The Works of William Bridge Volume 2, Volume 2 · Part 1 · Sermon 2

The Works of William Bridge Volume 2 · Volume 2 · Part 1 · Sermon 2

p. 19SERMON II.

JOHN 1.16.Preached at Wapping. Aug. 17. 1646.

And of His Fulneſs have all we received, even Grace for Grace.

I Have made entrance into theſe Words in a neighbouring Congregation: and ſhal now deſire to go on where I left there.

The Words hold forth, Three, Great, Grand Propoſitions.

Firſt, That there is a Fulneſs of Grace in Jeſus Chriſt.

Secondly, That of His Fulneſs all we do receive.

Thirdly, That we do receive of His Fulneſs: even Grace for Grace.

p. 20The former Propoſition I have diſpatched: and deſire at this time to ſpeak unto the ſecond.

All we do receive of His Fulneſs. Of His Fulneſs have all we received.

The difficulty that lies upon the Propoſition is this: Who are meant here by this All Wee. Some there are that conceive, that by thoſe words we are to underſtand all the Creatures in Heaven, and Earth; becauſe 'tis ſaid before, in the beginning of the Chapter; That He is the light, that lighteth every one that cometh into the world. But though the thing be true, that there is no Creature, either in Heaven, or Earth, but more or leſſe is beholding to Jeſus Chriſt: for if Chriſt had not ſtept in upon the fall, Gods diſpleaſure was ſo great againſt man, that he would preſently have broke up houſe: and the ſin of the fall was ſo heavie, that it would have broken the very Axel-tree of the World, if Jeſus Chriſt had not put to His ſhoulder; according to that of the Apoſtle:Heb. 1.3.Heb 1:3 He bears up all with the Word of His Power: yet notwithſtanding, all the Creatures in Heaven or Earth, cannot be meant here, by this, All Wee: for all the creatures in Heaven and Earth, do not receive Grace: they may be ſaid to receive of the Fulneſſe of Chriſt; but not Grace for Grace. But (at the 12. verſe, 'tis ſaid) as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God, euen to them that beleeve in his Name. Now in Scripture phraſe, thoſe are ſaid to receive Chriſt Himſelf, that do receive His Grace: and thoſe that receive His Grace, receive Chriſt Himſelf. Underſtand therefore, by this, All Wee, thoſe that receive Him; as ye have it in the 12. verſe, which is explained to be, Them that beleeve in His Name.

And then the Obſervation, or Doctrine lies plain before us, which is this:

That all the Saints and People of God, Doct. do pertake of the Fulneſs of Chriſt in a way of receiving.

p. 21It falls a ſunder into Two parts, Thus:

Firſt, That there is a communication of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt unto all Beleevers.

Secondly, That whatſoever Grace or Holineſs the Saints have from Chriſt, they have it in a way of receiving.

I ſhall only ſpeak unto the former at this time:

There is a communication of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt unto all Beleevers. Of His Fulneſs all we receive. (mark) There is a communication of the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt, unto all Beleevers.

He is the ſecond Adam which the Apoſtle Paul ſpeaks of, in the 1 Cor. 15. Chapter, and the 45. verſe, The firſt man Adam was made a living ſoul, and the laſt Adam was made a quickning Spirit. The whole world is divided into Two great Houſes: As once in this Kingdom, There was the Houſe of York: And the Houſe of Lancaſter. So now, the whole world is divided into Two great Houſes: The Houſe of the Firſt Adam: And the Houſe of the Second Adam. The firſt man Adam was made a living ſoul, and the laſt Adam was made a quickning Spirit: that is, look as the firſt Adam did communicate life unto all his ſeed: So the ſecond Adam does communicate Spiritual life, and grace unto all his people. As by the firſt Adam, ſin, and ſorrow, and death came into the world; and ſo upon all man-kind: So by the ſecond Adam, grace, and life, and eternal life unto all Beleevers. There is a dealing out, a giving out of the fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt unto all Beleevers. This will appear.

Firſt of all, by the Union that there is between Chriſt,1 Reaſon and a Beleever: there is a glorious, a bleſſed, an incomparable union between Chriſt, and every Beleever, though he be never ſo weak, though he be never ſo poor. There is a union between the Root, and the Branches; and by vertue of that union, the Root ſends forth life, and ſtrength into all the Branches: but yet notwithſtanding, the Root is not in the Branches; nor the Branches in the Root, mutually. There is a union between the Head, and p. 22the Members; and by vertue of that union, the Head hath an influence upon all the Members: but yet the Head is not in the Members; nor the Members in the Head. But now, there is a union between Chriſt, and Beleevers: and Chriſt is in them; and they are in Chriſt: We in Chriſt, and Chriſt in us. There is a glorious, and bleſſed union between them. Now union is the cauſe of communion, or communication: bread is united unto a mans body by eating of it; and ſo by vertue of the union, ſtrength is derived into all the parts, into all the members; and the nearer, and cloſer unto, this union is, the more full is the communication. Now though the union between Chriſt, and a Beleever, be ſet out in Scripture phraſe, under ſuch Metaphors as theſe: The Root, and the Branches: The Husband, and the Wife: And the Head, and Members; yet none of all theſe are able to reach it, not in all reſpects: 'tis a glorious, and 'tis a bleſſed, and incomparable union. And therefore, there muſt needs be a comunication of the fulneſs of Chriſt to every Beleever.

Secondly: Rea. 2 My ſecond reaſon I lay upon four Propoſitions: and ſo ſhall ariſe, and aſcend unto the concluſion by ſeveral ſteps, thus

Firſt, 1There is an infinite treaſury of Grace, and Holineſs in Jeſus Chriſt; whereby He is able to ſupply, and ſuccour all thoſe that are tempted. If a man hath had a ſtraight ſhoe upon his foot, or a ſtraight garment; he knows where it pinches, and accordingly he is able to get it mended. Now the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, He hath put on our fleſh, and knows where it pinches: He hath bin cloathed with our fleſh, and He knows every place where it pinches; and accordingly He is able to ſuccour. And therefore (ſaies the Apoſtle) He was in al things tempted like unto us, Heb. 2.18.Heb 2:18that He might be able to ſuccour thoſe that are tempted. Jeſus Chriſt is not only, the Lord-Treaſurer of all our comforts; but the Lord Keeper of al our graces. The neerer any thing comes unto the Fountain of excellency, the more excellent it is: The Sun is the fountain of light: and the neerer p. 23any thing comes to the Sun, the more light it hath. Fire is the fountain of warmth, and heat; and the neerer any thing comes unto the fire, the more warm it is. Why, The Deitie is the Fountain of all Holineſs; and Jeſus Chriſt is ſo neer unto it, as Mediator; that the Apoſtle ſaies, In Him the fulneſs of the God Head dwells. Col. 2.9.Col 2:9And ſurely therefore, there muſt needs be an infinite treaſury of Grace, and Holineſſe in Him.

The Saints (you know) of the Old-Teſtament, they were very Holy; Abraham, and Iſaac, and Jacob, and Joſeph, and Moſes, and Samuel, and David, and Solomon; they were full of Grace, and Holineſſe: and yet theſe were but types of Chriſt, they were but ſhadows of Chriſt. Now the type and the ſhadow does fall infinitly ſhort of the thing typified, and of the ſubſtance: And therefore, if there were ſo much Grace, and Holineſſe in things that were but a ſhadow of Chriſt; if there was ſo much Wiſdome, and Holineſſe in others of them that were but the type: Oh! what an infinit treaſury of Grace, and Holineſſe muſt there be in Chriſt Himſelf. This is the firſt Propoſition.

Secondly, As there is an infinit treaſury of Grace, 2and Holineſſe in Jeſus Chriſt: So whatever Grace, and holineſs Chriſt as Mediator hath received by God the Father; He hath not received it for Himſelf, but for others: Pray mark it, Whatſoever Grace, and Holines is in Jeſus Chriſt as Mediator, (I do not ſpeak of Him as God, but as Mediator) He hath not received it for Himſelfe, but for others. Jeſus Chriſt was not Baptized for Himſelf, but for finners, ſtood in the place of ſinners when He was Baptized. Jeſus Chriſt died not for Himſelf, but for us. When Chriſt aſcended up to Heaven, He went not for Himſelf only, but ſaith He, I go to prepare a place for you. Jo. 14.2. Eph. 4.8John 14:2Eph 4:8And ſo when Chriſt received gifts; (ſaies the Apoſtle) He received gifts for men; not for Himſelfe, but for others: He received gifts for men. The woman hath milk in her breaſts, but not for her ſelfe but for her child. The Sun hath abundance of light in his body, 'tis not for himſelf, but for the world. And ſo p. 24Jeſus Chriſt, He hath received abundance of grace, and holineſſe; but 'tis not for Himſelf but for others. And therefore pray mark what He ſaies, in John, 17.19. And for their ſakes I ſanctifie My ſelf, that they alſo might be ſanctified through the Truth. He does not ſay, for My own ſake do I ſanctifie My ſelf, but for their ſakes: For their ſakes I ſanctifie my ſelf, that they alſo might be ſanctified through the Truth. There are certain Official parts in the body (you know) that ſtand as Officers unto all the reſt. The ſtomack hath a great deal of meat in it, but it hath not that meat for it ſelf but that it may communicate to all the members. The liver hath a great deal of blood in it but the liver hath not the blood in it for it ſelf, but that it may communicate it unto all the parts. And the head, it hath all the fences ſeated in it, it hath many ſpirits: but not for it ſelf, but for the members. So Jeſus Chriſt, who is the Head of the Church: whatſoever Grace, and Holineſſe, as Mediator, He hath received; He hath not received for Himſelfe, but for others.

This may make the Saints, and People of God to come with boldneſſe to the Throne of Grace: Hath Chriſt received for others, & not for Himſelf; Then why not for me? Lord, why not for me? Now you ſhal ſee that further proved in the 61. Chap. of Eſay. the 1. & 2. verſes. The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, becauſe the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek; He hath ſent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the priſon to them that are bound. To proclaim the acceptable yeer of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn: They are the words of Chriſt, ſpoken in the Perſon of Chriſt: as if he had ſaid thus: There are a generation of men in the world, that are taken captive by their ſins; and lie bound in chains, and irons by Satan: and they are broken, and bowed down greatly under the burden of them: Now God the Father, He hath deſign'd me, to go open the priſon dores to theſe poor captives: and becauſe God the Father hath deſign'd me to it; therefore p. 25the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, (not in me) therefore the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, becauſe the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek. So that you ſee now, that anointing that falls upon the head of Chriſt, it falls not upon Him for Himſelf, barely, but that it may run down upon all His members. That is a ſecond Propoſition.

Thirdly, As there is an infinite treaſury of grace, 3and holineſs in Chriſt: which He hath not received for Himſelf, but for others: So (in the third place,) there is an infinite propenſion, and willingneſs in Jeſus Chriſt to communicate this grace unto the children of men. Pray mark it: There is an infinit propenſion, and willingneſſe in Jeſus Chriſt; to communicate, and give out his grace unto the children of men.Heb. 3.2.Heb 3:2 He is faithful (ſaies the Apoſtle) in all His houſe as Moſes was. Now if Jeſus Chriſt ſhould receive gifts for men, for others; and then run away with all, and not be willing to give them out; He could not be faithful: but faithful He is. Look I pray for this in the 16. Pſal. 2 v. Thou haſt ſaid unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord, my goodneſs not for thee: but for the Saints that are in the earth, and for the excellent in whom are all my delight. You reade the words thus: Thou haſt ſaid unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord; my goodneſſe extendeth not to thee. But in the Hebrew, the word extendeth is not. Thou art my Lord: my goodneſſe not for thee: but for the Saints that are in the earth. That theſe words are ſpoken of Chriſt. Pray reade the Four laſt verſes; I have ſet the Lord alwayes before me: (at the 8. ver.) becauſe He is at my right hand, I ſhall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoyceth: my fleſh alſo ſhall reſt in hope. For thou wilt not leave my ſoul in Hell; neither wilt thou ſuffer thy holy One to ſee corruption. Now compare theſe words with what the Apoſtle ſaies in Acts, 2.25. David ſpeaketh concerning him, (mark) For I foreſaw the Lord alwayes before my face, he is on my right hand, I ſhall not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoyce, and my tongue was glad: Moreover alſo, my fleſh ſhall reſt in hope: Becauſe thou will not leave my ſoul in hell, p. 26(the ſame viorde) neither wilt thou ſuffer thine holy One to ſee corruption. Mark what is ſaid then, at the 29. ver. the Apoſtle proves, That theſe words of the Pſalm, muſt needs be underſtood of Chriſt, and not of David. Men and brethren, (ſaies he) let me freily ſpeak unto you of the Patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his Sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore (ſaies he) theſe words cannot be underſtood of David, but muſt be underſtood of Chriſt. Now then, this Pſalm being thus to be underſtood of Chriſt, ſaies Chriſt, Lord, Thomi…t my Lord: my goodneſs is not for thee: but for the Saints that are in the earth, and for the excellent in whom is all my delight. They are my delight, and therefore what goodneſſe I have from thee, I am willing to give it out again unto them, becauſe al my delight is in them. Do you not think, that a man is willing to eat his meat when he is a hungry I ray look into the 4. chaptes of John, and you ſhall ſee what was Chriſts meat (verſe the 34.) Jeſus faith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that ſent Me, and to finiſh His Work. My meat is to do the will of Him that ſent Me: What is that? Finiſh His Work: What is that? You reade before in the, 61 Eſay, That the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him: and God the Father had anointed Him to open the priſon door. Now therefore (ſaith He) look how willing a man is to eat his meat when he is a hungry: So willing am I to releeve poor ſinners, to open the priſon dore to poor captive ſouls. Tender hearted Mothers, are you willing to give your Children ſuck? to have your breaſts drawn? Yes: Why ſo? Truly, not only becauſe of my child, but the truth is, unleſs my breaſts be drawn 'tis a pain to me: not only for my child therefore, but for my own eaſe alſo, you will ſay. Why, brethren, the Humanity of Jeſus Chriſt, is (as I may ſo ſpeak) the breaſts of the Deity; by which we ſuck out all the holineſs, and grace which we have: and if Jeſus Chriſts breaſts be not drawn, He counts it a pain to Him. And therefore He complains ſo in the Goſpel:Joh. 1.11.John 1:11 I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; They will not draw My p. 27breaſts; He counts it a pain to Him. Tell me, are you willing to receive grace? Yes: If you be willing to receive grace, Jeſus Chriſt is willing to give it: for you cannot be willing, if He were not willing firſt, your willingneſs does come from His. But I pray, what grace are you willing to have Oh! ſaies one, I am a poor ignorant creature: I would fain, I would fain have more knowledge. Oh! ſaies one, I am one of great Paſſions, and of a diſordered life; and, Oh! that I had my life better ordered. Oh! ſaies another, I am a poor guilty ſoul; and I would have pardon, I would have pardoning grace. Now I'le appeal to you: Whether do you not think, that an honeſt man is willing to do the work of his office? Can a man be an honeſt man, and not be willing to do the work of his office? This is the Office of Jeſus Chriſt. He is a Prophet, and therefore He muſt be willing to teach you you that complain that you are ignorant. This is the Office of Jeſus Chriſt to be a King; and therefore He is willing to direct you; and to order you: You that complain of diſtemper, and diſorder.

This is the Office of Chriſt to be a Prieſt, and therfore He is willing to ſatisfie for you: and indeed, if Jeſus Chriſt were not willing to give out His grace unto the children of men, He would never lay it upon ſuch conditions as He does. When a man is unwilling to do a thing for another, He will put it upon hard conditions: As Saul, being unwilling to give his Daughter to David, He put it upon hard conditions. But now, what does Jeſus Chriſt require? What does the Lord Jeſus Chriſt require, for the Communication of His grace? But only this, that you do receive it: Mark, only this, that we do receive it; a condition indeed, that is no condition: I ſay, a condition that is no condition, becauſe he promiſes ſtrength to receive alſo. Oh! my beloved: Why ſhould we cumber the way to Heaven with Preparations, and Qualifications, and Precedaneous conditions? There are no In-coms, no In-coms to be paid at our coming in to Jeſus Chriſt; there p. 28are no Precedaneous conditions: Grace is free, and Mercy is free, and Chriſt is free, and His Love is free: there is an infinite Propenſion in Jeſus Chriſt, to communicate this His Grace to the children of men. This is the third Propoſition.

Fourthly, 4As Chriſt is infinitly willing: So (in the Fourth place) there is nothing, either in Heaven, or in earth that can hinder Him from doing al. For now, grant all the former Three: That there is an infinite treaſury of Grace in Chriſt. That He hath not received it for Himſelf, but others. That He is infinitly willing to give it out unto the children of men. Yet, if He can be hindred; al the former is nothing: Mark therefore the Fourth, (and then we come to the Uſe.) There is nothing, either in Heaven, or Earth, that can hinder Jeſus Chriſt from communicating His Grace.

I work, Eſay, 43.13.(ſaies God) and who ſhall let? And I communicat My grace (ſaies Chriſt) and who ſhall hinder? If any thing can hinder it muſt be either Satan without us, or our ſins within us: Satan without cannot hinder, he could not go into the herd of ſwine, he could not deſtroy a hog, a ſow, a pig till he had leave from Chriſt: and can Satan hinder then, when Chriſt intends to communicate His grace? He is called the ſtrong man, but Chriſt is called the ſtronger than he.Luke 22.31, 32.Luke 22:31Luke 22:32 Peter, Peter (ſaies our Saviour) Satan hath deſired to winnow thee; but I have prayed that thy faith fail not. I, one prayer, one prayer by Jeſus Chriſt is ſtronger than all the temptations of Satan. Satan cannot hinder. Nor can our ſins within hinder. For if you look into the 2. Chapter of Titus: 'tis ſaid there, at the 14. verſe, He gave Himſelf for us, that He might redeem us from al iniquity. If from All iniquity, then from unbeleef. Then unbeleef cannot hinder. If a King come on purpoſe to pardon All Rebellion; if he be able, and willing, and come on purpoſe to pardon All Rebellion: then no one Rebellion can hinder, can be a reaſon why he ſhould not pardon. The Covenant that God makes with His; is like the Covenant that p. 29He made with Noah; as you reade in the 54. Chapter of Eſay, the 8. and 9. verſes: In a little wrath I hid my face from thee, for a moment; but with everlaſting kindneſs will I have mercy on thee: ſaith the Lord thy redeemer: for this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have ſworn that the waters of Noah ſhould no more go over the earth; ſo have I ſworn that I would not be wrath with thee, nor rebuke thee. Mark, The Covenant God would make with His people, is like the Covenant that He made with Noah: The Covenant that He made with Noah, what is that? Pray now look into the, 8. Chapter of Geneſis, & the 21. verſe. Noah being come out of the Ark, and offering unto the Lord; The Lord ſmel'd a ſweet ſavour: and the Lord ſaid in His heart, I will not again curſe the ground any more for mans ſake; for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth. I think it ſhould rather be read thus, according to the Hebrew: I will not again curſe the ground any more for mans ſake; although the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth: although: ye read it, for: I wil not again curſe the ground any more for mans ſake; for, the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth: One would think He ſhould rather ſay thus: I wil curſe the ground again, and I will bring a new floud, for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth. No, but the Covenant that God made with Noah, was thus: I do now make a Covenant with man-kind, that the world ſhall never be drowned again: yea, Though man do ſin, yet the world ſhall not be drown'd again. This is the Covenant that the Lord made with Noah: The Lord did not make ſuch a Covenant as this: I do promiſe, that the world ſhall not be drown'd again, if man do not fin. No, but the Covenant that the Lord made with Noah was thus: But I promiſe the world ſhall not be drown'd again, Though men do ſin again: this is the Covenant the Lord made with Noah: it was ſo far from running upon a condition, that it runs croſſe to all conditions. So now the Lord ſaies concerning a poor Beleever: I do take this ſoul into Covenant with Me: Yea, and Though he do ſin, yet notwithſtanding p. 30I will pardon him, and this ſoul ſhall never lye under water again, ſhall never lye under water again: his ſin ſhall not hinder My grace; he ſhall never lye under water again: for as the Covenant I made with Noah, ſuch is the Covenant I make with every beleever. And beloved, if indeed that we could hinder Chriſt, when He comes to communicate His grace; if our ſins could hinder: then we might reſiſt grace, with an Overcoming reſiſtance. 'Tis true, a man may reſiſt the grace of God, with A gain-ſaying reſiſtance; but he cannot reſiſt the grace of God, with an overcoming reſiſtance. Whatſoever is overcome, is overcome by a ſtronger: Man, (I ſay) cannot reſiſt with an overcoming reſiſtance. Pray do but conſider well the Covenant of Grace:Ezek. 36 26, 27.Ezek 36:26Ezek 36:27 ſaies the Lord in that: I will take away the heart of ſtone, and I will give an heart of fleſh: and I will cauſe ye to walk in my waies; and I will put My Spirit into you. I will take away the heart of ſtone: What is that? a ſtone is hard, a hard thing does not yeeld to the touch, a ſoft thing yeelds. Pharaoh had a hard heart, and therefore he yeelded not. When therefore, the Lord makes ſuch a promiſe as this; I will take away the heart of ſtone: What is His meaning? His meaning is plainly, I will take away the un-yeelding, the reſiſting diſpoſition that is in man. Now therefore, when the Lord makes ſuch a promiſe as this: That He will put His Spirit into them, and cauſe them to walk in His waies: Our reſiſting can be no hindrance: Why? becauſe the Lord hath made a promiſe to take away our reſiſting. If the Covenant had run thus: I will put My Spirit into you, and cauſe you to walk in My waies; upon this condition, that you do not reſiſt, then we could hinder: but the Lord in the ſame promiſe that He does ſay, I will put My Spirit into them, and cauſe them to walk in My waies: He doth alſo promiſe to take away the reſiſting heart, to take away the ſpirit of reſiſting. I will take away the heart of ſtone: there's the reſiſting: And I will cauſe them to walk in My waies. So that our ſins cannot hinder.

p. 31Now then, put al theſe together: There's an infinit treaſury of grace, and holineſs in Jeſus Chriſt. This He hath not received for Himſelfe, but for others. There is an infinite propenſion, and willingneſs in Him, to give out this grace unto the children of men. And nothing either in Heaven or earth can hinder Him: Surely therefor, there is the Communication of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt, unto all Beleevers

You will ſay unto me then: Object. Why are Beleevers then ſo empty of Grace? 'Tis the ordinary complaint: Oh! I am full of evil: Oh my heart is empty of all that is good: Beleevers they complain thus: How can this Doctrine be true, if this experience be good?

I anſwer: Firſt, Anſw. The Fulneſſe of Grace which is in a Beleever, is many times hid from the world, and from himſelf: When you go to the Sea ſide, you ſee the water, you ſee abundance of water: & ye hear the water roaring, and raging, and making a noiſe: but you do not ſee the Gold, and the Silver that lies at the bottom of the Sea: you ſee the water of the Sea; but you do not ſee the wealth that is in the Sea. So now, when you go and look upon a Beleever; you behold his troubles, you ſee his waves, and al the troubles that beat upon him: Oh! but the wealth of a Beleever; the Fulneſs of a Beleever, the Fulnes of Chriſt that is in him, that you ſee not, 'tis hid from the world, and 'tis hid from himſelf, many times. And therefore (ſaies the Apoſtle) Our life is hid with God in Chriſt: Coll. 3.3, 4.When Chriſt who is our life ſhall appear, then ſhall we alſo appear with Him in glory.

Secondly, 2Though there be a communication of the Fulneſſe of Chriſt unto all Beleevers: yet He does communicate as a univerſal Cauſe. The univerſall Cauſe doth ſeldom or never produce particular effects, but with a concurrence of particular Cauſes. The Sun is the univerſal Cauſe of all the fruitfulneſſe that is upon the earth: Yet notwithſtanding, it does produce the Fruit, (your Corne, Barly, and Rye, and Wheat;) with the help of man: The p. 32ground is plowen, and ſowen. The River, or the Fountain is the univerſal Cauſe of the Water that yee have in your houſes: but yet notwithſtanding, you have not this Water, but by pipes, and conveyance; and when ye want water in your houſe, you do not ſay; There is no water in the Thames, there's no water in the Fountain: No, but ſurely the pipe is broken, the pipe is ſtopt; or we want ſome pipe or other. So now, when you want Grace, and when you are empty of Grace; you are not to ſay; Oh! it is becauſe there is not enough in Chriſt, or Chriſt is not willing; but rather, ſurely the pipe is broken, or we want this, or that Ordinance: the pipe is not clean, the pipe is ſtopt, and therefore we are ſo empty of Grace as we are.

Thirdly, 3Though there be a communication of the Fulneſſe of Chriſt unto all Beleevers: yet notwith ſtanding he does it in proportion. (Mark) Chriſt does give unto every man according to the place that he bears in his body: As the ſoul, the ſoul ſends forth life, and motion to all the members; but the ſoul does not give a hearing faculty unto the eye, nor the ſoul does not give a ſeeing faculty unto the eare; neither can the foot ſay, I have nothing from the ſoul, becauſe I cannot ſpeak like the tongue: neither can the tongue ſay, I have nothing from the ſoul, becauſe I cannot walk like the foot. So the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, He doth obſerve what place every man doth bear in His Body, & accordingly He doth give forth Grace unto men. You cannot ſay thus: Surely, I have none of Chriſt, becauſe I cannot pray, and do ſo as others do: But mark, what is the place the you do bear in the Body of Chriſt, and you may go to Chriſt for ſtrength for that: you may ſay thus, Lord through thy Grace thou haſt given me ſuch a place in Thy Body, and I want ſtrength for that; O! let me have it from Thee.

Fourthly, 4Though there be a communication of the Fulneſſe of Chriſt unto all Beleevers: yet 'tis according to their neceſſities, and wants. The lace (you know) 'tis laid upon the ſeam; upon the ſeam there lyes the lace: lace p. 33indeed, may be laid upon the whol cloath; but ordinarily, your ſilken-lace, your ſilver-lace, your golden-lace; 'tis laid upon the ſeam. Now the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, He knows all the ſeams of your life, all the ſeams of your life: there He laies His Golden-Lace on. Mark therefore, what are the ſeams of thy life, and ſee if Chriſt hath not laid on ſomething there. pa Take but theſe Four Conſiderations together, and there is a ſufficient Anſwer to that Objection.

I come to the Application.Applic.

And whilſt I ſtand upon this point: Me thinks here I ſee, 1the tranſcendant excellency of the Saints, & of Beleevers; and the betterneſs of their condition, above the men of the world, though they be never ſo Rich, or Great, Beloved! Every man is according to the fulneſſe that he doth live upon: There is the Fulneſſe of the Earth;1 Cor. 10 26.1 Cor 10:26 The Earth is the Lords, and the Fulneſs thereof. And wicked men, they are ſaid to be filled with this: Whoſe bellies Thou filleſt with hid Treaſures. Pſalme the 17. And there is the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt: And of this Fulneſſe the Saints, and Beleevers do all receive, and partake. Look therefore, what a difference there is between theſe fulneſſe's The fulneſie of the Earth; And the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt: ſuch a mighty difference, in point of excellency, there is between a Beleever, though he be never ſo poor: and a wicked man-though he be never ſo rich. Give me leave a little, to open the difference of theſe Fulneſſes to you; that ſo you may ſee the difference betwwen men, and men, and be incouraged unto a godly courſe.

Firſt, The fulneſs of the world, 1it is fulneſs made up of many things. Martha, Martha, Luke 10.41.Luke 10:41(ſaies Chriſt) thou art buſied about many thing. 'Tis a fulneſs made up of many things; and therefore not a Homogenial fulneſs: The fulnes of Chriſt is a fulnes made up of one thing, the Deitie, in whom the God-head dwells; and therefore 'tis a Homogenial fulneſs; every part of it is fulneſs: every part of a p. 34Homogenial body, hath the name of the whole: Wvery part of water, is called water, though it be but a drop: Every part of fire, is fire, though it be but a ſpark: And Every part of Heaven, it is called Heaven, though it be but a corner of Heaven. And ſo, every part of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt, is fulneſs. As the Philoſophers ſay of the ſoul, Animatota in toto, that the ſoul is, wholly in the whol, and wholly in every part: So the Fulneſs of Chriſt, 'tis wholly in the Church, and 'tis wholly in every Beleever. Every Beleever may come and ſay, I have all Chriſt. But as for the fulneſs of the world, every one that hath the worlds fulneſs cannot ſay ſo; I have all the worlds fulneſs.

Secondly, 2The fulneſs of the earth, is a fulneſs made up of the worſer things. The world, it is a great Body, and it hath in it ſome things that are of a groſſer, more droſſy nature: and ſome things that are of a finer nature. The fulneſs of the earth, it is of the droſſy, and the groſſer part of the world: Oh! but the Fulneſs of Chriſt, it is of the finer part; and the fulneſs that does come from Him unto Beleevers, the beſt of the beſts; wine of the lees; and marrow out of the bones; and wine well refined; 'tis of the finer part of the world: The other is but the groſſer, the thicker, the dirtier, the more groſſer part.

Thirdly, 3The fulneſs of the earth, is a fulneſs that runs into emptineſs; a fulneſs that hath an hole at the bottom: Like unto an hour glaſſe: if you turn it up, the upper part of the glaſſe is full of ſand: but becauſe it hath an hole at the bottom, and there ſtands a glaſſe beneath it as big as it ſelf; it empties it ſelf into that galſſe. Then you turn up the glaſſe again, and that is full: but becauſe that hath an hole at the bottom, it runs out, having an empty glaſſe beneath it, and this fulneſs runs into it. So now, ;tis with the worlds fulnes: a man he hath a great eſtate, he hath his glaſſe full of ſand: I but becauſe his children, and his family ſtands under him; his ſand runs into them, and he is ſoon emptied; he is ſoon emptied into them. Then, when the father is dead, and gone; and p. 35hath emptied out his fulneſs into his children; the childrens glaſſe is turn'd up: but they having children under them, and houſe under them; their ſand alſo, is ſoon run out, it runs out into emptineſs. Thus, all the fulneſs of the world, 'tis but a fulneſs that hath a hole at the bottom, that runs into emptineſs. Oh! but the fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt, the fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt it is a dwelling fulneſs; His ſulneſs runs out into Leleevers, & yet He is ful Himſelf: In Him the fulnes of the God head dwels, it dwelleththere.

Fourthly, The fulneſs of the Earth, 4it can never ſatisfie the better part of man, [the ſoul] it can never ſatisfie that. All ſatisfaction, and contentment ariſes from the conjunction, of a Convenient with a Convenient; the conjunction of ſutables. If a man have never ſo great an Eſtate, if his heart be not ſuted to it, he hath no content. If a man have never ſo ſmall an Eſtate, if his heart be ſuted to it, he is content. So that now, all content ariſes from ſutableneſsm, the conjunction of ſutables. What ſutableneſs is there between the fulneſs of the earth; and the better part of man, the ſoul? Mark. Properly a thing is never ſaid to be full, till it be full of that for which it was made: A mans Cheſt, a Cheſt or Trunk is not ſaid to be full of aire; though it be ful of aire; yet notwithſtanding, we ſay the Cheſt, or Trunk is empty, becauſe 'tis not fil'd with that for which it was made. And ſo, take one of theſe meeting Houſes; though the place be full of ſtooles, yet notwithſtanding, though (I ſay) the place be full of ſtools, or full of air; yet we ſay, the Church is empty: becauſe though it be full, yet 'tis not full of that for which it was made, full of people. So now, take a man that hath all the fulneſs of the earthl: becauſe that his ſoul was never made, his better part was never made for the fulneſs of the earth, therefore he is ſaid to be empty, in the midſt of all his fulneſs his heart is empty; and the man is an empty man, becauſe his heart is not full of that for which he was made, and that is Chriſt, that is Chriſt; the fulneſs of Chriſt in him; he is an empty man all this while. Oh p. 36but the fulneſs Jeſus Chriſt, is a ſoul-ſatisfying fulneſs: He that drinks of the water that I ſhall give him (ſaies He) ſhall never thieſt again. Joh. 4.4. Pſal. 17.15.John 4:4Ps 17:15When I awake (ſaies the Pſalmiſt) I ſhall be ſatisfied with thy likeneſs. And that is a Fourth.

Fiftly, 5The fulneſs of the earth cannot commend a man unto God, or make him more lovely or beautiful in the eyes of God. The poor, vain, fooliſh ſtage-player thinks himſelf brave, and a jolly man-while he is in kings cloathes; or while he is acting the part of a King: but the wiſe ſpectator, he ſaies: And is he that does but act the Kings part, or hath the Kings cloaths on, ſo brave a man, what is a King indeed. Beloved the Lord He ſees all we have, and do; ſtands by as a wiſe ſpectator; and when men brave it out with the worlds fulneſs: I, what then is the man, that acts the Fulneſſe of Chriſt? Is he ſo brave a man that hath a poſſeſſion here land, and houſe; What is he then that hath an eternal inheritance? If there fall but the leaſt drop of the Rulneſs of Chriſt upon a ſoul, it makes the ſoul lovely, and beautiful in the eyes of God. 1 Pet. 3.4. The Apoſtle ſpeaking of the adorning of women: ſaies he (at the 3 verſe) Whoſe adorning, let it not be that outward adorning, of playting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparrel: but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is incorruptible; even the Ornament of a meek, and quiet ſpirit, which is in the ſight of God of great price. As if he ſhould ſay: All other Ornaments, plaiting of hair, and gold, and the like; is of no price in the eyes of God: Oh! but a quiet ſpirit, and a meek ſpirit; one drop of the Fulneſs of Chriſt falling upon the ſoul, makes the ſoul lovely in the fight of God; is of great price.

Sixtly, 6The fulneſſe of the Earth, is a fulneſſe that is mixt with poiſon, ſin. & the curſe of God. What pleaſure or delight can a man take in drinking, when he ſhall conſider with himſelf, that poiſon is mixt withal? this is good, or ſweer liquor (ſaies he) indeed: Oh! but there is poiſon in the Cup, and therefore I wil not meddle with it. Take all the Fulneſſe of the world; and if it be not mixt with p. 37the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt, there is poiſon in it, the Curſe of God in it, the wrath of God there: and therefore, what pleaſure, what contentment can a man take therein, without the Fulneſſe of Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt?

Seventhly, 7The Fulneſſe of the Earth is a defiling Fulneſs. When a thing is mixed with any thing that is worſe than it ſelf, it is defiled thereby: If ſilver be mingled with gold, the ſilver is not defil'd thereby, becauſe gold is better than the ſilver: but if ſilver be mingled with lead, the ſilver is defil'd, becauſe 'tis mingled with ſomething that is worſe than it ſelf. So now, if a man be mingled with Spiritual, and Heavenly things, his heart is not defil'd thereby, becauſe they are better than himſelf: but if a mans heart be mingled with the things of the world, his heart is defil'd, becauſe 'tis mingled with ſomething that is worſe than himſelf: and the more a mans heart is mingled with the things of the earth, the more defil'd it is. As a dog, that hath bemir'd himſelf, the more he fawnes upon you, the more he dirties you: If you take a dog abroad with you into the fields, and he run into a dirty ditch, or the river: after he is dirty, you will not ſuffer him to come neer you and themore he fawns upon you, and leaps upon you the more he defiles you. Truly, ſuch is the earths, and the world fulneſs: as (I ſay) a dog, the more it fawns upon you, and falls upon you, the more it defles you: Oh! but the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt is a pure Fulneſſe, a Fulneſs that is full of pureneſſe.

Eightly, Take al the Fulneſſe of the world, 8and though it be never ſo much, it fals under your expectation: Sink your expectation as low as you can, and yet notwithſtanding, it wil fall below your expectation. As for the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt, raiſe, and ſcrue up your expectation as high as you can, and yet you ſhall find more therein then ever you expected.

Ninthly, As for the fulneſſe of the earth, 9ſomtimes 'tis better wanted than injoyed: It may make you miſerable, it cannot make you happy. Oh! but the Fulneſſe of Jeſus p. 38Chriſt, it can never make you miſerable, it will certainly make you happy, there is no ſuch time, wherein 'tis better wanted, than injoyed.

Tenthly. 10As for the Fulneſſe of the earth, (again) It coſts a man many times more than 'tis worth: it coſts him his Time, his precious Thoughts, his Soul; much is laid out for it, much care to get it, much fear to keep it, and much grief to loſe it. Oh! but the Fulneſſe of Jeſus Chriſt, it coſts him nothing:Eſay, 56.1. Come, buy Wine, and Milk without money, or moneys-worth. Chriſt gives much, and takes little, takes nothing, it coſts you nothing, and having it you have all.

And again. 11(to name no more of theſe) Take all the fulneſſe of the Earth, and though it be never ſo much: it is not able to anſwer you with Love; to return you Love, for your Love. The greaten, & nobleſt Gift of the world, is Love. That is alwaies unworthy of your love, that cannot anſwer your love again. If you have a full bagg, If you have a full Table; if you have a full Houſe: theſe fulneſſes cannot anſwer you with love again; but it can defile your own love. Oh! but the Fulneſſe of Chriſt, it can anſwer you with Love for Love, it gives you a better Love than you brought: it Nobilitates, and Meliorates, and raiſes your own love forever. Behold! This is the Fulneſſe, this is the Fulneſſe that the Saints, that Beleevers do partake in, that they do receive of: and they may come to this Fulneſſ of Jeſus Chriſt, and they may ſay: Of this Fulneſſe, of this Fulneſſe wee have all received: As thoſe wicked men, they may go unto the fulneſſe of the Earth, and they may ſay indeed; Of this fulneſſe we have all received; but as for that Fulneſſe we have none of it. Oh! how much better is the cōdition of a Beleever, than the condition of a wicked man, though he be never ſo great, or rich.

You that are Beleevers, you do envy at the men of the world, becauſe of their fulneſſe? I Pray tell me, would you change your Fulneſſe for theirs? Would you change your Condition for theirs?

p. 39And you that are of the world, wicked ungodly men; that have but the Earths fulneſſe: Why do you lay out your thoughts and your time upon ſuch a fulneſſe? a dropſical fulneſſe; a fading fulneſſe; a dying fulneſſe; a fulneſſe that is mixt with a Curſe; a fulneſſe thsat does al bemire you, and dirty you: pray tell me, Are you able with the Daſies, & Tulips of the world, to ſatisfie your better part? Oh! know you not, that notwithſtanding all the Earths fulneſſe, that a wicked mans fortune, (I ſay) that a wicked mans fortune it lies in a lake that burneth with fire and brimſtone? And when you have done all you can, & gathered all that ever you can together; you may go unto your full purſes; or unto your full bags; or unto your full houſes; or unto your full barnes; and you may ſay of this fulneſſe I have received. Oh! but you cannot go unto the Fulneſſe of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and ſay; And of this Fulneſs my ſoul hath received. Oh! fool (ſaies our Saviour,Luke 12.20.Luke 12:20 when His barnes are full) this night ſhall thy ſoul be taken away from thee. And when you come below, in the pit, where no water is; then you will complain, and ſay: Oh! wretch that I was; I might have had of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt, but I choſe rather the fulneſs of the earth: and if I had had the Fulneſs of Chriſtm, I had bin made for ever; but I choſe rather the fulneſſs of the world, then the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt, and now I am loſt for ever; Oh! I am loſt for ever, I have none of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt.

What an incouragement here is then (And ſo I come unto the Second Uſe:Appli. 2. and I will not hold you long in it) What an incouragment is here unto al men, good and bad, to come in unto Jeſus Chriſt, and partake of His Fulneſſe! (I ſay) in the Second place; here is incouragement unto all you that hear the Word of the Lord this day, good or bad: an incouragement unto all ſouls, good, and bad to come in unto the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and partake of His fulneſſe! Saies our Lord and Savior, When I am lift up, Joh. 12.32.John 12:32I will p. 40draw all men after Me: I, Love is a drawing thing: Love is a drawing thing: it draws men and women together into one youke, that lived farr aſunder; And what greater love than this, that Jeſus Chriſt ſhould lay down His Life for poor ſinners? Wiſdome, wiſdome is a drawing thing, it drew the Queen of Sheba from farr, to come unto Solomon; and behold a greater than Solomon is here! Riches, riches; Wealth, wealth is a drawing thing. Bounty, and Liberality a drawing thing; it draws the poor beggar to the rich mans dore: And behold! here's Riches! Oh! there's an infinite treaſury of Grace, and Holineſſe in Jeſus Chriſt. And here's Liberality! For there is an infinite propenſion, and willingneſſe in the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, to give out of this Fulneſſe unto poor finners. Oh! hath God the Father exalted Jeſus Chriſt, and ſhall not our hearts exalt Him? Beloved! let but Jeſus Chriſt be exalted in your thoughts, and in your hearts; and you will ſtand: Firm againſt all Temptations: Firm againſt and Diſcouragements: Firm againſt all Afflictions.

Firm againſt all Temptations: If Temptations come to offer you profit, and pleaſure; then will you make this anſwer: No, you bid me loſſe; for there is a fulneſs in Jeſus Chriſt; and of His Fulneſs, through the Lords mercy, I have received,

Firm againſt all Diſcour agements: If the Devil come, and tell you; Thou art now a Profeſſor, but ere long you will fall away, and prove as great a ſcandal to Religion, as ever you honored it before: You will make this anſwer, True (indeed) Satan, I have a backſliding ſoul, I have a backſliding heart; but there is a Fulnes in Jeſus Chriſt, & through the Lords mercy, I have received of this Fulneſs; an d therefore I ſhal perſevere in the way that I am in, notwithſtanding sall thy diſcouragements.

Firm againſt all Afflictions: if you want this creaturecomfort, or the other creature-comfort; you will anſwer: I, true, I want Friends, I want Money, I want Credit; Oh! but yet, there's a Fulneſs in Jeſus Chriſt, and there's p. 41enough in Him; and of this Fulneſs, through the Lords mercy, I have received. Oh! what a drawing, what a drawing argument is here! me thinks the ſtouteſt ſinner in all the Congregation ſhould now come in, and cloſe with the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

You will ſay unto me: Here are incouragements indeed, Queſt. to Beleevers; for the Doctrine runs thus: There is a communication of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt unto all Beleevers. Oh! but what incouragement is here for others, that are not Beleevers? And truly I am afraid, I am even afraid that I am not one of thoſe; what incouragement is there for others, that are not Beleevers alſo?

I pray look into the, 68. Pſalm; Anſw. (and conſider it wel) at the 18. verſe. See what is ſpoken concerning Chriſt to this purpoſe that now I am upon: Thou haſt aſcended on high, Thou haſt led captivity captive: Thou haſt received gifts for men; ('tis ſpoken of Chriſt) yea, for the Rebellious Alſo; Mark that word: Thou haſt received gifts for men; yea, For the Rebellious Alſo. Well then, is there ever a Rebellious Childe in this Congregation? Is there ever a Rebellious Drunkard, that hath taken up arms againſt the Lord Jeſus Chriſt? Is there ever a rebellious Swearer, or an unclean heart here, that hath taken up arms againſt the Lord Jeſus Chriſt? (Saies the Text) He hath received gifts for men; yea, for the Rebellious Alſo; The Reaſon why you have not theſe gifts, is, becauſe you do not come to Chriſt. Oh! But if you would come to Chriſt, (Mark) If you would come to Chriſt, you that are Rebellious, if you would come to Jeſus Chriſt, He hath theſe gifts, or Grace by Him; if you would come to Him, you ſhould have theſe gifts from Him. Who would not throw down his weapons now? Is there ever a Rebel in all this Congregation, that hath taken up arms againſt the Lord Jeſus Chriſt heretofore? Me thinks he ſhould be incouraged hence to come unto Jeſus Chriſt. Bodin hath a ſtory concerning a great Rebel, that had made a great, and ſtrong party againſt a Roman Emperour: & the Emperour p. 42makes Proclamation; that who ever could bring in the Rebel, either alive, or dead, ſhould have ſuch a great ſum of money. The Rebel hearing of this, he comes in himſelf, preſents himſelf unto the Emperour, and demands the ſum of money. Saies the Emperour; if now, I ſhould put him to death, the world would think, that I did it to ſave my money: notwithſtanding all his former rebellion, the Emperour pardons him, and gave him the ſum of money. Oh! would a Heathen Emperour do thus by a poor Rebel? And if thou, (man or woman) wilt throw down thy weapons, and come in unto the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, do you think that the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, will not give to you thoſe gifts that He hath received for you? Certainly He will. Oh! me thinks therefore, every poor ſinner ſhould now hang upon this laſt word; yea, For the rebellious Alſo. Hath the Lord Jeſus Chriſt receiued gifts for men, and for the rebellious Alſo? I wil for ever hang upon that word, Alſo. Oh! I have bin a Rebel: I have bin an unclean Rebel; I have bin a ſwearing Rebel; I have bin a drunken Rebel: Oh! Lord, I will throw down my weapon, and hang upon this word, Alſo: Hath He received gifts for men; and for the rebellious Alſo? Oh! I will come in unto Him. Oh! what a mighty incouragement is here for all, good and bad, to come in unto Jeſus Chriſt? Come Drunkard; Come Swearer; Come Unclean heart; Come Sabbath-breaker; Come lying-Children; Come ſtealing-Servants: Oh! Come unto the Lord Jeſus Chriſt that you may be fil'd for ever. Oh! Come unto Chriſt, that you may leave your ſins. Here is incouragement to all, good and bad, to come unto Jeſus Chriſt.

One word more of Uſe unto Beleevers;Appli. 3. and ſo I have done. Is there a communication of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt unto all Beleevers: Then Beleevers Own your own, own your own: labor to ſtrengthen your Aſſurance of your Union with Jeſus Chriſt: and maintain your confidence in Him. If you have Aſſurance of Union with Jeſus Chriſt, you may have the comfort of all this truth: you p. 43may, and you will ſay thus, or to the like purpoſe: Hath the Lord given me Chriſt, and will He not with Him give me all things elſe? True indeed, I want Grace to do ſuch a work with; to pray with, to hear with, to examine my own heart, withal: I want Grace to do ſuch a work for God: Oh! but, there is a communication of the Fulneſs of Jeſus Chriſt unto all Beleevers; and through the Lords Grace I am one: There is a communication of the Fulneſs of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt unto all the Saints; and through the Lords Grace I am one: and therefore in due time, I know I ſhall have this Grace communicated to me.

But if you want the Aſſurance of your Union with Jeſus Chriſt: Oh! then, you will want the comfort of this Truth: then you will break out and ſay: True indeed, there is the communication of the Fulneſs of Chriſt unto Beleevers; but the Lord knows I am none; 'Tis true indeed, there's a communication of the Fulneſs of Chriſt unto al the Saints; but the Lord knows I am none; I have an unclean heart of mine own: the Lord knows I am none. Oh! therefore, you that have gone doubting up and down, and had no aſſurance of your condition all this while; aſſurance of your Union with Jeſus Chriſt: for the love of God, get it now: as you deſire to have the comfort of this truth that now I have bin upon, get it now.

You ſee Beloved, theſe times we are fallen upon, are dying times: and truly, I may ſay; Dying times, and Doubting hearts cannot ſtand together: Oh! Cock up, cock up? you that have had your evidence for Heaven lying abroad all this while, get it in. Labor to get aſſurance of your Union with Jeſus Chriſt: and maintain your confidence, and aſſurance? and ſo ſhall you have the comfort of all this Truth made good unto you: And the Lord give it in unto you.