Spiritual Refining, Religious treatise · Section 8 · Sermon 63
SERMON LXIII.
Signes and Characters of Sanctified ones.
1 COR. 6. 11.
But ye are Sanctified, &c.
IN what ſenſe a godly man is ſanctified, hath already been declared. Now let us conſider the ſymptomes or properties of ſanctification, which will be as ſo many teſtimonies or evidences, whereby we may come to be aſſured that we are ſanctified.
It is true, ſuch is the ſelf-love, and ſelf-flattery in every man, that he is quickly perſwaded that he is one to whom this priviledge doth belong. When therefore it ſhall be diſcuſſed, Who are they that are thus qualified; It will appear ſo difficult and rare a thing, that every one may be aſtoniſhed and cry out, Who then can In what ſenſe all Chriſtians… are Sanctified.be ſaved? We were indeed in our Baptiſme Dedicated, and Conſecrated to God, and ſo had a kind of ſanctification. There is alſo an external ſanctification, vouchſafed to all thoſe who are under the outward Adminiſtration of the Ordinances, in which ſenſe Believers and their children are called Holy, 1 Cor. 7. in oppoſition to Heathens, and unbelievers: but this is not the ſanctification in the Text, nor that to which the promiſe of glory doth belong.
Let us therefore conſider the ſigns by which we come to know who are truely ſanctified.
And firſt, They who are ſo, have the ſpirit of God effectually, and powerfully 1. Thoſe that are Sanctified have the Spirit of God dwelling in them.dwelling in them. That as wicked men have the Divel filling their hearts, and he reigneth in them, whereby they are carried out to all wickedneſſe, with delight and boldneſſe: Thus thoſe that are ſanctified are full of the Holy Ghoſt, being partakers of his operations, and ſo are thereby fitted for all holineſſe. Hence it is called the spirit of ſanctification, and the holy ſpirit, becauſe where the ſpirit of God dwelleth, there it ſanctifieth, and makes holy. Alas the greateſt part of Chriſtians are deſtitute of Gods Spirit; yea, they have ſcarce heard whether there be an holy Spirit or not: And thereupon they have nothing but cuſtomarineſſe, formality, and education, which do act them in all religious duties. But as in working of Miracles, no humane ſtrength or power could enable them thereunto; they were onelyonly done by power from the Holy Ghoſt; So neither to love God, to believe in him, to mortifie ſin, can be done by the ſole ſtrength of free-will: but it muſt be the Spirit of God changing and new-moulding the heart. Oh then conſider this, all you who go in a round, pray and hear, and hear and pray, in a generall cuſtomary way: The ſpirit of God is not in theſe; which yet is like the ſoul to the body: like fire to the ſacrifice: like windes to the ſhip; Our duties and hearts are but Ciſterns, that is the Fountain. There is never a Duty accepted, if the ſpirit of God be not working therein, Rom. 8. The ſpirit helpeth our infirmities, and God heareth the voyce of his own ſpirit. Till therefore thou art made partaker of Gods ſpirit, all thy external righteouſneſſe and holineſſe is but a ſhadow and no ſubſtance. It is an image or picture, no real life at all. Oh then, How far are prophane, diſſolute men from this Grace of ſanctification? Doth the holy ſpirit of God dwell in thee? Doth not the unclean ſpirit rather live in thee, whoſe heart and life is made like a very hell? Is it the holy Spirit of God that inciteth thee to curſe, to ſwear, to luſts? Oh blaſphemy to think, or ſay ſo. Let then all ungodly, and foul wretches be aſhamed and confounded within themſelves. It was the Divel that deſired to enter into ſwine: The Spirit of God appeared in an innocent and harmleſſe Dove: Some men are ſo far from having the Spirit of ſanctification, that they mock and deride at it, yea maliciouſly oppoſe it; but theſe are reſerved to a dreadful judgement.
Secondly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, have a ready and willing obedience to the truth and commands of God: Therefore it is called Sanctification of the Spirit to Obedience, 1 Pet. 1. 2. It is impoſſible to have Sanctification, and not to have a chearfull and willing obedience to all thoſe duties that are required of us. Doth God ſay to the proud, Be humbled, if ſanctified, he obeyeth imediately? Doth God ſay to the prophane, Be ſober and heavenly; when ſanctified he yeilds immediately; inſomuch that all thoſe hearers who live in viſible diſobedience to the word of God preached, they have no evidence of their ſanctification: Obedience is better then ſacrifice. God looks to that more then praying, hearing, or coming to the Ordinances: Doſt thou ſay as Chriſt? Lo, I come to do thy will, O God, thy Law is written within my heart. Thus David being ſanctified, profeſſeth his ready and willing obedience unto God: And Paul alſo, Lord, What wilt thou have me to do? Act. 9. 6. He gives his heart up to God like a blank, let God ſet down what he pleaſeth: As fire doth melt the tougheſt Iron, and makes it in any frame you would have it, Thus the ſpirit of ſanctification doth melt and affect the ſoul, that it becomes cheerfully obedient in duties of the greateſt ſelf-denial, and contrariety to fleſh and blood. Oh then think not within thy ſelf, I hear thus much, I come to Church thus often; but what obedience is there in thy life? That crowneth all thy duties; that is the glory of all religion. The Iſraelites that profered thouſands of Lambs, yea the children of their body were not ſo acceptable, as if they had done juſtly, and walked humbly with God: Obedience is a neceſſary fruit of ſanctification.
Thirdly, Thoſe that are ſanctified delight in the uſe of all thoſe means and excerciſes 3. Delight in Ordinances.which encreaſe ſanctification. The Godly are deſcribed by hungring, and thirſting, and ſeeking, and ſo they can never have enough of holineſſe: Now the preaching of the word is one principal inſtrument of ſanctification, Sanctifie them by thy truth, thy word is truth, John 17. It is an argument thou haſt not this ſanctification upon thy affections, when thou haſt no high eſteem, or price of the holy Ordinances; when this hony-combe is loathſom to thy ſtomack, full of filthy Luſts. The Godly are to call the Sabbaths, a delight: and the word is aggravated under all manner of excellencies by Davids gracious heart; and for this end, becauſe it hath ſpiritual and ſavory effects: So then if thou wouldeſt know the evidences of thy ſanctification, and judge thereby, Examine how thou art affected to the means of grace? Do they become welcome and precious to thee? Doſt thou cry out like thoſe in the transfiguration, It is good to be here? Is it as meat and drink unto thee? Then thou mayſt comfortably rejoyce in this, That God hath given thee a ſanctified heart, to love the word of God, and the means of Grace, and that becauſe of the powerful operations thereby, cannot be but by a ſpirit graciouſly wrought upon.
Fourthly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, are diligent in preparing and fitting themſelves for the holy duties they are converſant in. Thus to ſanctifie, was to ſet a man apart 4. Preparation for duties.for the ſpiritual imployment he was called unto. And herein is a great diſcovery of the Truth of Grace ſeen; when men do not overly, and cuſtomarily perform holy Duties, but they do Hoc agere, as the Prieſts cryed out in the Heathens ſacrifice. Thus it is a duty to ſerve the Lord without diſtraction: 1 Cor 7. and hence are thoſe expreſſions, Watch to pray, Mark 13. 33. take heed how you hear: Mark 4. 24. Be ſwift to hear, laying aſide all ſuperfluity of naughtineſſe, James 1. 21. To pray with all thy heart, with all thy minde, with all thy ſoul, this is the fruit of ſanctification, How many need this truth to be powerfully preſſed upon them. I ſpeak not of prophane and ungodly men, who quite lay aſide the performance of any holy duties; they pray not at all, they hear not at all, or very ſeldome: but of thoſe who take upon them the profeſſion of religion; that hear and repeat Sermons, that have family Duties conſtantly: Alas it is not the doing of theſe; it is not the bare performance of theſe that argue thy ſanctification: But doſt thou watch unto theſe duties? doſt thou take heed to thy ſelf in the doing of them? Are they not diſcharged as a Task, as a burthen thou knoweſt thou art obliged unto? This is to be feared, That when God cometh to examine your religious duties, they will be found but ſo many empty formalities, Duties neither coming from the life of Grace, nor yet ſtirring up and encreaſing that life. Oh this is to be conſidered, That all holy duties are to come from ſpiritual life, and to ſtir up ſpiritual life; whereas the deadneſſe, the dulneſſe, the barrenneſſe of all thy private and publick duties, are a great teſtimonie at leaſt to thy defect in ſanctification. Say then to thy ſoul, Awake thou that ſleepeſt: What? Did David pray thus? Did Daniell pray thus? Did Jonah in the whales belly pray thus? Be afraid that thou art onelyonly Luke-warm, that thou haſt no true zeal, and ſo God will ſpue thee out of his mouth, as he threatens, Rev. 3. 16. Perſwade your ſelves that your heartleſſe, cuſtomary, lazy performances, are great ſinnes againſt God, have a contempt of his Majeſty upon them: and for which God doth threaten to take away the means of Grace, as from ſome of the Churches of Aſia. Oh then ſay to thy ſelf, How can this earthly, cold, lazy heart of mine ſtand with ſanctification? How can I ſay I have the love of God, and Chriſt in me, which is like fire, and do things thus coldly? Dwell upon this ſign, meditate much upon it; for how eaſily and readily doth negligence, and lazineſſe creep into all your performances; inſomuch that our duties are therefore ſo ineffectuall, and unprofitable, becauſe they are not animated, and enlivened with the power of godlineſſe.
Fithly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, are clean and purged from thoſe vicious, and foul 5. Free from noiſom luſtsnoiſome luſts that they were once plunged into; and thus waſhed and ſanctified are joyned together. The Leper was not a ſanctified perſon in the Law, becauſe he was unclean, 2 Tim. 2. 21. If a man therefore purge himſelf from theſe, he ſhall be a veſſll unto honour, ſanctified and meet for his Maſters uſe. If he purge himſelf from theſe (that is) from all unclean waies of iniquity, then he is ſanctified. Conſider therefore how unſpotted art thou kept from the wickedneſſe of the world? How clean art thou from thy former defilements? Are not the ſame blots, and bloaches upon thy life as formerly? Are there not the ſame monſtrous deformities as before? How canſt thou hold up thy face? Why art thou not confounded within thee, to think how unclean and bruitiſh thou art? Be not then any more wallowing in thy mire and filthineſſe. It is time at laſt to make thy ſelfe pure.
Sixthly, Thoſe that are ſanctified they are (as it followeth in that Text) meet for 6 Fit for ſpiritual employment.their Maſters uſe, ſit for any spiritual employment, prepared unto every good work. Oh this is a bleſſed eſtate when thou art fit to be employed for any ſervice by God. As Eſay, when he had a coal from the Altar that touched him, then he was ſanctified, and the uncleanneſſe of his lips was taken away. Thou art not fit to be a Magiſtrate, a Miniſter, a Maſter, a Father, a Servant, till ſanctified for this uſe. There muſt be a particular …moothing, and fitting of thee for every particular relation, for every good Dutie, elſe thou canſt not ſerve God thereby. It is the greateſt honour that we creatures are capable off, that we may be uſed as inſtruments for his glory. Now men may be either paſſive inſtruments, or active inſtruments under him; Paſſive inſtruments I call, all ſuch as are raiſed up by God to do his work; but they have no aim or ſpiritual inclinations to ſerve God therein. Thus Cyrus, and Nebuchadnezzar, they are called Gods ſervants, but their hearts were not ſanctified for God in this work. Again there are active inſtruments, and ſuch are thoſe who in the Text are made meet for their maſters uſe, they have humility, and an holy fear of God. They eye him, and look up to him; and in this ſenſe Moſes, Joſhua, David, and many others were ſanctified. If therefore God call thee to any ſervice, if God put thee into any relation, though never ſo mean, know thou canſt not go through that relation in a gracious manner, unleſſe ſanctified thereunto, and made meet for it. Be not a blunt and unſerviceable inſtrument in Gods hand.
Seventhly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, are not caſt down with inordinate and ſinfull fears, becauſe of all the troubles and perſecutions that may fall upon them in doing 7. Not caſt down with fears.their duties. The work of ſanctification is accompanied with much oppoſition, perſecution, and many difficulties: Now herein is the excellency of this ſeen, that a man is not diſcouraged for all this; he feareth to offend God by any ſin, or neglect of his duty, more then any external miſery. Sanctifie the Lord your God, and let him be your fear, 1 Pet. 3. 15. Be not afraid of what terrour and troubles the world can raiſe againſt you for godlineſſe ſake; but ſanctifie God, and let him be your fear: That is, have holy, high, reverent, and great thoughts of God; look upon his name, his power, his authority, as greater then any mans. It is ſanctification onelyonly that will make a man encounter with all oppoſitions, that will make a man fear God onelyonly: for that puts an awfull eſteem into us of his great Name.
Eightly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, by this their ſanctification are made spiritual 8. Spiritual Prieſts.Prieſts, offering up spiritual ſacrifices unto God. Not that they may take upon them the publick office of preaching, and adminiſtring ſacraments, but because they have ſacrifices in a ſpiritual manner to be offered up unto God: Eſpecially that place is much to be urged, Rom. 12. 1. Offer up your bodies as a reaſonable ſacrifice unto the Lord. In the Old Teſtament they did after a corporall manner ſlay and kill Beaſts, offering them to God: But now we are in a ſpiritual manner to crucifie and mortifie the fleſh, with the affections and luſts thereof. If then thou art ſanctified, all thy inordinate paſſions, and affections of anger, love, and joy, are circumciſed. As the ſacrifice of one kinde was to be wholly burnt unto God, no part to remain, ſo art thou wholly to be reſigned unto God, and all that is thine is to be given up unto him, that ſo no love may be in thee, but of God, and in reference to him; and thus of all other paſſions. Oh then if thou finde ſin, and uncircumciſed affections, and motions in thee, be afraid, for the ſpirit of ſanctification is not to be received in vain; where that rules and raigneth, there will be a daily killing of thoſe unruly Luſts.
Ninthly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, they have alſo the priviledge of Juſtification, 9. Juſtified and adopted.and Adoption, whereby they are enabled to come with boldneſſe to the throne of Grace. The ſpirit of God, which is the ſanctifier, is alſo the comforter, and it doth comfort by the fruits of Sanctification, Hence Rom. 8. The Apoſtle deſcribeth thoſe to have the ſpirit, who walk not after the fleſh, nor fulfil the luſts thereof. So that the more thou aboundeſt in ſanctification, thou doeſt alſo come nearer to conſolation; not but that the moſt holy and ſanctified ones of God, may ſometimes for gracious ends in Gods diſpenſations, be barren of all comfort, and deſtitute of joy. But becauſe joy and comfort is promiſed to the daily exerciſe of Sanctification, the righteous and the godly they are called upon to rejoyce, as being the onelyonly and proper ſubjects to whom this conſolation doth belong. Therefore by wicked and unſavory words and actions, we are ſaid to grieve the ſpirit of God, Eph. 4. 30. and no wonder, if when we grieve that, that it grieveth us, or leaveth us to be grieved, and vexed by the Prince of darkneſſe.
Theſe properties being thus opened, let us conſider the grounds and reaſons why Reaſons or motives to ſanctification.we ſhould ſo much preſſe after, and deſire this priviledge.
And firſt, To the ſanctified perſon, God makes all things ſanctified. Oh noble and unſpeakable priviledge; to the clean, all things become clean, Rom. 8. all things work together for the good of thoſe that love God, and that is an effect of Sanctification: What will win us and move us, if not this advantage? All things ſhall be Sanctified to thee, i. e. All things ſhall make thee holy; mercies, afflictions, comforts, and croſſes. Thus as the Temple did Sanctifie the gold, and every thing brought therein; ſo this Sanctified perſon by Gods grace, hath every thing Sanctified, health and ſickneſſe, ſtraights and libertie, life and death. Now that is the utmoſt mercy in a mercy, to have, it Sanctified; it is the higheſt thing to be deſired: Thou canſt wiſh and expect no more then this, then that the condition thou art in, the providences of God which befall thee, may be Sanctified; yet this thou art ſure of, who art firſt Sanctified thy ſelf. This advantage is indeed ſpiritual, and therefore remote from earthly and worldly men, who ſo they have mercies, never care or pray for the ſanctification of them.
Secondly, Thoſe that are ſanctified, are the onelyonly fit and welcome perſons that may 2.come into Gods preſence. Thus in the Old Teſtament, they were to Sanctifie themſelves when they were to draw nigh unto God: And that Typical legal Sanctification, did inſtruct concerning our Moral Sanctification. Thoſe that draw nigh to an holy God, in any holy duty, ought themſelves to be made holy. What haſt thou to do to take my words in thy mouth, and hateſt to be reformed, ſaid God? Pſal. 50. Again, I hate your new Moons, and your ſolemn feaſts, ſaith God to unſanctified perſons, Eſa. 1. Remember therefore that thou art no prepared, or fitted man to approach near unto God: there is no gracious invitation of thee till thou haſt thus been ſanctified. Stand aloof off: holy duties are for holy perſons: holy men muſt draw nigh to an holy God: if God bid thee depart from him here, under a diſpenſation of Grace, How much more wilt thou hear that terrible Depart, at the day of judgement?
Thirdly, Therefore endeavour after ſanctification, becauſe that only anſwers really 3.to the name and title the Scripture giveth all believers, all that are baptiſed. They are called Saints, to the Saints at Corinth: The Saints ſalute you. I know many controverſies are about this compellation; I touch not on them now, onelyonly this is certain, the Title of a Saint bindes thee to real Sanctification. To be called rich, and yet poor, is but a mockery: To be accounted well, and yet ſick, is but a reall miſery: And thus it is here: To be be called holy, and yet wicked; to be ſtiled a Saint, and yet a Beaſt, or a Divel, Oh how ſhould it ſhame and amaze thee? Say then, My Chriſtianly, my Baptiſme, my Religion doth oblige me to this Sanctification. I have onelyonly a Title, if I have not true holineſſe. So that all you who live in groſſe ignorance, and ſcandalous waies, What ſhall I term you? How ſhall I name you? Art thou fit to be called a Believer, a Saint? Yet I ſpeak not this, as if the Scripture called none Saints, or holy, but ſuch as had internall Sanctification.
Fourthly, Be therefore ſtirred up to this, becauſe this is better then all knowledge, parts and abilities. Oh that men who look at religion, would minde this more. 4.This is the will of God, your ſanctification, follow after holineſſe or Sanctification, without which no man can ſee God. Thou thinkeſt it a great matter to be able to repeat Sermons, to diſpute in matters of religion: Oh but it is better to ſpeak five words from a principle of Sanctification, then five thouſand from parts and intellectual abilities only. Oh then ſay, if I pray, I preach, I diſpute, I repeat, and have not Sanctification; I am but a tinckling cymbal that makes a pleaſant noiſe to others, but it ſelf is not affected therewith.
Uſe of Exhortation, ſtill to be moved and preſſed hereunto. Oh the comfort and glory of being in the number of thoſe that are Sanctified: I may add one motive Uſe.more, this is the onelyonly evidence of your Election, of Juſtification, of right to eternal glory. Here a man muſt begin; If I be ſanctified, then I am elected, then I am juſtified. How then can you have any comfort? How is it that you are not full of fears and troubles, that finde no tokens of ſanctification upon you, but the clean contrary. Sanctification, it is the end of all our preaching, and of your hearing; and therefore every thing hath been in vain to you till this be accompliſhed. Do not then rejoyce any more that thy riches have encreaſed; that outward mercies have abounded; but ſtill look to this, Art thou ſanctified? Yet after you have heard Sermon after Sermon, How prone are you to go home the ſame men? Not neighbour to ſay to neighbour, How may we do that we may be Sanctified.