Christ the Riches of the Gospel and the Hope of Christians, Sermon

Christ the Riches of the Gospel and the Hope of Christians · Sermon

p. 1The Text.

COL. 1. 27.

Which is Christ in you the hope of Glory.

THe Subject matter of this Text is Jeſus Chriſt, and therefore ſeaſonably ſuitable to the expectation of this Aſſembly, which is to hear a Funeral Sermon; For whereas wine is to be given unto thoſe that be of heavy hearts, whatProv. 31. 6.Prov 31:6 Cordiall is comparable with Jeſus Chriſt who is called and deſerveth to be accounted, The Conſolation of Luk. 2. 25.Luke 2:25Iſrael?

In the Text Chriſt is tendred or rather commended to the conſideration of theſe Chriſtian Coloſſians under a threefold notion.

1. As containing the riches of all Evangelicall myſteries;foreign non ad foreign, ſed ad foreign referre oportet. Dav. in Text. The Relative (which) muſt neceſſarily be referred unto the word Riches, in the fore-going part of this verſe, as is manifeſt from the Originall in our Greek Copies. Although the vulgar applieth the Relative (which) unto myſtery, and I acknowledge Chriſt to be a myſtery as the holy Ghoſt dothEph. 3. 3, 4.Eph 3:3Eph 3:4 often ſuggeſt in the holy Scriptures; And indeed his conception and his hypoſtaticall Union, &c. give us juſt occaſion to call him wonderfull, Iſa. 9. 6. yet in this place I humbly conceive that he is held forth to our view, as the Riches of the glorious myſtery of the Goſpel.

2. As being the groundwork and the foundation of every good Chriſtians good hope of happineſſe; Chriſt the hope of glory. I have heard of Ships laden with rich commodities, from which their owners expect great advantage, called The p. 2Hope, or The good Hope: Under this Name may beleevers, reall Saints, well own the Lord Jeſus, The Hope of glory.

3. As inhabiting, dwelling in beleeving Chriſtians, for this end, that by his abiding and operating in them he might be unto them the hope of glory; Christ in you the hope of glory: foreign. Eraſmus notat ccdices quoſdam ſic habere foreign inter vos, ut legit etiam Syrus interpres. Beza in Text.Some Tranſlators render the words, Chriſt among you; but I rather cleave unto our Engliſh Tranſlators, both old and new, which do anſwer our Greek Copies, and accord with the moſt learned, judicious Interpreters, Chriſt in you the hope of glory.

Having thus briefly given in the diviſion of the Text, with the Interpretation of the words both together, I proceed to the handling of the Points of Doctrine hence conſiderable for our Inſtruction.

The firſt Truth obſervable is this,

That Jeſus Chriſt is the riches of all Goſpel-glorious Myſteries. Doct. 1

The Apoſtle Paul acknowledging much glory in the Adminiſtrations of Moſes (wherein there was much Goſpel, though vailed and ſhadowed under Types and Ceremonies) yet telleth us, That Evangelicall miniſtrations do exceed in glory, and that the former had no glory in reſpect of this latter,2 Cor. 3. 9, 10, 11.2 Cor 3:92 Cor 3:102 Cor 3:11 which excelleth, and is much more glorious. Now the riches of all this glory are in Chriſt; Concerning which the expreſſion of the ſame Apoſtle is obſervable, The unſearchable riches of Chriſt. The riches of this Goſpel-glory in ChriſtEph. 3. 8.Eph 3:8 may be diſcovered with reference 1. both to God, 2. and toEx parte Dei, & ex parte noſtri. godly Chriſtians.

Firſt, In regard of God; All the revenues of glory which come unto his Majeſty from the Goſpel, are moſt eminently in Jeſus Chriſt; And therefore at his birth the Angels ſing, Glory to God on high. 1. In him are all the treaſures Luk. 2. 14. Col. 2 3. 1 Cor. 2. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 24. Eph. 3. 18, 19. Eph. 2. 7. Eph. 1. 6.Luke 2:14Col 2:31 Cor 2:71 Cor 1:24Eph 3:18Eph 3:19Eph 2:7Eph 1:6of wiſedom; Here is wiſedom in a myſtery. 2. And Chriſt is (as the wiſedom ſo) the Power of God; Divine Omnipotency is no way ſo fully diſcovered as in Chriſt. 3. In him is divine love which paſſeth knowledge, which is beyond all dimenſions. 4. And as for mercy, how full is the language of the Apoſtle; The exceeding riches of his grace in his kindeneſs through p. 3Chriſt Jeſus; And ſpeaking elſewhere of Goſpel-incoms he addeth, To the praiſe of the glory of his grace; Here might be added the unſpotted holineſſe and untainted juſtice of God, more glorified in the unexpreſſible humiliation of Jeſus Chriſt then in any other way whatſoever. And who knoweth not how the honour of Gods Truth is triumphantly glorious in Chriſt, becauſe all things foretold of him both ſubſtantiall and circumſtantiall were exactly fullfilled in him: The Law was given by Moſes but grace and truth came by Ioh. 1. 14.John 1:14Jeſus Chriſt; Theſe things I only touch upon without enlargement.

Secondly, In relation to his people, Chriſt is the riches ofChriſtus eſt nobis theſaurus ſpiritualium divitiarum. Day. in Text. 1 Cor. 2. 7.1 Cor 2:7 the Goſpels glory. The bleſſed Apoſtle is very open in his expreſſion to this purpoſe, We ſpeak the hidden wiſedom of God which God ordained unto our glory; Many rich and glorious are the true Chriſtians advantages from Jeſus Chriſt: I ſhall briefly point at four which S^t Paul hath recorded together in Eph. 1.

And before I mention the particulars, the generall which he premiſeth (being very comprehenſive) is worthy conſideration; Bleſſed be the God and Father of our Lord Jeſus Eph. 1. 3. foreign.Eph 1:3Chriſt who hath bleſſed us with all ſpirituall bleſſings in heavenlies in Chriſt. The Originall neither reſtraineth the word Heavenly to places or things; but the holy Ghoſt hinteth thus much; That whatſoever ſpirituall bleſſings (which are incomparably the beſt) any Saints receive from the Lord, either here upon earth or hereafter in heaven, all are derived through Chriſt. The particulars follow.

1. Electing love is in Chriſt; He hath choſen us in him before ver. 4.the foundation of the world.

2. Adoption into the right and priviledges of Gods children is by Chriſt; Having predeſtinated us unto the Adoption ver. 5.of Children by Jeſus Chriſt to himſelf, according to the good pleaſure of his will.

3. Fatherly acceptance with God, pardoning all ſins, is upon the account of Jeſus Chriſt. He hath made us accepted ver. 6, 7.in the beloved, in whom we have redemption through his bloud, the forgiveneſſe of ſins, according to the riches of his grace.

p. 44. And the poſſeſſion of our rich Inheritance is by reaſon of our co-heirſhip with Chriſt Jeſus; In whom alſo we have ver. 11, 12. Neque ſolum gratiam omnem inherentem habemus a Chriſto derivatam, ſed gratiam acceptationis divinae ad vitam aeternam habemus. Dav. in Text. Ʋſe 1.obtained an Inheritance, &c. that we ſhould be unto the praiſe of his glory who firſt truſted in Chriſt.

Theſe ſhort touches may be ſufficient to clear the truth of the doctrine, I proceed to the Application.

Miniſters therefore ſhould in this regard the more abundantly preach Chriſt: Our Apoſtle having in the Text told the Coloſſians that Chriſt is the riches of the glorious Goſpel, he addeth immediately in the verſe following, whom we preach; yea, this is conſiderable, that when Paul was a priſoner for ſuch preaching, he maketh this the greateſt boon to be begg'd of God in his behalf, that he might have liberty with ability to declare ſuch things unto them in his Miniſtry. Continue in prayer, withall praying for us, that God Col. 4. 2, 3, 4.Col 4:2Col 4:3Col 4:4would open unto us a door of utterance to ſpeak the Myſtery of Chriſt, for which I am alſo in bonds that I may make it manifeſt. The like requeſt he maketh unto the Epheſians; Pray Eph. 6. 18, 19, 20.Eph 6:18Eph 6:19Eph 6:20alwaies in the Spirit, &c. And for me that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the myſtery of the Goſpel, for which I am an Ambaſſadour in bonds; And he greatly glorieth in this as a tranſcendent honour, That he was made a Miniſter of the Goſple to preach the unſearchable riches of Chriſt, and to make all men ſeeEph. 3. 7, 8, 9.Eph 3:7Eph 3:8Eph 3:9 what is the fellowſhip of the mystery, &c. And this practice may prevalently be perſwaded by the conſideration of

1. The Miniſters Office.

2. The Peoples need.

Firſt, By Office, We are Stewards of the Myſteries of God, 1 Cor. 4. 1. 2.1 Cor 4:11 Cor 4:2and it is required in Stewards that a man be found faithfull. In this reſpect we muſt produce for the honour of our Maſter and the uſe of his Family ſuch Treaſures with which he hath been pleaſed to entruſt us. As Abrahams ſervantGen. 24. 53.Gen 24:53 brought forth Jewels of ſilver and Jewels of gold to win the heart of Rebecca to Iſaac, ſo ſhould we ſpread before our people the unvaluable riches of Chriſt, that we might work out their hearts unto him.

Secondly, As our Office, ſo the Peoples neceſſities do call p. 5for our help herein, for there are hidden things herein (as the word myſtery intimateth, 1 Cor. 2. 7.) which very few underſtand, in compariſon of the multitudes who are palpably ignorant hereof; This our Saviour ſuggeſts, who having by the Parable of the Sower, taught, that not above one part of four receive ſaving profit by the Goſpel preached among them, he ſaid unto his Diſciples; Ʋnto you it is given to know Luk. 8. 10.Luke 8:10the Myſteries of the Kingdom of God, but unto others in Parables, that ſeeing they might not ſee, and hearing they might not underſtand.

And nothing that can poſſibly be taught is more uſefullƲt ſciant, nih… do…ri poſſe abſolutius. Cal. in ver. 28. and advantagious. Hereby the proud heart is moſt kindely humbled, and the humbled heart moſt ſweetly comforted: This knowledge will enrich the poor in Spirit and keep them lowly who are rich in grace: It will encreaſe the hatred of ſinne, the contempt of the world, faith in the promiſes, love to God, Chriſtian courage, zeal, patience, together with humble boldneſſe in addreſſes unto God, upon all occaſions: It is the one thing neceſſary. By means hereof (as theLuk. 10. 42.Luke 10:42 Apoſtle hints in the verſe following the Text) Miniſters may hope to preſent their people perfect in Jeſus Chriſt; But theſe things I do only name without enlargement, yet before I diſmiſſe this Uſe, I deſire leave to entreat my Brethren in the Miniſtry to minde the counſell and practice of this our Apoſtle,1 Cor. 14. 23. 18, 19.1 Cor 14:231 Cor 14:181 Cor 14:19 viz. to ſtudy familiar plainneſſe in unfolding theſe rich myſteries of glorious Goſpel grace which are treaſured up in Jeſus Chriſt.

My ſecond Uſe muſt be directed both unto Miniſters and Ʋſe 2 people, To move them to ſeek more and more the knowledge of Chriſt. Let the word of Chriſt dwell richly in you in Col. 3. 16. Prov. 2.Col 3:16Prov 2all wiſedom; How unweariedly labourious are men in digging into the bowels of the earth to finde and to fetch out the riches there; Now of how little worth is all the worlds wealth being compared with Chriſt! The Goſpel is the treaſure Mat. 13. 44, 46Matt 13:44Matt 13:46in the Field (of which the Parable ſpeaketh) and Chriſt is that one Pearl of great price, which is of more worth then any mans All. Therefore the Scriptures ſhould be ſearched (asJoh. 5. 31. foreignJohn 5:31 men ſearch for treaſures) to make further and fuller diſcoveries p. 6of Chriſt, becauſe in him eternall life and all things conducible thereunto are to be enjoyed. Saint Paul who by experience knew the worth of humane learning, even amongſt the rich-gifted Corinthians, determined not to know 1 Cor. 2. 2.1 Cor 2:2any thing but Jeſus Chriſt, and him crucified; And himſelf elſewhere giveth a rationall, a ſatisfying account of this his reſolution, viz. becauſe of the ſuperlative both excellency and utility of this knowledge. Doubtleſſe I count all things Phil. 3. 8, 10.Phil 3:8Phil 3:10but loſſe for the excellency of the knowledge of Chriſt Jeſus my Lord; That I may know him and the power of his reſurrection, &c. Who can tell how many rarities lie hid in Chriſt, or how great gain may be got by the knowledge of him? 1. This is the way to procure juſtification by him, By his knowledge ſhall my righteous Servant juſtifie many. 2. HerebyIſa. 53.Isa 53 the growth of all graces both in kindes and degrees, is much promoted; We all with open face beholding as in a glaſſe the Joh. 4. 10. 2 Cor. 4. 18.John 4:102 Cor 4:18glory of the Lord, are changed into the ſame image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 3. And hence iſſueth glory: The Text tells you, that in him is the hope of glory; This is life eternall that they may know thee the only true God, Joh. 17. 3.John 17:3and Jeſus Chriſt whom thou haſt ſent. If all this be not ſufficient to quicken diligence in ſeeking out after the knowledge of Chriſt, let me adde a double conſideration from the practice of the holy Angels (though they be not ſo much concerned in and advantaged by Chriſt as our ſelves) 1. They did deſire to pry and peep into thoſe Typical and Prophetical1 Pet. 1. 12. foreign.1 Pet 1:12 diſcoveries of him which were obſcure before his Incarnation. 2. And now they are content to come (as it were to our Schools where we are taught) unto our Congregations for clearer inſtruction in this myſtery according to Gods minde; Ʋnto the Principalities and Powers in heavenly places might be Eph. 3. 10. Sacro-ſanctum & vivificum mysterium. Aug Eſt quidem fructuoſum, honorificum, & glorioſum hoc Evangelij myſterium. Dav. in Text.Eph 3:10known by the Church the manifold wiſedom of God. Theſe things ſpeak cogent arguments to them who are Chriſtianly ingenuous, to move more and more induſtrious endeavours, to dive further and further into theſe rich divine myſteries, whereof Gods Worthies have given many high commendations, calling it an holy, glorious, fruitfull, quickning, happy-making myſtery; What commendation can be higher p. 7then that of our Apoſtle, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Without controverſie great is the myſtery of godlineſſe, God manifeſt in the fleſh, juſtified in the Spirit, ſeen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, beleeved on in the world, received up into glory; Herein is contained the marrow of Chriſtianity: And doubtleſſe every Chriſtian who mindeth the power of godlineſſe, either in reference unto Gods honour or ſelf-welfare, will by theſe Meditations be prevailed with to ſeek acquaintance with this rich myſtery. I ſhall ſpeak no more unto this firſt Point, viz. That Chriſt is the riches of Goſpel-glorious Myſteries; but I proceed unto the ſecond.

That reall Saints, beleeving Chriſtians have (even while Doct. 2 here on earth) hope of glory.

Such were theſe Coloſſians to whom theſe words were ſpoken, The Saints and faithful brethren in Chriſt; Not only Saintsver. 2. titularly but in reality, whoſe Saintſhip and faith was witneſſed by their brotherly diſpoſition towards one another, and their faithful walking in the world: theſe, theſe were they who had hope of future glory. The like expreſſion hath the ſame Apoſtle in his Epiſtle to the Romans; Being juſtified by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jeſus Rom. 5. 1, 2.Rom 5:1Rom 5:2Chriſt, and we rejoyce in hope of the glory of God. This Doctrine I ſhall not much dilate upon but only give one touch or two by way of application.

Hence we are informed that the gain of godlineſſe, and Ʋſe 1 the profitableneſſe of a religious life is not to be judged of alone by the outward viſible fruit reaped here; for the rich Revenues of holineſſe are rather in hope then in hand: The world knoweth us not, and it doth not yet appear what we ſhall 1 Ioh. 3. 1, 2. Eccl. 9. 1.1 John 3:11 John 3:2Eccl 9:1be: No man knoweth love or hatred by all that is before them; And therefore in the eſtimation of thoſe who judge according to the ſight of the eye, If in this life only we have hope 1 Cor. 15. 19.1 Cor 15:19in Chriſt, we are of all men moſt miſerable. Though in very truth Chriſtians who live by faith, and walk holily with the Lord, have cordials in ſecret which the world knoweth not of, viz. peace which paſſeth all underſtanding, and joys moſt unſpeakable Phil. 4. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 8. 2 Cor. 1. 5.Phil 4:71 Pet 1:82 Cor 1:5and full of glory (which do wonderfully exceed and admirably ſweeten all their ſufferings) yet the beſt is behinde, p. 8theſe are only the taſtes of that full glory reſerved for them in heaven. Thus the Prophet Malachy confuteth the carnall crew in his daies, who ſaid it was a vain thing to ſerve God; He firſt telleth them of a book of Remembrance written before the Lord, recording all the ſerviceableneſſe of Saints in evil times, and then referreth them to the laſt day, when God ſhall make up his jewels, adding theſe words, Then Mal. 3. 17, 18.Mal 3:17Mal 3:18ſhall ye return and diſcern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that ſerveth God and him that ſerveth him not. Would you give a right eſtimate of the precious incoms by godlineſſe, do not ſo much view their preſent outward wants and preſſures, but rather hearken to the language of their hopes. When Chriſt who is our life ſhall appear, then we alſo Col. 3. 4. 1 Ioh. 3. 2.Col 3:41 John 3:2ſhall appear with him in glory; And we ſhall be like him, for we ſhall ſee him as he is.

Ʋſe 2 Therefore let us all try whether we can from good holdingEzek. 3. 6. Heb. 6. 11.Ezek 3:6Heb 6:11 grounds, make out our hopes of glory; As Miniſters muſt beware of flattering people with vain hopes, ſo the Apoſtle Paul perſwadeth every one of us to ſhew diligence for the attaining the full aſſurance of hope, yea, the ſame diligence1 Pet. 3. 15.1 Pet 3:15 which we uſe in reference to any act of obedience: And Saint Peter would have all Chriſtians ready to give a reaſon of the hope which is in them. The neceſſity of this triall may be manifeſted by theſe following conſiderations.

1. The worth of the thing hoped for, viz. glory, which is in value tranſcendently better then all things under the Sunne; Herein conſiſts everlaſting heavenly happineſs. The phraſe whereby the holy Scripture doth expreſſe it is very full; a farre more exceeding and eternall weight of glory; The2 Cor. 4. 17. foreign.2 Cor 4:17 value of any commodity cauſeth cautiouſneſſe to prevent cheating: Wiſedom therefore will make wary, that hopes hereof may not be built upon ſandy bottoms.

2. The uſefulneſſe of hope, being as an Helmet to ſecure1 Theſ. 5. 8. Heb. 6. 19.1 Thess 5:8Heb 6:19 from capital dangers in warlike encounters, and as an Anchor to prevent ſhipwrack upon a ſtormy Sea: in which caſes men are careful to make ſuch proviſion, that the Head-piece and Anchor may not be brittle and eaſily broken.

3. The hopes of multitudes will be lamentably fruſtrated; p. 9Our Saviour brings in many pleading with confidence at the laſt day for life, who ſhall be rejected with miſerable diſappointment, Many ſhall ſay to me at that day Lord, Lord, &c.Mat. 7. 22, 23.Matt 7:22Matt 7:23 and I will profeſſe unto them, I never knew you (q. d. I never approved you) depart from me.

4. We know not how ſoon our hopes may be aſſaulted by others, and ſhaken by the recoylings of our own conſciences. As good Job had his hopes queſtioned by his Friends, Is this thy confidence and thy hope? So the ChurchIob 4. 6. Lam 3. 18.Job 4:6Lam 3:18 in an afflicted condition doth this dolefully bewail her ſelf; I ſaid, My hope is periſhed from the Lord.

Now if upon theſe meditations helps for hopes-diſcovery ſhall be enquired after, I ſhall briefly hint 1. whoſe hopes will fail. 2. Whoſe hopes will hold in the time of triall; As for the former the holy Ghoſt tels us plainly, that their hopes are periſhing, who are 1. either wicked, 2. or hypocrites.Pro. 11. 7. Iob 8. 13.Prov 11:7Job 8:13 When the wicked man dieth his expectation ſhall periſh, and the hypocrites hope ſhall periſh. Here though I may not be large in characterizing the wicked man or in uncaſing the Hypocrite; yet take theſe ſhort touches and enlarge them with application in your own thoughts:

Firſt, A wicked man is 1. A ſin-lover; The wicked and him Pſa. 11. 5.Ps 11:5who loveth iniquity doth Gods ſoul hate, ſaith the Pſalmiſt▪ And mens love of ſinne is manifeſted by their unwillingneſs to have it ſpoken againſt; As David would have Abſalom gently2 Sam. 18. 5. Pſal. 50. 16.2 Sam 18:5Ps 50:16 dealt with. 2. And a man who liveth in ſin upon choice and deliberation; Like as the fiſh liveth in water, He is as a Tradeſman, a Practitioner in ſin, a Sin-maker, a worker of 1 Ioh. 3. 8. foreign. Mat. 7. 23.1 John 3:8Matt 7:23iniquity, as the Scripture expreſſeth it; Therefore lay your hands upon your hearts, and obſerve whether they breathe loving allowance of ſin, and deliberate reſolutions to drive a trade in waies of known tranſgreſſions, though both God and your own conſciences condemn them.

Secondly, An hypocrite may be deſcribed; An outſide, Mat. 15. 8, 9. & 23. 25. & 23. 5.Matt 15:8Matt 15:9Matt 23:25Matt 23:5ſelf-ſeeking, man-pleaſing man. Thus our Lord doth ſtigmatize them; Ye hypocrites, well did Iſaiah propheſie of you, ſaying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is farre from me; p. 10Ye make clean the outſide, and all their works they do to be ſeen of men: When they either faſt, or feaſt religiouſly, it is to themſelves; Hereby a plain-dealing ſelf-reflecting ChriſtianZech. 7. 5, 6.Zech 7:5Zech 7:6 may give a good gueſſe at his own eſtate, viz. whether upright or an hypocrite, and conſequently whether his hope will be holding or periſhing: And I wiſh people to conſider theſe hints for triall the rather becauſe the hopes of theſe perſons will fall and fail them at death, if not ſooner; What is the hope of the Hypocrite though he hath gained when God Iob 27. 8.Job 27:8taketh away his ſoul?

As for the latter viz whoſe hopes will hold, attend the expreſſions of the Apoſtle Peter, Bleſſed be the God and Father of 1. Pet. 1. 3.1 Pet 1:3our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the reſurrection of Chriſt from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reſerved in heaven for you. Hence two things are notable for our purpoſe to diſcover good hope. 1. The Regeneration of the perſon hoping. 2. The activity of the hope it ſelf. 1. The perſons are begotten again, 2. Their hope is lively. That both theſe particulars may be practically applied for triall, I will for brevity ſake ſuggeſt that the ſpirituall birth, and hopes vivacity, may be evidenced by effectuall vocation; Hence it is that God in theEph. 1. 18. & 4. 4.Eph 1:18Eph 4:4 Scripture ſpeaketh once and again of the hope of his calling. Now our effectuall calling doth diſcover it ſelf, 1. Partly by our coming off from ſin with deteſtation, and this is the effect of good hope, Every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth 1 Ioh. 3, 3.1 John 3:3himſelf as he is pure. 2. And partly by our coming up unto God in an obedientiall ſubmiſſion unto his government, in a ſtudious conformity to his laws. Theſe are conjoyned in the experience and practice of Gods people, viz. hope and holineſſe: As of David, Lord I have hoped for thy ſalvation and Pſa. 116. 166.Ps 116:166done thy Commandments; And of Paul, After the way which Act. 24. 14. 15, 16.Acts 24:14Acts 24:15Acts 24:16they call Hereſie, ſo worſhip I the God of my Fathers, beleeving all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets, and have hope towards God; And herein do I exerciſe my ſelf, to have alwaies a conſcience void of offence towards God and towards men: Therefore conſciencious endeavours againſt p. 11all ſinfull pollutions both of heart and life, together with care fully to anſwer the minde of the Lord in a religious converſation, notwithſtanding hardſhips and reproaches in the world, will give good teſtimony unto the truth of our hopes of eternal glory; whereas looſeneſſe of life and heart, in waies of carnall ſelf-ſeeking and man-pleaſing, following the multitude, and ſwimming down the ſtream of declining times, may adminiſter juſt occaſion of doubting, that mans expectations of eternal glory will be diſappointed.

To perſwade all them who have hitherto flattered themſelves Ʋſe 3 with falſe hopes of heaven, to lay in better grounds for the future: It is the earneſt deſire of Goſpel-Miniſters that you would uſe diligence to attain the full aſſurance of hope.Heb. 6. 11.Heb 6:11

And 1. Becauſe you have heard, that it is attainable, therefore you ſhould take encouragement to ſeek it.

2. Adde to the poſſibility of getting aſſured hope, the neceſſity thereof, that you may be prevailed with to look after it. You heard before that hope is that unto a Chriſtian in his paſſage unto heaven which an Helmet is to a Souldier, and1 Theſ. 5. 8. Heb. 6. 19.1 Thess 5:8Heb 6:19 an Anchor is to the Mariner. Therefore let this conſideration move us to make out for the Helmet and Anchor of good hope. And I would entreat you the rather to minde this my earneſt exhortation, becauſe of the rocks of diſſoluteneſſe and deſtruction upon which you will be in danger to be driven, when Satan and your own conſciences ſhall diſcover the ſandineſſe of all your former hopes. Noteable for the proof hereof is that paſſage in the prophecy of Jeremiah, where the people being perſwaded to repentance, return this anſwer: There is no hope, we will walk after our own devices, Ier. 18. 11, 12.Jer 18:11Jer 18:12and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart; Or if the razing of hopes foundations doth not produce ſuch wretched wicked reſolutions, with what ſinkings and dolefull deſpondency will the awakened Soul be overwhelmed? Our Proverb ſaith, Was it not for hope the heart would break; Therefore ſleight not mine advice, neither delay the uſe of Gods means to gain a well-grounded hopeIſa. 38. 18.Isa 38:18 of your eternal ſalvation: your life is both ſhort and uncertain; And they who go down into the pit cannot hope for p. 12Gods truth. Now for your help herein, I ſhall in my next doctrine leade you to Chriſt who is the true Chriſtians hope of glory.

That Chriſt is unto faithfull Chriſtians the hope of glory. Doct. 3

As my Text ſpeaks this truth in open words, ſo elſewhere our Apoſtle thus expreſſeth himſelf; The Lord Jeſus Chriſt 1 Tim. 1. 1. Luk. 2. 28, 29, 30.1 Tim 1:1Luke 2:28Luke 2:29Luke 2:30which is our hope: And here Simeon anchored his hope of heaven, for he taking Chriſt in his arms, ſaid, Now letteſt thou thy Servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have ſeen thy ſalvation.

For the clearing of this Point there are two things enquirable.

1. What is meant by Hope of glory.

2. How Chriſt is to be accounted the Chriſtians Hope of glory.

Firſt, The hope of glory.

1. Either ſignifieth the glory hoped for, as it's taken in many other Scriptures; The hope laid up for you in heaven; ver. 5. Tit. 2. 13.Titus 2:13Looking for that bleſſed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

2. Or the glorious hope; the grace of hope whereby the Soul deſirouſly expecteth future everlaſting glory; according to the words of this our Apoſtle; I know that this ſhall tend to my ſalvation, according to my earneſt expectation and Phil. 1. 19, 20.Phil 1:19Phil 1:20hope.

Secondly, Chriſt may truly be called the hope of glory in both theſe ſenſes.

1. Being the glory of his people Iſrael, viz. the matter, theLuk. 2. 32. Gloriam quam speramus Chriſtus eſt gloria, & quam habemus, & quam habituri ſimus. Rolloc. in Text Ioh. 1. 16. 2 Cor. 3. 18.Luke 2:32John 1:162 Cor 3:18 object of their chiefeſt glory both here and hereafter. He is the Chriſtians All both upon earth and in heaven, Chriſt is the glory of heaven, the very heaven of heaven.

2. And being the root from whence holy hope and all other graces do ſpring: From his fulneſſe we all receive grace for grace; And whom we beholding as in a glaſſe, we all are changed from glory to glory; Grace is glory begun, and glory is grace perfited, and both theſe we have from Jeſus Chriſt.

For the further opening and evidencing of this Doctrine, p. 13viz. That Chriſt is the hope of glory, Conſider, that a Chriſtians hope is attributed: 1. Efficiently, to God the Father working it by the holy Ghoſt; The God of hope cauſe you to abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghoſt. 2. InſtrumentallyRom. 15. 13.Rom 15:13 to the word of God, which is the word of his grace. Whatſoever things were written aforetime, were written, that Rom. 15. 4.Rom 15:4we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 3. Evidentially to the work of ſaving grace in the ſoul, manifeſting it ſelf by its operations there; God gives good 2 The. 2. 16.hope through grace, whether faith, Rom. 15. 13. or love, 1 Joh. 3. 14. or any other ſanctifying frame of heart. 4. And yet in a way of peculiarity Chriſt is the Chriſtians hope, which our Apoſtle intends in this Text, wherein there is ſome Emphaſis; The hope, that hope, He is ſingularly, eminently the hopeforeign. 1 Theſ. 1. 3.1 Thess 1:3 of glory; Fundamentally our hope of heaven is built upon him: Hope in the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, ſaith the Apoſtle.

Now the true Chriſtians hope of glory is raiſed out of Chriſt.

1. Upon that federall tranſaction which paſſed betwixt God the Father and Chriſt his Sonne; The Apoſtle ſpeaking of the Covenant, thus expreſſeth himſelf, To Abraham Gal. 3. 16.Gal 3:16and his Seed were the Promiſes made, He ſaith not, And to his Seeds, as of many, but as of one And to thy Seed, which is Chriſt: And hither (as I humbly conceive) we may referre that paſſage in our Saviours Prayer unto his Father, relating to himſelf, Thou haſt given him power over all fleſh, that he ſhould Ioh. 17. 2.John 17:2give eternall life to as many as thou haſt given him. Upon this account the Apoſtle ſeemeth to encourage hope; In hope of Tit. 1. 2.Titus 1:2eternall life, which God that cannot lie promiſed before the world began: For unto whom beſides Chriſt could the Almighty then, viz. before the world began, be engaged by any promiſe?Prov. 8. 22, 32, 33.Prov 8:22Prov 8:32Prov 8:33 Solomon doth ſuggeſt tranſactions betwixt God and Chriſt his eſſentiall wiſedom, before the Creation, concerning the welfare of man, amongſt which tranſactions, doubtleſſe this was one, that through him beleevers ſhould have hope of glory.

2. Becauſe of his ſatisfactory Paſſion; For whereas ſinne committed againſt God, and Gods wrath kindled againſt man,Heb. 3. 17, 18.Heb 3:17Heb 3:18 are the only hindrances of entrance into glory. Againſt them p. 14who ſinned God ſware in his wrath that they ſhould not enter into his reſt. The Lord Jeſus by his ſufferings did break into pieces thoſe barres, and made way for Chriſtians admiſſion intoHeb. 9. 26. 1 Theſ. 1. 10.Heb 9:261 Thess 1:10 glory; For he took away ſinne by the Sacrifice of himſelf; and Jeſus delivered us from the wrath to come; As he removeth guilt by ſatisfying divine juſtice, ſo he quenched the flames of Gods anger, by the ſhedding of his bloud; And hereupon followeth hope of glory.

3. By vertue of his meritorious purchaſe; The ApoſtleEph. 1. 14.Eph 1:14 calleth a glorified eſtate in heaven, The purchaſed poſſeſſion, received by Redemption: whereas man had made forfeiture of his happineſſe (which conſiſted in communion with God) and was altogether unable to ranſome it, the Lord Jeſus bought it back again by his perfect obedience, which was eſteemed of valuable conſideration for ſo great a purchaſe, becauſe of the infinite excellency of his perſon, being bothHeb. 10. 7, 9, 44.Heb 10:7Heb 10:9Heb 10:44 God and man; Though man through the worthleſneſſe of his perſon and weakneſſes of his beſt performances cannot deſerve the leaſt accommodation from the Lord, yet mans hope of glory is upheld by the deſerts of Emmanuell, ofRom. 8. 3, 4.Rom 8:3Rom 8:4 Chriſt, God with us.

4. Through the effectuall prevalency of his prayer; Chriſt ſaid with confidence unto his Father, I know that thou heareſt me alwaies; And this was one great Requeſt whichIoh. 11. 42.John 11:42 he made, Father, I will that they alſo whom thou haſt given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, Ioh. 17. 24.John 17:24which thou haſt given me, for thou haſt loved me before the Foundation of the world; This Petition is a good prop to ſupport hope of glory in a gracious heart.

5. From the end of his Aſcention; We all do beleeve, that Chriſt is received up into glory. And himſelf before his1 Tim. 3. 16.1 Tim 3:16 departure from earth, ſaid, I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive Ioh. 14. 2, 3.John 14:2John 14:3you unto my ſelf, that where I am there ye may be alſo. Here is good Anchor-hold for hope, which entreth into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entred. ChriſtHeb. 6. 19, 20.Heb 6:19Heb 6:20 is gone into Heaven as our Harbinger to provide glorious manſions for us, and to take poſſeſſion in our behalf. And p. 15the Apoſtle Peter writeth thus unto the ſcattered Chriſtian Jews, God raiſed Chriſt from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. From all theſe conſiderations jointly conſidered this concluſion is confirmed by Scripture-ſtrength and evidence; That Chriſt is unto beleeving Chriſtians the hope of glory. The application followeth.

Ʋſe 1 Therefore without Chriſt there cannot be any well-grounded1 Pet. 1. 21. Extra Chriſtum non gloria, ſed ignominia expectanda eſt. Hun. in Text. Eph. 2. 12. Iob 21. 7, 13. Pſa. 73. 7, Iob 7. 6.1 Pet 1:21Eph 2:12Job 21:7Job 21:13Ps 73:7Job 7:6 expectation of future glory: As this ſmart inference followeth undeniably from the Text under hand, ſo the ſame Apoſtle is open and expreſſe for this truth elſewhere; Suggeſting to the Epheſians their ſad condition in an unchriſtian eſtate, he connecteth theſe two particulars, viz. ye were without Chriſt, having no hope. Although prophane godleſſe and Chriſtleſſe men may have their expectations of outward comforts accompliſhed, and poſſeſſe more then heart could wiſh, yet in regard of ſpirituals and eternals we may be confident, that they ſpend their daies without hope. In which reſpect they ſhould rather be looked upon as objects of pity then of envy, when they are in their greateſt jollity and proſperity, becauſe being Chriſtleſſe they are poor, hopeleſſe creatures. Take man in his beſt eſtate imaginable out of Chriſt, and upon the ſerious Survey of himſelf he ſhall have cauſe to ſay, What is my ſtrength that I ſhould hope? Iob 6. 11.Job 6:11And as Paul ſaid in reference to himſelf and them who ſailed with him in a ſad Sea-voyage, that when neither Sunne, nor Starres in many daies appeared, and no ſmall tempeſt lay on Act. 17. 20.Acts 17:20us, all hope that we ſhould be ſaved was then taken away. So let the chiefeſt Sonnes of men with their higheſt parts be laid under the ſtorms of divine diſpleaſure, without Goſpellight diſcovering Chriſt, and all hope of ſalvation will be quite removed.

Hence fair occaſion is offered to diſcover their dangerous Ʋſe 2 deluſion, who build their hopes of heaven upon creaturefoundations. As the Papiſts who in their Ave-Maries callSpes noſtra. the Virgin the mother of Chriſts humanity Our Hope, who alſo truſt unto their works as meritorious cauſes of Salvation: So others alſo who imagine happineſſe attainable from the right improvement of Natures abilities, without p. 16the meritorious ſatisfaction of Jeſus Chriſt: whereas the Scripture doth not only aſſert, that there is not ſalvation in Act. 4. 12. Gal. 5. 4. Sclus Chriſtus, is eſt, per quem vitam aeternam expect are licet. Piſcat. in Text.Acts 4:12Gal 5:4any other beſides Chriſt, but doth alſo affirm that Chriſt is become of no effect unto you, whoſoever of you are juſtified by the Law; Oh that this ſhort, ſharp expreſſion from an Apoſtolical pen might warn the wanton wits of theſe unwary times to take heed of crying up Nature and morall abilities, with the neglect of Jeſus Chriſt, who alone is the foundation hope of future glory.

Ʋſe 3 Therefore the communication of glory is from meer mercy,Rom. 6. 23. foreign Donum gratis datum.Rom 6:23 Eternall life is the gift of Gods grace through Jeſus Chriſt; Although I touched upon this before, yet I take it up again upon a double account; partly becauſe the Apoſtle in this Text intends a check unto them who mixed their own righteouſneſſe with Chriſt, and partly becauſe many in theſe daies, not only Papiſts, but other proud Opinioniſts, do derogate from Goſpel-mercy by aſcribing too much unto mans naturall ſtrength, morally improved, whereby Gods deſign in making man happy by Chriſt, is directly croſſed and diſappointed. Let the words of the Apoſtle Paul▪ be ſeriouſly conſidered, Ye are in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto 1 Cor. 1. 29, 30, 31.1 Cor 1:291 Cor 1:301 Cor 1:31us wiſedom, and righteouſneſſe, and ſanctification, and redemption, that no fleſh ſhould glory in his preſence, that according as it is written, He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord: Our All in tendency unto peace, comfort and glory, is therefore from Chriſt, according to divine project and purpoſe, that man when at the higheſt might be abaſed in himſelf, being neceſſitated to acknowledge that all his advantagious incomes, both in regard of glory begun on earth, and compleated in heaven, are from Chriſt.

Now that I may more clearly advance Gods rich grace and free mercy in bringing beleevers to glory by Chriſt; I heartily deſire that theſe three things may be obſerved, viz.

1. That Chriſt himſelf was the gift of God; Ʋnto us a Iſa. 9. 6.Isa 9:6Sonne is given, ſaith the Goſpel-Prophet; And our Saviour himſelf in his conference with the woman of Samaria, calleth himſelf That gift of God, by way of ſuperlative eminencyIoh. 4. 10.John 4:10 being the richeſt and freeſt gift that ever God beſtowed upon the children of men.

p. 172. That the grace of faith whereby the Soul receiveth Chriſt and happineſſe by him, is the free gift of God likewiſe. To you (ſaith Saint Paul to the Philippians) it is given to beleeve; Phil. 1. 29. foreign. Act. 18. 27.Phil 1:29Acts 18:27The Originall ſuggeſts, that it was given of grace, which our Tranſlation doth elſewhere expreſſe: Apollo is ſaid to help them much who had beleeved through grace; And this our Apoſtle in his Epiſtle to the Romans, affirming that our Juſtification is from mercy, not merit, addeth theſe words, Therefore it is of faith, that it might be of grace.Rom. 4. 16.Rom 4:16

4. That all our ſpirituall priviledges received from Chriſt himſelf, are from him upon terms of mercy and grace. Forgiveneſſe Eph. 1. 7. Tit. 3. 7. Eph. 1. 6. Joh. 17. 22. Jude 21.Eph 1:7Titus 3:7Eph 1:6John 17:22Jude 1:21of ſin is according to the riches of his grace; We are juſtified by his grace; We are accepted in the beloved, to the praiſe of the glory of his grace. And himſelf in his prayer to the Father ſaith, The glory which thou gaveſt me I have given them: Anſwerable hereunto is the advice of Saint Jude, Keep your ſelves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt unto eternall life. It's meer mercy, not merit, that holdeth up the heart in expectation of Heaven. All theſe particulars being put together will undenably evidence the ſtrength of this my Inference, viz. That Becauſe the Chriſtians hope of glory is rooted in Chriſt, therefore Heavens glory with all the requiſites belonging thereto are from grace and mercy. And this will make way for the Uſe following.

To perſwade Chriſtians, the heirs of glory, to praiſe God Ʋſe 4 for Jeſus Chriſt, becauſe all their hopes do ſpring from him, As Simeon expecting ſalvation by Chriſt, bleſſed God; AllLuk. 2. 28.Luke 2:28 our hearts ſhould breathe forth Saint Peters doxology; Bleſſed be the God and Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who 1. Pet. 1. 3, 4.1 Pet 1:31 Pet 1:4according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the Reſurrection of Jeſus Chriſt from the dead, to an Inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reſerved in heaven for you: Hence I might note to quicken gratitude, 1. The admirable worth of the inheritance in glory which hope expecteth, viz▪ an Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fadeth not away. 2. The means whereby this hope is begotten in us, viz. the death and reſurrection of Chriſt. 3. And the motive moving the Lord in this way to p. 18give us ground of hope, viz. His abundant mercy. In all which regards it may well become us to joyn with our ſouls in Zacharies Song, Bleſſed be the Lord God of Iſrael, for he Luk. 1. 68, 69.Luke 1:68Luke 1:69hath viſited and redeemed his people, and hath raiſed up an horn of ſalvation for us in the houſe of his ſervant David. This thankfulneſſe may be perſwaded by a double conſideration, the one more generall and the other more particular. In generall, becauſe this ground of hope is revealed to us Gentiles, and that upon no other account but Gods good pleaſure; …his is M. Bains his Obſervation from the words before the Text: God maketh known what is the riches of the glory of this myſtery among the Gentiles; This was an high priviledge peculiar to the Jews, that to them were committed the Rom. 3. 1. Eph. 1. 9.Rom 3:1Eph 1:9Oracles of God; but how much greater is our preferment in theſe times, God having made known unto us the myſtery of his will, according to his good pleaſure which he purpoſed in himſelf! And the Apoſtle elſewhere diſcourſing of ſome differences betwixt Old-Teſtament and New-Teſtament diſpenſations, telleth us, that the Goſpel bringeth in a better hope by which we draw nigh to God. More particularly inHeb. 7. 19.Heb 7:19 reference to our own perſons take notice of theſe things.

1. That the revelation of this ſhould reach our underſtandings, when multitudes of more pregnant capacitiesMat. 11. 25, 26Matt 11:25Matt 11:26 continue ignorant hereof; I thank thee O Father (ſaid Chriſt) Lord of Heaven and Earth, becauſe thou haſt hid theſe things from the wiſe and prudent, and haſt revealed them unto Babes, Evenſo Father, for it ſeemeth good in thy ſight.

2. That we do not only perceive, but alſo participate perſonally in this hope through Jeſus Chriſt; whereas there are millions whoſe heads are full of this light, and yet their hearts are empty of this lively hope of glory by Chriſt. And if I by grace be a partaker (ſaith Saint Paul) I give God 1 Cor. 10. 30.1 Cor 10:30thanks.

3. That the riches of the glory of this Inheritance hoped for by the Saints is unexpreſſible. And that we may be abundantlyEph. 1. 18.Eph 1:18 thankfull for this hope in Chriſt, as we ſhould pray for a more clear apprehenſion thereof, ſo ſhould we endeavour to know aſſuredly our peculiar intereſt therein, by p. 19finding the Lord Jeſus dwelling in our hearts by his Spirit: Becauſe my Text tels us, That Chriſt in us is the hope of glory, which is the next and laſt Doctrine here conſiderable.

That Chriſt by being in beleevers, is unto them the hope of Doct. 4 glory. The exiſtency of Chriſt in beleeving Chriſtians giveth exiſtency to their hopes of glory. This connexion of Chriſt in them and of their glory through him, is conſiderable in his moſt heavenly Prayer, in which having ſpoken of the glory given unto them, with the ſame breath (as it were) he ſuggeſtsJoh. 17. 22, 23. Ʋnde colligimus, nos unum cum Chriſto eſſe, non quia ſuam in nos ſubſtantiam transfundat, ſed quia Spiritus ſui virtute nobiſcum vitam ſuam, & quicquid accepit a Patre bonorum communicet. Calvin in Joh. 17. 22. Act. 20. 28. 2 Cor. 5. 19.John 17:22John 17:23Acts 20:282 Cor 5:19 his being in them, The glory which thou gaveſt me I have given them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them, &c. Before I proceed in the further handling of this doctrine; Theſe words which ſpeak the in-being of Chriſt in Chriſtians, do call for ſome explication: Therefore let us enquire 1. Both what the phraſe doth not, 2. And what it doth hold forth to our conſideration.

Firſt, It doth not intimate ſuch a being of Chriſt in any Chriſtian, as of the Godhead in Chriſt, by reaſon whereof Godhead and Manhood in Chriſt made one perſon; in regard whereof he was from his conception abſolutely free from the leaſt tincture of ſinne, and was made able to compleat the work of Mediatorſhip, both by bearing up under the infinite weight of Gods diſpleaſure without ſinking, and alſo to give ſufficient vertue and value unto his obedience active and paſſive, that it might be ſatisfactory and meritorious.Gal. 4. 6. Eph. 2. 22. … Joh. 1. 12.Gal 4:6Eph 2:22John 1:12 But it doth ſuggeſt Chriſts peculiar abode in beleevers by his Spirit being received by faith, whereby he dwelleth and operateth ſpiritually in their hearts,Naturae nomen, hic non ſubſtantiam, ſed qualitatem deſignat. Naturae divinae mundi corruptionem opponit; Ʋt ſi…us unum cum Deo, quantum modulus noſter f…ret. Calvio in 2 Pet. 1. 4.2 Pet 1:4 which union betwixt him and them doth in ſome meaſure by way of ſimilitude, though not fully in way of parity, repreſent the union betwixt his father and himſelf. And whereas the Apoſtle Peter ſpeaketh of our being made partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet. 1. 4. which words are much abuſed. There are two things notable from that Scripture to manifeſt the difference betwixt Chriſt and Chriſtians in that participation. 1. The words are not, we are made partakers of the God-head, but of the divine nature, viz. of the qualities of God, according to our capacity, p. 20whereby we eſcape that corruption which is in the world through luſt, and do in holy diſpoſitions reſemble God ſo far as ſuch creatures can: As David ſpeaketh of ſhewing the kindeneſſe of God unto Jonathans poſterity, 2 Sam. 20. 15. whereas God-head it ſelf was in ſuch ſort in Chriſt, 1 Tim. 3. 16. that he was God bleſſed for ever, Rom. 9. 5. coequall with God the Father, Phil. 2. 6. 2. The Apoſtle Peter is open and expreſſe that Chriſtians are partakers of the divine nature (in the ſenſe aforeſaid) by means of the exceeding great and precious promiſes of Gods grace; whereas Chriſt was God by an eternall, naturall, unexpreſſible generation.

Having thus briefly explicated the expreſſion in the Text, and the like uſed by our Saviour, I proceed to the handling of the point of doctrine here propounded: And becauſe the doctrine hath two branches, the one neceſſarily implied, the other openly expreſſed, I ſhall diſtinctly ſpeak unto them both.

The truth implied in the firſt branch of the doctrine is1. Branch of Doctrine. Joh. 1. 12. Eph. 3. 17.John 1:12Eph 3:17 this, viz. that Chriſt is in Beleevers; As beleevers do receive him, ſo he dwelleth in their hearts by faith. And therefore it is noteable, that the Apoſtle having moved the Corinthians to prove themſelves whether in the faith, he addeth, Know 2 Cor. 13. 5.2 Cor 13:5ye not that Jeſus Chriſt is in you? This in-being of Chriſt in beleevers is to be underſtood, not of an abode in them (or any where elſe on earth) corporally, for in that ſenſe the Heavens muſt receive him until the time of the reſtitution of Act. 3. 21.Acts 3:21all things; but of an habitation ſpirituall, according to the teſtimony of the Apoſtle; Becauſe ye are Sonnes, God hath Gal. 4. 6.Gal 4:6ſent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into your hearts; Thereby intending to teach us, that Chriſt is in beleeving Chriſtians ſpiritually.

And this truth is by various metaphors ſuggeſted in the holy Scriptures. 1. By being compared unto ſhowrs which deſcending from heaven, do ſink and ſoak into the bowels of the earth, He ſhall come down like rain. 2. And his Name Pſa. 72. 6. Cant. 1. 3. Pſa. 109. 18.Ps 72:6Song 1:3Ps 109:18is like unto ointment poured forth, which worketh it ſelf into the bones, not ſtaying upon the outſide of the perſon receiving it. 3. He is meat and drink indeed unto the ſoul, fromJoh. 6. 55, 56.John 6:55John 6:56 p. 21whence he himſelf concludeth my doctrine, He that eateth my fleſh and drinketh my bloud, dwelleth in me and I in him: 4. Hereto might be added that he is the ſoul of our ſouls, whereby we live ſpiritually; Chriſt is our Life. And mans lifeCol. 3. 4. Dan. 7. 15.Col 3:4Dan 7:15 is ſaid to be in him, 2 Sam. 1. 9. The body is called the ſheath of the Soul, which expreſſion hinteth, that the ſoul is in the body, as the ſword in the ſcabbard: In like manner Chriſt who is the Chriſtians life is in all them whom he enliveneth.

Having thus cleared the truth, that Chriſt is in beleeving Ʋſe 1 Chriſtians, I proceed to the application of it under three heads of Uſes.

Firſt, For Inſtruction in four particulars, 1. Hence the Godhead of Jeſus Chriſt may be concluded undeniably; for this ſpirituall ubiquity of Chriſt in the ſouls of all reall Saints in all the places of the world, cannot belong unto any meer creature whatſoever. This argument Saint Paul producedAct. 17. 23, 24, 27, 28.Acts 17:23Acts 17:24Acts 17:27Acts 17:28 to diſtinguiſh the true God from all Idol-gods, He is not far from every one of us. Omnipreſence proveth Deity. And the concluſion followeth with like ſtrength, when beleevers aſſert this truth, He is in every one of us.

2. This diſcovereth the unparellel'd condeſcentions of Jeſus Jeſus Chriſt, being willing to abaſe himſelf thus low as to be within poor ſinfull creatures. This was a matter of admiration1 King. 8. 27. Mat. 8. 8.1 Kgs 8:27Matt 8:8 unto Solomon, But will God indeed dwell on earth? The good Centurion ſaid, Lord, I am not worthy that thou ſhouldſt come under my roof; And the Pſalmiſt with much affection calleth upon all the ſervants of the Lord to praiſe him andPſa. 113. 1, 3, 5, 6.Ps 113:1Ps 113:3Ps 113:5Ps 113:6 praiſe him again upon this account; Who is like unto the Lord God? who dwelleth on high, who humbleth himſelf to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth! Did God humble himſelf in looking out of himſelf, off from his own infinite beauties and perfections, to view either men on earth or Angels and Saints in heaven? How much greater is this condeſcention in Chriſt to make his abode in the ſouls of ſinners? Let me here dart only two thoughts into your mindes. 1. That Chriſt came out of his Fathers boſome where he Joh. 1. 18. Prov. 8. 30.John 1:18Prov 8:30was daily his delight rejoycing alwaies before him. 2. That the hearts of the beſt, upon earth wherein he inhabits, are like p. 22dark dungeons, in regard of the clouds of ignorance not diſperſed,1 Cor. 13. 12. Iſa. 64. 6.1 Cor 13:12Isa 64:6 and like unſavoury dunghils in reſpect of many noyſome luſts not fully ſubdued; Therefore gueſs with gratitude how low our bleſſed Lord doth ſtoop in being content to dwell in us, even in us every way ſo vile and ſo unworthy.

3. This giveth us to underſtand the dignity of all true beleevers; As they are precious, excellent, more excellent then Iſa. 43. 4. Pſa. 16. 2. Prov. 12. 26.Isa 43:4Ps 16:2Prov 12:26others in many other reſpects (which I now have not occaſion to mention) ſo upon this account that the Lord Jeſus Chriſt is in them. Moſes the man of God judgeth Iſrael in this regard, in a condition farre better then any other people; For what Nation hath God ſo nigh unto them? And howDeut. 4. 7.Deut 4:7 much was Zacheus affected with the apprehenſion of this favour, this honour, when Chriſt promiſed to abide at his houſe? When he had climed into a tree to take a view ofLuk. 19. 5.Luke 19:5 Chriſt, and Chriſt telleth him that he ſhould not only have a tranſient ſight of him, but alſo enjoy him as his gueſt, oh how was Zacheus (think you) elevated by this entertainment! Now ſuch (and greater) honour have all his Saints: Pſa. 149. 9.Ps 149:9It was no doubt a very great honour put upon the bleſſed Virgin Mary, both in her own account, and in the judgement Luk. 1. 42, 43, 48, 49.Luke 1:42Luke 1:43Luke 1:48Luke 1:49of all Chriſtians, that ſhe did bear the holy body of Chriſt in her womb for a time, He that is mighty hath magnified me, and certainly the inhabitation of Chriſt by his Spirit in the ſouls of his ſervants, is not a priviledge inferiour.

4. This whiſpereth the madneſſe and miſery of all ſuch who do dare to make oppoſition againſt beleevers, for ſeeing Chriſt is in them, therefore in ſo doing they ſeek (as it were) to pluck down Chriſt his houſe upon his head. I ſhall not enlarge this Uſe 1. Either by ſhewing the various waies whereby wrong is done unto the ſervants of the Moſt High, viz. by ſecret plots and open perſecutions, either by abating their comforts, or encreaſing their ſufferings, either by corrupting their judgements, or drawing them to ſin. 2. Or by manifeſting Chriſts knowledge and ſenſibleneſſe of theſe their injuries, together with his ſeverity againſt their enemies, witneſſed both by judgements threatned in his Word, and executed in the world from generation to generation: p. 23But I only wiſh thoſe who are herein guilty, to minde the Item given by the Apoſtle Paul in his Epiſtle to the Corinthians, If any man defile the Temple of God, him will God deſtroy, 1 Cor. 3. 17.1 Cor 3:17for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are.

The ſecond Uſe is for the comfort of all true beleevers, Ʋſe 2 ſeeing Chriſt is in them; I remember what is recorded concerning Paul, that the ſight of ſome ChriſtianAct. 28. 15.Acts 28:15 brethren cheared him after a ſad ſhipwrack whom when Paul ſaw he took courage; And Caeſar cheared the drooping Mariners in a ſtorm by minding them of his preſence, How much more ſhould the in-being of Chriſt ſolace the beleeving ſoul? 1. Becauſe of his authority and power to order all caſualties and concernments according to his pleaſure, whereas many times the beſt of creature-friends can do no more then pity and pray: Thus our Lord cheared his Apoſtles, All power is given unto me, and lo I am with Mat. 28. 18, 20Matt 28:18Matt 28:20you alway even unto the end of the world. And it was a cordiall to the Diſciples in a ſtorm that Chriſt was with them, whom the windes and waves muſt obey. 2. Becauſe this aMat. 8. 26, 27 Pſa. 132. 14.Matt 8:26Matt 8:27Ps 132:14 bode of Chriſt ſpeaketh his complacency; This is M^r Bayns his Note upon the Text. A man cannot properly be ſaid to dwell in a priſon in which he taketh no delight: And this anſwereth a Scripture-expreſſion elſewhere, Here I will dwell for I have deſired it, (ſaith God of Sion) Though many times drooping Chriſtians, viewing their own beggarlineſſe and vileneſſe, judge themſelves worthy to be deteſted and deſerted, and would relinquiſh themſelves if they could, yet Chriſt looketh to the poor and contrite ſoul as a meet habitationIſa. 66. 1, 2…Isa 66:1Isa 66:2 for himſelf. 3. Becauſe he doth graciouſly communicate himſelf unto the ſoul where he reſideth, according to the neceſſities thereof; I dwell with him that is of a contrite Iſa. 57. 15.Isa 57:15and humble ſpirit, to revive the ſpirit of the humble, and to revive the contrite ones. When you reade this promiſe, remember his ability and fidelity in theſe and all other kindes, to accommodate thoſe whom he inhabits to their compleating in the accompliſhment of his Mediatorſhip; Therefore doubtleſſe there cannot poſſibly be either any creature-want or danger, wherein the improvement of this in-dwelling of p. 24Chriſt may not refreſh the beleeving Chriſtian. 4. BecauſeNunquam minus ſolus quam cum ſolus maximè. Gen. 39. Pſal. 63. Act. 23. 10, 11Gen 39Ps 63Acts 23:10Acts 23:11 this will be conſtantly and abundantly relieving in times of the greateſt ſolitarineſſe, though in baniſhment, or the cloſeſt impriſonment, and at the greateſt diſtance from the deareſt friends: Joſeph in Egypt, David in the wilderneſſe, and Paul priſoner in the Caſtle, were admirably cheared by this company; And Chriſt is now and will be evermore the ſelf-ſame in his ſervants for their conſolation.

The third Uſe is for Exhortation, to perſwade Beleevers Ʋſe 3 unto a double duty.

1. To purge all diſcovered pollution out of themſelves, becauſe of Chriſts ſpeciall reſidence in them. This Uſe the Apoſtle Paul maketh of this doctrine, for having ſaid to the2 Cor. 6. 16. & 7. 1.2 Cor 6:162 Cor 7:1 Corinthians, Ye are the Temple of the living God, as God hath ſaid, I will dwell in them and walk in them, he addeth, Having therefore theſe Promiſes, Dearly Beloved, let us clenſe our ſelves from all filthineſſe of the fleſh and ſpirit; This was one charge which God gave unto old Iſrael, in a military condition, that all bodily filth ſhould be buried under ground, and this is rendred as the reaſon, For the Lord thy God walketh in the midſt Deu. 23. 13, 14Deut 23:13Deut 23:14of thee, therefore ſhall thy Camp be holy, that he ſee no unclean thing in thee; Oh that Chriſtians would in this reſpect oppoſe inward defilements, and not outward pollutions only. How carefull are we to ſweep and waſh away whatſoever might be offenſive unto our Friends in the rooms where we lodge them? And what gueſt can ſo well deſerve welcome as Jeſus Chriſt, unto whom all ſinne is abominable, he beingProv. 8. 7.Prov 8:7 the holy One of God? Be not ſatisfied therefore with fair faces and white hands, but labour to make and to keep the in-ſide clean alſo.

2. To prepare for Chriſts contentfull entertainment in their boſomes; Who is not willing to be at coſt in providingLuk. 5. 29.Luke 5:29 both food and furniture fitting for the welcoming of worthy friends? It's ſaid, Levi made Chriſt a great Feaſt in his own houſe; yea, Solomon brings in the whoriſh woman, reportingProv. 7. 16, 17.Prov 7:16Prov 7:17 her proviſions made for the young man whom ſhe ſollicited to lewdneſſe, I have deck'd my bed with coverings of p. 25Tapestry, with carved works, and fine linen of Egypt; I have perfumed my bed with Myrrh, Aloes and Cinamon. And ſhould not a principle of pure love to Chriſt prevail with Chriſtians to do more then ſordid luſts do with the bruitiſh children of men? If you demand what is the proviſion to be laid in for Chriſt his welcome; The Apoſtle telleth you, it is perfecting holineſſe in the fear of God, which practice alſo,2 Cor. 7. 1.2 Cor 7:1 he moveth by the argument under-hand (as was hinted in the former branch of the Exhortation.) By the encreaſing and acting of all the graces of the holy Ghoſt, Chriſt will be abundantly contented. This is intended by theſe metaphoricall expreſſions of the Spouſe unto Chriſt, At our Cant. 7. 13.Song 7:13gates are all manner of pleaſant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee O my Beloved; I would cauſe thee to drink Cant. 8. 2.Song 8:2of ſpiced wine, of the juyce of my Pomegranate. And take this encouragement all you drooping ſouls, who are low and little in your own eyes, judging nothing of your graces worthy Chriſts acceptance, or meet for his entertainment, that his Loves will take in good part, that which with ſincere good-will you ſhall provide and make tender of with reſpect unto his content. I will ſup with you (ſaith he to theRev. 3. …0.Rev 3 Church.) And upon the invitation of the Spouſe, thus expreſſed, Let my Beloved come into his garden and eat his pleafant Cant. 4. 16.Song 4:16fruit, This anſwer ſpeaking good acceptance is returned, I am come into my garden, my Siſter, my Spouſe, I have gathered Cont. 5. 1.my Myrrh with my Spice, I have eaten my honey-comb with my honey, I have drunk my wine with my milk: Oh how ready with chearfulneſſe is the Lord Jeſus to own and accept all graces, notwithſtanding their defects and mixtures in the boſomes of them whom he doth inhabite! This therefore ſhould both quicken and embolden poor beleeving ſouls to lay in and lay out for his ſatisfaction who is pleaſed to abide in them.

I proceed to the ſecond branch of the Doctrine, which is2. Branch of Doctrine. the truth openly expreſſed, viz. That the exiſtency of Chriſt in Beleevers, giveth exiſtence unto their hopes of glory.

If the reaſons hereof be demanded, I anſwer,

Becauſe Chriſt his ſpirituall preſence in us, is Gods earneſt p. 26of glory. The Apoſtle is expreſſe for this: HavingIn arrahbone, ut pignus. Dickſon on the Text. 2 Cor. 5. 5.2 Cor 5:5 mentioned the longings of Saints to be ſwallowed up of life, he addeth, Now he that hath wrought us for the ſelf ſame thing is God, who alſo hath given unto us the earneſt of the Spirit. Therefore if Gods own earneſt may give good hope, then Chriſt in beleeving Chriſtians giveth good hope of glory, eſpecially becauſe the earneſt it ſelf is of ſo great value, the receiving whereof is happineſſe begun upon earth.

2. Becauſe of that near relation and cloſe union which is betwixt Chriſt and them, whom he inhabiteth, They are not only related unto him, as ſervants unto their Maſter, though that would give ground of good hope. Seeing he himſelf who is taken up into glory, hath ſaid, Where I am, there ſhall my ſervant be. Neither are they only one with him,Ioh. 12. 26. Joh. 15 5. Col. 1. 18. Epheſ. 1. 23.John 12:26John 15:5Col 1:18Eph 1:23 He in them, and they in him, as the branches in the Vine. But he is united unto beleevers as the head unto the body, which is called his fullneſſe. Therefore if there be hope that Chriſt will have a compleat body without the defect of any member in heaven, or that every individuall member of Chriſt his myſticall body ſhall be glorified, then Chriſt in beleevers is the infallible hope of glory.

3. Becauſe Chriſt by abiding in Beleevers doth prepare them for participation in glory. The Apoſtle Paul is clear in his expreſſions to this purpoſe. Ye are not in the fleſh, but in the Spirit, if ſo be that the Spirit of God dwell in you, and if Chriſt be in you the body is dead becauſe of ſin, but the Spirit is life Rom. 8. 9, 10, 11.Rom 8:9Rom 8:10Rom 8:11becauſe of righteouſneſſe; But if the Spirit of him that raiſed up Jeſus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raiſed up Chriſt from the dead ſhall alſo quicken your mortall bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Whereſoever Chriſt dwels ſpiritually, his Spirit operateth effectually for the ſubduing of ſinfull principles, and for the advancing of the power of ſanctification; And thus he preparing the veſſels of mercy for glory, and making them meet to be made pantakers of the inheritance of Rom. 8. 23. Col. 1. 12.Rom 8:23Col 1:12Saints in light, he giveth them ſure hope of glory.

This by way of application may ſerve as a good touchſtone Ʋſe 1 to try the truth of heavens hopes. Not Chriſt in the Sermons which we hear, nor Chriſt in the Chapters which p. 27we reade, nor Chriſt in the Sacrament which we receive will adminiſter ground of hope of future glory. Though Chriſt be in our heads by high notions, and in our mouths by frequent, glorious expreſſions, yet if he be not in our boſomes by ſpirituall inhabitation, he is not unto us the hope of glory: It is ſaid of hypocrites, that God is near in their mouths Jer. 12. 2. Mat. 15. 8.Jer 12:2Matt 15:8but farre from their reins. And that with their lips they honour him, but their heart is farre from him. At the laſt day many ſhall pleade their profeſſion of Chriſt, calling him Lord, Lord, and talking of great works done in his Name, who yet ſhall ſhall be rejected with doleful diſappointments, I will profeſſe unto them (ſaith Chriſt) I never knew you, depart from Mat. 7. 23.Matt 7:23me; Here then the queſtion will be, how may Chriſt his being in us be diſcovered? I anſwer briefly. 1. By the grace ofPer fidem habitans, & virtute ſua agens. Hunnius in Text. Joh. 1. 12.John 1:12 faith whereby he is received. 2. By the room into which he is welcomed. 3. And by the effects of his entertainment. Firſt, Whereas true Beleevers are the only receivers of Jeſus Chriſt. This faith will evidence it ſelf, partly by the incomparable value which it puts upon Chriſt. To you who beleeve (ſaith the Apoſtle Peter) he is precious, and partly by oppoſing1 Pet. 2. 7.1 Pet 2:7 and purging out ſinfull pollution, that Chriſt may not be annoyed by it: The heart is purified by faith, Therefore ask yourAct. 15. 9.Acts 15:9 ſelves, as in Gods preſence, whether there be any thing in the world which you prize more then Chriſt, or ſo much as Chriſt, and whether you do indulge any wickedneſs within your boſomes, without bitter complaints and vigorous oppoſition.

Secondly, Chriſt dwelleth in the heart by faith. The SpouſeEph. 3. 17. Can. 1. 13.Eph 3:17 ſaith, He ſhall lie as a bundle of Myrrhe betwixt my breaſts. Therefore conſider, into what place Chriſt is welcomed. Do you admit him into ſome out-houſe only? As at his birth, he was laid in a manger, becauſe there was no room for him in Luk. 2. 7.Luke 2:7the Inne; Or do you put him into a cock-loft only? I mean, Do you only fill your fancies with notions, and tip your tongues with talk of Chriſt, or is he indeed received with warm welcome into your hearts, by longings, loves and rejoycings?

Thirdly, Whereas Chriſt is influentially operative in the ſoul where he reſideth, as the ſoul in the body where it is. p. 28Chriſt is our life (ſaith Paul) and I am crucified with Chriſt, Nevertheleſſe I live, yet not I, but Chriſt liveth in me. EnquireCol. 3. 4 Gal. 2. 20.Col 3:4Gal 2:20 therefore exactly whether by ſuch ſpirituall breathings, ſenſe and motions, as were in Jeſus Chriſt, whileſt upon earth, you can make out your union and communion with him. He 1 Joh. 2. 6.1 John 2:6that ſaith, he abideth in him, ought himſelf alſo ſo to walk, even as he walked; what gaſpings are in you after conformity to Gods will and the glory of his Name! what ſighs under ſin with the expreſſions of divine diſpleaſure! what complacency in Gods ſervice, and the ſmiles of his face, in the uſe of holy Ordinances! what motions, what progreſſe do you endeavour to make, from ſinne, towards God, in the mortifying of inward luſts, and the advancing of the power of godlineſſe in your converſations? Sincere anſwers returned unto ſuch like demands, will ſuggeſt whether Chriſt be efficaciouſly preſent in you.

This truth adminiſtreth matter of much comfort unto all Ʋſe 2 them who finde upon due examination the Lord Jeſus dwelling in them. When Zacheus heard that Chriſt would abide Luk. 19. 6.Luke 19:6in his houſe, he received him joyfully. Greater cauſe of joy have they who have already lodged him in their hearts. Now to quicken the belevevers joy upon that account, viz. that Chriſt in them is the hope of glory, theſe comfortable conſequences may be conſidered.

1. Hence they may aſſuredly expect the ſupply of all outward wants, whether they look upon themſelves, as poſſeſſed of Chriſt, or entitled by him unto glory. The holy Scripture holds forth this inference as deducible from both theſe grounds. Chriſt is the owner, the heir of all things, and therefore if God hath given us his Sonne, how ſhall he not with him freely give us all things? And if the Lord by the rightRom. 8. 32.Rom 8:32 of Chriſt hath been pleaſed to give intereſt in heavens glory, he will certainly vouchſafe all earthly needfull accommodations; This concluſion Chriſt himſelf gathers from the premiſes. Fear not little Flock, for it is your Fathers good pleaſure Luk. 12. 32.Luke 12:32to give you the Kingdom. And the Apoſtle doth from the ſame Argument aſſert the miniſtration of Angels for their advantage. Are they not all miniſtring Spirits ſent forth to p. 29Heb. 1. 15.Heb 1:15miniſter for them who ſhall be heirs of ſalvation? Therfore aſſurance of proviſion and protection is hence clearly deducible.

2. Upon the ſame account they may be confident of their final perſeverance. The Apoſtle Peter having aſſerted the hope which the Regenerate have of this glorious Inheritance referved in heaven for them, he addeth Gods care to preſerve them unto the poſſeſſion thereof; who are kept 1 Pet. 1. 4, 5, 13.1 Pet 1:41 Pet 1:51 Pet 1:13(ſaith he) by the power of God through faith unto ſalvation: and from hence encourageth this confidence; Wherefore gird up the loins of your mindes, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you, at the revelation of Jeſus Chriſt. There are but two things (as I conceive) which can poſſibly endanger their falling ſhort of hoped-for glory, viz. either their own corruptions within, or their oppoſitions from without. Now Chriſt being in them, and taking the care of them, doth ſecure their ſouls from both, as is manifeſt from his own words, I give them eternal life, and they ſhall never periſh, Joh. 10. 28.John 10:28neither ſhall any man pluck them out of my hand. The gloſſe which reverend holy M^r Dod gave of this Scripture, was this; Whereas Sheep are endangered either from ſomewhat within them, viz. by the rot, or ſome diſeaſe to which ſubject, or from ſomewhat without them, viz. by dogs and beaſts of prey: Our Saviour promiſeth, that the Sheep of his fold ſhall not miſcarry finally from either of theſe dangers. And Chriſt annexeth an argument which holds invincible againſt all adverſe power whatſoever, whether within or without, whether on earth or in hell; My Father which gave them me, ve. 29. Rom. 8. 35, 37.Rom 8:35Rom 8:37is greater then All; Upon this bottome Saint Paul builds his triumph; Who ſhall ſeparate us from the love of Chriſt? Shall tribulation or diſtreſſe, or perſecution, or famine, or nakedneſſe, or perill, or ſword? Nay, in all theſe things we are more then conquerors through him that loved us.

3. Therefore nothing which is conſiſtible with Chriſts reſidence in a Chriſtians boſome ſhould ſhake his hope of glory. Neither weakneſſe of graces, nor ſtrength of luſts, neither the aſſaults of Satan, how horrid, violent, frequent ſoever, nor imperfections in holy performances, how many, or conſtant ſoever, which militate againſt the beleevers aſſurance, p. 30ſhould ſink either hope or heart, except Chriſts utter abſence from the ſoul could from thence be undeniably concluded. The Apoſtle Paul having mentioned his conſtant conflict and his frequent foyls in the 7. of the Romans, yet addes in the end of the Chapter, his joy in Chriſt, I thank God through Jeſus Chriſt; and aſſerts in the beginning of the Chapter following; There is no condemnation unto them who are in Chriſt Jeſus. Auguſtine while Chriſt was in hisDeſperare non audeo. Per quem gloriam vitae aeternae expectare debetis. Vatab. in Text. eye, ſaid, I dare not deſpond. And Chriſtians ſhould both with reſpect unto Chriſts honour and their own comfort, make conſcience, not to yield to dejecting doubts, or perplexing fears, in reference to their glory in heaven, while the matter of their complaints is no more then may poſſibly be found in the ſoul where Chriſt dwelleth. Certainly if doubting Chriſtians would carefully hold unto this direction, maintaining and bottoming their hopes in Chriſt, multitudes of ſcruples might eaſily be anſwered, and their evidences for heaven would be better preſerved, and their conſtant comfort well ſecured. This anchor of hope thus caſt outHeb. 6. 19.Heb 6:19 and faſtening upon Chriſt, would be admirably uſefull, when billows of temptations (as in a tempeſt) beat upon the beleeving ſoul; And the Helmet of this hope thus uſed would keep1 Theſ, 5. 8. off many blows, whereby the comforts of diſtruſtfull ſpirits are ſadly battered.

4. This may be a precious cordiall to the beleever upon his death-bed; It was reviving unto old Simeon, being ready to leave the word, Then he took Chriſt in his Arms, and bleſſed Luk. 2. 28, 29, 30.Luke 2:28Luke 2:29Luke 2:30God, and ſaid, Now letteſt thou thy Servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have ſeen thy ſalvation. How many and how ſweet ſoever our contentments are upon earth, of whichGaudium in ſpe magnum in replenum, Aug. Phil. 1. 21. 23.Phil 1:21Phil 1:23 death will deprive us, yet Chriſt being in us the hope of glory, to die will be gain, and to be with Chriſt will be farre better. And who is not cheerfully willing in a way of ſelflove, to part with that which is worſe for what is much better?

The doctrine may be improved by exhortation. 1. To Ʋſe 3 them in whom Chriſt is the hope of glory. 2. To others, who as yet have not received him.

p. 31Firſt, Thoſe who poſſeſſe Chriſt and hope of glory through him, are to be perſwaded

1. To contentment with their preſent condition upon earth, though it be mean and low. The heirs of vaſte eſtates in the world can the better bear hardſhip, during their nonage, though their diet be ſcanty, their lodging hard, and their cloathing courſe, becauſe they hope that ere long all will be better. Who knoweth not the poverty of Jeſus Chriſt? The Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have their neſts, Mat. 2. 20.Matt 2:20but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And yet he is comfortably contented, as in reſpect of his preſent enjoyment of God as his portion, ſo in reference to his expectation of future glory; The Lord is the Pertion of mine Inheritance: Pſa. 16. 5, 6, 11Ps 16:5Ps 16:6Ps 16:11The lines are▪ allen unto me in pleaſant places; In thy preſence is fulneſſe of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleaſures for evermore. The Apoſtle Paul ſeeks by this argument to raiſe the Chriſtian Coloſſians above ſublunaries. When Chriſt Col. 3. 4.Col 3:4who is our life ſhall appear, then ſhall we alſo appear with him in glory. Oh how admirably would ſuch meditations elevate the diſcontented Chriſtian with calmneſſe and complacency, if they were ſet on by faiths activity!

2. To patience in bearing reproaches, with all other croſſes for Chriſt, in a Chriſtian courſe, keeping in their minde this hoped-for glory. This Doctrine Chriſt himſelf both preached and practiſed; Bleſſed are you when men ſhall revile Mar. 5. 11, 12.Mark 5:11Mark 5:12you, and perſecute you, and ſhall ſay all manner of evil againſt you falſly for my ſake, Rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; This was one paſſage in his Sermon, and truly by this he was ſupported under his ſufferings, For the joy that was ſet before him he endured the Heb. 12. 2.Heb 12:2Croſſe, deſpiſing the ſhame. Having propounded Chriſts practice, it may be judged needleſſe to mention the example of Moſes, who choſe rather to ſuffer affliction with the people of Heb. 11. 25, 26Heb 11:25Heb 11:26God, then to enjoy the pleaſures of ſinne for a ſeaſon, Eſteeming the reproach of Chriſt greater riches then the treaſures of Egypt, for he had reſpect unto the recompence of reward: But … you eye in Chriſt what is equitable and imitable, then conſider in Moſes what is attainable by the induſtrious actings of p. 32faith and meditation. And yet to prevail further upon your ſpirits in promoting your magnanimity and patience, by minding your hope of glory in Chriſt, I wiſh you to compare your preſent ſufferings on earth with your future glory hoped for in heaven, both in regard of their quality and continuance, for the one are both light and ſhort, whereas the other is both weighty and eternall. The experience of Gods ſervants hath often put a Probatum eſt unto this direction.2 Cor. 4. 16, 17, 18.2 Cor 4:162 Cor 4:172 Cor 4:18 For this cauſe we faint not, for our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us, a farre more exceeding and eternall weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are ſeen, but at the things which are not ſeen, for the things which are ſeen are temporall, but the things which are not ſeen are eternall.

Secondly, Thoſe who have not as yet received Chriſt to dwell in them, are to be moved as they deſire heavens glory hereafter, and the comfortable hopes of it here upon earth, to give entertainment unto Jeſus Chaiſt. Zacheus upon an hint given of Chriſts willingneſſe to come into his houſe, comes down out of the Sycamore-Tree quickly, and receiveth him joyfully. Now do you with ſeriouſneſſe conſiderLuk. 19. 4.Luke 19:4 with what 1. importunity, 2. patience, 3. and promiſes, the Lord Jeſus calleth upon you for entertainment. Behold, I ſtand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and Rom. 3. 20.Rom 3:20open the door, I will come in to him, and will ſup with him, and he with me.

1. There is the uſe both of a voice and knocking, therefore importunity. He ſpeaketh by his word, and knocketh by his Spirit, with ſome recoylings of an awakned conſcience.

2. This importunity is not only once, it is not a knock, or a word and away, but he ſtandeth, he ſtaieth, and waiteth for admiſſion; This ſpeaketh much patience.

3. This patient importunity is backed with promiſes of communion upon willingneſſe to take him in, I will ſup with him and he with me, (as if he had ſaid) I will feaſt his ſoul, and I will accept of his proviſions for my welcome.

Now if by theſe motives (to which many more might be added) you be diſpoſed to enquire what you ſhould do that p. 33may come into you, and be in you, the hope of glory; I would refer you to the counſell given by the Pſalmiſt (which is doubled, becauſe weighty and neceſſary) Lift up your heads O ye gates, and be lift up ye everlaſting doors, and the Pſa. 24. 7. 9.Ps 24:7Ps 24:9King of glory ſhall come in. Hence two directions may be gathered. 1. That our ſouls (which in regard of their immortality are called everlaſting doors) muſt willingly receive him. He is a great King, and will not take up with an out-houſe for his lodging, for the place of his gracious abode;Eph. 3. 17.Eph 3:17 He dwelleth in the heart; Either there or not at all. Therefore by meditating upon the fore-mentioned particulars, ſuggeſting Chriſt his deſervings, and the incomparable benefits to be received by him, ſeek to prevail with your ſelves that your warmeſt loves, ſtrongeſt longings, and higheſt joys may be laid forth upon him. 2. That he muſt be received as Lord and King, with free contentment to ſubmit unto his Scepter and Regall Authority. In houſes where Kings were wont to be entertained, Rex was uſually written upon the door, all the rooms were to be diſpoſed of for his uſe. In like manner muſt they commit the Keys of government into the hands of Chriſt, with willingneſſe to be ruled by him in all things, who would receive him, and through him the hope of glory. 3. Hereto may be added heart-humiliation; For whereas high ſtately Palaces are eſteemed the fitteſt houſes for the entertainment of earthly Princes, Jeſus Chriſt the King of glory maketh choice of lowly hearts for his habitation: For thus ſaith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whoſe name is holy, I dwell Iſa. 55. 15.Isa 55:15in the high and holy place, with him alſo that is of a contrite and humble ſpirit: Therefore levell your mountains of ſelfconceit, lay your ſelves in the duſt upon the ſerious review of the evil both of your lives and natures, together with the deſerved miſery, which you be neither able to reſiſt nor undergo, and make an unfeigned ſelf-reſignation unto the Lord, to be alwaies, in all things governed by him, ſo may you expect the coming of Chriſt into your ſouls, and the comfort of good hope of glory through him.

This one thing I earneſtly move as a matter neceſſary to p. 34ſalvation by Jeſus Chriſt, viz. ſelf-deniall, with ſubmiſſion to Chriſt, as tendred in the Goſpel, upon terms of freegrace. The Apoſtle Paul looketh upon the Jews as not in the ſtate of ſalvation, Becauſe they going about to eſtabliſh Rom 10. 1, 3.Rom 10:1Rom 10:3their own righteouſneſſe ſubmitted not themſelves unto the righteouſneſſe of God. Their priviledges were high, and their coſtly Sacrifices many, and therefore they hoping without Chriſt then preached to work out their own welfare, fell ſhort of bleſſedneſſe. The ſame Spirit of pride and ſelf-dependance is in all our natures, which is extreamly miſchievous, obſtructing the way unto Chriſts welcome into the ſoul: therefore I entreat and beſeech Chriſtians again and again herein to be exceeding carefull. Neither let thoſe who are moſt rich in parts, duties, enjoyments, rely thereupon, with diſreſpect of Chriſt; Nor yet let Poor ſouls, burthened with guilt, beggarly in abilities, moſt vile and unworthy in their own account, keep off from Chriſt through diſtruſtfull diſcouragements; For as all good hope of glory is raiſed from Chriſt heartily entertained, ſo no one who humbly, obedientially ſtoopeth under his governmentJoh. 6. 37.John 6:37 ſhall be rejected.

In the laſt place, The Doctrine adminiſtreth much comfort Ʋſe 4 unto mourners bewailing the death of ſuch who (as they have juſt cauſe to beleeve) had received Chriſt into their ſouls before they left this world, becauſe from this ground ariſeth good hope that they are admitted into heavens glory. Upon this account the Apoſtle diſſwadeth drooping, and perſwadeth chearfulneſſe in Chriſtians upon ſuch occaſions. I would not have you ignorant Brethren concerning 1 Theſ. 4. 13, 14, 18.1 Thess 4:131 Thess 4:141 Thess 4:18them who are aſleep, that ye ſorrow not even as others which have no hope; For we beleeve that thoſe who ſleep in Jeſus, God will bring with him, and ſo ſhall we ever be with the Lord; Wherefore comfort one another with theſe words. In this regard regular love to our deceaſed Chriſtian Friends, would turn our water into wine, our tears into joys. If ye loved me (ſaid Chriſt to his dejected Apoſtles) ye would rejoyce, becauſe I ſaid, I go unto the Father. And this was ethe raſon (as ſome Divines do conjecture) wherefore p. 35David who mourned exceſſively upon Abſaloms death, was more comfortable when he heard that his young childe was dead, Now he is dead, wherefore ſhould I faſt? 2 Sam. 1…. 23.2 Sam 1:23I ſhall go to him: God gave into his heart aſſurance of his childes happineſſe in heaven; whereas the wickedneſſe wherein Abſalom lived and died did ſuggeſt rather doubts concerning his future condition.

This Uſe puts a fair opportunity into my hand to reach forth a Cordiall unto the Father, Mother, Grand-mother, and other Relations of the ingenuous, gracious Childe, whoſe Funerall hath occaſioned this Aſſembly, and whoſe affectionate minding of this Text (upon which I have diſcourſed) was the Argument which induced me to undertake it, at this time. He was but nine years old and a half when God tranſlated him, and above five years ſince this Text, Chriſt in you the hope of glory, took ſuch hold upon his heart, that he frequently ſpake of it, and often entreated his Father to preach of it. And doubtleſſe it is not a thing uſuall for a childe ſo young to be thus affected with thoughts of Chriſt, and glory to be hoped for through him.

Some few things more I will adde,

1. To relieve the ſad hearts of his neareſt friends.

2. To move them, with others, unto thankfulneſſe to the Lord for that which his Spirit had wrought in this hopefull childe.

3. As alſo to quicken young ones unto the imitation of his vertues.

Firſt, His loving honourable reſpect to his dear Parents, and dutifull obſervance of them, was very great, which was evidenced by theſe particulars.

1. Having quick parts and an aptneſſe to learning, he was willing to apply himſelf unto any thing wherein they judged it meet to have him inſtructed.

2. As he himſelf was afraid to offend his Parents, ſo …e was carefull to prevent amongſt Servants that which …ight trouble them, and to keep from their knowledge whatſoever he thought would be grievous unto their ſpirits.

p. 363. When under griping pains by reaſon of the winde-Colick, he would labour to forbear groans and outcries, leſt they ſhould be over-much afflicted with his Lamentations.

4. Being asked, whether he deſired prayers for the lengthening of his life, his anſwer was, I would live, that I might glorifie God, and be a comfort to my Father and mother.

And all theſe expreſſions of his tender love towards his Parents, are the more conſiderable, becauſe there was reaſon to hope that they were encreaſed in him by their care of his Religious Education; In all theſe particulars he was a rare example (eſpecially if his childehood be remembred) of Childrens obedience to their Parents.

Secondly, He was like young Timothy, knowing the holy Scriptures in his Childehood. Though his bodily diſtempers did often take him off from Reading in the Bible, yet he had read it twice throughout, and was the third time gotten into the New Teſtament, before his laſt Sickneſſe. He was able alſo to give a good account both of the Chapters which he read, and of the Sermons which he heard.

And I will here mention three Paſſages which manifeſt that he minded and was affected with the Word of God.

1. Having been taught a ſhort Prayer by his Parents, his manner was, to adde thereto Scripture-ſentences from time to time; Two I ſhall report. The one from Pſal. 119. 68. Thou art good, and doſt good, Teach me thy Statutes: The other from Pſa. 120. 2. Deliver my Soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitfull tongue. Were not theſe his deſires of knowledge and of preſervation from lying (a ſinne to which Children are ſubject) very commendable.

2. Hearing of the miſery of wicked ones, and Hypocrites, laid open in a Sermon on the Sabbath-morning, he durſt not go to his diner till he had gone aſide to praier; p. 37whereas thouſands of riper age have no obedientiall bents wrought by divine threatnings.

3. And being once reproached (ſome years ſince) becauſe the hair of his head was ſhort, he readily returned this Anſwer, That Gods Word ſpeaketh againſt long hair, remembring thoſe words of the Apoſtle, Doth not even Nature it ſelf teach you, that if a man have long hair it is a ſhame unto him? 1 Cor. 11. 14. May not this give a check unto many, both Miniſters and others, whoſe Ruffian-like locks are very offenſive unto multitudes who fear the Lord?

Thirdly, As he was a Childe of many Praiers, not only being much praied for by his Parents and their Godly Friends, but alſo becauſe he himſelf did pray daily, ſeeming alſo to make conſcience of this duty. And here I ſhall relate ſome things which I account conſiderable.

1. Sundry years ſince he made this as a matter of complaint, that he could not order his thoughts while he was at prayer; How may this ſhame multitudes of people much elder, to whom roving thoughts in prayer were never troubleſom?

2. Not long before his death, ſtaying at home on the Sabbath-morning with a maid-Servant, he deſired (as he had done formerly) that they might ſing a Pſalm and go to prayer; And in his prayer he made this Petition, Lord, grant that we may leave our ſinnes, not as people do their old clothes with purpoſe to put them on again, but that we may forſake our ſins as rags, with reſolution to wear them no more.

Many times when ſick and in pain, he would uſe theſe words, Lord help me; He was thankfull to my ſelf as to others for our prayers; and that night before his death, having been once praied for by them who watched with him (who diſcerned the approach of his change) he himſelf of his own accord entreated them to pray with him and for him again: Do not theſe things ſpeak his ſenſible apprehenſions of dependance upon God, with expectations of favour from him by means of praier?

Fourthly, This muſt not be forgotten, That for divers years before his death he would expreſſe much eſtimation p. 38of thoſe Texts of Scripture which ſpeak of heavens glory, the glory provided for Gods Servants for ever. He would often commend the grace of contentment, ſaying, that it was better then riches, and that mans life conſiſted not in abundance. If unto all theſe things we adde (that with which I did begin) viz. the words of my Text, which did run much in his minde, Chriſt in you the hope of glory; we may thence charitably and probably conjecture, that notwithſtanding his religious education, and the many things praiſe-worthy in his life, yet he grounded his hope of glory alone upon the Lord Jeſus.

Theſe particulars I have judged meet to mention (as I before hinted) with reſpect to Gods honour, the comfort of his mourning friends, and the edification both of children and their Parents, who may be herewith acquainted.

Now the practicall improvement both of my Sermon and this Narration, I humbly commend unto the bleſſing of God through Jeſus Chriſt.

FINIS.

End of the text · Simeon Ashe, Christ the Riches of the Gospel and the Hope of Christians (1654)