Trading Spiritualized, Part 3
Trading Spiritualized.
The Third Part.
The 30th Poſition.
THE Holy Spirit of God hath a ſpecial Hand in (and doth promote) the ſpiritual Trade, Commerce, and Communion, that is betwixt God and Man.
1. May not this well be (as it is) written on, See Dr. Clifford his Methodus.that to the carrying on of Mans Salvation (and ſo of his Communion with God, as it is here begun) the Miniſtration of the Spirit, as well as the Mediation of the Son of God is requiſite? Are not Chriſtians waſhed, 1 Cor. 6.11.juſtified, and ſanctified, as in the Name of Jeſus Chriſt, ſo by the Spirit of our God?
2. 2 Cor. 13. ult.When the Apoſtle prayeth that Perſons may have the Communion of the Holy Ghoſt, doth not that hint, that as they have Communion with him, ſo alſo that by his Influence (and Efficacy) they are prepared for Heaven, and for having their Converſation in Heaven, whilſt they are on Earth.
For the further proving of the Poſition,
I offer. If we look upwards, and unto God.
1. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit to reveal, as his Nature and Excellencies, ſo withal, the great Miſtery of Godlineſs, and the way of exerciſing the Trade and Tranſaction that is held with him, Eph. 1.17.as alſo the Laws, Priviledges and Advantages that any way concern it? Is he not ſtiled the Spirit of Revelation?
2. Is it not the Work of the Holy Spirit (as proceeding from God the Father and the Son) to inſtruct and elevate the Hearts of Perſons, that they may not be intangled in ſuch Employes, and Affections, as would hinder their Trafficking with Heaven? 1 Cor. 7.And alſo, that they may attend on the Lord, and the main Buſineſs, without (allowed) diſtraction?
And now, we will a little caſt our Eyes down on Man, with regard to the Point in hand, and under conſideration propounding the following Quaere's.
1. As to that part of Trade, that goes under the Name of Exporting, or carrying and ſending to Heaven: Can any Perſon do any Duty aright, ſo as to exert Graces therein, without the ſpecial Aids and Operations of the Holy Spirit? Jude 20. Gal. 5.22.Are we not to pray in the Holy-Ghoſt? And are not the Fruits of Faith from him?
2. As to what is Imported, and fetch'd from Heaven, (into which count falls increaſe of Grace, and Communication of Comfort:) Is not his working neceſſary? Eph. 3.16.Are any ſtrenghened with might in the Inner Man, ſave by the Spirit? And doth not a late great Divine hold forth that Communion with him is much in Conſolation?Dr. Owen of Communion.
From what hath been ſaid, and proved, I will firſt lay down ſome Inferences of Truth.
The 1ſt. is, All the Perſons in the Allbleſſed and undivided Trinity are ingaged, having an Hand (and Heart) in Mans beſt Good, even his ſpiritual and eternal Welfare. Joh. 14.Doth not the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father, and the Son, (as to his Perſonality, ſo) as to the great Office I am pointing at? Idem.Who that reads this, ſhould do it without Admiration?
The ſecond Inference. All that call and would prove themſelves Men, (and Women) of God ſhould be exceeding loth to do what is called grieving (and demean themſelves with all tenderneſs Eph. 4.30.and due reſpect to) the Holy Spirit of God. Should they be chargeable with what would grieve him, So Dr. Spurſtow and Mr. Hickman.if he was (as we are) capable of grief? Or cauſing him to carry ſtrangely as we do towards thoſe that grieve us? Can we have Fellowſhip (or as England's later great Divine would have it read, Mr. Baxter.Communion) with the Father, 1 John 3.3.and with his Son Jeſus Chriſt, except we be inſpired (and acted) by the Holy Spirit?
The third Inference. They ſhew, that they are not for driving a Trade into (and with) Heaven, whoſe courſe carrieth in it a wilful quenching of the Motions and reſiſting of the Miniſtry of God's Spirit. 1 Theſſ. 5. See on this Reverend Polwheel. Boyſe.Alas! is not the World (I add, Is not the Church conſidered at large, and as to thoſe that cry aloud, The Temple of the Lord, The Temple of the Lord,) full of ſuch Perſons? Whileſt ſome vainly pretend to the Spirit, and others vilely ſcoff at him, How many are there that ſit at his Summons, ſtrive againſt his Strivings, and will by no means be wrought (or brought) over to a Cloſure with the Perſon, Acts 7.51.relying on the Mediation and Submiſſion to the Government of Chriſt?
The fourth Inference. The ſpiritual Trade ſhall not quite fall, or fail. How great ſoever their Numbers are who do neglect or decline it, Will the Eternal Spirit (whileſt Time laſteth) leave off to ſpiritualize Thouſands, yea Millions, and ſo hold this Trade up? Shall not the Pleaſure of God the Father proſper in this Hand?
The fifth Inference. According to the drawing near or withdrawing off the Holy Spirit, the Trade into Heaven, (and the Management thereof) doth fude and flouriſh. Doth not the more full and plenteous pouring out of the Holy Spirit, ſince the Aſcenſion of Chriſt as to his Humane Nature, Vicariam navare operam. vid. Buxhorn. Hiſt. p. Cant 4. ult.ſupply the want of his Bodily Preſence? Is he not ſaid to be in his ſtead? As this Wind wakeneth, the Spices of Grace flow forth.
Rules of Duty are to come next.
The firſt is general. All that will vouchſaſe this poor Paper a reading ſhould take themſelves to task, and enjoyn their Conſciences to give right Anſwers.
Have they ever yet experienced, what it is to have Communion with the Holy Spirit, and with the other Perſons in the Godhead by and through him? Hath he in a convincing, humbling, quickening and mortifying Preſence and Influence come in to them? Are not ſundry rigid Separatiſts ſaid not to have the Spirit?Jude 19.
The ſecond Rule is. They who have not found ſhould humbly (and earneſtly) ſeek the Effuſion of the Holy Spirit, ſhould they not cry to the Holy Spirit, and to the Father, through the Son, for the Spirit? Zech. 12.10.Should they not wait at the foot of the Promiſe made of him? If once God gives them hearts to ask, will he not anſwer them? Should not Spiritual Traffick be eſteemed?Luke 11.13.
The third Rule is. They who have the Holy Spirit ſhould evidence it, by their being ſpiritual and heavenly Traders, and by their ſtudying to excel therein: Should they not be alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord? 1 Cor. 15. ult.Adding unto Faith Vertue, and to Vertue Knowledge, &c.? For being filled with the Fruits of Righteouſneſs, Phil. 1.11.and fitted for the Crown of Righteouſneſs, ſhould their ſouls cry?
The fourth Rule. They whoſe hearts are by the holy Spirit ſet on driving the ſpiritual Trade, ſhould take the Cordials which God offereth them. Was it not the ſweet Pſalmiſt's Infirmity (Did he not ſee, Pſal. 77.2.that it was ſo?) to refuſe to be comforted? Alas! many of the Excellent of the Earth labour under that weakneſs; they put the Word of Conſolation away from them.
Shall not all that hold converſe with God by his Spirit, find their Trading in Grace iſſuing in the gain of Glory? 1 Pet. 4.Is he not the Spirit of Glory?
The 31ſt. Poſition. Spiritual Commerce and Communion between Heaven and Earth (God and fallen Man) is much furthered by the Holy Spirit as a revealing Spirit.
A Touch hath been on this; a little I will enlarge on it.
1. Is it not by the holy Spirit, Eph. 1.17. Vide Bodium. ad lo um.that the All-bleſſed Three in one with whom Communion is held is manifeſted, and made known ſo as he is not to the world, or to any ſave thoſe that are called out of it? Doth he not reveal outwardly, 2 Cor. 3. ult.and inwardly, unto (and in) them, eſpecially in the Goſpel-grace, the Divine Glory?
2. Is it not by the holy Spirit that the Lord Jeſus in his Perſon, Offices, and Eſtates, through whoſe Mediation God comes to Man, and Man goes to God, is declared? Joh. 16.13, 14. See Dr. Owen on this.Doth not the Spirit glorifie Chriſt, in taking what is his, and ſhewing it unto thoſe that are his? Is not the Goſpel hid (as is He that is held forth in it) to thoſe loſt ones into whoſe Hearts the Spirit ſhines not?2 Cor. 4 3, 4.
Is it not the holy Spirit that ſo makes known the Duties in which, and Graces by which ſpiritual Communion is maintained, that Perſons are duly exerciſed in the one, 1 Cor. 12.2, 3. Gal. 5.16, 25.and do truly exerciſe the other? Can ſpiritual Duties be done, or ſpiritual Diſpoſitions be ſhewed, by any ſave thoſe whoſe Eyes the Holy Spirit has anointed?
The firſt Ʋſe of this Poſition is for Conviction of ſin.
1. Doth it not fall on thoſe, who though they give the Word of God an hearing (which (alas!) ſome will not do,) Iſa. 59. ult.are ſlighters of and not waiters for the holy Spirit, which is put into the ſame Promiſe with it, whoſe Office it is to lead Perſons into the knowledge of it, and of managing the ſpiritual Trade by it: Do they duly value the Spirit of Revelation?
1. Who are not for being clothed with Humility? Pſal. 25.9. Job 42.5, 6.Do not ſuch as lye low lye fair for enlightings? And doth not the Light of Life ſhew Perſons matter for Humiliation?
2. Do they value the revealing Spirit, whoſe Carriage towards him is very untoward, and croſs, doing what in them lyes to quench the Sparks that are of his kindling.
1. See Mr. Polwheel on 1 Theſ. 5.By pouring on the foul Water of ſenſuality, and Fleſh pleaſing.
Or, 2. By heaping up the duſt of Worldlineſs, and Earthlineſs.
Or however, 3. By withholding Fewel, and ſlighting Ordinances. O that theſe perſons were in Mourning for their ſin! and did ſet themſelves under a clear and ſearching Miniſtry, and cryed, that the Spirit would open their Underſtandings? Can any expect he ſhould be a glorifying who have not found him an enlightning Spirit? 2 Theſ. 1.8, 9.Shall not they who willingly want inner light be caſt into (and kept for ever in) outer darkneſs?
The ſecond Ʋſe ſerves to quicken all enlightned perſons to duty, yea, to divers duties, proper for and incumbent on them.
Particularly, 1. To Thankfulneſs, that when the things that concern the ſpiritual and eternal Peace are hid from the eyes of many, Mat. 11.25.they are revealed to (and in) them? 1 Cor. 4.7.Who made them to differ? Or, what ſave Grace mov'd him to it?
1. Hath not their Knowledge clearneſs in it? Are not they of thoſe who ſeeing ſo ſee, as to perceive, John 16.13.and diſcover the inſide beauty and glory of Truths?See Arrowſmith's Armilla.
And ſo, 2. Hath not their ſight ſureneſs and ſatisfy ingneſs in it? Do they not in ſome meaſure arrive at aſſurance of Underſtanding having ſettlement in the Truth?Col. 2.3.
3. Scientia guſtus. 1 Pet. 2.3.Is not their Knowledge that of Taſt and Experience? Have they not Palats that are ſpiritualized? Do they not know the ſweetneſs of Grace?
A 2d. Duty to which they are quickned is waiting for further and fuller Revelations.
1. Have they any more than dawnings, 1 Cor. 13.9, 10.if their light be compared with the day of Glory?
2. Will not the beauty of their ſpiritual Trading increaſe together with their brightneſs?
A 3d. Duty to which they are excited, is walking as they ſhould do, who would ſhew they have the Spirit of Revelation, being acquainted with thoſe ſecrets that are peculiar to ſuch.
1. See Dr. Cheynell on Gen. 18.19.Humbling ſecrets. May they know (to the beſt purpoſe) what it is to put their Mouths in the duſt, to cheriſh ſorrow, Lam. 3.29.that is after (or according to) God! May this ſtream riſe ſo high, foreign. 2 Cor. 7.10. Phil. 3.8, 9.as to carry them out of an unwarrantable confidence in ſelf-righteouſneſs! in order thereunto, may they know.
2. Convincing Secrets. May they ſee ſin as by ſun-light, which ſhews how moates abound in the air! Joh. 16.9, &c. Neh. 3.12.May they ſee that it is an evil thing! May they ſee (what too few ſee) the evil that is in an heart of unbelief.
3. Iſa. 40. ult.May ſtrengthening ſecrets be revealed to (and in) them! May they know (from experience) what it is to be ſtrengthened with ſtrength in their ſouls, or inner man! Eph. 3.16.May they run the way of God's Commandments, and not be weary! May they walk, and not faint!
And ſo, 4. May alſo comforting ſecrets be communicated to them! May the holy Spirit take them down into Chriſt's banquetting-houſe! Cant. 2.4.May his banner over them be love! May they have (ſo as to feel) thoſe ſtrong Conſolations that are able to hold up their heads, and hearts. in a dying hour!Heb. 6.18.
May they (in ſeeing) ſee the great Things of the Goſpel!
To wit, 1. That the Lord Jeſus is Immanuel. God with us, Iſa. 7.14. Joh. 1.14.God manifeſted in the fleſh, or humane Nature. Do not heaven and earth Infinite and Finite meet in him.
2. That ſincere Chriſtians, 1 Cor. 6.17.though diſtinct perſons from Chriſt, are in near union and relation to him: Are they not ingrafted into this Vine? and eſpouſed to this Husband?
3. That in the Juſtification of a believing ſinner, there is a royal exchange: Are not his ſins inputed to Chriſt? 2 Cor. 5.21.Is not Chriſt's Righteouſneſs (in order to their acquittance and acceptance) imputed to him?
May they withal (as to great Goſpel-Duties) well know!
1. foreign Luke 9.24.What it is utterly to deny themſelves, as ſelf ſtands oppoſed to the Honour of God, the firſt Cauſe, the chief Good, the Higheſt Soveraign, and the laſt End: And as it lyes croſs to the advantage of men, ſhould any Chriſtian ſay after Cain, Am I my brothers keeper?
2. Gal. 2.20.What it is to be crucified with Chriſt, and to have Communion with him in his death, deriving from him as ſlain, ſin-ſlaying Vertue; ſo that the death of ſins that were as Dalilah's may be real, and gradual, through the actings of Faith.
3. Job 23.4. See Reverend Harriſon on this.What it is to pray, and uſe Pleas in prayer, to beg in Chriſts name, leaning on his Merit, to fill the mouth with Arguments drawn from Power, Goodneſs, Promiſe, and Providence of God.
4. Heb. 11.1. See renowned Baxter on this.What it is by Faith to render as preſent, things that are future; and evident, things that are not ſeen: So that Eternals are moſt look'd at, and look'd at, as great reality.
5. Phil. 4.11, 12 See bleſſed Burroughes.What it is to know, both how to ſuffer want, and how to abound, how to be abaſed, and how to be exalted, how to bear an heavy load quietly, and how to carry a full Cup even.
O that more Perſons had knowledge of this Stamp!
The laſt Uſe ſhall be for their cheering under Trouble, who are Spiritual Traders. Shall not their Gains and Incomings anſwer (yea exceed) all their pains and out-layings?
1. Did not the ſweet Pſalmiſt experience what he expreſſed? That in the performance of Gods Commands, there is great reward? Did not a late great Divine well ſay, Dr. TillotſonThat God's Work carried Meat in its Mouth.
2. Hath eye ſeen, or ear heard, or can it enter into Mans heart to conceive, 1 Cor. 2.9.what vaſt ſums of glory they ſhall have given into their hands hereafter? O the bleſſedneſs of the Saints in Heaven!
The 32d. Poſition. Spiritual Trading, or Communion between God and Man, dependeth no little on the Spirit as Regenerating, or the Spirit of Regeneration.
I am willing to premiſe the following Particulars.
1. Dr. Wallis.Though one that is among the firſt Three, conceiveth, that the Word ſignifying Regeneration doth as well denote a Chriſtians relation and ſtate in Juſtification, as his principle in initial Sanctification; I ſhall (as uſually I do) keep the Road, and have an eye and reſpect to the latter.
And ſo, 2. It is not doubted, but is by the beſt I am acquainted with concluded, Vid. Voetium Diſp. p. 2:that the Phraſe of Regeneration is figurative, and hath an alluſion to Mans natural Birth, and generation. As in this, there is natural Life given, ſo in it there is an infuſion of Spiritual Life. 2 Pet. 1.4. 2 Cor. 5.17.With this new Nativity there is a new Nature, ſtiled Divine, conferred; the regenerate are new Creatures.
3. foreign.Being born again (or from above) is rightly father'd on the Holy Spirit, as proceeding from the Father and the Son, to produce it. The ſubject of it is an elect ſinner; a ſinner, elſe he needed it not; an elect one, elſe he obtains it not. Idem. …om. 8.33.They who are brought forth by the hand of God, were firſt conceived in his Heart: Is not Vocation called Election?
4. Far be it from me to limit Divine Prerogative! God can (and doth) communicate the firſt grace to unregenerate ones; Jam. 4.8. See Divine Vines on thisotherwiſe none would be regenerated. But, as the regenerate are in a capacity to hold converſe with God, God who is moſt free, hath by promiſe bound himſelf to converſe with them.
And now I fall on proving the preſent Poſition.
1. Doth not the change made by Regeneration fit for Spiritual Trading?
(1.) Is there not a renewing in (and of) the Spirit of the Mind? Doth not the Underſtanding behold the glory of God? Rom. 12.2.and ſee the way to (and from) Heaven? particularly, that they who come to God do it by and through Him that is God.Ad Deum. Per Deum.
(2.) Doth not the renewing Work reach the memory? Doth not that retain the truth delivered by the Lord, the Star that guides to him, Joh. 14.26. Cant. 1.4.and withal the ſweetneſs, that in duty hath been received from the Lord, a proof, that the ſoul hath been with him.
(3.) Hath not the Conſcience the influence of this Work of the Holy Spirit? See acute Sheffield on this.Doth it not thereby act as a Miniſter, preaching up Chriſt, and duties to be done to (and through) him; and preaching down ſin, yea, running upon the occaſions and appearances of it. Doth it not as a Witneſs (yea as many witneſſes) teſtifie againſt whatever would hinder Spiritual Converſe, Mille teſtes. Acts 24.16.and as a Judge give its Verdict, for, and withal quicken to thoſe ſervices wherein it is held.
(4.) Hath not the Will of regenerate perſons a new byaſs put on, and a new bent put into it? Is it not (as a Worthy's phraſe was) rightly poyſed? Mr. Strong Libera liberata.Doth it when ſet free, freely chooſe God in Chriſt, for its Treaſure? counting it good to be and draw near to him? And doth it not refuſe what might breed eſtrangement from him?
(5) Are not all the Affections (both cloſing or liking and guarding and diſliking) renewed by the Spirit's hand? Are they not in truth, (and in ſome degree) as wings, Col. 3.3. See ro…zing Fenner on this.whereby the regenerate fly away from the tents of wickedneſs, and above the allurements of the world, ſoaring and mounting up towards Heaven, and heavenly Enjoyments.
Again. Will not the Lord readily manifeſt and communicate himſelf, and his choice favours, to thoſe that are born of the Spirit, and ſo brought into the ſtate and relation of his dear children? Shall not his upright ſervants find him the beſt of Maſters? Joh. 14.21.Shall not his ſons and daughters be admitted into his ſpecial Preſence? Shall not his Spouſe be taken into his arm, yea heart, and boſome?
From this Poſition, I ſhall draw Two Inferences of Truth.
The former is. Perſons in their meer impure Naturals (or ſtate of unregeneracy) are objects of compaſſion: Phil. 3.15.O that the bowels of the regenerate did more yearn over them! Is there not a cauſe, yea very great cauſe? Are they not in the world, Eph. 2.12. foreign.without God in the world? without communion with him, in communion with whom happineſs doth lye? Doth not the Scripture (which miſcals no one) call 'em Athieſts? Are they not in a preſent incapacity to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Joh. 3.2, 5.If we take the word in the higheſt ſenſe, could they deſire to ſtay in it? Can the unholy be happy?
And ſo the latter Inference is. There are not a few that bear themſelves high on their birth (I mean their natural birth) that have very ſmall reaſon for it. Are they that are meerly born of blood, or as it is read of bloods, Joh 1.12, 13 foreign.of the beſt blood, fit in their preſent ſtate to hold converſe with God? Is it not the new ſecond (or ſupernatural) birth that prepares for ſuch a practice and priviledge? How many in vain wiſh, they had never been born, who dye, and have not been born again? Have they any right to eat of the Tree of Life? Pſal. 9.17.Have not they their portion in the Lake that burns with fire and brimſtone?
And now, I proceed, to Rules of duty.
One is. They who want the Regenerating work of the holy Spirit ſhould by no means (or with no willingneſs) want breathings after it: O that many did pray and cry, Pſal. 51.10.Create in us (O Lord) new hearts! O that ſo many were not inſenſible of their ſad caſe! O that they poſed themſelves after this manner! Have we the characters and ſigns of Regeneration by and from the Spirit? Who,
1. Never yet bitterly bewailed our firſt being in the fleſh, which hath ſome being in the ſpiritual.Rom. 7.24.
Nor, 2. do yet go much with praiſes to the Author of Regeneration; nor ſtudy to give the praiſes of the life together with thoſe of the lip to him, or to anſwer an High Birth in an holy Walk.1 Pet. 2.9.
Can they walk with God, that walk not in the Spirit? or they walk in him, that do not live in him?Gal. 5.16, 25
May they who cannot regenerate themſelves, and are not worthy that God ſhould regenerate them, wait on and love the Miniſtry of the Word, 1 Pet. 1.23.where it is plainly and practically preached, that being the bleſſed ſeed, which the regenerating Spirit doth uſually uſe.
Employ they the Son of God, to pray down the Spirit on them.
Plead they, 1. That they are true and great needers of him.Luke 11.13.
2. That the glory of ſupplying them will redound to him.
Another Rule reſpecteth thoſe whoſe hearts the Spirit as a Regenerator hath wrought on. Pſal. 149.6.The high praiſes of God ſhould flow from their hearts, and be in their mouths? Have perſons theſe evidences of life?
1. Rom. 7.14.Senſibleneſs of ſin (tho' counted ſmall) as contrary to it.
2. Acts 9.11.Breathing in prayers and deſires that are ſpiritual.
3. 1 Pet. 2.2. foreignCatching at the breaſts and deſiring food and ſtrength ſpiritual.
Are not they the bleſſed of the Lord? Is not their dwelling on high? Is not God in Chriſt their dwelling-place? Pſal. 90.1.Is not that communion with him begun which ſhall by graces hand be perfected?
The 33d. Poſition. Through the Holy Spirit as uniting Perſons to Christ, the Spiritual Trade (or Communion between God and Man) is promoted.
That it is one of the Offices of the holy Spirit to cauſe an union betwixt Chriſt and thoſe who are made ſincere Chriſtians, is a great Truth, on which many years ago I more than touched.
1. 1 Cor. 6.1…. foreign.Is not he that is joyned (truly and cloſely glued) to the Lord in this ſenſe One Spirit, Davenantius & Polus ad locum.or one ſpiritually one with him, through and by the Operation of the holy Spirit?
2. Do not Divines who write of the union of perſons to Chriſt, Col. 2.19.and of the two bands thereof, write of the Spirit as being the principal band, 2 Cor. 4.13. See Nortons Orthod. Evang. Heb. 12.2.the band on his part?
And, 3. Is not the holy Spirit the Spirit of Faith, the Author as well as the Finiſher of that Faith, that is the other band?
That the Spirit conſidered under this notion ſurthereth Trading with and into Heaven, is evidently evident.
1. Is not Union to Chriſt the foundation of Communion with Chriſt? 1 Joh. 5.12.Have any Life ſpiritual that have not the Son? Have not all that have the Son ſuch Life? Doth not receiving further grace from Chriſt flow from receiving Chriſt?
And, … John 1.3.2. Is it not through Chriſt the Son, that perſons have communion with the Father? Is it not on their being and abiding on him, that the way between Heaven and Earth is kept open?
1. Have any ſave thoſe that are in Chriſt (by way of union) the dews of Heaven lying on their fleece? When the Lord bleſſeth perſons with ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly places (or things, Eph 1.3. foreign.) Is it not in Chriſt?
2. foreign.Can any ſave thoſe that have union to Chriſt perform duties in a due (that is ſpiritual and ſo acceptable) manner? Doth not Chriſt ſay to his peculiar diſciples, Without or ſeparate from me ye can do nothing? (that is, nothing aright. Auguſtine.) Doth not one called a Father thus gloſs thereon, He ſaith not no great thing, but nothing?
The 1ſt Inference is. They are ſurely leſs worthy of the Chriſtian Name (how elegant ſoever their Tongues or Pens were) who have ſpoken (or written) in a drolling way, Dr. Parker. Dr. Sh.as of perſons having the Spirit, ſo of their being any way (ſave politically) united to Chriſt? Are they not well ſent to School to an eminent Doctour? Dr. Patrick.Can they be counted Friends of (or well-wiſhers to) Spiritual Trading? May he that ſurvives well weigh, as well as view, what England's late great Divine wrote to him!Mr. R. B.
The 2d. Inf. That perſons may hold Communion with the Lord, and Trade with (and into) Heaven, they ſhould long to know (if they have not known) and that, experimentally, what it is for the Holy Spirit to perform this Office for and in them. Should they not be loth not to be as Members united to the All-bleſſed Head?
1. Be they willing he ſhould take his own way and method to work and cauſe this Union? Joh. 16.8, 9. Will he not prepare the Houſe he poſſeſſeth and furniſheth. Jude ult.Is not he (as are the Father and the Son one in Eſſence with him) All-wiſe, yea, the only wiſe God? If he make uſe of his Word that is a ſharp ſword, yea, of that part of it the Law, in order to the convincing perſons of ſin, and ſelf-emptineſs, and ſo of cutting them off from the old ill Stock, Adam, as corrupted, ſhould not they be complyant?
2. Be they afraid, leſt they ſhould miſtake in taking up with a ſhew and pretence (how ſpecious ſoever) of this Union without the reality of it? Gal. 6.6.God will not be mocked: Should not Men be unwilling to be deceived in a matter of ſo great moment? What are notions of Chriſt? What are common (though to others uſeful) gifts from Chriſt, if compared with union to him? I add, What is that union that is by way of adhaerence or appendance to him (ſuch as is that of a branch tyed to a Vine) unto that of inhaerence and implantation, Joh. 15.2, 5.as is that of a branch this is and abides in the Vine.
3. May they pray to the Spirit, and to the Father for the Spirit, and in their praying employ the Son as Mediatour, Joh. 14.16.that this Work may be wrought in and for them! joyning unto Prayer, Pleas of this ſort:
1. Bleſſed Lord! Thoſe have been joyned unto Chriſt by grace, that were by nature as diſtant and diſunited from him as we can poſſibly be.Iſa. 59.1.
2. Is not thy power for uniting us to him as great as ever? Is not thy willingneſs in the caſe ſufficiently declared? Art thou not in and by the Miniſtry of the Word, moving on and ſtriving with us? Art thou not in ſome meaſure inclining us to beg this great boon, and to be earneſt that thou wouldeſt grant it?
3. Bleſſed Lord! If thou wilt vouchſafe in this particular to hear and anſwer us, will not much glory redound to thee as well as much benefit accrue to us? For thy Names ſake, By thy Spirit cauſe this Union. Sinful (and therefore ſad) is their ſtate, who willingly reſting on this ſide Union to Chriſt cannot Trade into Heaven, nor lay a rightful claim to the Joys thereof, but lye in the mouth of eternal Condemnation.Mark 16.15, 16.
The laſt Inference. They who have real ſpecial ſpiritual Union to Chriſt as they are to aſcribe it to all the Perſons in the Godhead, and particularly (and more immediately) to the Holy Spirit, the third in order of the Perſons, they are to be much in the high and noble Work of Praiſe.Eph. 1.3.
1. Do not their hearts lye open to Heaven? and doth not Heaven ſtand open to them? O the ſweetneſs and preciouſneſs of this Entercourſe … which (alas!) Millions are utter ſtrangers!
2. Pſ. 138. ult.Will not the Lord perfect that which concerneth them? Doth not hi… mercy endure for ever? Did not purely free mercy move him to lay the firſt ſtone? and ſhall not the laſt be brough… forth with ſhouting, crying, Mercy! Mercy!
3. Are not they by being in (and united to) Chriſt, out of the reach and gun-ſhot of divine wrath? How many corrections ſoever they may meet with, Is there any ſo much as one Condemnation upon or before them?foreign. Rom. 8.1.
4. Col. 1.27.Is not Chriſt in them the hope of glory? Is he not the ground o… which they may groundedly expect the poſſeſſion of it? Shall not that Communion that is ſpiritual, iſſue (and end) end in that which is (and will be) eternal?
The 34th. Poſition. Trading with (or into) Heaven, or Communion between God and fallen Man, is much furthered by the Indwelling Spirit, or the Spirit, as dwelling in perſons.
The Doctrine of the Inhabitation of the Holy Spirit being high, and being miſunderſtood, ſome hints ſhall here be given concerning it.
And 1ſt. See worthy Mr. Barret on the Covenants.They (as I and my betters judge) fall too low, whoſe opinion is, that the Spirit's indwelling in the faithful implyeth no more than his being eſſentially with them. Who is there with whom he is not? In this ſenſe, Pſal. 139.7, &c.Whither can men go (or flee) from this preſence?
2. Undoubtedly, they riſe too high, who aſſert ſuch an indwelling of the Holy Spirit in perſons, that they become one perſon, or one perſonally with him.
1. One that excell'd has obſerved, See the excellent Tuckney on 2 Pet. 1.4.that this Tenent draws after it, the affirming, that there is an Incarnation of the Third Perſon in the Trinity, as well as of the Second; and a dwelling of the Fulneſs of the Godhead in the Members of Chriſt, as well as in him, their Head.
2. Acute Hollinworth.Another Worthy expreſſed his disſatisfaction with that aſſertion, in this manner; Whereas, the Holy Spirit is both indiviſible and omnipreſent, this repreſenteth him as divided, and limited; as if he was perſonally here and there in Peter and Paul, and other Saints, and not in intermediate places.
3. Poor I am well ſatisfied, and judg… it ſafe to keep the Excellent of th… Earth company, who hold, and hol… forth, that the Communion of th… Holy Ghoſt as well as the Grace … Chriſt, 2 Cor. 13. ult.and Love of God the Father is with gracious perſons; and that in ſound ſenſe, the Spirit is together wit… his gifts given to them. See Dr. Jacomb on Rom. 8. And Baxteri Methodum. And Pool againſt Biddle Rom. 8.9, 10 & 5.5, 6. & 8.16, 26.Do not d… vers Texts atteſt, that he is peculiar… related to and doth peculiarly opera… in them? Is it not he himſelf that wor… eth and preſerveth grace in them? tha… witneſſeth to and with their Spirits … that helpeth their infirmities? tha… ſtrengtheneth, quickeneth, and ſealeth them?
And now (at length) I offer at proving the Poſition.
1. Doth not the Holy Spirit as dwelling with (and in) the ſanctified, excit… to, direct in, and enable for the duties in which the Spiritual Trade is driven…
2. Doth not the holy Spirit furniſh and ſupply the ſanctified with thoſe ſoul-ſolacing (or at leaſt ſoul-ſupporting) comforts wherewith the performance of thoſe duties is rewarded, and ſo encouraged? Gal. 5.22.Is not Joy reckoned among the Fruits of the Spirit? and i… not this Joy of the Lord the ſouls ſtrength? Neh. 8.10.Is it not as oyl on the wheel that furthereth its motion?
And now, I 1ſt. infer. That the condeſcenſion of the holy Spirit (and conſequently of the Father and Son from whom he proceedeth) is well worth wondering at. Will God indeed dwell on Earth, 2 Chron. 6.will he that thinks it no robbery to be equal with the other Perſons in the Godhead dwell in the hearts of thoſe who dwell on earth? Can we refrain crying? O admirable? Doth not this his dwelling imply?
1. A Preſence that hath much of inwardneſs. May not that Phraſe of one be here applied? Intimior intimo noſtro. 1 Cor. 6.17.He is nearer to the faithful than they are to themſelves? Is he not more to their ſouls, than their ſouls are to their bodies?
2. A Preſence, in which there is permanence and continuance. Pulſat aliorum corda. Dr. Sibbs. John 14.16, 21.Doth not this bleſſed Lord who knocks at the doors of others hearts, come into and inhabit theirs? Are they not as his Temples? Doth not he who only moveth others (as he did Sampſon) at times, abide with them for ever?
3. A Preſence, that hath much of familiarity: Are not perſons familiar and open-hearted in their dwellings? Do they not count their houſes their caſtles, where they may ſafely communicate their ſecrets? Doth not the holy Spirit open much of his mind and love to thoſe that are an habitation to God John 14 21.through him? Doth he not manifeſt himſelf to them as he doth not manifeſt himſelf to the World?
2. A 2d. Inference is. They who believe the Poſition I am on, and Head, the hints given concerning it, cannot call in queſtion this great fundamental Truth, 1 Cor. 3.16.that the Spirit of God is very God. Doth not his being (as eſſentially ſo) graciouſly preſent with all the ſanctified, yea, as to peculiar operations in them all, in all parts, and places, of the world, ſufficiently prove, that he is immenſe, infinite, and unbounded? Is any Being ſo, ſave he that is the Being?
A 3d. Inference. They cannot in their preſent ſtate hold Communion with God or have their converſe and converſation in Heaven, who willingly want the Indwelling Spirit or the Spirit as ſtanding in a peculiar relation to them, Jude 19.and having a ſpecial intereſt and propriety in them; as perſons have in their dwellings and poſſeſſions: Are not theſe perſons, Multitudes, Multitudes?
1. Doth the Pure Spirit dwell in thoſe impure ones who walk after the fleſh? Rom. 8.1. Gal. 5.16, 17not abſtaining from (but delighting in) thoſe fleſhly luſts of drunkenneſs, filthineſs, and idleneſs; will he endure to be ſo oppoſed and affronted, where his abode is?
2. 1 Cor. 2.12.Doth the Spirit of God dwell where the Spirit of the World doth animate, act, and rule? Are they his habitations, that are its drudges and ſlaves? rooting in the earth, Ezek. 33.31.even on the day, and in the duties and ordinances that are ſacred?
3. Doth the Spirit of God dwell where Satan the worſt of Spirits keeps the houſe? And doth he not ſo, Joh. 8.44. Arrowſmith Tact. Sac. p.in thoſe who look as like him as men and women can do? being
1. Filled with wrath, envy, and malice.
2. Addicted to lying, and falſe accuſing.
3. Employed (or at leaſt rejoycing) in perſecuting.
O that perſons ſaw, and felt, that whilſt they are in their natural ſtate, they are void of the Spirit, Rom. 8.9.and ſo without Chriſt! O that they ſorrowed for their own danger, and God's diſhonour! and were afraid of dying, yea, of living in this condition! and cryed, and got others to cry, that the holy Spirit may be given to and dwell in them!
The laſt Inference. God's peculiar ones are priviledged ones. O happy happy they if they know their Priviledge! They are Heavenly Traders; and ſhall not let the Trade fall.
1. Gal. 5.22.Will not the Indwelling be an In-working Spirit?
2. Shall they not by him be brought from Trading into to live in Heaven?
May not they ſay, aa the ſweet Dropper wrote, Dr. Sibbs. Motum ſentimus; medum neſci mus. Eph. 4.30.We feel his Motion, though we know not the manner of his Preſence.
May they daily demean themſelves tenderly towards him! and highly bleſs God the Father. and the Son, for him!
The 35th. Poſition. The Holy Spirit as a guiding (and leading) Spirit doth much promote the Heavenly Trade, or Communion between God and Man.
2. Doth he not guide unto Truth; the Truth he hath given out? Doth he not alſo lead into Truth, and ſhew perſons the inſide and excellency of Truth? John 16.13. See Reverend Caſe on this.even as perſons that are within a room that's adorned, ſee the Ornaments of it? Doth not the Lord herein at once communicate his will and love to perſons? And are they not hereby brought to exert and exerciſe Grace on and towards God.
2. Doth not the holy Spirit lead unto duty, and to God in it? And is it not in the due exerciſe of duty that perſons draw near to God, Jun. 4.8.and ha…e God drawing near to them? Can either be expected, where duties are wilfully omitted and neglected?
From this Poſition, I ſhall firſt lay down Inferences of Truth.
The former of them is. Perſons naturally (or in their meer naturals) are benighted, or in the dark, as to holding converſe and communion with God. Are they not ſaid to be darkneſs, Eph. 5.8.darkneſs it ſelf, or in the abſtract, A Domino. Vide Poium ad lo…m.till they become light in the Lord? or by (and from) the Spirit of the Lord? Are they not alienated from and ſtrangers to the Life of God, that Life, which the upright have from and lead with God, Eph. 4.18.through the ignorance that is in them? O that they ſaw their want of ſight, and their loſs thereby!
The latter is. The ſons and daughters of God are primely priviledged. Rom. 8.14. See Dr. Jacomb on this.Are not they led and conducted by the Spirit of God? As he is the Spirit of Glory, filling thoſe with glory that have full Communion with him in Heaven, ſo he is the Spirit of Grace, fitting thoſe that are hi… …or ſuch Communion with him on Ea…, as they are capable of. How happy *O fortunati, &c.are they if they underſtand their ſtate, and know the things given them of God.
And now, I am to preſent Rules of Duty: The 1ſt. whereof is,
It is the near concern of all who will give this poor Paper a reading, to put it on a fair iſſue (or tryal) whether they have known (by experience) what the guidance and conduct of the holy Spirit is. O that many did not vainly truſt, without ſerious trying! I take the boldneſs to ask them (at leaſt to put them on poſing themſelves with) theſe Queſtions:
1. Eph. 4.18. Joh. 3.19.Have they ſeen (to their ſorrow) that once they were not in this good Circumſtance? Are not Adam's Children born blind, as to Spirituals? And are they not averſe to divine guidance?
2. Do they highly value the Mercy of God the Father, and the Merit of the Son, Eph. 5.8.to both which they are indebted, that are led by the Spirit?
3. Are they under a daily fear, leſt they ſhould provoke, Eph. 4.30.vex, diſpleaſe, and diſtaſt this bleſſed Guide, and cauſe him to be ſtrange to them?
4. 1 Joh. 5.1. See Dr. Roberts Believ. Evid.Do they truly love thoſe who evidence that they are under the Spirits guidance, though as to ſome opinions they are diſſenters from them?
5. Joh. 16.13.Are they for keeping cloſe to the Scripture of Truth, in and according to which the Spirit of Truth doth lead and guide perſons?
6. Is it their reſolution (through Heavens help) that they will be much on their knees, and when on them, Luke 11.13.beg the Spirits guidance.
O that I was aſſured that all that read this would lay theſe Marks and their Hearts together!2 Cor. 13.5.
The 2d. Rule is. None ſhould bleſs themſelves in their Hearts and ſtate, till they can witneſs and prove that the holy Spirit is their guide and leader.
Motives are, 1. Is not the path of Life, and way of Trading ſpiritually, hidden from all ſave ſuch as he is the Guide of?Iſa. 35.8.
For, 2. Is it not a low, and yet high way? lying as in humility, ſo in heavenly-mindedneſs?
2. Is it not the way of ſuch as are wiſe for themſelves, and yet are much for ſelf-denial?
Is it not by a late worthy well ſaid, Dr. Collings in his LeſſonsThat it lyes croſs the Fields of Nature, down the Narrow Lane of Mortification, and up the Mount of Holineſs?
The 2d. Motive is. Shall any be received into Heaven who ſlight the Spirits Conduct? Pſal. 73.24.Shall they be happy above, who Trade not thither whileſt they are here below?
3dly. Rom. 8.1. 1 Cor. 2.13. Eph. 2.2.If perſons be not guided by this good Spirit, will they not be led by at ill one? if not many ill ones, or by the Fleſh, or the World?
The laſt Rule is. They who drive the Heavenly Trade, and have the Spirits guidance, ſhould humbly glory in this high Favour ſhewed them.
1. Is not this guide the moſt able, and knowing? yea, All-knowing?
2. Nec fallcre nec falli poteſt.Is he not of all Guides the moſt true and faithful? Will he either miſlead or miſtake?
3. Is he not the moſt tender and compaſſionate Guide? Doth he not pity ſuch as are apt to go aſtray?
4. Heb. 5.2. Pſal. 48. ult.Will he not be a Guide unto death? Will he deſert his?
5. Will not his Guidings be attended with Efficacy?
1. Hoſ. 11.3, 4.Will he not ſo guide as a Mother doth a Child who hlods it by the hand, and ſtreng thens it?
2. Rom. 6.14.Will he not preſerve from a courſe of ſin; ſo that no ſin ſhall have full dominion?
3. 1 Cor. 10.13Will he not ſupport under ſore ſufferings; ſo that they are kept from ſinking, that are ſighing?
4. Will he not (at laſt) Land people in the Place and State, where Bliſs and Bleſſedneſs ſhall have no
END.
End of the text · William Bagshawe, Trading Spiritualized (1694)