, sheweth the Increase of their spirituall knowledge; and an increase in this is an increase in grace. So they may question and doubt of their grouth, upon mistakes▪ as thinking corruption alwayes strongest, when it makes the greatest stirre & noise; Or their complaints may flow from a vehement desire they have to have much more sanctification, which may cause them overlook many degrees they have advanced: or some such thing may occasion their darknesse and complaints; yea God may think it fittest for them, to the end they may be keeped humble and diligent, to be in the dark as to their progresse; whereas if they saw, what advancement & progresse they had made in christianity, they might grow wanton, secure, and carelesse, and so occasion some sad dispensation to humble them againe.
7. It would be remembered, that perfect victory is not be had here: it is true, in respect of justification, through the imputation of the perfect righteousnesse of Christ; and in respect of their sincerity and gospel simplicitie, and in respect also of the parts of the new man, beleevers are said to be perfect; Such an one was Noah Gen. 6: 9. and Iob. Cap. 1: 1, 8. see also Psal. 37: 37, and 64: 4. 1 Cor. 2: 6. Heb 5: 14. Iam. 3: 2. And it is true, we are to aime at perfection▪ and to pray for it, as Mat. 5: 48. 2. Cor. 13: 11. Col. 4: 12. Heb. 13. 21. Iam. 1: 4. 1. Pet. 5: 10. Heb. 6: 1. Yet as to the degrees of holinesse▪ & sanctification, and in respect of the remnant of corruption within, there is no full perfection here. Iob. 9: 20, 21. Phil. 3: 12. for even he who is washen, and as to justification, is cleane every whit, yet needeth to wash his feet, because contracting filth, in his conversation Ioh. 13: 10. So that if the Lord should mark iniquity, no man should stand. Psal. 130: 3. & 143: 2. There will stil be in the best something, more or lesse; of that battell, that Paul speaketh of Rom. 7: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. So that they will stil have occasion to cry out with him vers. 24. O! wretched man that I am, who shall deliver…e from the body of this death? And the flesh will stil lust against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, so that they shall not be able to do what they would Gal. 5: 17. The place of perfection is above, where all tears are wiped away, and the weary wreastler is at rest.
8. Let them not mistake, and think, that every stirring of corruption in the soul, argueth its dominion and prevailing power. Corruption may stirre and make a great deal ado, where it cannot get leave to reigne; and be as a violent and cruell invader, seeking the throne, putting the whole kingdom in a combustion, who is resisted with force of armes. Corruption may be more quiet and still, when indeed it hath the throne of the soul: as a conquerour may be more quiet and still, when he hath overcome, and is in peacable possession of the kingdom, than when he was but fighting for it: when the strong▪ man keeps the house, and is Master, than all is quiet, and at rest, till a stronger come to thrust him out, and dispossesse him.
9. Sanctification doth not alwayes consist, in a mans freedom from some corruptions: for there may be some corruptions, that one hath no naturall inclination to; but, o… the contrary, a great aversation from: as some worlds wretches, may have no inclination to prodigality, and ranting, or such like vices, which are contrary to their humor, or to their constant education: and Satan may …ever tempt some man to such evils▪ knowing he wi… get more advantage, by plying his temper and genius, and so carying him away to the other contrary evill; and so, though this man know not so much, as what it is once to be tempted to those vices, yet that will not say, that he is a sanctified man; farr lesse will it say, that he hath more grace than another man, whose predominant that evil is, and against which he is dayly fighting and wreastling. Whence it appeareth, that wreastling, and protesting against even an overcoming corruption, may evidence more of grace, than freedom from some evils, to which some are not so much tempted, and to which they are naturally lesse inclined.
10. Nor should they think, that corruption is alwayes master of the soul, and possessing the throne as a full conquerour, when it prevaileth and caryeth the soul head-long, at a time: for corruption may sometimes come in upon the soul as an inu…dation, with irrestible violence, and, for a time, carry all before it; so that the soul cannot make any sensible resistence; as when a sudden, violent and unexpected temptation setteth on, so as the poor Man is overw helmed, & scarce knoweth where he is, or what he is doing, till he be laid on his back: at that time, it will be a great matter, if the soul dar quietly enter a protest against, and dissent from what is done: and if there be an honest protestation against the violent & tyrannicall invasion of corruption, we cannot say, that corruption is in peacable possession of the throne: if the Spirit be lusting against the flesh, leavying all the forces he can▪ against the invader, by prayer and supplication to God, and calling-in all the supply of divine help he can get, and when he can do no more, is sighing and groaning under that unjust invasion, resolving never to pay homage to the usurper, no… to obey his lawes, nor so much as parley with him, or make peace, we can not say, that the soul doth consent▪ fully unto this usurpation: Nay, if the soul shall do this much, at such a time▪ when Satan sets on with all his force, it will be a greater evidence of the strength of grace in the soul, than if the soul should do the same or alittle more, at a time, when the temptation is not so strong.
11. It is not good for them to say, that grace is not growing in them, because they advance not so far, as some do; and because they come not to the pitch of grace, that they see some advanced to: That is not a sure rule to measure their grouth in grace by. Some may have a better naturall temper, whereby they are lesse inclined to severall vices, which these finde a strong propension to; they may have the advantage of a better education, and the like. So that they should rather t…y themselves this yeer, by what they were the last yeer, and that in reference to the lusts, to which they have been most subject, all their dayes.
12. We must not think that every beleever will attaine to the same measure of grace: there is a measure appointed for every member, or joynt of this body; and every joynt supplieth, according to the effectuall working in the measure of every p… Ephef. 4: 16. God hath more a doe with som… …han with others: there is more strength required … an arme or legg, than in a finger or toe. And ev… one should be content with his measure, so … …ot to fret or repine against God, and his dispen… tions, that makes them but a finger, and not … arme of the body; and do their duty in their station, fighting against sin, according …o the measure of grace dispensed to them of the Lord, and th… …aithfully & constantly; and not quarrell with God, …hat He maketh us not as free of temptations and corruptions, as some others: for the Captane must …ot be blamed for commanding some of his souldiers to this post, where they never once see the enemy; and others to that post, where they must continually fight: the souldier is here under command, and therefore must be quiet, and take his lot▪ so must the Christian reverence the Lords dispensa…tions, in ordering matters, so as they shall never …ave one houres quietnesse, whileas others have more rest and peace; and stand at their post fig… ting, resolving never to yeeld, but rather to cover the ground with their dead bodyes, till the Commander in chief think good to relieve them. Su… … am, as the only wise God hath distributed to eve…y member of the body, as He hath thought good▪ so it is the duty of every member, to endeavour this holy submission to Him, as to the measure of gra… ▪ considered as His free gift, bestow…d on them: …nd to be humbled for the grudgings of his heart▪ … God hath not given him moe talents? … sure I am, though this submission make no … …oise in th… world; yet really this is one of … …ghest degrees of grace attaineable here, and … a… ornament of a m…ek and quiet Spirit, … it in … sight of God of great price; So that who ever hath … to this; have the very grace they seem to …, and more. Yet le…t this should be …, l… me adde a word or two of c…ution, to … this submission. 1. There must be with it an … pri…ing even of that degree of grace, which they want. 2. There must be a panting after grace, as it is God's image, and a conformity to Him▪ and that with so much singlness, as they may be in …ase to say, without the reproachings of their heart, they do not so much love holiness for heaven, a…, heaven for holiness. 3. There must be an uncessantness in useing all meanes, whereby the grouth o… grace may be promoved, to this end, that they may be comformed to His image▪ rather than that they may be comforted. 4. There must be also a deep humiliation for the want of that degree of grace they would have, as it importet… the want of so much conformity to Him, to whose image they are praedestinated to be conforme, which will very well consist with this submission, we are speaking of… ▪
13. It would be remembered, that there may be a great progress, even when it is not observed, when, 1. Hereby the man is made to ly in the dust, to loath himself, and cry, behold I am vile▪ 2. Hereby his indignation against the body of death is the more increased. 3. Hereby his esteem of a Saviou… an… of the blessed contrivance of Salvation is the … hi…ghtned, that he seeth he is thereby brough… to make mention of His righteousness, even o… … only. 4. Hereby his longing after … fr…ition is increased, where all these complain… shall cease. 5. And hereby he is put to … that much slighted duty of holding fast the rejoy… ing of his hope firme unto the end, looking … longing for the grace, that shall be brought unto him, at the revelation of Iesus Christ, when he shall be presented without spot, and made meet to be … partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light.