The Gospels Glory, Chapter 11

The Gospels Glory · Chapter 11

p. 388CHAP. XI.

Containeth the fourth and laſt great truth, which is, The fulneſſe of the aſſurance, and of the Conſolation of thoſe who are in Chriſt, and walk not after the fleſh, but after the Spirit.

SECT. 1.

The fourth doctrine ariſeth from the The fourth doctrine.coherence of theſe two verſes with the words before and following, when we obſerve how they are placed in the frame of the Apoſtles diſcourſe; and it is full of conſolation, for it concernes the full aſſurance, and the ſafe eſtate of all thoſe who are actually in Chriſt, notwithſtanding their ſinnes. They have fleſh; a corrupt How raiſed.nature dwelling with them, and many ſinnes the iſſues of that fleſh, but walking not in them; they are in Chriſt, and therefore there is no condemnation to them, as the 1. verſe with theſe verſes affirmes and proves; for their ſinnes God p. 389hath condemned in the fleſh, or body and ſoul of his own Sonne; the benefit of the ſalvarion wrought by Jeſus Chriſt cometh home to them, for all that their fleſh, that body of death can do, ſo that they may and ought to ſay, I thank God through J…ſus Chriſt, who hath, and doth, and will deliver me from the ſame; this is evident by comparing theſe verſes with the 25. ver. of Chap. 7. They ſhould alſo reſt aſſured of their bleſſed eſtate, when there is no condemnation to them, and when the ſtrength of this evidence of their intereſt in Chriſt from their ſpiritual-mindedneſſe and ſavour influencing their walk is life and peace, as theſe words looking backwards to the 1. ver. of this Chapter, and forward to the 5. and 6. verſes do plentifully ſhew. And ſince the ſcope of the whole diſcourſe from ver. 1. to ver. 17. of this chapter, is to ſupport and encourage theſe ſpiritual, holy walkers in their way; the burden and workings of ſin in them ſhould not break their ſpirits, or diſcourage them in the courſe of their holy living; the miſerable conflicting toyle of a gracious heart with the ſinne dwelling in him, is the thing treated of in the perſon of holy Paul, repreſenting all p. 320the regenerate, in chap. 7. the latter part of it: and the 8. chapter to ver. 17. thereof is on purpoſe adjoyned to back on thoſe Combitants in their warre againſt the fleſh; their ſinne muſt not dishearten them in the combate; this is the force of that word, Now; it is a word of encouragement; as if he ſaid, therefore ſince Chriſt is your deliverer, for and through whom ye may bleſſe God, and rejoyce with thankfulneſſe, in the very heat and worſt of the battel with your ſinnes; ſince fleſh, and you who are under the Law of your minds, and are regenerate, are two; Now, Now therefore ſtand to it and fight it out, there is no condemnation to ſuch as you. And let this word for, in theſe verſes of my Text be carried to the ver. immediately going before it, and then they perſwade▪ theſe holy walkers to give up themſelves fully, chearfully, and without fear of miſcarrying, to the Law of the Spirit of life which is in Chriſt Jeſus which will certainly carry through, without peril from the Law of ſin and death which threatens them. Having ſhewed the coherence, take the fourth doctrine in this propoſition:

The ſinnes of thoſe that walk after the p. 321Spirit, ſhall never be to their condemnation, neither ſhall they hinder to them the benefit of all the ſalvation that cometh by Chriſt, nor ought in the leaſt kind to hinder their aſſurance, or their comfortable walking in their obedience, their conſtant combating againſt the fleſh, or their full dedition to the Law of the Spirit of life which is in Chriſt Jeſus, as to that which will deliver from the Law of ſin and death.

For explication of this truth, obſerve The explication. 1. What is granted. 4. things.here in the firſt place what is granted.

1. It is granted, that the ſinnes of thoſe that walk after the Spirit are ſinnes, they are tranſgreſſions of Gods holy Commandments, they are filthy, and do make them guilty: they are againſt God, and againſt Chriſt, and are repugnant to the holy Ghoſt: they deſerve condemnation, though they redound not unto condemnation: they redound to their fault, and to their guilt, though not to their ch…rge, for they are not imputed; nor to malediction; theſe Chriſt hath borne; nor to eternal puniſhment, for Chriſt hath made full ſatisfaction. That their ſinnes condemne them not, is not from any leſſe deſert; they alſo ſtrike at the life of grace: though p. 322they cannot deſtroy the life of grace.

2. It is granted, that there is fleſh in them; the ſeed and ſpawne of all ſin that ever mans eye ſaw, or eare heard of; of preſumptuous ſinne, even of the ſinne unpardonable, and unto death: but it is ſubdued, and broken or deſtroyed, ſo that it hath not dominion. There is not a full deletion and taking away of the being of ſinne. He that ſaith, he hath no ſinne, deceiveth himſelf, and there is no truth in 1 Joh. 1. 8, 10.1 John 1:81 John 1:10him.

3. Theſe holy walkers after the commands of another ruler, even of the holy Ghoſt dwelling in them, do confeſſe as much, and do retain the ſenſe of their ſins, and ſinful natures, and do hold them contrary to the Spirit, contrary to its luſtings, 1 Joh. 1. 8, 91 John 1:81 John 1:9and contrary to their walking.

4. There is not in them a blotting out, and taking away of all the ſad ruines which ſinne hath made upon man-kind: theſe ſhall not be taken away from them, untill the coming of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt the ſecond time, when the laſt enemy death and the grave ſhall be deſtroyed, as it is promiſed in Act. …. 19, 20. then there ſhall not be ſo much as a ſcarre of the wo…nds which ſin hath made.

p. 323SECT. 2.

In the ſecond place, obſerve when we ſay, that their ſinnes ſhould not hinder 2. Whoſe ſins hinder not comfort, and aſſurance; and what ſinnes.their comfort or aſſurance; we …peak of the ſinnes of ſuch as hold on in this walk, retaining their integrity, otherwiſe the fall of a David, or of a Peter will take away their comfort in holy wayes, and the joy of their ſalvation, untill it be unfeignedly repented of, and they recovered of ſuch falls. We yield that all ſinnes in their own nature, and by the law of works do make againſt all comfort; but there are great ſinnes, the manifeſt works of the fleſh, which the ſpiritual may fall into: and theſe for th…t time deſtroy the comfort of the moſt holy of Saints who are guilty of them. Nevertheleſſe, while the regenerate are guilty of theſe ſinnes after calling, theſe in them compared with the unregenerate that live and walk in the ſame ſinnes, may be ſaid truely to be of infirmity, and to be but falls in their walk, although they are not in their own nature ſinnes of infirmity. There are ſinnes of infirmity: viz. Sins of infirmity.and there are ſinnes that may be p. 324fallen into of infirmity.

Now the ſinnes which are ſinnes of infirmity, of theſe we ſpeak in this doctrine. Theſe are ſuch ſinnes as have been found in the beſt and choiceſt of Gods Servants upon earth, who have kept their holy watchfulneſſe, and while they have kept it. Infirmity is when the ſerious purpoſe What infirmity is.of holy and humble walking with God, both general for our whole courſe, and ſpecial for our particular wayes and actions, is preſent and firm, but to performe what we unfeignedly deſire, and diligently endeavour is wanting. Sinnes of infirmity Rom. 7. 18 And what are ſins of infirmity in genera… Pſa. 19. 13.Rom 7:18Ps 19:13are ſuch as …nto which preſumptuous ſinnes are oppoſite. Sinnes of infirmity are oppoſite to ſin…es which are done willingly; to ſinnes againſt knowledge and conſcience: I ſay not, ſinnes with knowledge and conſcience. The moſt knowing and conſcientious, being truely godly and gracious, may ſee thoſe ſinnes which wicked men neither ſee nor feel: but thoſe ſinnes which are againſt knowledge and conſcience, they are as a thief in the candle, as gravel in the ſhooe of a Traveller.

More particularly, ſinnes of infirmity, In particular. Pſa. 19. 12.Ps 19:121. Are ſecret ſinnes which we know p. 325not; yet knowing our ignorance, or defect of full and cleare ſight whereby many ſinnes may ſcape us, we repent of them, as did David, ſaying, Who knoweth his e…ro…s! …cl…nſe thou me from ſecret ſinnes. 2. They are imperfections and failings cleaving to our good works, and to our beſt actions. 3. They are ſuch as ariſe from want of age in Chriſt, and do accompany the ſtate of a Babe. An infant is infirm. 4. They are ſuch as proceed from want of ſtren…th where there hath been but little means, or though great meanes, yet en…oyed but for a little time. 5. They are ſudden, indeliberate breakings out, contrary to our bent, and purpoſe: when our judgements are clouded by ſome ſudden temptation, after which we are ſenſible of our failing, mourne, complain, labour to …amend, and to get ground of our corruption.

Sinnes of infirmity are found in the regenerate only, who have the life of grace begun. No weakneſſe where no life. Weakneſſe is properly in thoſe who have and retain a ſincere, univerſal, and conſtant inclination to ſpiritual things as the beſt. No infirmity where the Spirit of Chriſt dwells not: Although the inhabitation p. 326of the Spirit be no cauſe of weakneſſe, but of ſtrength. No infirmity in thoſe that have not gracious principles, for in ſuch the deadly law of ſinne hath dominion. No failings, where no right judgement to place us upon high and ſupernatural ends and aimes. Infirmities are in thoſe only that have eſpouſed love to Jeſus Chriſt.

Infirmities, are thoſe ſinnes which are the matter of dayly humiliation, and the objects of dayly mortification. It is not of infirmity to pleaſe our ſelves in our weakneſſe, to plead for it, or to allow of it.

There are infirmities which are not poſſibly to be rooted out, when yet the upright ſtrive daily againſt them: as forgetfulneſſe, heavineſſe of Spirit, diſtractions in duty, ſudden paſſions, fears, ſecret fugitiveneſſe of heart from under the preſence of God, ſome kind of raſhneſſe and rudeneſſe of ſpirit in our approaches to God, covetings or hanckerings after the creature inordinately, with many of like ſort: and there are infirmities more eaſily ſubdued, as are all the frailties which break out in geſtures, words, and actions; the Apoſtle gives us the ground of ſuch a p. 327diſtinction, when he ſaith, In many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, Jam. 3. 2.Jas 3:2the ſame is a perfect man, and able alſo to bridle the whole body.

SECT. 3.

Now having treated thus of ſins of infirmity, What is meant in ſaying ſins of infirmity ſhall not condemn.this doctrine ſheweth

Firſt, that theſe ſinnes of infirmity, ſhall not condemn thoſe that are guilty of them. Not as if their great ſinnes ſhall condemn them: no, for Jeſus Chriſt mediates not only for leſſer ſinnes, but for the greateſt ſinnes: and God forgiveth iniquity, tranſgreſſion, and ſinne; ſinnes of all ſorts, and of all ſizes; but the meaning is, that Chriſt is ſuch a propitiation that theſe are covered; ſuch an Advocate that he pleads to the Father, that theſe by 1 Joh. 2. 1.1 John 2:1the tenour of the Covenant of grace be wholly paſſed by; he is ſuch an high Prieſt, as is touched with the feeling of our infirmities; for though he never knew what it was to ſinne, no, not of infirmity; he knew no ſin: yet he was tempted, and ſo Heb. 4. 15.Heb 4:15is touched with the feeling of the ſtate of one that cannot be free from ſome touch of defilement when he is tempted. God p. 328is a Father who is ſo far from being angry Pſa. 103. 13 Mal. 3. 17.Ps 103:13Mal 3:17with his children for theſe meer infirmities, that he pities them, ſpares them, and makes them up as his Jewels; but as for their g…oſſe ſinnes, they are they for which their Father is angry, with-holds his comforts, his Spirit, and their joy: and no conſolation to them in ſinnes they indulge, untill they be humbled deeply. Again, underſtand this aright: Theſe ſins condemn not; not as if leſſer ſinnes were not diſpleaſing unto God their Father, to Chriſt their Lord, and to the Spirit their Leader: nor as if they might not be ſo committed, that they may become great ſinnes, through careleſſeneſſe and ſecurity, and ſo as they may be circumſtanced. Nay. A failing may be ſo allowed, ſo cuſtomary, ſo malapertly, and frowardly excuſed and pleaded for, that it may have too much of preſumption in it: and ſo have much wickedneſſe in it, and have much of the nature of a great tranſgreſſion; and therefore may have in it much provocation, and that which calls for great humiliation, before any comfort can flow into the ſoul of ſuch a one.

Secondly, theſe ſinnes of infirmity ought not to hinder aſſurance: that is, the p. 329aſſurance of faith, and the aſſ…rance of evidence. There is the aſſurance of faith, Sins of infirmity hinder not aſſurance.which is our du…y, and ought to be held faſt and maintained, whiles uprightneſſe is kept up in its conſtant courſe without interruptions, although God do deſert us, although God do kill us. There is the aſſurance of evidence, which is not alone to have the promiſes for us, and we reſt thereon, but to have our evidences of our intereſt in the promiſes ſpeaking fully, and our ſpirits clearely reading them, and giving in their witneſſe, and thence the heart aſſured; this alſo, as the help of the aſſurance of faith, is belonging to our duty; but there is the aſſurance of feeling, and of the T…ſtimon… of the holy Sp…rit of promiſe; this is a bleſſing wholely, this is in Gods hand, and not in ours. And it cannot be in a better hand.

Qu…ſt. If any ſay: How can the aſſurance of faith be held faſt. How can we have our evidences fair and full, when there is ſuch quick ſenſe of ſinne in the ſincere believer? None ſo tender of Conſcience, none indeed truly affected with ſinnes filthineſſe and burden but he. When alſo there is no leſſe apprehenſion of Gods wrath and diſpleaſure, and of his forſaſakings, p. 330and withdrawings of the comforts of his Preſence; he only knowes what the ſhining of Gods face in Chriſt reconciled means, and he only knows what the hiding away of his face means. I anſwer;

Anſw. Underſtand well theſe ſix things in the Covenant of Grace, which anſwer all the fears of the upright.

Firſt, That in this Covenant uprightneſſe Gen. 17. 1. Pro. 11. 6, 5.Gen 17:1Prov 11:6Prov 11:5is required, and not perfection. The righteouſneſſe of the upright, is the righteouſneſſe which God accepteth: and he calls it the righteouſneſſe of the perfect; that is, of the ſincere and entire, who are ſanctified throughout, and in every part: though they be not perfect already in any part, in ſoul, in ſpirit, or in body; they have in no part, the perfection of degrees, but they Phil. 3. 12. Phil. 3. 11, 12, 13, 14.Phil 3:12Phil 3:11Phil 3:13Phil 3:14ſay with the Apoſtle, I have not attained, I am not already perfect. Uprightneſſe is the reaching forth to that which is before, as not having yet attained, as not already perfect, untill we attain unto the bleſſed reſurrection of the dead. It is not to account ones ſelf to have apprehended, but to follow after, and to be upon the purſuit, if that we may apprehend that for which alſo we are apprehended of Chriſt p. 331Jeſus. It is forgetting what is behind, and which we are brought to through grace, to preſſe toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Chriſt Jeſus, that we may come to the Goale, and receive the Crown of righteouſneſſe, and conſummate holineſſe and glory 2 Cor. 7. 2.2 Cor 7:2which is the hope of our calling. It is to be on clenſing from all filthineſſe of fleſh 2 Cor. 7. 1.2 Cor 7:1and ſpirit, of body and ſoul, inward and outward, and on perfecting our holineſſe in the fear of God. The Lord knoweth that thou believeſt but in part; thou knoweſt but in part, and thou doeſt all duties but in part. Why ſayeſt thou as one dejected, Oh, I have many failings, many ſinnes are upon me! Say the ſame (for it is very true;) ſay it as one deeply humbled, and ſpare not: ſay it as one confeſſing with godly ſorrow, with a ſpirit without guile: My ſinnes are more in number Pſa. 40. 12Ps 40:12than the haires of my head; when I think on them, they encreaſe, and come ſo faſt on, that I am not able to look up: my very heart faileth me. Art thou kept in this frame to be a purifying, to be a clenſing, to be a perfecting, to be preſſing on forwards ſtill? thou art upright. Ch…iſt is thy righteouſneſſe, thou art abſolutely perfect p. 332and compleat in him; for it is in the firſt Pſa. 40. 12 with 6. 7, 8 verſes.Ps 40:12place ſpoken of him thy Mediatour and ſurety. It is moſt true of him who came to bear the ſ…nnes of all the Elect; Innumerable evils d…d c…mpaſſe him about; thy ſinnes ſince calling, and all thy ſinnes before calling, and all the ſinnes of all that ever ſhall be ſaved, were charged upon thy Lord Jeſus Chriſt, ſo that he ſaith, Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, ſo that I am not able to look up: they are moe th…n the hairs of mine head, therefore my heart faileth me. Why ſayeſt thou; ſhould I be of the number of Phil. 3. 15.Phil 3:15the ſecure and luke-warme, which my ſoul fears and hates? hold faſt the former frame, and while thus minded, art thou not minded as all the perfect are? as the perfect in the Goſpel-ſenſe, and in the language of the holy Ghoſt, who ever gives right names to things.

Secondly, that perſeverance is promiſed and given to believers, as well as required Jer. 32▪ 40. 1 Joh. 2. 27▪Jer 32:401 John 2:27of them. I will put my feare into their hearts, that they ſhall not depart from me; this is a Branch of Gods everlaſting Covenant with his people in Chriſt. The anointing which ye have received of Chriſt, abideth in you: and even as it hath taught you, ye ſhall abide p. 333in him. A precious promiſe. Why then doeſt thou ſay, I ſhall never hold out; I ſhall one day fall by the hands of Saul; by this, or tother temptation or corruption? Remember theſe promiſes, and ſtay thy ſoul on them: thy perſeverance is from preſervation, even as thy ſpiritual life is from Regeneration.

Thirdly, The Law of this Covenant which thou art under, is the Law of f…th, Rom 3. 27, 28. Rom. 10. …. 6, 8, 9. Rom. 4. 5. Rom. 3. 24, 25. Rom. 1. 17Rom 3:27Rom 3:28Rom 10Rom 4:5Rom 3:24Rom 3:25Rom 1:17and not the Law of works. The un…odly and ſinner at the firſt is juſtified by faith, freely of free-grace through the righteouſneſſe and redemption which i… in Jeſus Chriſt, and in his blood; this is moſt true, the great truth of the Goſpel; and it is of the ſame Goſpel-truth, that the …uſt, the juſtified ſinner, now made juſt and righteous by faith, and whoſe heart God hath purified and ſanctified by faith, the juſt ſhall live by his faith: for the righteouſneſſe …pheſ. 1 6 & 2. 8, 9.whereby he ſtands righteous, i… revealed from faith to faith; and not firſt to faith, and then afterwards to works, and he is ſtill by free-grace accepted in Chriſt the beloved, and is what ever he is by the free-grace of God. We are ſaved by grace through faith, and that is, not of our ſelves, it is the gift of God, not of p. 343works leſt any man ſhould boaſt. Salvation is by faith that it might be of grace: were it of works, it were no more of grace. Will any ſay, grace is not grace? Why ſayeſt thou, I, but I can do nothing, I have done nothing, I ſtill ſinne after forgiveneſſe, I have upon me a very neceſſity? oh my dayly ſinnes and debts, what will become of me for my ſinnes, ſince God hath graciouſly viſited and called me? Do we not ſee the Anſwer? live by faith upon free-grace, and upon the redemption which is in Chriſt, as thou didſt at firſt when thou waſt nothing but ſinne. God hath begun thy ſalvation by faith, and he will never turn thee over to the Law again, to be perfected by it. Wilt thou begin in the Spirit, and then go to be made perfect by the fleſh?

Fourthly, That all that is required of us, even repentance, faith, and uprightneſſe, as well as perſeverance, is promiſed, given, undertaken for, and wrought by God the Father, and by Jeſus Chriſt the Sonne of the Father, and by the Holy Ghoſt the Spirit of the Father, and of the Sonne. Why ſayeſt thou deſpondingly, I cannot repent, I cannot believe, I have a deceitful heart, I cannot be rid of hypocriſie, vain-glory, p. 335and ſecret ſelf-confidence? art thou ſenſible of theſe? condemn them, judge thy ſelf for them: and go to him as a child to a father through Chriſt, by the Spirit according to his Word for power to repent, believe, and to walk uprightly. Owning thy diſability, look to him who whiles and in the bidding, exhorting, and promiſing, giveth and worketh what he commands. Say, Turn thou me and I ſhall be turned. Lord, I deſire to believe, help thou mine unbelief; accompliſh in me all the good pleaſure of thy goodneſſe, and the work of faith with power. Take out of me the heart of ſtone, and give me an heart of fleſh, give me a new heart, and a new ſpirit, and put thy holy Spirit into me, which ſhall cauſe me to walk in thy Statutes, and to do them. Lift up thy drooping ſoul and ſay, Let him command what he will, who gives what he Commands, and gives by commanding.

Fifthly, That free-grace is the ground of all, and abounds through all, and reignes above all to eternal life. Why ſayeſt thou as one diſcouraged, The ſenſe of my ſinne and guilt abounds: how then can I have comfort? In thy ſelf thou canſt not loath thy ſelf; upon the account of thine own p. 336righteouſneſſe thou canſt not, but in God in Chriſt, upon the account of his freegrace thou mayeſt, and mayeſt the more; for all the mercy of this Covenant of loving kindneſſe, peace, and ſalvation was and is for ſinners, guilty ſinners, chief ſinners, that were under ſinne and death in their power, and for no other: that where ſinne abounds, grace might ſuper-abound: and was, and is from free-grace above, and againſt deſert.

Sixthly, That Jeſus Chriſt is the ſecond Adam, and the Covenant is within, and in him with us. Why ſayeſt thou, How can it be that Chriſts righteouſneſſe ſhould be mine? how can any be perſwaded of this? Why ſayeſt thou not, How can the Rom. 5 12 and forwards to the end of the Chapter.Rom 5:12firſt Adam involve me in ſinne and death? is not the anſwer clear and full; He is the firſt Adam; and is not the anſwer as clear and full? Jeſus Chriſt is the ſecond Ad…m; this he is to all who are in him; thou findeſt the firſt Adam's diſobedience hath made thee ſinful, and brought in death upon thee: place thy ſelf under the Word of faith, receive what God there teſtifieth to be true, (and why not? for God is true,) and thou ſhalt feele that the obedience of Chriſt will make thee p. 337righteous, the f…ee-gift will come upon thee unto juſtification of life. In this thing Adam was a f…gure of him that was to come, even or the Lord Jeſus Chriſt the ſecond Adam.

SECT. 4.

In the third place, Mark well, The ſinnes 3. Falls and backſlidings though repeated, ſhall not condemne the ſpiritual walker.of thoſe that walk after the Spirit, ſhall not hinder the benefit of Chriſts ſalvation from them; no, not their falls in their walk, not their back-ſlidings, nor their relapſes into the ſame iniquity again. The Apoſtle boldly affirms, there is ro condemnation to them t…ey are in Chriſt; and to them that are in Chriſt there is no con…emnation. They that are in Chriſt, have the benefit of all the ſalvation which is in him; ſalvation is full where there is no condemnation. They ſinne, but Chriſt is their Advocate with the Father, 1 Joh. 2. 1. Jer. 31. 18, 19, 20.1 John 2:1Jer 31:18Jer 31:19Jer 31:20Chriſt is their prop…t…at…on. They bemoan themſelves for their untractable hearts, God owns them for children, dear by Adoption in Chriſt Jeſus, he ſpares and pities with fatherly yearning bowels, as Pſ. 103. 13, 14. Their falls.Ps 103:13Ps 103:14was ſaid before. And as for their falls, their falls are with riſing again, with as it were another converſion, with a new ſetting in joynt again. They grow better by p. 338their falls, as did David and Peter, not that it is ere the better that they fall, or that they are better than thoſe that hold on their way and walk in uprightneſſe without falls; but thus, they are better than they were before they fell, they recover the fall, and walk on with the more ſelfdenial, watchfulneſſe, holy jealouſie, ſpeedy ſtedfaſtneſſe, and redoubled zeal and power; they were over-taken in a fault, and they run the faſter, tread the ſtreighter and ſurer. They did the Lord diſhonour and diſſervice, they now mind the more his honour, and ſome higher ſervice: if none fall in their way, they will make famous to his honour, their own ſhame owned in repentings, but nevet more come near the very appearance of commiſſion or perpetration of ſuch ſin by their good will. Their falls therefore ſhall not hinder their ſalvation.

No; nor their back-ſ…idings. I diſtinguiſh Their back-ſlidings.them thus; A fall into ſome particular ſinne. A back-ſliding is a departing from the faith, or from the holy way; back-ſliding is of the nature of Apoſtaſie in doctrine or practice: there is a new Religion, and another frame of converſation in back-ſliding. As Apoſtaſie is p. 339worſe than Hereſie, ſo back-ſliding is worſe than falling. A fall is taken in ſtumbling and tripping in the way; a back-ſliding is a real change of the ſtate of a man gone away backward. God requires, and the ſpiritual anſwer his call therein, That they Jer. 3. 14, 22.Jer 3:14Jer 3:22return, that they acknowledge their tranſgreſſions, how they have back-ſlidden, that they pray earneſtly for pardon and power, and vow Thankfulneſſe and Reformation; Hoſ. 14. 4, 5, 6, 7. with ver, 1. 2, 3. Luk. 15. 20, 22. to the end.Hos 14:4Hos 14:5Hos 14:6Hos 14:7Luke 15:20Luke 15:22and this will be found upon them, and then God of his free-love will heal back-ſlidings, and bedew them to flouriſhing, ſightly, ſweet-ſmelling, ſavoury fruitfulneſſe and growth. Oh the fatherly mercies of God to his returning prodigal ſon; he is clad, he is adorned, he is feaſted: heaven & earth is fill'd with muſick and mirth.

Queſt. But may the godly who walk after the Spirit, be guilty of relapſes, and may their back-ſlidings be repeated? and if ſo, ſhall not that prejudice their ſalvation?

Anſw. It is lamentable to tell, but it may ſo be, they may fall, and fall again and again; they may lapſe and relapſe, Their relapſes.and back-ſlide and again back-ſlide. It is not uſual, but ſo it may be; and though it be pitiful to tell, yet it muſt be told; for the Scripture mentioneth it in Sampſon p. 340and Solomon, two of the Lords Worthies.

Both falls or relapſes, and back-ſlidings or relapſes do waſte the conſcience, and deſtroy comfort and joy of our ſalvation; nevertheleſſe they ruine not utterly, they ſhall not be to condemnation; yet relapſes go not without ſome notable teſtimonies of Gods wrath in this world; and their Sunne …etteth uſually in a cloud, as did Sampſons and Solomons. O all you eminent in faith and grace, nouriſh your fear and humility, and your living by faith continually; for, they that have diſcovered the greateſt acts of faith, and have been the higheſt for wiſdome and grace, have fallen into the fouleſt ſ…nnes, and dreadful relapſes. Humble thy ſelf to walk with thy …od; the fleſh, even in the Saints, is a mad beaſt, a helliſh monſ…er, a ſubtle fiend, if it be ſuffered to be wanton, and to play its pranks. Be not high-minded, but fear, look to thy ſtanding, thou ſta…deſ… by faith; Continue in Gods goodneſſe, and not in thine own, not in thine own received in the regeneration; and then ſhalt thou walk ſurely, and thy ſteps ſhall not ſlide. Abide in Chriſt, and let his Word abide in thee, ſo ſhalt thou bring forth much fruit; ſevered from p. 341him the true Ʋine, though a branch full Joh. 15. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6John 15:1John 15:2John 15:3John 15:4John 15:5John 15:6of ſap, thou canſt do nothing, thou wilt dwingle an… fade, an… wither, without the continual influence of his Spirit, the Spirit of life and power coming from him Phil. 1. 19Phil 1:19into thee with freſh ſupplies.

SECT. 5.

In the fourth place, Ob…erve, the ſins that attend thee in thy walk, whiles yet 4. The ſins of the upright, ſhould not hinder their comfortable walking.uprightneſſe is held in faith an… obedience with patience in the ſight of God, and in love without giving offence to men; or, when thy falls are recovered, and thy back-ſlidings healed, they ought not to hinder thy comfortable walking. God ſaid to Abraham, I am God all-ſuffic…ent, walk before Gen. 17. 1.Gen 17:1me, and be thou pe…fect; we are not ſelf-ſufficient, nor all-ſufficient, much leſſe to our ſelves after faith an… grace received; but God is to us both theſe in his Covenant, the alone ſufficient an… all-ſufficient for us; here is the comfort of the upright in their holy walking. When God ſaith to the Father of the faithful f…ar not, he encourageth to comfortable & chearful walking; nothing ſhould daunt or diſm…y nothing ſt…gger or cloud his Spirit in his way of obedience; why ſo? he h…d his doubts, his failings he had his dangers, his enemies; yet ſaith God to p. 342him, fear not Abraham; not becauſe thou art able to defend thy ſelf, thou art able to bleſſe thy ſelf; no: but becauſe I am thy ſhield, I am thy exceeding great Gen. 15. 1Gen 15:1reward. Now then if it be ſo, what ſhould diſcourage in our obedience, who have God the Almighty, and All-ſufficient for us, who have God for our ſhield to defend, who have God for our portio…, our exceeding great reward, to bleſs us? That God is ours, this carries in it all good, even eternal life through and over death and the grave, and notwithſtanding our ſinnes, the Law, the juſtice of God, and the wrath to come from which we are delivered. They that walk in the fear of the Lord, ſhould walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghoſt. To them is that exhortation given, Rejoyce in the Lord alwayes; and again I ſay, Rejoyce. Act. 9. 31 Phil. 4. 4. Phil. 4. 6.Acts 9:31Phil 4:4Phil 4:6Inſtead of caring in any thing, they ſhould in every thing be praying and ſupplicating, but ſtill with thankſgiving; ſuch exhortation alſo is that in another place, Rejoyce evermore, pray without ceaſing, in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Chriſt Jeſus concerning 1 Theſ. 5. 16, 17, 181 Thess 5:161 Thess 5:171 Thess 5:18you; the heart not kept in a thankful frame, is not fit for prayer, nor for any p. 343duty to God or man. This is the deſcription of the godly, he that rejoyceth, and Iſa. 64. 5.Isa 64:5worketh righteouſneſſe; and now under the New Teſtament, they are the circumciſion, Phil. 3. 3.Phil 3:3which worſhip God in the Spirit, (not in the Legal Ceremonies and Ordinances of the worldly Sanctuary) and rejoyce in Chriſt Jeſus, and have no confidence in the fleſh.

But they may ſay, we have ſinnes with Object. us, and if not burdenſome and grievous to us, they will be our ruine; we live alſo in a troubleſome world, and theſe troubles of life do oft provoke our corruption; we are ſometimes afflicted of God, ſcorned and perſecuted of men, aſſaulted by Satans temptations; beſides pain and mortality, death and the grave muſt be paſſed through, and how then can we walk comfortably? for anſwer,

He that hath God the Father, to be his Sol. God and Father, and to him a Father of mercies, and God of all conſolations; he that hath God the Sonne, our Lord Jeſus Chriſt the conſolation of Iſrael, to be his Comforter, ſent as the great Prophet who hath given to him the tongue of the learned, that he ſhould know how to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to him that is weary; p. 344he that hath God the Holy Ghoſt another Comforter, the name The Comforter given to ſignifie his office, given to him, and ſent into his heatt to ſhed abroad upon it the love of God, and to be and to abide in him for ever, the Spirit of Adoption; he may and ought to walk in comfort. But the walkers after the Spirit have this God, three perſons and one God, theirs in this preſence, and that by Covenant; therefore they ſhould walk comfortably. To open this truth further; underſtand,

Comfort conſiſts in bleſſedneſſe; bleſſedneſſe conſiſts in the fruition and enjoying of the chief good. The chief good is that which when we have we are bleſſed, but not having it we are miſerable. The chief good is God alone; the enjoying and fruition of God is true bleſſedneſſe, and true comfort. This cannot be to a ſinner but in Chriſt who is the propitiation, the reconciliation, and the atonement. Therefore God in Chriſt is the ſinners chief good. Chriſt cannot be received but by his Spirit given; thus then, to be the Lord Chriſts in body and ſoul, whether we live or die, redeemed by his Precious blood from all our ſinnes, and p. 345from the power of Satan, death and the grave, and from the wrath to come; and through Chriſt to be the Fathers own po… tion, received into his f…vour and grace, as his ado…ted child…en in Jeſus Chriſt; and to be under his fathe…ly care and providence, that without his will, not an h…i…e can fall f…om our heads, and that all things are made to wo…k together for our good: and to have the Holy Ghoſt given to us to renew us, to unite us to Chriſt, to enable us to believe, to mo…tifie the fleſh, to give up our ſelves to obedience, to make us willing and ready to live to him, and walk after him, and to aſſure of eternal life; this is the onelyonly true and ſound conſolation both in life and death. And this is the eſtate of thoſe that walk afte… the S…i…it. This true bleſſedneſſe cannot be in this life in perfection, but onelyonly in in…hoation, or a begun enjoyment of the ſame, and by faith and hope in a lively expectation of the full and perfect fruition thereof; becauſe there is death, mortality, ſinful remai…ders, the w…ath to come, w…ich muſt be utte…ly taken away, and the ſoul and body placed in a ſtate of glorious libe…ty, befo…e there can be full en…oyment of perfect bliſſe; becauſe alſo the glory unto which we are p. 346called by the Goſpel, is farre greater than this world is capable of: and ſoul and body in this earthly frame cannot receive it. True bleſſedneſſe cannot be at all of this world, nor of the things thereof, could one man be poſſeſſed of them all, which yet never was, nor will be; for they are mutable and paſſing away: and if they were abiding, yet they are not ſatisfactory, nor can they fill all the capacities of the reaſonable creature; much leſſe can bleſſedneſſe be of the things of this life to a ſinner; for by ſin they are become accurſed to the ſinner, and he accurſed in their enjoyment. They alſo cannot take away ſinne, make the ſinner holy, bring him into favour with God, and ſo bring him to bleſſedneſs; miſtake not then:

Our comfort is not in this that we have attained, and that we are already perfect; but that we are in the begun ſtate, and that we ſhall aſſuredly attain and ſhall be perfect.

Our comfort conſiſts not in this, that we have no ſinne, but in forgiveneſſe at preſent, and in the full blotting out expected, when the Lord ſhall come again in glory.

Our holineſſe or ſanctification conſiſts p. 347not in this, that no ſinne is at all in us; but in this, that our old man is crucified, ſo that we be not ſervants to any ſinne, and that we are become ſervants of righteouſneſs.

Our holy walking is in finding out our ſinnes, that they may not finde us out; and in eſchewing them that we may tread the wayes of God with a larger, ſtreighter, firmer ſtep, and with an evener, quicker pace.

Our progreſſe in holineſſe is by daily mortifying the members on the earth, and by bringing forth continually more fruits unto God, as thoſe that are alive from the dead.

Our perſeverance is the maintaining of the combate.

Our preſent ſtate is that of David under the anointing, conflicting with our ſpiritual enemies that either are like Saul and his confede…ates, or like Abſolom and his conſpirators, ſo that we are ſinging a Pſalme like the third Pſalme; and it is not that of David upon the Throne, ſinging the eighteenth Pſalme, whereof the title is, A Pſalme ſung when the Lord had delivered him from the hand of his enemies; yet it is the eſtate wherein we p. 348are aſſured to be ſinging it with perfect triumph one day.

Our comfort is begun and held, out of godly ſorrow; we ſow in tears, and go carrying precious ſeed with us; our comfort is a ſeed-ſeaſon, and the joy of a harveſt-home.

Our comfort is in Goſpel-promiſes, bleſſings, priviledges, graces.

Our comfort is not in freedome from troubles, temptations, perſecutions; but in a heavenly Fathers diſpoſing the troubles, delivering from the power and poyſon of the temptations, and of perſecutions as they are perſecutions, putting us into the upper form of his Saints on earth, and placing us in higheſt honour, and giving us the matter of greateſt joy that can befall us in this valley of tears.

God hath regiſtred and left upon file for a perpetual Record the way of the Saints comfort on this wiſe: If when we are enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Sonne; much more, being reconciled, we ſhall be ſaved by his life: Ro. 5. 10.Rom 5:10If God be for us, who can be againſt us? he that ſpared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; how ſhall he p. 349not with …m alſo fre…ly give us all Rom. 8. 31, 32. Pſ. 56. 13.Rom 8:31Rom 8:32Ps 56:13things? Thou …ſt del…vered my ſoul from death; wilt not thou d…l…ver my feet from fall…ng, that I m…y walk before …od in the light of the living?

God hath ſhewed us the way wherein he Gods way of giving grace and comfort is the ſight of his grace in Chriſt, and not the eying of our duty or deſervings. 2 Cor. 3. 18. & 5. 19. Ro. 1. 1792 Cor 3:182 Cor 5:19Rom 1giveth both at the firſt converſ…on, and ever after all grace and comfort. It is this, he ſets before ſinners brought to ſee themſelves, their ſ…nnes, and curſe…n…ſſe thereby in the glaſſe of his holy Law; the glaſſe and mirrour of his Goſpel, where in the beholding of the glory of God as he is in Chriſt reconciling the world to himſelf, both Jewes and Gentiles, concluded all under ſinne, not imputing treſpaſſes, and ſending them to the Word and Miniſtry of reconciliation, this ſight of glorious grace changeth and transformeth them. And as th…s righteouſneſſe of God provided to cloath a ſinner withall is through the Goſpel-glaſſe revealed more and more from faith to faith, from one meaſure of faith to another greater and growing meaſure of faith, ſo will the change and transformation be from glory to glory, from one degree of glorious grace and comfort to another greater and growing degree of glorious grace and comfort; p. 350and the work is no leſſe nor lower than the work of the Spirit of the Lord, the Lord, the 2 Cor. 3. 17, 18.2 Cor 3:172 Cor 3:18Holy Ghoſt ſetting the ſinner in bleſſed, gracious and glorious liberty. We work then at the wrong end, when we toyle with our own hearts, pore upon our ſins, think we will believe, walk, obey, and the like, and ſo go on and encreaſe more and more, and then finding by experience how weak, unable, wanting, and extreamely failing we are, we become dejected, and ſore perplexed, and are ready to ſay, If God hath given ſuch promiſes to them that fear him, why am I thus? and almoſt ready to ſay, As good give over all, it will ever be thus with me, I ſhall never get the victory over my ſins, I ſhall never attain to ſetled conſolation and aſſurance. Ah, poor hearts, take this advice, Go Gods way to work, Go the way after faith and grace received, which God took with you when you were in your ſins, dead in ſinnes. Go that way ſtill, with thankſgiving for what you have in the ſenſe of your ſinnes, and in ability to fetch the next ſtep in the wayes of faith and holineſſe; be viewing the glory of the free-grace of God in the face of Jeſus Chriſt, even of Chriſt crucified, preſented p. 351by the Holy Ghoſt in the Goſpel which he breathed; oh this is the ſight which will make you more and more like him, and draw upon you to the life the image of ſuch glorious grace and love, to your exceeding joy. This ſight gives power to walk; take and hold this courſe, and thou ſhalt ſay with David, thy loving Pſ. 26. 3.Ps 26:3kindneſs is before mine eyes, and I have walked in thy truth. This ſight impowring, is the joy and rejoycing of the heart; the joyful growing, flouriſhing proſperity of the ſoul, conſiſts in the walking in the light of Gods countenance, Pſ. 89. 15.Ps 89:15reconciled and reconciling us to himſelf in Jeſus Chriſt. All power againſt ſinne, and unto duty, and all comfort and joy, all healthfulneſſe, ſoundneſſe, and thriving in our ſpiritual eſtate, is this way conveighed. It is not attained or maintained by extaſies and raptures, trances, raviſhments, impreſſions, impulſes, revelations, voices, joyes that come by Euthuſiaſme or inward immediate force of the Spirit; theſe at the beſt are in Gods own hand, and they may be given to a Balaam, a wicked man, a falſe Prophet, a Conjurer, a Witch; they may be mixed with Satans working, they may be of p. 352fancy, and not of God at all, or of faith; they may be of Satan, Diabolical deluſions.

Now in our upright walking, the joy of the Lord is our ſtrength; preſerve it. If this …oy may be hindred, Satan hath his Neh. 8. 19Neh 8:19deſire of us; let him not bereave you of it.

SECT. 6.

In the fifth place; the ſins of theſe holy 5. Their ſins ought not to hinder their combating againſt the fleſh.walkers ought not to hinder their conſtant combating againſt the fleſh; the fleſh luſſeth againſt the Spirit, and the Spirit againſt the fleſh; and ſhall the ſpiritual yield the day? ſhall they ſ… down diſcouraged? hath the Spirit undertook, doth he lead, and cauſe them to walk after him, and ſhall the fleſh and its workings turn them off? Hear ye Chriſtians of the Gentiles, your Apoſtle, the Apoſtle of the Gentiles, this I ſay, (ſaith he) walk in the Spirit, and ye ſhall not fulfill the lusts of the fleſh; the fleſh luſteth Gal. 5. 16, 17.Gal 5:16Gal 5:17in you contrarily, but walk on, and ye ſhall not fulfill the luſts of the fleſh.

1. You have the better, and have no cauſe to be diſcouraged; theſe ſinnes you p. 353ſee and finde are the fleſh's forces: but they are but the ſcattered gleanings of the Field which you have reaped, the broken leavings of the body of the Army you have overthrown.

2. God could have driven them at once out of you, but they are left to learn us the uſe of our ſpiritual Armour; without an enemy our proweſs would not be proved, our graces would not be tried, our warlike diſcipline ſhewed, our watchfulneſſe excited, our ſtrength exerciſed; Vertue lies along without an Enemy.

3. We forget our ſtate which is a warfare, we fotget it if we admit thoughts of eaſe or fainting; we are to carry our weapons in the one hand, while we work in the Lords work with our tooles in the other hand; we muſt fight that we may work, and fight out our way. Our walk cannot be maintained and held on but by a warre, and we warre, that we may walk.

4. They ſhould be ſo farre from hindering, that they ſhould raiſe our courage and heat, cauſe us to ſmite our fleſh with ſorer blows, make us beat down our bodies, and bring them into ſubjection; and p. 354teach us a point of heavenly wiſdome in this warre, that is, to ſingle out thoſe ſins as our ſpecial enemies, and as the fleſh's troops and life-guard; ſay, See, here be theſe helliſh villains, and fall on with a ſhout againſt them.

5. They ſhould make us the more to think of our Leader and Acter the Holy Ghoſt; and to ſay, ſhould ſuch a man as I flee for fear? who of Gods Saints and Souldiers would do it to ſave his temporal life or eſtate? nay, if the rebellion ſhould grow hot, high and prevalent, yet fight the more, and if we be made to cry out Wretched men that we are, who ſhall deliver? yet never ceaſe; ſo our holy Apoſtle Rom. 7. 23, 24.Rom 7:23Rom 7:24gives us himſelf for a preſident.

6. And indeed there is no cauſe of fainting and flagging; for in the way of righteouſneſſe there is no death: in this walk after the Spirit there is nothing but life and peace: in the way that is called holy, there is no hurtful thing; moleſtation there may be and will be; hurt and deſtruction there cannot be while thou art in this walk.

7. Beſides, the maintaining of the combate is no loſſe in thy way; the walk is ſpeeded, thou art not ſo much as diverted, whiles thou art mortifying theſe p. 355earthly members; for this walk is not meaſured by paces, nor by tale of duties, but by powerful conqueſts made over thy fleſhly luſts: And every reſiſtance is a conqueſt.

8. Let them not put thee to a diſorder or an hurry; keep thy minde ſedate, and thy walk ſteddy; take heed of amazements; the Spirit delights in a calme breaſt; ſtand ſtill, and thou ſhalt ſee the ſalvation of the Lord, and in quietneſſe and confidence of faith is thy ſtrength.

SECT. 7.

In the ſixth place, The ſinnes of ſpiritual 6. The ſins of the ſpiritual ſhould not hinder their full dedition to the Spirit. Rom. 8. 2 Gal. 5. 18. Ro. 6. 14.Rom 8:2Gal 5:18Rom 6:14walkers ſhould not hinder their full giving up themſelves to the Law of the Spirit. No, rather ſhould they make us to do it the more; for 1. No other Law but the Law of the Spirit alone delivereth from the Law of ſinne and death. 2. They are not under the Law, and while they were under it, they could get no power againſt their ſinnes, but ſinne had dominion over them; therefore to go to the Law of works will not help them. 3. They have had experience of the power of the Goſpel, that Law of the Spirit: It hath p. 356broken down the dominion of ſinne in them, It hath broken off their hearts from the love of ſin; in the love of ſin lyes the dominion of ſin: and it will enable to mortifie the deeds of that body of death. It fills with the fruits againſt which there is no Law, and it ſets the ſoul at liberty. 4. They are no debtors to the fleſh, they owe it neither ſuit not ſervice: but they are debtors to the Spirit: they owe all they are and have towards ſalvation unto him. 5. They are ſervants to righteouſneſſe; the Covenant of their hearts when Ro. 8. 17.Rom 8:17they firſt knew the grace of God in Chriſt to ſinners, in truth, and they firſt ſaw the Son in the Goſpel, and believed on him, was to be bound ſervants to righteouſneſs, and diſavow the ſervice of ſinne. And the Covenant of grace ſets them free from ſin, that they might be the more ſervants of righteouſneſſe, which is abſolute and perfect liberty: and this it doth for thoſe that were ſervants of ſin, and free from righteouſneſſe, which is abſolute and perfect vaſſalage. Who would run from his liberty to his bondage? Who would be at full liberty, who is daily and hourly threatened and dogg'd by that which would bring him into bondage and ſlavery? A p. 357ſlave in the gallies would give himſelf up with all his heart to one able to give full deliverance; and the more he hath felt and taſted ſuch a powerful gracious hand, the more, ſo long as he is in any danger, would he give himſelf up fully into ſuch a hand.

Queſt. But do thoſe that retain their integrity, do as well as they can, and as they might according to the meaſure of grace received, and according to the means of grace which they do enjoy? becauſe ſome Miniſters urge this much, and do lay ſome ſtreſſe upon it, when they exhort Chriſtians to do what they can, and comfort them, if they do what they are able; and it is uſual with all in whom no work of grace diſcovereth it ſelf in the converſation, to plead and reſt much upon this that they do and will do as God ſhall give them grace, as if there were no fault in them, and as if rather the fault were in God who giveth them no greater a meaſure.

Anſw. This is a certain truth, There is no man that ever lived ſince the fall of our firſt Parents, that walketh up to the light he hath received of God, or to the means which God hath given him; or, hath done all that he might according to p. 358the gift and ability which he hath received; he is a ſinner againſt his light, he Ro. 2. & 3.Rom 2hath his own thoughts accuſing many times, he pollutes himſelf in his own gifts. Both Jews and Gentiles are guilty in this kinde; and as for the regenerate;

Firſt, They have a will graciouſly inclined ſo to walk; but this will is yoked with another backward, croſſe and thwart will, which although it be ſubdued, and be as it were under tribute, yet it is not quite deſtroyed, and ſometimes it is up in rebellion, and leads them Captive; they cannot do what they would.

Secondly, Their renewed will doth rule their walks, and that ſo farre as to the meaſure of grace received, and of the means enjoyed in a prevailing proportion. I ſay, prevailing, ſo farre as to a greater ſtrength than they themſelves had before they had that meaſure and enjoyed that means; but not to a proportion of strength that anſwers fully the meaſure received, and the means enjoyed. No Saint on earth which doth all that he ought to do. No Saint on earth that doth all that he might do; and therefore we muſt be humbled for our failings, ſtirre up the p. 359gifts that are in us, watch againſt ſpiritual ſlothfulneſſe and negligence, ſuffer the word of exhortation, take heed of quenching the Spirit, and of deſpiſing propheſying or faithful preaching, and live by faith in the Lord Chriſt for righteouſneſſe, and for ſtrength.

Hitherto of the explication of this comfortable truth.

SECT. 8.

The demonſtration of this doctrine The demonſtration of rhis truth; four ways.in the general is worthy conſideration, or the reaſons why comfort and aſſurance are not deſtroyed by the ſinnes found upon thoſe who walk not after the fleſh, but after the Spirit.

1. Becauſe of the Covenant of Grace under wh…ch they are. If they were under the Law, if they were to ſtand or fall by the Covenant of Works, their ſins would condemn them; but they are under the Goſpel, the Law of faith, and that proclaims a Jubilee unto them. Not that the Goſpel allows of any ſinne; it forbids all ſinne: Theſe things, ſaith John, I write Iſa. 61. 1, 2Isa 61:1Isa 61:2unto you that you ſinne not. It is as full and ſtrict in forbidding all ſinne, and as p. 360ſevere in condemning all ſinne, as the Law is or can be, and that to thoſe who have received the free-gift, even the juſtification of life, and the Spirit of Grace and of Adoption. It is the voice of the Goſpel, Abſtain from all appearance of evil, from all kinde of ſinne, and from all appearance of ſinne of what ſort ſoever it be. It deſtroyes the dominion of ſinne, which thing the Law cannot do, becauſe the Law neither knows of a Ranſome, nor giveth the Spirit to renew, ſanctifie, and priviledge, and form to Adoption; but the Goſpel ptoclaims a Jubilee, in that it brings in Chriſt a ſinne-offeri…g, a Ranſome, an Advocate with the Father, and a Propitiation; and in Chriſt it brings in God reconciling them to himſelf, not imputing treſpaſſes; God in Covenant, merciful to their tranſgreſſions, and remembring their ſinnes no more; and through Chriſt God pouring out the Spirit of grace and ſupplication, and ſending the Spirit of his Sonne into their hearts, God accepts them in Chriſt the beloved, and by his Spirit through the Goſpel he is perfecting that which concerns them, never forſaking the works of his own hands in the regeneration; he is accompliſhing all the p. 361good pleaſure of his goodneſſe towards them, and the work of faith with power in them.

2. Becauſe of the indiſſolubleneſſe of the chain of ſalvation, in which in their effectual calling they are actually taken half off; and in their juſtification they are actually acquitted from their ſinnes, and from damnation, and adjudged unto everlaſting life.

3. Becauſe it is not they that do commit ſinne; it is their fleſh that Ro. 7. 25. Gal. 5. 24.Rom 7:25Gal 5:24doth them, which they hale to the Croſſe, and have and do crucifie. And while the Spirit leads them, and hath the guidance of their converſation, what ever ſinne there is with them, it is but of an enemy troubling and yet kept under.

4. That which any man ſoweth, that Gal. 6. 7, 8Gal 6:7Gal 6:8ſhall he reap; now theſe believers ſow not to the fleſh, but to the Spirit; but becauſe they yet have many ſinnes, and many a bruſh by them, they ſow in tears; nevertheleſſe they go forth, they carry precious ſeed with them; ſowing Pſ. 126. 5, 6.Ps 126:5Ps 126:6they will be while they have time, be the ſeaſon a dirty winter ſeaſon; therefore they ſhall reap in joy, they ſhall p. 362doubtleſſe come again, and bring their ſheaves with them, they ſhall of the Spirit reap life everlaſting.

SECT. 9.

Come hither all you to whom the bleſſed Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt is come; The uſes 1. Of information in foure things.and inform your judgments in theſe following truths which ariſe from this comfortable doctrine.

1. Conſider what is wrought for and in a poor ſinful creature before he can attain to this, to walk after the Spirit. Firſt, the Word of Gods grace, the Goſpel of ſalvation is preached by the Apoſtles with the Holy Ghoſt ſent down from heaven, and by Paſtours and Teachers ſent of Chriſt, who in his exaltation to glory in heaven hath received and given theſe gifts for men; this Goſpel is brought even unto thee in its truth and purity in theſe latter difficult times, although falſe teachers have and do abound. It is the firſt ſtep of Gods approach in his way of ſaving mercy coming down from heaven to bring thee to glory. Then ſecondly, God by his p. 363Spirit through the Goſpel preached which is his teſtimony, illightens thee, and reveals the things of ſalvation, the myſteries of hidden wiſdome unto thy ſoul. Thirdly, he enables thee to chooſe Chriſt Jeſus and his Goſpel above all other Religions whatſoever, abominating them; and above thine own carnal thoughts, inventions, luſts and ways: and above thine own reaſon, and thine own righteouſneſſe, and the righteouſneſſe which is of the Law. Fourthly, the Spirit in and by the Goſpel coming into thee, ſets thee free from the reign and dominion of the fleſh, of its mindings, of its wiſdome, and of its wills, deſi…es, affections and luſts; and turns thee from its walks in which thou didſt before walk and live, and in which ſtill the world lives and walks. Fifthly, the Spirit quickens the and gives thee life; a new life, life from above, the life of grace which will be glory, a life which is eternal in the beginning of it; and being quickned and raiſed together with Chriſt, ſets thee on thy feet, takes thee by the hand, and teaches thee to go. Sixthly, the Spirit gives thee an heart to order thy converſation aright, acording p. 364to the holy Commandments as becometh the Goſpel, from the power of faith and hope which ſet thee on high, even to ſit together with Chriſt in the heavenly places from whence thou lookeſt for him, inſomuch that thy converſation is in heaven. Seventhly, he gives thee power to walk after him, going before thee in the Goſpel, engrafting the Word on thy heart, and thereby counſelling, teaching, exciting and inclining, or bowing thy will as powerfully as ſweetly, drawing and making thee to runne in Gods ways. Eighthly, and with this power he gives a quick diſcerning, and ſenſe of the fleſh, and of its motions, counſels and ways, with reſolutions mighty and prevailing to the framing of the courſe of the life, not to walk after the fleſh, but to hold on thy walk after the Spi…it, though the fleſh be ſtill contrarily luſting and working, plotting and warring.

Thus the regenerate and ſpiritual, though hampered and toyled with his corrupt nature, walks not after the fleſh, but after the Spirit.

p. 365Doth ſo much go to make thee a holy liver, and is not the work very great? oh have not any low thoughts of this high mercy, for which thou canſt never ſufficiently bleſſe the Lord, nor canſt retain the thankful ſenſe thereof further nor longer than thou keepeſt up the thoughts of thine own, and all mens alienations by nature from the life of God.

Believe it brethren, it is not a mean, deſpicable work to frame the converſation, or walk according to the Word of Chriſt. It is not little in it ſelf, although it ſeemeth to thee a ſmall and little thing, through vehement deſires, and longings in thee after greater progreſſe in the way called holy, in which thy ſoul finds ſuch pleaſures that thou art impatient of contrary workings, and of interruptions; let me tell thee who thus walkeſt, the work is ſo great, that it carries the heart to the leadings of the Spirit, and the heart is powerfully wrought upon and changed, which none can bow and turn but God that made it, or elſe it could not ſo powerfully order the converſation. This is more p. 366then to delight in Gods Word and ways, and yet that is a mighty work of grace; obſerve for this, Davids prayer, Make me to go in the path of thy Commandments, for therein do I delight. Pſ. 119. 35. Ro. 7. 22, 18.Ps 119:35Rom 7:22Rom 7:18To will is of Gods gracious work; To delight in Gods Commandments is the top, and that which ſhews and proves the truth of the work of grace upon the ſoul enabling to will; but to do, to performe, is more by farre. God and Chriſt by the Holy Spirit have the laſt Phil. 2. 13.Phil 2:13hand put to the work of ſalvation as farre as agreeth to his Saints in this life, when the Spirit rules thy walk.

2. Behold here the worth of ſuch a Chriſtian. He is Gods workmanſhip in Chriſt Jeſus, created again unto good works which God hath fore-ordained that he ſhould walk in. In this walk, ſee the man come out of Gods hands in the regeneration. This is a choice creature, made up to and by the will of the Spirit, and his walk ſpeaks it. Behold an Iſraelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. God hath ſet out two admirable ſights once in this ſinful wicked world, unto which p. 367all eyes ſhould be turned; the Lambe of God that taketh away the ſinne of the world; and the Iſrael of God, delivered from this evil world, redeemed from all iniquity, purified to be a peculiar people to himſelf, zealous of good works. This a choice creature, as for priviledges and dignity, ſo for heavenly qualifications.

3. Take here the maine reaſon, why many under the Goſpel attain not to a holy life, which is this, they take up with that light and with thoſe gifts, which will not ſubdue, mortifie and crucifie the fleſh; they profeſſe the Goſpel, but the Goſpel is not the principle they live by; and no other, no lower will deſtroy the reign of ſinne; the holy Law will not, therefore no other Religion, no Inſtitutions of Philoſophy, no light of the Law within man can ſubdue the fleſh; the Goſpel alone, if received into the heart, will do it, becauſe it gives the Spirit; now they by the Goſpel never received the Holy Ghoſt, the Spirit of renovation, of Sanctification, and of Adoption. p. 368Untill this be had, none can attain to an holy life.

4. Take hence alſo the main reaſons why the regenerate attain unto ſo little comfort; for firſt, they place not as they ſhould the ground-work of their comfort, in this, That they are in Chriſt, which this their walk doth evidence; but they ſeek it in their walking, which, accompanied with ſinnes and contrary luſtings, will beare no higher than to the power of an evidence, and to a begunne work which is true, but yet but in a part, and yet ſuch as is tending unto, and will attain perfection, but not in this life; but it is not a righteouſneſſe to ſtand in, without ſpot before the Throne of God, it is not a Righteouſneſſe to juſtifie a ſinner in Gods ſight, it is not a Righteouſneſſe that God ever appointed for ſuch a work or purpoſe. And ſecondly, they think to ſqueeze out the comfort of their being in Chriſt, and of the promiſes to thoſe that are in Chriſt by reaſoning, objecting, and ſeeking reſolution of their objections, and by the examination p. 369of themſelves by all the light they can get, which things are good in themſelves, and duties as we may have opportunities, but not the main thing; for they ſhould ſeek their comfort and ſettlement chiefly by walking on holily; great eſtabliſhment is in well-doing. Comfort ſhould not be expected preſently, it muſt have a time to ſpring and ripen upon a Tree of righteouſneſſe which the Lord hath planted, and which brings forth the fruits of righteouſneſſe, and than the bleſſing of comfort. By diligent adding of one 2 Pet. 1. 5, 8, 10.2 Pet 1:52 Pet 1:82 Pet 1:10grace to another in our practice, we become fruitful in the knowledge of Chriſt, and ſo we make our calling Iſa. 32. 17.Isa 32:17and election ſure. A barren life, be the knowledge never ſo great, and the profeſſion never ſo high, ſtrict and ſplendid, will be but unſetled and uncomfortable. The fruit of righteouſneſſe is peace, and the effect of it is quietneſſe and aſſurance for ever.

p. 370SECT. 10.

Be not therefore reaſoning ſo much, but be walking up and be doing, and 2. Of exhortation and encouragement.the Lord ſhall be with you. Thou haſt great encouragement in thy leader, and in thy way; the leader is the Spirit, the Spirit of Adoption, the Spirit in the New Teſtament diſpenſation, the higheſt that ever ſhall be till our Lord Chriſt appears in his glory and great power at the laſt day. Thy way, it is the way of all Saints and believers from the beginning of the world; this was the character of the godly in all ages, as Henoch, Noah, before the flood, Abraham, David, Hezekiah, Zachary and Elizabeth, the holy Apoſtles, and all other the Saints of God, to walk with God. It is the way of the upright not to look what ſtrength and meaſure of grace they have, and what they have done, or to think they are already perfect, but waiting on him who is their ſtrength to go on and reach forth to that which is before, eying the price of their high calling in Chriſt Jeſus. It is the ſureſt way to comfort, p. 371not to look chiefly to our affections, feelings and joyes, but to our walks; and this is moſt diſtinguiſhing; this brings moſt glory to God, and edification to others. Others by the ſtory of our affections, joyes, experiences, may be made fancyfull, and put into a fools Paradiſe, and be raiſed to admiration of our perſons, which ends uſually in imitating our evils, or in doating upon ſome phraſe of words, or notions and high ſtrains of opinion, or in ſelf-admiration, as having themſelves out-ſtripped us, and all others, and they are diſdained now as low and carnal in compariſon of themſelves, as much as before they were exalted and magnified by them as the onelyonly ſpiritual. It is moſt comfortable and excellent when our lives confute our reaſonings, anſwer our objections, ſhew our faith, confirme our intereſt in Chriſt; as it is moſt comfortleſſe and abominable when our joyes, perſwaſions, confidences, hopes, and our faith alſo are confuted by our lives.

Walk then after the Spirit, and receive Of exhortation and direction.the inſtruction and direction which p. 372lieth in the bowels of this Exhortation.

Firſt, The Word of God which is the Spirits teſtimony and witneſſe, that's the rule and way for thy walk; but remember, that the power to walk is from Chriſt, flowing by his Spirit into thee through the Word; walk on then, but fetch power daily from Chriſt, giving out his Spirit by the Word.

Secondly, be putting in ſtill into thy aright ordered Converſation that which is lacking; enlarge thy heart to all the Articles of faith, that their mold and ſtamp may be upon thy life; to all the Commandments that the righteteouſneſſe of them may be reſpected and expreſſed; and to all Chriſts Ordinances that the fruit and ſpecial ends of them for which they were inſtituted for the benefit of Gods Elect may be attained, and be made more and more manifeſt, that they are attained.

Thirdly, Be not hearkning what thine own heart ſaith, but what the Lord ſaith by his Spirit in the Word, who p. 373ſpeaketh heace to his Saints, and while he ſpeaketh peace and no condemnation, Pſ. 85. 8.Ps 85:8ſpeaks as effectually that they turn not again to folly, but keep on their ſpiritual walk.

Fourthly, Be not wicked over-much; when thou carrieſt a ſtrict hand over thy ſinful deceitful heart, lookeſt over thy wayes with as prying an eye as can malice it ſelf, or thy vigilant enemy the Divel himſelf, ſo farre as truth will bear; judgeſt thy ſelf ſeverely, and liveſt as one condemned in the fleſh; ſee Eccl. 7. 17Eccl 7:17what Chriſt hath done for thee; what the Spirit hath wrought in thee; be not ſo fooliſh as to deny his grace in thee, which thy walk ſpeaks and teſtifies for thee to thy conſcience, and before God and men; why ſhouldeſt thou ſo wickedly torment thy ſelf, and dye before thy time? As it is evil to be righteous over-much by arrogating to thy ſelfe more than is right: ſo is it a dangerous evil to be wicked overmuch in denying or undervaluing what God hath graciouſly wrought in thee. Condemne the fleſh, but own and juſtifie the Spirit.

p. 374Fifthly, Walk on, remembring the work is begun which God will perfect; the greateſt work is done already, even the quickning thee from the dead; (it is a farre greater work to give life from the dead, than to cauſe to walk, and to uphold him that walketh:) thou haſt been enabled to do, and haſt done the greateſt work already; thou haſt crucified the fleſh with the luſts and affections thereof; ſo ſaith our Apoſtle, Ther that are Chriſts, have crucified the fleſh with the affections and luſts.Gal. 5. 24.Gal 5:24

Sixthly, When thou ſeeſt abroad the Hereſies, Diviſions, Apoſtaſies, Back-ſlidings, Superſtitions, Formality, Conceited Pride of Spirit, Luke-warmneſſe, Senſuality, Security, Incorrigibleneſſe, Impenitency, Atheiſme, Earthly-mindedneſſe, Profaneſſe, and wickedneſſes of all ſorts in many, in too many: remember thou haſt fleſh the ſeed of all this within thee, and get away from thy ſelf, loath thy ſelf, and ſo walk on.

Seventhly, be not turned off by the fleſh's luſtings; walk, though the fleſh fret and grinde; walk, though hell be p. 375moved; walk, though thy way be ſtraitned; walk, for thy eſtate is ſafe, thy way good, and on high; walk, though envy ſpite thee, and the fleſh way-lay thee; for God will keep thy foot from being taken.

Eighthly, be not quarrelling with God, but walking humbly; ſay not, Why doth not God give me a full and perfect deliverance ſo ſoon as he converts me? couldſt thou have thought thou hadſt had ſuch a ſinful nature as now thou findeſt and feeleſt? or couldſt thou ever have thought of the mighty and glorious power of the Spirit in the leaſt ſpark of renewing grace, which both lives and orders the whole man, heart and life, in the midſt of ſuch floods and ſeas of inbred ungodlineſſe and luſts? ſay not, Why doth he give deſires not to ſinne, and yet anſwers not, ſatisfies not thoſe deſires? they ſhall not periſh, they ſhall be ſatisfied and filled, whereas the deſires of the wicked ſhall periſh: beſides, than theſe deſires there cannot be leſſe, if the heart be right; than they, there cannot be more, as to the matter of deſires: ſay not, How can I be comforted, when yet ſin p. 376remains? rather, here couldſt thou be comforted in Chriſt if ſinne were not? how could all thy good be wholly of grace? How altogether by faith? ſay not, how can I be right who ſinne continually? may it not be ſaid, How can he be but right who doth not, and reſolves never to walk after the fleſh, and lives judging himſelf continually? ſay not, Wherein hath God loved me? he gives thee himſelf, he gives thee his Son, and it is undeniable; for ſee, he hath given thee his Spirit, and thy walk teſtifyeth it. Oh walk on, and let it ſo witneſſe for thee more and more; ſilence thy reaſonings, prevent not the order which God hath ſet; here we walk by faith, not by ſig…t; that's for the life to come.

Ninthly, be not deſponding, and ſaying, I ſhall periſh one time or other; the Spirit in thee is the anointing: thou art King Elect, and ſhalt thou periſh, who haſt upon thee the holy oyle? thine enemy the fleſh yokes thee, but the yokes ſhall be broken, becauſe of the anointing.Iſa. 10. 27.Isa 10:27

Tenthly, methinks I hear thee yet ſay, I am weary of my life becauſe of theſe p. 377daughters of Heth, theſe iſſues of the fleſh; it were better for me to die, than to live in this ſinful world; what good will my life do me, if that which my ſoul hateth, muſt ſtill dwell with me? hate thy ſinnes yet more, but when thou hateſt them never ſo much, art thou a greater hater of the fleſh than God and Chriſt, and the Holy Ghoſt? And canſt thou not abide where the Holy Ghoſt is willing to reſide and dwell? whom makeſt thou thy ſelf! conſider who is thy next neighbour; keep in the Communion of the Holy Ghoſt, and ſolace thy ſelf in thy Comforter who dwells in thee, that thou mayeſt never walk in fellowſhip with the fleſh.

Eleventhly, why goeſt thou not the right way to work, even to give up thy ſelf unto the command of the Spirit, who treats with thee by the Word, and dwelleth in thee whiles the Word of Chriſt abideth in thee?

Twelfthly, pay the fleſh home for its naughtineſſe and all its pranks, but glorifie the Spirit.

p. 378Laſtly, believe in the Holy Ghoſt, and walk in his comforts, who will prompt thee and ſay, This is the way, walk in it, Iſa. 30. 20, 21.Isa 30:20Isa 30:21when thou art turning aſide to the right hand, or to the left.

My farewell to the brotherhood, and to all walkers after the Spirit is this:

Now I commend you to God, and to the Word of his grace, the holy Scripture, which the Holy Ghoſt breathed, and which alone he accompanieth for the making ſinners wiſe to ſalvation by faith which is in Jeſus Chriſt; that you all may be under the teachings, guidance and leading of that one Spirit, may in his light behold the glory of theſe three witneſſes in heaven, which three are one Jehovah; and may in all Religious worſhip and ſervice, and in all your wayes acknowledge, draw near and have acceſſe unto God the Father, through Jeſus Chriſt his onelyonly begotten Sonne our Lord, by the Spirit; ſo be it, even ſo be it.

FINIS.