The Only Refuge of a Troubled Soul, Sermon 2

The Only Refuge of a Troubled Soul · Sermon 2

p. 59Sermon II.

Cant. 2.3.

And his Fruit was ſweet to my Taſte.

A Third thing in the Appletree, which (Allegorically) ſets forth the Excellency of Chriſt, is its Fruitfulneſs; from which I obſerve the following Doctrin, (viz) That as the Shadow of Chriſt's Protection ſecures the real Believer from all kind of Storms wherewith he meets: So the Fruit of Chriſt is Sweet, and moſt delightful to his Taſte, while he is in a Militant Condition this ſide Glory.

By the Fruit of Chriſt (in the Text) is to be underſtood, the unſpeakable and Soul-ſaving Benefit which flows (to all true Believers) from his Mediatorial undertaking, and are all briefly couched up in that one paſſage of the Apoſtle Who of God is made unto us, Wiſdom, Righteouſneſs, Sanctification, and Redemption, … Cor. 1.30.

Under this General, four things are p. 60comprehended; of each of which, notice ſhall be taken, and due Improvement made for the Comfort and Encouragement of Poor Tempted Believers.

Firſt, By the Fruits of Chriſt are intended the Perſonal Graces of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, theſe are all ſweet, and delightful to a real Believer; and they are ſaid to be ſo on a threefold Account.

First, On the Account of the Purchaſe which the due and full Improvement of thoſe Graces (in him) hath made for God's Elect. Hence thoſe Expreſſions of the Apoſtle, Acts 20.28. To feed the Church of God, which he hath purchaſed with his own Blood. Epheſ. 1.14. Which is the earnest of our Inheritance, until the Redemption of the purchaſed Poſſeſſion to the Praiſe of his Glory.

That Stock of Grace put into the firſt Adams Hand, to be improved for himſelf and us (his Poſterity) was loſt, and (thereby) both he and we (in him) are become meer Bankrupts, uncapable of ever paying to Juſtice a Ranſom for our own Redemption. But the Stock of Grace wherewith the ſecond Adam was Intruſted (for God's Elect) it was improv'd to the uttermoſt, for the everlaſting Advantage of God's choſen. Here by Chriſt hath purchaſed (for the p. 61(Elect Juſtification, Sanctification, and all other Good, ſpiritual and temporal.

Secondly, The perſonal Graces of Chriſt are ſweet and delightful to the real Believer, on the Account of their being both the Original, from which the Graces of the Believers receive their firſt Riſe, and their After Nouriſhment, Chriſt's Fulneſs is the Fountain, the Graces in Believers are the Streams (or Springs) which flow therefrom.

Hence we have that Expreſſion of the true Church of real Believers, Pſal. 87. laſt verſe, All my ſprings are in thee. From this, Chriſt aſſures all Believers, of the Infallible Certainty of their Eternal Salvation. Jo. 14.19. Becauſe I live, ye ſhall live alſo. Jo. 15.4. Abide in me, and I in you; as the Branches cannot bear Fruit, except they abide in the Vine: no more can you, except ye abide in me.

Thirdly. The Imputation of the Perfection of Chriſt's Graces to the Believer; is that, which renders both the Believers weak Graces, and all his Imperfect Performances acceptable, and pleaſing to God.

They who queſtion or oppoſe this, will find it a hard task to ſhew in what other Senſe the Scriptures following are p. 62to be taken. Epheſ. 1.6. To the praiſe of the glory of his Grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Rev. 8.3. And another Angel came and ſtood at the Altar, having a golden Cenſer; and there was given unto him much Incenſe, that he ſhould offer it with the Prayers of all Saints upon the golden Altar, which is before the Throne.

The higheſt and moſt refined Acts of Sanctification in Believers (even thoſe Acts which come neareſt to that ſinleſs Perfection, which is every Believers Duty to ſtrive after) they are imperfect; and therefore ſtand in need of the ſpotleſs Sanctification of the Mediator to recommend them to God. Pertinent to the purpoſe in hand, is that of Auguſtin, Domine lavas lachrymas meas, O Lord waſh thou my Tears of Repentance. Ʋnto him that loved us, and waſhed us from our ſins in his own Blood. Rev. 1.5. And have waſhed their Robes, and have made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7.14.

Secondly, By the Fruit of Chriſt we are to underſtand his Word; this is the meaning of the Spouſe, in Cant. 5. laſt verſe, His mouth is most ſweet; yea, he is altogether lovely.

p. 63Here the Words of Chriſt are (Synechdochically) intended, by which the Love and Grace of God (to ſinners Elect, and choſen in Chriſt) is revealed in the Goſpel, and made (ſenſibly) manifeſt in the Conſcience of true Believers, by the Holy Ghoſt, with this accords that of the Pſalmiſt, How ſweet are thy words unto my taſte? yea, ſweeter than hony to my mouth, Pſal.

Three things there be which beſpeaks the Words of Chriſt ſweet and delightful to a real Believer.

Firſt, The Suitableneſs of them to a Believers neceſſitous Condition.

What is it which beſpeaks the Goſpel of Chriſt to be ſo ſweet and preferrable before the Law, but the Suitableneſs thereof to poor diſtreſſed ſinking Souls? the Doctrin thereof being a Syſtem of ſweet and precious Promiſes, ſuited to every Condition Believers can be in in this Life. According to 2 Cor. 1.20. For all the Promiſes of God (in him) are yea, and (in him) Amen, to the Glory of God by us. And 2 Pet. 1.4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious Promiſes that by theſe ye may be made partakers of the Divine Nature. The Suitableneſs then of the Words of Chriſt's Mouth, is one thing which beſpeaks p. 64them ſweet and delightful to a real Believer; what is (or can be) more ſuitable to a Creature (who is dying of the Wounds given him by ſin) than the glad Tidings and Diſcovery of a Saviour; who is both Able and Willing to ſave and reconcile him to God: The Spirit of the Lord (ſaith Chriſt) is upon me, becauſe he hath anointed me to preach the Goſpel to the poor, he hath ſent me to heal the broken hearted; to preach Deliverance to the Captives; and recovering of Sight to the blind, to ſet at Liberty them that are bruiſed, Luke 4.18.

What makes bodily Medicaments (or Plaſters) ſo valu'd, and deſirable, but their Suitableneſs to the Diſtemper, or Ailment of the Body?

A Promiſe of the Everlaſting Covenant of God's Grace, ſuited to the afflicted, tempted and deſpairing Condition of a poor Sinner: It is like Phyſick, or a Plaſter ſuited to the Body. When the poor ſinner inwardly feels (through the powerful Influence of the Holy Ghoſt) the healing Virtue of the Promiſe; Oh! how ſweet and comfortable is ſuch a Promiſe to that Soul? I will never forget thy Precepts (ſaith Holy David) for with them thou haſt p. 65quickned me, Pſal. 119.93. Every experienced Believer can (more or leſs) tell how ſurpaſſing all other words the Words of Chriſt are; and that on the account of their Suitableneſs to the neceſſitous and ſtreightened Condition they have been in. Hence the Commendations given (by real experienc'd Believers) to the Word of Chriſt, above all other Writings and Sayings whatever. I was (ſaith one experienc'd Believer to another) in ſuch and ſuch a Streight, and the Spirit of Grace brought ſuch and ſuch a word (of Promiſe) to my Mind and Thoughts, and thereby reliev'd and comforted my drooping, penſive Spirit. And (ſaith another) I was ſo and ſo tempted in ſuch a place, at ſuch a time, even to a bordering on the very Verge (or Precipice) of Deſparation and Ruin: And when I concluded my ſelf paſt all Hope of eſcaping, the Bleſſed Spirit brought to my Remembrance ſuch and ſuch a Promiſe, which was (every way) ſuited to the tempted Condition I was in; and thereby my Spirit was ſtayed and holpen. Oh! how bleſſed a Priviledge are thoſe Souls bleſſed with, who can ſpeak theſe things experimentally?

p. 66Secondly, The Words of Chriſt are ſweet to a real Believer, on the account of the Seaſonableneſs of them.

This was one of the needful Qualifications, which was to be in Chriſt, to make him a compleat high Prieſt, (viz.) to know how to time Deliverance and Comfort to poor fainting deſponding Souls. Eſa. 50.4. The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I ſhould know how to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to him that is weary, &c.

The Spirit of God (by Solomon) tells us, that a word fitly ſpoken, is like Apples of gold, in Pictures of ſilver, Prov. 25.11. Here we are to underſtand, that a word in due time and place, and pertinent to the purpoſe. As (beyond all diſpute) it is Amiable and Raviſhing to the Eye, to behold ſo orient and dazling a ſight as Apples of Gold (drawn to the Life) in Pictures of Silver: So, (undoubtedly) a word of Counſel and Comfort brought Home to the Conſcience of a doubting wounded Sinner, raviſheth and gladdeth the broken Heart, As cold water to a thirsty Soul, ſo is good news from a far Country, Prov. 25 25. When the word ſuited to a poor tempted Souls Diſtreſs, p. 67is brought home in the nick of time (as we ſay) Oh! how ſweet is it then?

Thirdly, A third thing which beſpeaks the Word of Chriſt ſweet to a real Believer, is the Holy Ghoſt his Efficiency and quickening Power accompanying the ſame, what we ſay of corporal Bread, Rayment, Phyſick, Drink, &c. what can they avail to comfort and nouriſh the Body, without the Spirit of God bleſs and ſanctifie their uſe, to the end for which they are appointed?

The ſame may be truly ſaid of the Word and Sacraments, &c. what can they avail for the Souls good, if the Efficiency and quickning Influence of the Spirit of God go not along with their uſe?

It is for want of this quickening Virtue (of the Spirit of God) that ſo many Sermons are Preached, and ſo few ſinners really Converted. It is for want of this quickning Efficacy of the Spirit, that ſo many Ordinances of Religion are attended and enjoy'd by thouſands of Profeſſors, without any ſenſible or viſible Growth in Grace.

The Word of God is like a well made Knife or Razor, tho' never ſo keen and ſharp, yet without a living Agent they p. 68can neither Cut nor Shave. So the Word of God, neither the Law can awaken, convince or wound the Conſcience for ſin: Nor yet the Goſpel Heal or Comfort a Soul in Diſtreſs, without the Energy and quickening Efficacy of the Spirit of God.

There are two ſorts of People, who (hereby) appear to be in a woful Condition? First, ſuch as frequently hear and read the Word, Receive Sacraments, and go the Round in all external Acts of Religious Duties, and yet without any motion of ſpiritual Life, from the Spirit of God in their Souls. Theſe are like blind Horſes in a Mill, going round all day long, alway treading in the ſame Tract, not ſeeing or conſidering where they are, or what they are doing. Theſe keep to the Form (in a Cuſtomary way) but heed not the inward Power, which is that which renders all Acts of Religious Worſhip both pleaſing and acceptable to God; and which proves the Soul to be (in Reality) a living Member of Chriſt's Myſtical Body. Eſa. 29.13. 2 Tim. 3.5. Rev. 3.17.

Secondly, There be others who (in pretence of internal Motion, and Power in the Soul from the Spirit, who (to avoid p. 69the Damning Formality of the others (now mention'd) will not only neglect, but even ſlight the Word and Ordinances, reflecting on the Word as a dead Letter; and the Holy Inſtitutions of Chriſt (in his Churches) as carnal, poor, empty and beggarly Elements. Some (of theſe) are Seekers (in plain Engliſh Quakers) who are always learning, But never come to the knowledge of the Truth, 2 Tim. 3.6.7. Others are ſuper-ordinanced, who have gotten above all ordinary Means. Theſe (in their own Conceits at leaſt) are ſo near Perfection, that they need not the uſe of outward. Ordinances. Theſe are gotten (in outward Shew and Profeſſion) above Ordinances, but never yet were they acquainted with true Piety.

Both theſe ſorts are under the powerful working of an Infernal Spirit of Deluſion, which feeds their Souls with Chymerical Whimſies, and Enthuſiaſtical Dreams, inſtead of the Doctrin which is according to Godlineſs.

Theſe wretched Extreams are to be (carefully) ſhunn'd and avoided, as the as the Paths which lead to Hell and Eternal Ruin. The ſure way hereto, is to keep within ſight and hearing of the Shepherds Tents. Cant. 1.8. Be…are p. 70of falſe Teachers, and avoid the Doctrin which hath not God's Word for its Foundation. Eſa 8.20.

In hearing and reading, and all other Ordinances of Religious Worſhip; ſee that the outward Form, and the inward Power be not ſeparated. Thoſe things which God hath joyned together, must not be put aſunder. Eſa. 59.21. Mat. 19.6.

That great Man Augustin us'd to call the Word of God, Creating Words, Verba Div…na (ſaith he) ſunt verba creativa; And that on the account of the quickening Energy and Power that goes along with them. This is a Truth, which hath been acknowledged …s well by Enemies, as by Friends to the Truth. Jo. 7.46. The Officers anſwered, never Man ſpake like this Man. Luke 24.32. And they ſaid one to another, did not our Hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?

He that brags of the Word of God, and is a Stranger to the Power thereof (in his own Soul) he is an hypocritical Formaliſt. He who boaſts of the Power of the Spirit within, and holds not the Form of ſound Words, indited by the Inſpiration of the Holy Ghoſt, p. 71to be a Rule of Faith and Holy Life; he is a deluded Enthuſiaſt: From both theſe Extreams, the Care and Faithfulneſs of the Great Shepherd, will keep all who are given him by the Father.

Thirdly, The Works of Chriſt are all ſweet to the true Believer.

By Works (here) I intend the Works of his Mediatorial Undertaking

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord, neither are there any works like unto thy Works, Pſal. 86.8. Beſides the Works of Creation and Providence, which are common to the whole Trinity; there are Works which are Peculiar to Chriſt as Mediator, I will reduce them to ſix Heads.

First, His Work of Incarnation, or his Aſſuming the Human Nature, into Unity with his Sacred Godhead. This is the Myſtery of all other Myſteries; and of this, the Temple and Tabernacle (of old) were ſhadowy Types. To this Myſtery, that in Prov 8.31. had reference, even before Chriſt came in the Fleſh; yea, before the Birth of Time it ſelf (if I may ſo ſpeak) rejoycing in the habitable Parts of his Earth, &c. The (then) intended Union between the Godhead and our p. 72Fleſh, is (in that Scripture) pointed at, and this is chiefly intended by John, Jo. 1.14. And the Word was made fleſh, and dwelt amongſt us, &c. And by Paul in 1 Tim. 3. last. And without controverſie great is the Myſtery of Godlineſs, God was manifeſted in the fleſh, &c.

There are three things (eſpecially) which beſpeak the Incarnation of Chriſt to be ſweet and delightful to the true Believer.

First, The gracious Condeſcenſion of Chriſt to lodge in the Believers Nature. Thus to do, was a Favour and Priviledge deny'd the Angelick Nature which fell by Apoſtacy; it being deſign'd and intended (only) for the Seed of Abraham, Heb. 2.16. For verily he took not upon him the Nature of Angels, but he took the Seed of Abraham.

This is one Principal Reaſon why the Devils are ſo (Implacably) ſet againſt the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and all who bear his Image. Becauſe Chriſt became a Mediator between God and Abraham's Seed, but not between God and themſelves. Mark 1.24. Let us alone, (cry'd thoſe Apoſtate Spirits in the Poſſeſſed) What have we to do with thee? &c.

p. 73Theſe Devils knew they had no Intereſt (or Propriety) in Chriſt, as a Saviour. He took not their Nature on him, he was never deſign'd (by God who ſent him into the World) as a Saviour for any but Abraham's Seed, and this inrages them; ſo will all the wicked Reprobates (of the World) ſwell with Spight and Madneſs againſt the Son of God, and all the Elect whom he came to Redeem: They are (herein) acted by the Spirit of their Father. John 8 44. Ye are of your Father the Devil, and the Lusts of your Father ye will do, &c.

Secondly, That Firm and laſting Union which (by Chriſts Incarnation) is effected between the ever Bleſſed God and true Believers.

As by Adam's Apoſtacy, both himſelf and all his Poſterity (in him) were Ejected (or caſt) out of God's Favour and Communion, which was (evidently ſeen in Adam's Ejection (or his being caſt) out of the Earthly Paradice, the Type of Heaven. Gen 3. laſt. So by Chriſt's uniting the aſſumed Nature of Abraham's Seed to God; an unſhaken and an immovable Foundation is laid for an Everlaſting Union between the Elect (Abraham's Seed) and God.

p. 74As the Union between Chriſt's Godhead and his Humanity is (for ever) Inſeparable; ſo the Union and Bond of Friendſhip between God and Believers, ſhall never be Null'd (or made void) let Devil, World, corrupt Nature, Death and Hell do what they can.

The Names of the two Pillars in Solomon's Temple intimated, and (Typically) ſhadowed forth (to the Faith of the Believers under the Old Teſtament Diſpenſation) that the ſpiritual Temple, which is the Church of God's Elect, being built and reſting upon the Pillar of God's Omnipotency; it ſhall never be prevail'd againſt by the powers of Darkneſs. 1 Kings 7.21. To theſe two Pillars (Jachin and Booz) the Spirit of God (in John) alludes Rev. 3.12. Him that overcometh I will make a Pillar in the Temple of my God, &c.

Thirdly, The Fruit and Effect of that Union (viz.) ſweet Communion, and Everlaſting fellowing Fellowſhip with Father, Son and Holy Ghoſt. As is the Union, ſuch will be the Communion. 1 Jo. 1.3. That which we have ſeen and heard; declare we unto you, that ye alſo might have Fellowſhip with us; and truly our Fellowſhip is with the Father, and p. 75with his Son Jeſus Christ. Ver. 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have Fellowſhip one with another, &c.

Secondly, The Work of his Humiliation and ſelf Abaſement.

Chriſt's Incarnation, and his humbling himſelf (in the aſſumed Nature) are two diſtinct things. The Incarnation (in order of Nature) muſt precede (or go before) his Humiliation; the former was in order to the latter. To make make it obvious and plain, Conſider the two Natures of Chriſt; which conſtitutes him fit for the great Work of Mediation between God and and ſinfull Men.

First, His Godhead. As Chriſt is God, he is no way capable of being humbled.

Secondly, His Humanity (the Nature in which he was humbled) Reaſon teaches that before he could humble himſelf (in the aſſumed Nature) that Nature muſt firſt be (Actually) in Being.

As touching God's aſſuming the Human Nature, it cannot (properly) be call'd or thought an Act of Humiliation. And that becauſe (as is already hinted) the Godhead is not capable p. 76of being humbled. To which I add, that the Godheads aſſuming the Human Nature, is no way a humbling, but rather an Advancement (and that the higheſt and greateſt that ever was (or ever will be) granted and vouchſafed to any created Being) to the Human Nature. This Act of God, in uniting (to himſelf) the Human Nature, was a high Act of matchleſs and unparallell'd Condeſcention to Abraham's Seed, his Elect, and choſen in Chriſt.

It will (then) be demanded wherein Chriſts Humiliation conſiſted?

To which I anſwer in two Particulars.

First, In his laying aſide and not pleading the Perfection of his ſinleſs Nature, and the perfect Conformity of his Life, to the Law of God. If the Lord Jeſus had not ſtood as a Surety (for the Elect) the Curſe of the Law could no way Reach or take hold of him; and the Reaſon is, becauſe he was never guilty of tranſgreſſing the Law.

Chriſt was Made (not Born) under the Law. So ſaith the Spirit of Truth. Gal. 4.4. It is one thing to be Born under p. 77the Law, and it is another thing to be Made under the Law.

To be Born under the Law, preſuppoſes that Party Partaker of a ſinful, polluted Nature, which lays him open to the Sentence and Curſe of the Law.

To be Made under the Law, preſuppoſes Chriſt's voluntary Act of ſubjecting himſelf to the Law of God: Not only to the preceptive commanding Part of it, that he might keep the Law for the Elect of God, for whom he became a Surety: But to the minatory and curſing part of it too, to the end, he might be made a Curſe for them; and that by bearing (in his own Body and Soul) the Laws-curſe which was due to Gods Elect, for their breach of the Law. Phil. 2.7. But made himſelf of no Reputation, and took upon him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeneſs of Men. And being found in Faſhion (as a Man) he humbled himſelf, and became obedient unto Death, yea even the Death of the Croſs. foreign. Sed ex…anivit ſemet ipſum, he emptied himſelf. The word properly ſignifies he …ob'd (or he utterly emptied) himſelf, he debaſed or made himſelf vile. p. 78And this he did himſelf, it was neither his Fathers, nor any of his Enemies Act. This is to be taken in no other ſenſe, than (as was ſaid already) his laying aſide, and not pleading his own ſpotleſs Innocency; whereon, if he had ſtood, no Accuſation (brought in againſt him) would have held water, to caſt him at the Law Bar.

Secondly, His voluntary ſubjecting himſelf to a Liableneſs, to ſtand charg'd with all the ſins of God's Elect (as truly, as if they had been (Perſonally) committed by himſelf) together with the Shame and Curſe due for them.

Chriſt ſtanding bound (for the Elect) could object nothing againſt Gods juſt Proceedings againſt him, ſeeing i… was his own voluntary Act to become their Surety; neither God, Angels o… Men could force him to it. On this Account it was that he ſtood ſpeechleſs at the Laws B…r. Eſa. 53.6. A… we like ſheep have gone aſtray, w… have turned every one to his own wa… and the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquity of us all. Ver. 7 He was oppreſſed, and he was afflicted, yet … opened not his Mouth; he is brought p. 79as a Lamb to the ſlaughter, and as a Sheep before her Sheater is dumb, ſo he opened not his Mouth. What was the reaſon of this profund Silence, when not only his Reputation, but his Liberty and his dear Life too lay at ſtake? No other Reaſon can be given by Men, or Angels for it but this, (viz.) His voluntary Act in ſtriking hands with his Father, as a Sponſor or Surety in the behalf of the Elect, in whoſe room (as their Repreſentative) he promiſed to ſee all their Debts) (fully) diſcharged. And that by a moſt exact keeping the Law for them, and by bearing (to the uttermoſt) the Shame, Curſe and Death; to which, the Law ſentenced the Elect for ſin. The Bleſſed Redeemer having thus laid himſelf under a legal Tie (or Obligation) to God (his Father) when Juſtice call'd him to hold up the Hand at the B…r, in order to his coming to a full and legal Trial: He had not one word to object againſt the ſeverity of the Laws proceeding againſt him; though he had not the leaſt ſpot of ſin (of his own) to be charged with, yet having undertaken (as a Surety) for the Elect, their ſins (tho' never ſo many horrid and vile) he p. 80muſt take them as his own: And … he did, witneſs his own Acknowledgment at the Laws Bar. Pſal. 4….12. For innumerable Evils have compaſſed me about, mine Iniquities have taken hold on me; ſo that I am not ab… to look up, &c. The numberleſs Numbers of the Elects Iniquities were by God imputed and charg'd to his Account, and he (the Immaculate ſpotleſs Lamb of God) takes them as hi… own, according to Eſa. 53.8. and 1 Pe… 2.24. who his own ſelf bare our ſins in his own body, on the Tree, &c. They who deny a change of Perſons between Chriſt and God's Elect, do bu… bewray their own Unskilfulneſs in thi… greateſt of Myſteries; And (in pretence of oppoſing Antinomianiſm) ſufficiently demonſtrate themſelves to b… the worſt, and moſt pernicious Antinomians (now) in London.

For, moſt certain it is, (and Go… will make ſuch Men know it ſoone… or later,) that in the ſame ſenſe where in Chriſt was made a ſinner (at th… Bar of Gods Law) the Elect of Go… ſtand juſtified at the Throne of Grace As the Lord Jeſus Chriſt could be n… other way made (or prov'd) a ſinner but by Gods imputing to him the Iniquities p. 81of the Elect, to which he himſelf agreed and conſented; ſo, Elect ſinners can no other way be Partakers of a ſpotleſs juſtifying Righteouſneſs, but by Gods imputing that of his Sons to them. As all the Guilt and Defilements which (by ſin) came on Gods Elect, were imputed to, and charg'd on the Son of God; ſo, all that Mediatorial Righteouſneſs (both Active and Paſſive) which Chriſt perform'd and fulfill'd, to anſwer the Laws demand, was, and is imputed to, and charg'd on the Elect in effectual calling, for their free, and full Juſtification from all charge of ſin; and he (or they) that have the face to deny this, do ſufficiently prevent any others ſtudying Arguments to prove them Heterodox, and unſound in this Foundation Doctrin of Juſtification, wherein they who are made Partakers of the Anointing of the Spirit of Chriſt, cannot but ſee and ſtand convinced, that the whole current of Sacred Scriptures, and of Orthodox Proteſtant Divines (both Non and Conformiſts) are (full …tive) againſt them.

Thirdly, The Death of Chriſt is ſweet, …nd delightful to the true Believer.

p. 82Three things there be, which beſpeaks it ſo to be.

First, In that Chriſts dying the curſed Death (to which the Elect were liable) was the conſummating Act o… the Execution of God's Law upon him and (in him) upon all the Elect o… God. It was Luthers Obſervation and Saying, upon the Son of Gods being put to Death, that the two greateſ… Potentates on Earth were (on th… Croſs) ſtriving for Victory, (viz) The Law of God, and the ſinleſs So… of God.

The Law falls on Chriſt (as the greateſt of Tranſgreſſors) as he ſtood charg'd with all the moſt horrid Abominations, that the Eye of Gods Om… niſciency foreſaw the Elect ſhould eve… fall into.

The Laws knows (or ſhews) n… Mercy, though Chriſt be the Son o… God, and the Law-maker too; yet Satisfaction muſt be given, which give occaſion (here) to mind the Reade… of the Old Maxim, Law-makers mu… be no Law-breakers. I am certain that Maxim was never (yet) mor… truly verified and made good in n… caſe, than it was in this of Chriſ… bearing and undergoing the Penalty … p. 83his own Righteous and Juſt Law. The Law cries out againſt Chriſt (in whoſe Perſon all the ſins of God's Elect did meet) here's a Tranſgreſſor, a Sinner, (the greateſt that ever appeared at God's Bar: And that on the account of the innumerable Rebellions and Tranſgreſſions of all the many Millions of God's Elect, which lay upon him, though he was never toucht with the leaſt ſtain of Corruption in his aſſumed Nature: Neither was the leaſt Deviation (from the Recti…ude of the Law) ever found in his Practiſe and Life, yet he is the Party who is like to ſatisfie Juſtice, for all thoſe Debts he hath taken on him to diſcharge; and ſeeing that the principal part of the Debt which he took on him to pay, (viz.) Actual Conformity to the Righteous Demands of the Law is (undeniably) found in him: And that there remains (now) nothing to diſcharge and clear off, of what he hath undertaken (as a Surety) but to under go a bodily Death, to anſwer the Acceſſory Debt, whereto the Elect became obnoxious by Adam's firſt Rebellion, let him die that ſhameful, ignominious and curſed Death of the Croſs.

p. 84Thus the Law Sentenc'd and Condemn'd him as a Malefactor, and the blackeſt Criminal that ever held up Hand at the Bar of any Court of Judicature, either Human or Divine.

The Law having paſſed on him, he was deliver'd up to Juſtice, to the end the Curſe of the Law might be inflicted on him; his Executioner (in this doleful Tragedy) muſt be his own Dear and Tender Father, who Lov'd him (from Everlaſting) and will (to endleſs Eternity) love him, as he loves himſelf. Yet, notwithſtanding Die he muſt, and that by having the Sword of his Fathers vindicative Juſtice ſheath'd in his very Bowels, till his very Soul was powered forth like Water. Awake O Sword… againſt my Shepherd, and againſt the Man that is my Fellow. Zach. 13.7. &c. Becauſe he hath powered out his Soul unto death, &c. Iſa. 53.12. I am poured out like water, and all my Bones are out of joint, my Heart … melted l ke Wax in the midst of my Bowels. Pſal. 22.14. He that ſpare… not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, &c. Rom. 8.32.

p. 85Here's an Argument of the Fathers Love to Elect ſinners, which can never be overthrown. Jo. 3.16. For God ſo loved the World, that he gave his only Begotten Son; that whoſoever believeth in him, ſhould not periſh, but have Everlasting Life. In this was manifeſted the Love of God towards us, becauſe that God ſent his only Begotten Son (into the World) that we might live through him. 1 Jo. 4.9.

Here's alſo a clear Diſcovery, what little Reaſon the pooreſt and weakeſt Believer hath to queſtion, or doubt of Chriſt's Love to him or her. What! ſtep in between thee and Hell, and not love thee? To take all thy Guilt and filth of ſin upon himſelf: And (for the ſame) to be made a Curſe, that thou poor undone ſinner mighteſt be made the Righteouſneſs of God in him) and not love thee? When the incenſed Juſtice of God was up in Arms againſt thee, and juſt ready to fall on thee, for Chriſt his own Son to ſtep in between thee and that fatal Stroak, which (had it fallen on thee) would have compleated thy Miſery, and have put thee beyond the reach of all Poſſibility p. 86of ever being ſaved. I ſay, for Chriſt to ſtep in between thee and that fatal Stroak, and to ſuffer the Sword that would have killed thee, to be lodg'd in his own Bowels, was as ſtrong and convincing an Argument that he lov'd thee, as any can be made uſe of by God himſelf. Never was there greater and more end aring Love, in one Party towards another, than the Love wherewith God the Father, and Chriſt his Son lov'd the Elect: Neither can God, Angels, or Men lay down ſtronger and more convincing Arguments to prove or confirm it ſo to be; than God the Fathers Readineſs and Willingneſs, to Sacrifice his own, and only Son, whom he lov'd equally with himſelf; and the Sons Willingneſs to lay down his Life, and not only ſo, but conſenting to be made a Curſe for the Elect. Oh! matchleſs and aſtoniſhing Love, who ever knew, or heard of the like, except it ſelf? I am the good Shepherd, the good Shepherd giveth his Life for the Sheep, Jo. 10.11. Greater Love hath no Man than this that a Man lay down his Life for hi… Friend, Jo. 15.13. But God commendeth his Love towards us, in that p. 87while we were yet ſinners, Chriſt died for us.

Hereby perceive we the Love of God, becauſe he laid down his Life for us, &c. 1 Jo. 3.16.

And as the Juſt and Righteous Law of God did not ſpare the ſinleſs Son of God, when Arraign'd at his Bar, (as a Surety for ſinners:) So, neither did the Son of God flinch, or ſhrink in the Conteſt, till he had vanquiſht and overcome the Condemning Power of the Law; leaving it and all the other Enemies of his Elect Nail'd to the Croſs, having (by his Death on the Croſs) put to death, the Damnatory Sentence of God's Righteous Law againſt God's Elect; and ſpoil'd all Principalities and Infernal Powers of that accuſing Power they had (by ſin) obtain'd againſt God's choſen: Yea, having rifled Hell (it ſelf) with Death, and the Grave (thoſe deſtroying and devouring Enemies of Mankind) ſo as that nothing was left in the way, to obſtruct or hinder the Elects ſafe Arrival in Heavenly Glory: And all this by the Virtue and Merit of that Satisfaction he gave to the Juſtice of his Father, by p. 88obeying the Law both Actively and Paſſively in the Aſſumed Nature: On this Account it is, that there remains (now) no Condemnation (in force) againſt that Man or Woman which believes in the Son of God.

The Moral Law is (indeed) a Law (or Rule) of Holy Living to all Believers, and as a Looking-glaſs to diſcover to Believers the Spo…s and Defects, which abounds in their Hearts and Lives, (while in a ſtate of Imperfection) and to ſhew them the continual need they ſtand in of the Blood and Righteouſneſs of Chriſt the Mediator, till they come to the end of their Race. But to condemn or ſentence any true Believer in Jeſus, to Damnation or Eternal Death, the Moral Law hath no Power. There is therefore now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jeſus, &c. Rom. 8.1. Christ hath redeemed us from the Curſe of the Law, being made a Curſe for us, Gal. 3.13. And can this be any other than ſweet to true Believers, eſpecially to ſuch as have lain ſo long in the Laws Priſon, till the Irons thereof have reached even to the very Soul?

p. 89Secondly, The Death of Chriſt is moſt ſweet and delightful to the true Believer, in that, in Chriſt's Death all the Sins and Iniquities of the Believer, were Arraign'd and put to death, ſo as the Believer ſhall never, never be Arraign'd or Condemn'd for them, either here or hereafter.

There were two things in ſin, by which the Elect of God were held captives.

First, the Guilt of ſin, which lays them open to Condemnation and the Wrath to come. From this the Active and Paſſive Obedience of Chriſt ſet them for ever free (as hath been already obſerv'd.)

Secondly, The defiling Power of Indwelling ſin; this alſo is ſlain and put to death in the Death of Chriſt, and by Virtue hereof, it is, that every Believer (in Jeſus) is made to die to ſin, in Heart and Life; through the powerful Efficiency of the Holy Ghoſt, (inwardly) applying to the Soul of the Believer, the Efficacy of the Mediator's Death.

For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak, through the Fleſh, God ſending his own Son in the Likeneſs p. 90of ſinful Fleſh; and for ſin, condemned ſin in the Fleſh, Rom. 8.3. For he hath made him to be ſin for us, who knew no ſin, that we might be made the Righteouſneſs of God in him. 2 Cor. 5.21. Who his own ſelf bare our ſins in his own Body on the Tree, 1 Pet. 2.24.

Let this Caution be obſerv'd and improv'd by every true Believer, (viz.) that not the Being of indwelling ſin, but its condemning and reigning Power are condem'd and put to death in the Death of Chriſt: So as that that indwelling ſin, which yet remains in a juſtified Believer, ſhall never, either lay him open to Condemnation, or to keep the Believer under its captivating Power, as before Regeneration it did. He will ſubdue our Iniquities, and thou wilt caſt all our ſins into the depth of the Sea, &c. Mic. 7.18. For ſin ſhall not have Dominion over you, for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace. Rom. 6.14. For this purpoſe the Son of God was manifested, that he might deſtroy the works of the Devil. 1 Jo. 3.8.

p. 91He that is born of God doth not commit ſin, ver. 9.

Thirdly, The Death of Chriſt is moſt ſweet to a true Believer, in that the Curſe which ſin put into bodily Death, it is by Chriſt's Death taken away; to every Believer the Curſe due to ſin was the very Sting of Death, ſo witneſſeth the Holy Ghoſt. The Sting of death is ſin, &c. 1 Cor. 15.56. This Chriſt the Surety of the Believer bore, that the Curſe in Death might be turn'd into a Bleſſing to all the Members of Chriſt, (viz.) All who ſavingly believe in him.

There are ſome (whoſe Names I am unwilling to mention) who tell Men that bodily Death is a Part of the Curſe due to ſin; and that the Believer (as well as the Unbeliever) muſt undergo, and bear it (as ſuch) namely the Curſe which is due to the Believer for ſin.

From whom I do (and ſhall) for ever diſſent, and that for the two Reaſons here following.

First, Becauſe Death puts an end to all a Believers ſinning, and ſorrowings, which occaſioned holy Maſter Dod's p. 92Saying; that Death was the greateſt Friend to a true Believers Grace, that is in the World: For (ſaith he) that which Praying and Hearing, and Sacraments, &c. do but help to weaken, (viz.) ſin in the Heart and Life of the Believer; Death comes, and with one ſtroak cuts it off. And at the ſame time (and with the ſame Blow) puts an end to all the Believers Sorrows and Afflictions. And if this be a Curſe to a Believer, for my part, I do not underſtand, what it is to be Bleſt.

Though Death (in it ſelf) be a Curſe to the firſt Adam, and his Children (as it is the Wages of ſin, Rom. 6.23.) yet, to them who are in Chriſt, that Curſe is turned into a Bleſſing; ſo ſaith the Holy Ghoſt, whoſe Teſtimony goes beyond all other Teſtimonies, in Matters of Faith. See Rev. 14.13. And I heard a voice from Heaven, ſaying, write, Bleſſed are the dead which die in the Lord: From henceforth, Yea ſaith the Spirit; that they may reſt from their labours, and their works do follow them. And of ſuch, it is alſo ſaid, And God ſhall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes, and there ſhall be no p. 93more death, neither ſorrow nor crying; nither ſhall there be any more pa…n, for the former things are paſſed away, Rev. 21.4.

Secondly, Becauſe Death, not only perfects the Grace of a true Believer; but it is alſo an Inlet to the Kingdom of Glory. On theſe two Accounts it is (I doubt not) that the day of Death is preferrable before the day of ones Birth. Eccleſ. 7.1. A good Name is better than precious Oyntment; and the day of death, than the day of ones Birth. On the ſame Accounts (I do not queſtion) Paul did prefer to die, rather than to continue in the Body, as he himſelf tells us, Phil. 1.21. For to me to live is Chriſt, and to die is Gain.

Herewith (alſo) concurs 1 Cor. 3.22. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the World, or Life, or Death, or things preſent, or things to come; all are yours, and ye are Christs, and Christ is Gods. In this Enumeration of Particulars of ſecond cauſes, wherein the Members of Chriſt are ſaid to be interreſted; I underſtand the ſame thing to be intended, which is held forth in that general p. 94Aſſertion. And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called, according to his purpoſe, Rom. 8.28. And is not this a ſweet Fruit to a Believers ſpiritual Taſte.

Fourthly, The Powerful and Glorious Reſurrection of the Lord Jeſus from the Dead, is moſt ſweet, and delightful to the true Believer.

That Chriſt was raiſed up from Death, is beyond controverſie.

Acts 2.24. Whom God hath raiſed up, having looſed the pains of Death, becauſe it was not p ſſible he ſhould be holden of it. Acts 17.31. Becauſe he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the World in Righteouſneſs, by that Man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given Aſſurance unto all Men, in that he hath raiſed him from the dead. Rom. 1.4. And declared to be the Son of God, with Power, according to the Spirit of Holineſs, by the Reſurrection f om the dead.

This Reſurrection of Chriſt from the dead, can be no other than ſweet to all true Believers, and that on a threefold Account.

p. 95First, As it is God the Fathers Actual Diſcharge to Chriſt the Publick Head, and Repreſentative of Gods Elect; and to them (in him) from that ſin of theirs, which he (as their Surety) ſtood charg'd with; and from the whole of that Debt, which he undertook to pay for them.

As Chriſts Active and Paſſive Obedience was the full Payment of Believers Debts to God, ſo Gods raiſing him from Death, was Gods Actual Diſcharge to his Son, and (in him) to all Elect Believers; to aſſure them, that the Debt which Chriſt his Son undertook to pay for them, is now fully paid and ſatisfied, witneſs his Actual Releaſe and Diſcharge from the Priſon of the Grave; where Chriſt (as Undertaker and Surety for Gods Elect) was detain'd until the Juſtice of his Father ſaid, it is enough: I am now ſatisfied (to the full) every Iota, and Tittle of the Law, is by him perfectly obey'd, both Actively and Paſſively: I have no more to lay to his (or the Elects) Charge, for whom he became a Surety. Diſcharge him, let him be ſet at Liberty; as Chriſt the Son prov'd faithful to the Father, p. 96in performing (to the utmoſt) what he had undertaken, for ſecuring the Fathers Glory, and the Salvation of the Elect, committed and given in charge to him by the Father. So, God the Father proves Juſt and Righteous to Chriſt, in giving him (under the Hand of his Unerring Spirit of Truth) a full Releaſe and General Diſcharge, not only for himſelf, but for his Redeemed ones alſo. Of this, Chriſt had not the leaſt doubt, when he ſtruck Hands with his Father; he knew his Father to be the God of Truth, who could not lie, or deal unjuſtly with any; much leſs with his own (only) Son, who he could not but know, would ſtick at nothing (though it were to empty himſelf) and to become nothing.

And, which was worſe, to be made a Curſe, to finiſh the Work his Father had given him to do. For the Lord God will help me, therefore I ſhall not be confounded; therefore have I ſet my Face like a Flint, and I know that I ſhall not be aſhamed; He is near that juſtifieth me, who will contend with me? Let us ſtand together, who is p. 97mine Adverſary? let him come near to me, Iſa. 50 7, 8.

What was (of old) predicted by this Evangelical Prophet, concerning God the Fathers juſtifying his Son (upon his finiſhing the Work he had undertaken to go through) it is now declared, and made known by the Goſpel to be (Actually) accompliſhed and made good, according to thoſe (and other the like) Predictions of him.

I have glorified thee on the Earth, I have finiſhed the Work which thou gavest me to do, Jo. 17.4, 5. And now O Father, glorifie thou me with thine own ſelf, with the Glory which I had with thee, before the World was. All Power is given me in Heaven, and in Earth, Mat. 28.18. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour to give Repentance to Iſrael, and forgiveneſs of ſins, Acts 5.31. And without Controverſie great is the Myſtery of Godlineſs; God was manifested in the fleſh, justified in the Spirit, &c. 1 Tim. 3.16.

p. 98Let the Believer who either hears or reads this (concerning Chriſt's being Raiſed from the Dead) but ſeriouſly weigh and conſider of how great Concern this Act of Gods releaſing Chriſt is, to ſecure and ſtrengthen the Foundation of the Believers Comfort and Aſſurance; and he will find that the oftener he chews this Cud, by ſerious Meditation (accompany'd with fervent Prayer to the Throne of Grace) the ſweeter this Fruit will be to his Taſte. How comes it to paſs, that ſome poor Tempted Believers do often Hear, and Read of God's having Raiſed Chriſt his Son from the Dead, and yet they hear and read it, as if they themſelves were no way concern'd in it; 'tis as a dry Chip to them, they taſte no ſweetneſs in it. The Reaſon hereof is, they do not conſider, neither can they believe, that God (in Raiſing his Son from the Dead) hath (Actually) declar'd from Heaven, that he is now (Actually) reconcil'd to, and at an Everlaſting Peace with all Believers; with the pooreſt and weakeſt (as well as with the ſtrongeſt) Believer. And therefore, p. 99the ſure and only way for a poor, weak, tempted Believer, to reliſh and taſte the Sweetneſs of this Fruit, is, to Act Faith on the Reſurrection of Chriſt, appropriating the Virtue and Merit thereof unto himſelf thus; and hath God indeed Raiſed up his Son (Jeſus Chriſt) from the Dead? And that as he was the Surety and Repreſentative of all the Elect, and was God's Deſign (in raiſing him) to give a publick Teſtimony to that Satisfaction, which he himſelf received, at the Hands of Chriſt in the behalf of God's Elect. Why then, moſt …ertain it is, (none but Lyars againſt God can deny it) that no ſin (of God's Elect) remains unſatisfied for; which had they not been, the Juſt …nd Righteous God would never have …uffered their Surety to have (ſo much as) peep'd out of his Priſon the Grave) in which he (that …ver Bleſſed one) lay confin'd, until God's time of diſcharging him (accor…ing to Promiſe) was come.

What Reaſon then canſt thou ſhew O my drooping diſponding Soul) …hy thou ſhouldeſt fear an Arreſt …om God for thoſe ſins; for which p. 100Chriſt thy Surety was already Arreſted and Committed; and from which alſo, he was (Actually) Acquitted, and Legally Diſcharged by that great God (againſt whom thy ſins were committed) whereof his Glorious and Powerful Reſurrection (from the Dead) is a full and convincing Proof? See, and conſider how the Holy Ghoſt Argues, in the behalf God's Elect. Who ſhall lay any thing to the Charge of God's Elect? It is God that Juſtifieih. Who is he that Condemneth … It is Christ that Died, yea, rather that is Riſen again; who is even a… the Right Hand of God, who alſo maketh Interceſſion for us, Rom. 8.33.34.

The Interrogation (or Queſtion) (here put) implies a ſtrong Neg… tion; and the plain Engliſh (or meaning) of it is, that in vain is it fo… any Enemy of Gods Elect to bri… (before God) any Bill of Indictme… (or Accuſation) for ſin againſt an… of God's Elect. The Argument where by this is inforced, is twofold. Firſ… Gods own Act (already paſt) it God that Juſtifieth, he againſt who… ſin hath been committed; and w… p. 101(alone) hath the Right and Power to forgive it: He hath (on full Satisfaction given to his Juſtice (by the Surety of his Elect) Pardoned the ſins of all the Elect, who are (now) virtually pardoned and juſtified, in that Juſtification paſt on Chriſt their publick Head and Repreſentative.

Secondly, The Death, Reſurrection (from the Dead) and Interceſſion of Chriſt the Elect's Surety.

First, His Death, this was the con…mmating Act, whereby he complea…ed the Payment of our Debt, for which he became bound to God for …he Elect.

Secondly, His Reſurrection from the …ead, which is God's Diſcharge from hat Obligation he lay under, as the …rety of the Elect.

Thirdly, His Work of Interceſſion …t God's right Hand) to which …ace and Office he would never have …n admitted, had not the Paſſage …ereto been clear'd up and prepar'd … the Satisfaction given. There can …en be no Reaſon ſhewn, why, or …erefore the weakeſt Believer ſhould …r being damn'd, or ſent to Hell … his ſins; ſeeing his Redeemer p. 102and Surety is raiſed from the Grave. And is (Actually) aſcended from the lower pars of Gods Earth, to ſit at his right Hand, in the higheſt Heavens; to enter on the Glorious Work of Interceding (with God his Father) for him, a poor, ſhatter'd tempted Soul.

Object. But my ſins are ſo many and great, and my Faith ſo very, very weak, that I am often aſſailed with fearful Doubtings and Queſtionings whether I be one of thoſe Elect in whoſe behalf, Chriſt received that Full and Actual Diſcharge from God the Father.

To this I Anſwer in the Particulars following.

First, Suppoſe thy ſins do (f… Quantity and Quality) not only equalize, out out-do the crying Abominations of any (now in Glory. Nay, not only ſo, but (I will add the Abominations of any (nay a the) Reprobates in Hell (except t… unpardonable ſin, which many in th… place have committed) I ſay, ſu… poſe thy ſins were as many, and great as the ſins of thoſe (now me… tion'd) p. 103yet if thou ſeriouſly conſider the unconcieveable Worth, and the infinitely incomprehenſible Value of the price paid to God's offended Juſtice for the ſins of the Elect: There will appear no real or ſolid Ground to fear the Greatneſs of thy ſins, in caſe the numberleſs Numbers of the Elects ſins, were thy own ſins (perſonally) and that there were a Thouſand Millions of Elect Sinners more than there be Stars in the Firmament. Yet, the Shoulders of that Almighty Saviour (who became Surety for Gods Elect) would bear them all, and that without any danger of ſinking under their Weight, Remember that place, Heb. 7.25. Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermost, that come unto God, by him &c. To which, let m… (for thy Comfort and future Encouragement (in believing) add the Mercy of Jehovah, which (with the Merit of Chriſt's Satisfaction for ſin) is ſo (every way) Infinite and Incomprehenſible, that it ſwallows up, and outdoeth all the Power that can be in ſin, to damn or ruin any Elect Sinner; for whom Chriſt (the Son of God) Dyed and Roſe again. All the Breaches p. 104of God's Law are the Acts (or Omiſſions) of Finite Creatures. But the Mercy of God in pardoning Sinners and the Merit of Chriſt, his Obedience and Sacrifice, to deſerve and obtain their Pardon, they are the Mercy and the Merits of an Infinite God. And as ſoon might a little Wren (or Sparrow) Dive into the deepeſt part of the Sea, and aſcend up again to give an Account of its Depth, as any created Being can be capable of ſounding or Fathoming the inveſtigable and bottomleſs Depth of God the Fathers pardoning Mercy, and of Chriſts the Sons Merit, to purchaſe the Elects Pardon.

Secondly, And what though thy Faith be ſo weak, ſo very, very weak, as thou complaineſt it is; this need not hinder thy Comfort in feeding on this beſt, and ſweeteſt of Fruits. For thy Faith, though it be never ſo weak, proves it ſelf to be a Divine Faith, by its Operation in thee. Firſt, In that it empties thy Heart of all conceited Rigteouſneſs of thine own, whereby Satan and corrupt Nature would have thee to look for Life and Salvation.

p. 105Secondly, In that it carries thee out to reſt under the ſhadow of Chriſt's Mediatorial Satisfaction, hoping and expecting Life and Salvation by his Merits alone. Though all Mens Stomachs be not equally ſharp at Table; yet, he that hath the leaſt Stomach, might eat to as great Satisfaction and Content, as he that eats moſt. Let thy Faith be never ſo weak, thou wilt find (by Experience) that the oftener thou doeſt taſte of this Fruit of Chriſt's Death and Reſurrection (with Application thereof to thy ſelf) crying out (Believingly) My dear Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who died to diſcharge the Debt of my ſins. and who roſe again for my Juſtification, the ſweeter and the more delightful will it be; and not only ſo, but thy poor weak Faith will (by this means) gather ſtrength day by day.

Thirdly, And as touching thoſe fearful Doubtings and Queſtionings, whether thou (in particular) be one of thoſe Elect, for whom Chriſt dyed, and roſe again. I need ſay no more, than to aſſure thee, that this hath been the Caſe of the moſt eminent p. 106Saints (now) Triumphing in Glory; when in a Militant State, as thou now art; that Soul that was never troubled with Doubtings and Queſtionings about his State, was never yet bleſt with a right ſaving Faith. Not that theſe Doubtings are of the Eſſence of true Faith, or as if thou wer't not bound to be humbled for them (before God) and oblig'd to ſtrive againſt them: But an Argument they are that thou art acted by a twofold Principle, and that the Devil is now diſcover'd to be thine Enemy. Both which, effectually proves thee to be one of thoſe Elect for whom Chriſt both died and roſe again.

Secondly, The Reſurrection of Chriſt is ſweet to a a true Believer: As the ſame is a ſure and certain Pledge of his own (and all other Believers) being raiſed, not only from a State of Mortality, but alſo from a State of Imperfect Grace. The Reſurrection of Chriſt (the Believers Surety) is the Ground and Foundation of a Believers both riſing more and more to Newneſs of Life: And of his being raiſed again out of the Duſt of Death, to partake in the Glory p. 107of the laſt Reſurrection, Rom. 6.4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 15.49.54. Phil. 3.21. Jo. 6.40.

Thirdly, The Reſurrection of Chriſt is ſweet to the Believer; as it is an invincible Argument to prove, that Chriſt his Surety (having once dy'd, and by his Glorious Reſurrection overcome Death) he is never more to dye, ſo witneſſeth the Holy Ghoſt. Rom. 6.9. Knowing that Christ being raiſed up, from the Dead, dyeth no more; Death hath no more Dominion over him. Rev. 1.18. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, &c.

The Ground hereof is, the infinite Satisfaction given to his Fathers Juſtice (for the ſins of the Elect) by that one Death, which he underwent. If it were poſſible for Chriſt to dye a thouſand times over, and over; his dying ſo many Deaths could not be more Satisfactory (to the Juſtice of God) (for the ſins of the Elect) than was that one moſt ſhameful, bitter, and curſed Death of the Croſs, which he ſuffer'd, and underwent (once) for all. p. 108Rom. 6.10. For in that he dyed, he dyed unto ſin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

God the Father hath (now) no more ſin to charge on him, than what he ſtood charg'd with (on the Croſs) when he ſaid (on his giving up the Ghoſt) it is finiſhed. Jo. 19.30. Heb. 10.14. For by one offering he hath perfected (for ever) them that are Sanctified.

It is not in this Caſe, as it hath been with (but too) many of Adam's Children (and is in this very day) who have been forced to pay over and over, the ſelf ſame Debt. Such is the Baſeneſs and Knavery of the Oppreſſours of the Age we live in.

God (the Father of Chriſt) is not ſuch a Creditor, he is a Juſt and a Righteous God: And being ſo, there is no Ground to fear that ever he will Twit (in the Teeth) either Chriſt, his Son (the Elects Surety) or any poor Believer, with thoſe Sins which Chriſt once ſatisfied for.

This Fruit is paſſing ſweet to that Soul, who frequently feeds on it.

p. 109Fifthly, The Glorious Aſcenſion of Chriſt (from Earth to Heaven) is moſt ſweet to the true Believer, and it is ſo on a twofold Account.

First, As it proves the compleat Conqueſt and Victory of Chriſt (the Believers Head and Surety) over all the Enemies of God's Elect, of whom it was ſpoken (by way of Prediction.) Thou hast aſcended on high, thou hast led Captivity captive, &c. Pſal. 68.18. Theſe things are (Prophetically) ſpoken of Chriſt (by way of Alluſion or Compariſon, and which are by the Apoſtle Paul apply'd to Chriſt's Glorious Aſcenſion, Epheſ. 4.8. The Metaphor is taken from earthly Kings and mighty Potentates; who (when they had got the Victory over their Enemies) us'd to bind to their Chariot Wheels the Chief of the Enemies, dragging them along in Triumph. Thus did the Lord Jeſus (the Surety of Gods Elect) when he Aſcended to Heaven, he led Devil, Sin, Curſe of the Law, World, Death, Grave, and Hell, Captives; ſo that they can never more ſlave (or inſult over) any of God's p. 110Elect; this is intended by Chriſt in Jo. 16.33. In me ye ſhall have Peace, in the World ye ſhall have Tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the World. And the ſame is intended by Paul in Coloſ. 2.15. And having ſpoiled Principalities and Powers, he made a ſhew of them openly, Triumphing over them in it. This alſo is intended in Rev. 1.18. I am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold I live for evermore; and have the Keys of hell and of death. The term Keys, denotes the univerſal Power which Chriſt (by dying) Atchieved over all the Enemies of his Redeemed ones.

Chriſt's Aſcenſion from Earth to Heaven, is every true Believers Triumph over all the Powers of Darkneſs of this World, ſo witneſſeth the Spirit of God. Nay in all theſe things we are more than Conquerours, through him that loved us, Rom. 8.37.

Secondly, Chriſt's Aſcenſion to Heaven is ſweet to the true Believer, on the Account of the perſonal Appearance he makes there, for all the Members of his Myſtical Body.

p. 111That Chriſt is enter'd Heaven, as the foreign or Fore-runner of his Members, is expreſly ſet down and affirm'd for the Comfort and Encouragement of all true Believers. Whether the forerunner is (for us) entred, even Jeſus made an high Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedech, Heb. 6.20. For Chriſt is not entred into the Holy Places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven it ſelf, now to appear in the Preſence of God for us, Heb. 9.24. And there are three Ends for which he ſo appears.

Firſt, That he might repreſent his Members Spotleſs and Blameleſs, in the Virtue and Merit of that Obedience, which (he himſelf) as their Repreſentative perform'd (on Earth) to anſwer the Demand of the Law.

It is on the Account hereof, that the Spouſe of Chriſt, (viz.) the Church of true Believers is by Chriſt (himſelf) ſtyl'd and accounted all fair and Spotleſs. Thou art all fair my Love, there is no Spot in thee, Epheſ 4.7. Cant. 4.7.

p. 112That he might preſent it to himſelf a glorious Church, not having Spot or Wrinkle, or any ſuch thing; but that it ſhould be Holy, and without Blemiſh, Epheſ. 5.27. And ye are compleat in him, &c. Coloſ. 2.10.

Secondly, That he might enter on the Poſſeſſion of the purchaſed Inheritance, which he himſelf purchaſed for his Members. Ought not Chriſt to have ſuffered theſe things, and to enter into his Glory? Luke 24.26. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto my ſelf; that where I am, there ye may be alſo, Jo. 14.3. The Believers Life and Crown are in the Hands and Keeping of Chriſt (to be ſecur'd for them) till they arrive at Heaven, where he is. Which is the Earnest of our Inheritance, until the Redemption of the purchaſed Poſſeſſion, unto the Praiſe of his Glory, Epheſ. 1.14. And hath raiſed us up (together) and made us ſit together in Heavenly Places in Christ Jeſus, Epheſ. 2.6. This is a Mercy, and an Ineſtimable Priviledge given by God to the Elect; that the Life of their Souls, and all p. 113the Glory and Bleſſedneſs whereto God elected them (in Chriſt his Son) is depoſited (by God the Father) in the Hands of Chriſt, who will never fail or betray them: On which Account it is, that the condition of the pooreſt and weakeſt Believer (living) is in a better and (infinitely) ſafer State, than the firſt Adam and his Poſterity, were in before the Fall. The Reaſon whereof is this, (viz) the Life and Salvation of the firſt Adam and his Children, depended on the Obedience of a Mutable Agent; who might (and did) fall, and come ſhort in fulfilling the condition of that Covenant of Works under which they Acted (for Life.) But the Life and Salvation of the Elect, is now ſecur'd in Chriſt (God-Man) who can as ſoon ceaſe to be what he is, as he can forget, or neglect, or ſuffer the pooreſt and weakeſt of thoſe committed to him (by the Father) to periſh. And is not this a moſt ſweet Fruit?

And I give unto them Eternal Life, and they ſhall never periſh, &c. Jo. 10.28. And this is the Fathers Will which hath ſent me, that of all which he p. 114hath given me, I ſhould looſe nothing, but ſhould raiſe it up at the last Day, Jo. 6.39.

Thirdly, That he might enter on the Great and Neceſſary Work of Interceſſion, which leads to the Sixth Particular comprehended in the general term Works.

Sixthly, The Interceſſion of Chriſt is moſt ſweet to the true Believer. There are ſix things in it which makes it ſo.

First, The Propriety the Believer hath in it; yea, even the meaneſt and weakeſt Believer hath as real a Propriety therein, as the ſtrongeſt. Who is he that condemneth? it is Chriſt that died, yea rather that is riſen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who alſo maketh Interceſſion for us, Rom. 8.34. My little Children, theſe things write I unto you, that ye ſin not: and if any Man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the Righteous, 1 Jo. 2.1.

Secondly, Whatevever Chriſt Prays for, he (moſt certainly) obtains it; of this he had Experience, when on p. 115the Earth, before he had (Actually) diſcharg'd the Debt, which he took on him for the Elect. And Jeſus lift up his Eyes, and ſaid, Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me: And I knew that thou hearest me always, Jo. 11.41, 42. Who in the days of his fleſh, when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications, with ſtrong Cryings and Tears unto him, that was able to ſave him from Death, and was heard in that he feared, Heb. 5.7. But now ſeeing all Righteouſneſs is by him fulfilled (according to what he undertook) and he (in the Merit thereof) not only Aſcended from Earth to Heaven, but even ſat at the Father's Right Hand; what is it that the Father can deny him? eſpecially, when what he prays for, is (before) in the Heart and Promiſe of God (his Father) to grant him, and that in a way of Recompence, for the faithful Diſcharge of the Truſt repoſed in him by his Father. Pſal. 2.8. Eſa. 53.12.

There are ſome poor trembling Believers, who (when they need ſuch or ſuch a Mercy, and know not what they ſhall do without it) p. 114duplicate page p. 115duplicate page p. 116dare not beg the Mercy they want; The Mercy is ſo great, and they themſelves ſo (every way) unworthy, they think it great Preſumption to ſeek or pray for it. Let ſuch turn their Eye off, from ſtaring and poring on their own Unworthineſs; keeping it fixt on the Incomprehenſible Merit and Worthineſs of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; and then, let them keep back from God's Throne of Grace, and give way to Diſcouragement if they can. 'Tis Chriſt's Worthineſs (not the Believers Qualifications) that prevails with God.

Oh! poor diſtreſſed fainting Soul, who art even ſwallow'd up of that Gulph of Sinfulneſs, Diſtraction, Deadneſs, and Heart Hardneſs whereof thou complaineſt.

Conſider and remember (for thine Encouragement) that when thou findeſt thy ſelf unable to pray, there is one (at God's Right Hand) praying for thee, whom God the Father knows not how to deny, or throw off: So prevalent (with him) is that Efficacious Interceſſion of his p. 117own Son, who was Conſecrated thy High Prieſt, by God's own Sacred Oath. The Lord hath ſworn and will not repent, thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedech, Pſal. 110.4. And having ſuch an High Undertaker for thee (with God) ſo my part, I cannot conceive what ſhould diſcourage or drive thee back from Wreſtling with God, till (Jacob like) thou overcome him. This is the Uſe that God himſelf would have the weakeſt Believer make of that great High Prieſt. Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we might obtain Mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4.16.

Thirdly, There is, there can be no Caſe or Condition ſo deſperate or wretched, (in reſpect either of Sin, or of Affliction) out of which Chriſt (by his Interceſſion) cannot reſcue and ſave the temp…ed, fallen and deſerted Believer. Let Iſrael hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is Mercy, and with him there is plenteous Redemption; and he ſhall Redeem Iſrael from all his Iniquities, Pſal. 130.7, 8. The Lord preſerveth p. 118the ſimple, I was brought low, and he helped me. Pſal. 116.6. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of Temptations, &c. 2 Pet. 2.9. There hath no Temptation taken you, but ſuch as is common to Man; but God is faithful, who will not ſuffer you to be tempted above that ye are able to bear, 1 Cor. 10.12. To which I will only add, Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the utmoſt, that come unto God by him; ſeeing he ever liveth to make Interceſſion for them, Heb. 7.25. And can any Fruit be ſweeter than this to a poor Diſtreſſed Tempted and Deſpairing Soul?

Fourthly, By the Interceſſion of Chriſt the Peace and Reconciliation (procured by his Meritorions Sacrifice) is kept up and con…inu…d for ever. For unto us a Child is Born, unto us a Son is Given; and the Government ſhall be upon his Shoulders, &c, Eſa. 9.6.

The keeping up, and continuing the Peace between God and the Elect, as neceſſary as the firſt Procurement of it. As by the Meritorious Virtue of his Sacrifice, he hath p. 119procur'd Peace with God for the Elect, ſo by the renewing Efficacy of his Spirit in the Souls of Believers, and his prevailing Interceſſion in Heaven for them; he continues and keeps up that Peace. Pſal. 37.23, 24. Jer. 32.40. Rev. 8.3, 4.

Fifthly, The Interceſſion of Chriſt (in Heaven) is the cauſe of Application of all the Good, ſpiritual and bodily, which Believers receive at the Hands of God. As the Procurement of all Good (for the Elect) depends on Chriſts Sacrifice; ſo the Actual Application thereof to them, depends on his Interceſſion. And whatſoever ye ſhall ask in my Name, that will I do; that the Father may be Glorified in the Son. If ye ask any thing in my Name, I will do it, Jo. 14.13.14.

In the ſixth place, (to add no more,) The Interceſſion of Chriſt with his Father (in Behalf of the Elect) is not a matter of precarious Entreaty, but of Juſtice and Equity, wherein he cannot be put off. He intercedes for no Favour or Mercy, p. 120but what he firſt paid … price for, on the Behalf of his Elect; and therefore it muſt not be thought a matter of meer Entreaty, but of Equity and Juſtice, for God to … to Believers what they ask in Chriſt's Name.

To what hath been obſerv'd concerning thoſe ſix ſeveral ſorts of Works, which are Peculiar to Chriſt (as Mediator between God and Sinners) I will add one more, and it is his Providential Work of Gubernation (or Ruling the World) and that (as all the reſt of his Works) is moſt ſweet to the true Believer.

That the Government of the World is (in a way of Recompence) committed (by the Father) to Chriſt, is plain, by his own Declaration thereof to his Apoſtles. All Power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth, &c. Mat. 28.18. The ſame witneſſeth Paul, And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be Head over all things to the Church, Epheſ. 1.22. The ſame alſo Apoſtle to the Philippians ſaith, Wherefore God p. 121alſo hath highly exalted him, and given him a Name which is above every Name. That in the name of Jeſus every Knee ſhould Bow, both of things in Heaven, and things on Earth, and things under the Earth, Phil. 2.10.

That the Works of Providence are alſo ſweet to the true Believer; ſeven things will make it Appear.

Firſt, God's King (who Rules the Providential Kingdom here on Earth) he is alſo the Believers King.

That Chriſt is God the Fathers King, is plain and evident from the Scriptures above-mentioned, to which may be added Pſal. 2.6. Yet have I ſet my King upon my Holy Hill of Zion.

From theſe Scriptures it is plain, that God hath committed the Government of all things (in his Providential Kingdom) to Chriſt his Son, to be improv'd for the Good and Advantage of God's Elect.

p. 122The Proſpect which Balaam had hereof, put him on declaring the Victoriouſneſs and Felicity of the People of God, above all other People on Earth. The Lord his God (ſaith he of Iſrael) is with him and the Shout of a King is among them, Numb. 23.21.

That Chriſt is the Believers King, is evident from the Scriptures following: Eſa. 33.22. For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord is our King, he will ſave us, Rev. 15.3. And they ſang the Song of Moſes (the Servant of God) and the Song of the Lamb; ſaying, great and marvellous are thy Works, Lord God Almighty, Just and True are thy Ways, thou King of Saints.

Of Kings it is ſaid, Regum est parcere Subjectis, & debellare ſuperbos. It is the Part (or Property) of Kings, to deal gently with theſe who ſubmit readily to their Rightful Authority; but to ſubdue and vanquiſh their Enemies, who ſubmit not to the Yoke of Duty.

p. 123This Property of a King, will be found to be in God's and the Believers King, above all the Crowned Heads that ever breath'd on Earth.

For as Chriſt is God the Father's King, to Sway the Scepter of his pardoning Mercy, and Goſpel Grace in the Hearts and Lives of the Elect; who (in effectual Calling) are made his willing Subjects: He will by his Almighty Power defend and ſave them from all adverſe Powers which ſeek to ſpoil and ruin them: He will not only defend and protect them from all Enemies and Dangers, but he will carry it gently, and tenderly towards them, under all their Weakneſſes and Infirmities. But towards the wicked, who refuſe and reject his Yoke, he will vanquiſh and ſubdue them: Not by the Scepter of his ſpecial Grace, as he deals with God's Elect: But wiht that Iron Rod, which the Father hath put into his Hand (for this very end) He will break them to pieces, Pſal. 2.9.

But thoſe mine Enemies which would not that I ſhould Reign over them, p. 124bring them hither, and ſlay them before me, Luke 19.27.

This is (undoubtedly) a high Priviledge and Mercy, wherewith God's Choſen are (Eternally) Bleſt above the reſt of the Race of Adam, to be under the commanding Power and (Everlaſting) ſucceſsful Conduct of ſuch a King. The Damned in Hell would give ten thouſand Worlds (if they had them at command) to be under the Conduct of this King. But for their oppoſing and deſpiſing this precious and ſweet Redeemer; they are (judicially) given up to the Tyranny of ſuch a King, as knows no Mercy; who inſtead of ſaving, will continue to torment and deſtroy, Rev. 9.11.

This Lord Jeſus, He, and He alone (excluding all others) is the Head and King over the Church of God's Elect. None will claim ſuch a Priviledge, but the Man of Sin, and ſuch as are akin to his Antichriſtian Hierarchy. Chriſt is (to the Church of the Living God) a Head of ſaving Influence, as well as a Head of Commanding p. 125and Protecting Power, which none in Heaven or Earth can pretend to, without borrid Blaſphemy.

Were this very Point but rightly underſtood, and (by Faith) apply'd as it ſhould, it would make the weakeſt Believer in England as bold as a Lyon, in the ways of his Holy Profeſſion. But for want of this, even Miniſters themſelves ſhamefully Cowardize when Chriſts Enemies appear Rampant.

Secondly, There is not that Creature in this Providential Kingdom, which is not ſubjected to the Power of Chriſt. The Lord hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens, and his Kingdom ruleth over all, Pſal. 103.19.

All Power is given me in Heaven and in Earth, Mat. 28.18. Thou …ast put all things in Subjection under his Feet, Heb. 2.8. I am he that liveth, …nd was dead, and behold I am alive …or evermore; Amen, and have the Keys …f Hell and of Death, Rev. 1.18.

Thirdly, Not only the Creatures, but …ven all their natural Influences and p. 126Motions are ſubjected to the Power of Chriſt; yea, the Craft and Subtilty of all the Churches Enemies are ſubjected to him. No Fire can burn no Water can drown; no Thieves ca… rob, no Perſecutor can hurt, without Chriſt.

It is a ſure and an infallible Rule i… Divinity, that as no ſecond Cauſe ca… (of it ſelf) do good to a Man, … neither can it do him harm. We… this one Rule but rightly underſtood, and practically improv'd, i… would free the Minds and Spirits … true Believers, from many fooliſh a… panick Fears, which (frequently) i… vade them, to not only a leſſening but alſo to a keeping out that Co… fort, to which (as Believers) the… have Right, and which they may (o… dinarily) enjoy, were it not for the… wretched Neglectiveneſs herein. Whe… at any time (or in any Caſe) … meet with a Diſappointment and Abuſe, a Loſs, or a Croſs from a… Creature (whatever) I ceaſe to complain or murmur in God's Preſen… that which ſtrikes me into a profou… Silence, is the Conſideration and B… lief p. 127that ſuch and and ſuch Accidents …ould not fall out, without the Providence of God; the Hand of God … think I) is in this rebuking Providence: My Soul! lay thine Hand upon thy Mouth, and ceaſe quarrelling with ſecond Cauſes; leſt by going too far (that way) thou rob the Almighty of the Attribute of his Sovereignty, and give it to ſecond Cauſes, as if they could do any thing without him.

On the other hand, when my Meat Comforts and Relieves fainting Nature; when the Bed and Sleep Re…reſh the weary Body; Oh! (think I) …ow good is God? Without whom, …ny Meat, my Bed, my Sleep, &c. would do me no good.

When (at any time) I am in great Streights (as often God knows I am) when this or that Inſtrument ſteps in to my Succour, my Faith (though weak) is as buſie as a Bee, calling on me, to take notice of the Hand of Providence in the preſent Mercy. Thus, if I and other Believers, did do more and oftner than we do; p. 128it would be better with us (in point of Comfort) than it is.

But we live more by Senſe, tha… we do by Faith; and that's the Reaſon why we are ſuch Strangers to ſolid Comfort in our own Spirits.

Fourthly, There is not the moſt contingent Accident, which falls ou… (in the World) but the Providence of the Lord Jeſus orders the ſame, whether it be for chaſtening or comforting poor Mortals.

Who is he that ſaith and it cometh t… paſs, when the Lord commandeth it not? Lam. 3.37. Shall there be Evi… in the City, and the Lord hath not don… it? Amos 3.6.

What but the Coſideration and Belief of this, ſtruck Holy David dumb before God, when under the Afflicting Rod of God; I was dumb I opened not my Mouth, becauſe tho… didst it, Pſal. 39.9. As hath been already obſerv'd, there is neither Good nor Evil, that can fall out without Chriſt. Neither doth it (from hence) follow, that thoſe Creatures which are Active in the Buſineſs of Sin, are therefore p. 129Excuſeable; and that, becauſe they Act from an ill Principle; and to an end vaſtly differing from what Chriſt deſigns, in permitting it. Or that the Praiſe and Thanks which is due to God's Inſtruments (in ſerving us) ſhould not be given them in due time and place. Neither will it hence follow, that a Believer is to ſtand ſtock ſtill (like a Sheep) to be robb'd or murdered, if he ſees himſelf any way capable of making a lawful Defence. The Reaſon is becauſe ſelf Defence is a Natural Principle; and that Man or Nation that would not ſtand up, to reſiſt an Enemy who ſeeks their utter Ruin, would not only (herein) fall ſhort of the very Bruits; but they would be Acceſſary to their own Murder, which is the worſt ſort of Murder. In this Caſe the true Believer is to look on the the Doctrin of Non-Reſiſtance, as a Doctrin which ſmells rank of Rome; and which was …ontriv'd and brought into theſe Kingdoms (by the Romiſh Emiſſaries) on purpoſe to manacle Engliſh Men; that (by that means) under colour and pretence of Religious Obedience to Authority; England might become uncapable p. 128duplicate page p. 129duplicate page p. 130of preſerving it ſelf from the Ruin deſign'd againſt it by Rome and France.

The Proteſtants in England (and in all the other Nations about us) have cauſe to Adore and Praiſe the Providence of Chriſt, for the Entrance which it gave to the Jeſuites into Magdalen Colledge; and its permitting the Biſhops being ſent to the Tower. For, had not theſe two things (Providentially) fallen out, when, and as they did; P…ſſive Obedience, and Non-Reſiſtance had ruin'd the Kingdom before this time. But Glory to God on high, who hath pitcht on one, to Rule and and Govern his Providential Kingdom (here on Earth) whoſe All-ſeeing Eye penetrates into all the Dark and ſecret Counſels of his Peoples Enemies: And who knows (Exactiſſimè) moſt exactly, when to time his Peoples Deliverance. May this wonderful Work of Providence never be forgotten in England.

How much of the Jeſuites Infernal Craft and Pollicy, there is in the Principles of the People call'd Quakers, to forward p. 131Englands Overthrow, would be worth while for all true Proteſtants and true Engliſh Men (who love their Country and the Proteſtant Religion) to conſider.

Fifthly, That the moſt diſmal Diſpenſations (which fall out in the World) ſhall be all managed by the Providence of Chriſt, for the Good and Advantage of true Believers; yea, even Sin it ſelf, (with the moſt ſharp and bitter Afflictions, which ſpring from that bitter Root) ſhall moſt certainly work for the Good and Advantage of Chriſt's true Members, according to that in Rom. 8.28. And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, &c.

This Aſſertion that Sin (it ſelf) works for Good to Believers, hath not only ſtartled, but ſtirr'd up ſome to make a great Noiſe in the Kingdom, (and that in pretence of oppoſing and beating down Antinomianiſm) to withſtand, and decry this as a dangerous Doctrin; and that which Encourageth Men to commit, and continue in the Practice of Sin.

p. 132Thoſe who are of this Spirit, and Principle will find (ſooner or later) how wide they are off the Truth, and how injurious they are; not only to the Doctrin, which is according to Godlineſs, but to the Peace and Comfort of Chriſt's Members; who are able (both from the Word of God, and their ſanctified Experience) to contradict this, their contradicting God's Truth. Concerning which, I will only ſay two things in this place, reſerving the vindicating this Doctrin to a more ſeaſonable Opportunity.

First, I do affirm (in the fear of the great God) that none (on Earth) do more hate and loath Sin than thoſe Perſons who find in their Experience, that God hath done them unſpeakable Good by their Sins; and herein I ſhall (I doubt not) be ſeconded by the Suffrage, not only of all Orthodox Divines, but of all ſerious and Experienced Chriſtians.

Secondly, I do affirm, that it no more follows (from hence) that a true Believer will, or can take Encouragement to commit or continue in the Practice of Sin: than it follows, that he will (or can) venture to drink down deadly p. 133Poyſon, becauſe he is told, that an Able and Skilful Phyſitian is (by his Art and Skill) able to Extract out of the rankeſt Poyſon, an Antidote to Expel Poyſon, or that a Believer ſhould be willing to throw himſelf off the Top of a Houſe, which he cannot but expect will iſſue in breaking his Bones; becauſe he knows that ſuch, or ſuch a Boneſetter is skilful at ſetting Bones.

England is come to a ſad Paſs, when the People are grown ſo wiſe (in their own Conceits) that they think themſelves able to inſtruct and teach their Teachers; the Senſe hereof endangers the moſt faithful and lively Reprovers (for God) in this formal and ſleepy Age, being ſtruck dumb, not well knowing either what to Preach, or how to ſpeak to their Auditory, without ſnuffing and offending them.

If we preſs People to the neceſſary Duries of practical Holineſs, then we are accounted Legal Preachers; Men who Preach up Moſes, and who are for being juſtified by Works.

If we Preach up Juſtification by the alone R…ghteouſneſs of the Son of God, freely imputed by God's Act of free and ſovereign Grace, without any thing p. 134of the Sinners own Qualifications joyn'd (as Con-cauſes) therewith: Then we are accounted Antinomians, we Preach Free Grace, Free Grace; and who ſees not (who have their Eyes open) this to be a ſad Prognoſtick of God's approaching Judgment on the Land?

God ſometimes cauſeth the Tongue of his faithful Reprovers to cleave to the Roof of their Mouth, that they ſhall not be able to reprove or warn a rebellious People, who are to be plagued with the Scourge of God's Judgments, as in the Caſe of the Prophet Ezekiel, Ezek. 3.26. And I will make thy Tongue cleave to the Roof of thy Mouth, that thou ſhalt be dumb; and ſhalt not be to them a Reprover, for they are a rebellious Houſe.

The like Inſtance we have Recorded in the Prophet Amos. They hate him that reproveth in the Gate, and they abhor him that ſpeaketh uprightly. Here was the Sin of that Day, they would not bear or endure to be toucht by God's Reprovers. And God takes ſuch a Way and Method with them, as to cauſe them to ſee and read their p. 135Sin, in the Puniſhment which was to come upon them: which was, That when they ſtood moſt in need of a faithful Monitor or Reprover, even then, when the Rod of God was heavy upon them, they ſhould not have him; read and compare Amos 5.10.13. With this agrees that of Paul to Timothy, where he tells him, That the time will come, wherein Men will not endure ſound Doctrin, but after their own Lusts will they heap up unto themſelves, Teachers having itching Ears, 2 Tim. 4.3. This day is this Scripture fulfilled in England. For, by woful Experience, the true Ambaſſadors of Chriſt find, that they can reprove no kind of Error in Religion, but one or other is preſently toucht, even to a being (rootedly) prejudiced againſt the Miniſter. I'll hear this railing Preacher no more, he Preaches againſt other Mens Religions; and what hath he to do with the Papiſts? with the Quakers? with the Arminians? Cannot he Preach the Goſpel? And ſo in like manner, if the Preacher comes cloſe to particular Faults, as the Pride in Apparel in Profeſſors, Mens taking a Liberty now and then to be Drunk; now p. 136and then to Game, and to ſpend their precious Time in Ale-houſes and Taverns, chatting and prating away the time which ſhould be ſpent at Home, in the Family; or in the Cloſet, in working out their own Salvation with Fear and Trembling, they cannot bear faithful and plain dealing. I know (ſaith the guilty Conſcience) he means me, I like it not.

This is harſh Preaching, I'll hear it no more; I like ſuch, and ſuch better. Such a Preacher, he Preacheth Free Grace clearly; and ſuch a Miniſter, he Preaches the Love of God ſweetly. When (perhaps) neither the Preacher (ſo highly commended and cry'd up for a Non-ſuch) nor yet he that ſo commends him, underſtands (ſavingly or experimentally) what the Grace of God means, or how the ſame is made the Sinners.

It even amazes me to think, how few of thoſe Preachers, who (now) paſs current for Free Grace Preachers, will be own'd by Chriſt at the great Day, for right Goſpel Preachers: And how few of thoſe who make ſo great p. 137a Noiſe in crying ſuch up, will be found what they ſeem to be (viz.) true and ſound hearted Believers.

This is not deſign'd as a Stumbling-block or a Diſcouragement in the way of any weak Believer, but rather for a ſeaſonable Warning or Caution to empty Talkers, who think highly of themſelves; to take heed they prove not miſtiſtaken in their Opinion of themſelves. Wherefore let him that thinks he ſtands, take heed lest he fall, 1 Cor. 10.12.

Sixthly, In the darkeſt Night of Affliction and Temptation, the ſweet Smiles of Chriſt's Face will cheer and comfort the true Believer.

The Pillar of Cloud in Moſes his time, it was both Darkneſs to the Egyptians, and Light to the People of God. Exod. 14.19, 20. The ſame Diſpenſation may be a Croſs for Good to Gods Child, and a dreadful Curſe to a Reprobate.

The Knowledge and Belief hereof, put the Church upon giving that ſeaſonable Caveat to her boaſting Enemy; p. 138who (in the time of God's chaſtizing her for Sin) did not a little rejoyce at the Afflictions of the Church, concluding that thoſe Afflictions were the Forerunner of the Churches Deſtruction. Rejoyce not against me, O mine Enemies, when I fall I ſhall ariſe, when I ſit in Darkneſs, the Lord ſhall be a Light nuto me, Mic. 7.8.

Fatherly Chaſtiſements, and Fatherly Love do very well conſiſt together, ſo ſaith Chriſt; who (as he is God) knows all things; and who (as he is Man) found it in his own Experience, that his Father (the God of Love) who loves him (his Son) as he loves himſelf; yet when venting his diſlike of, and his Diſpleaſure againſt the Sins of the Elect charg'd on Chriſt: He handled him ſo ſharply and ſeverely, that the Son of God found a Neceſſity of crying out (in the Bitterneſs of his Soul) My God! my God! why hast thou forſaken me? Mat. 27.46. And yet God was ſtill his God, and his dearly loving Father for all that. As many as I love (ſaith Chriſt) I rebuke and chaſten, &c. Rev. 3.19. Yea, ſo far are Afflictions and Tribulations p. 139from being a Token of God's being a Mans Enemy, that (indeed) to be exempt and free from them, is an Argument that the Perſon is none of Gods. But if ye be without chastening, (then are ye Bastards) and not Sons, Heb. 12.8.

* Gods Afflictive Diſpenſations are to his own Children the purging Pills, whereby God, the Great and only Wiſe Phyſitian, will purge out of the Heart and Affections of his Children, thoſe Remains of Sin yet abiding in them. And as in Nature, thoſe Pills (or that Potion) which are Bittereſt, and which makes the Patient ſickeſt, are the beſt for curing, though they are hardly gotten down: So in Chriſtianity, thoſe Corrections and Chaſtenings (from God's own Hand) which are the ſoreſt and ſharpeſt to corrupt Nature; they are Attended with the greateſt Efficacy, to kill Indwelling Corruption in the Believer.

Before I was Afflicted (ſaid Holy David) I went aſtray, but now have I kept thy Word, Pſal. 119.67. And in another place, I know, O Lord, that p. 140thy Judgments are right, and that thou in Faithfulneſs hast Afflicted me, Pſal. 119.75. When the darkeſt and moſt diſmal Cloud of Affliction and Trouble, ſeems to overcaſt the true Believer, and not only to overcaſt him, but to compaſs him about, ſo as there appears no likelihood of his Eſcape. yet, even then there is a Bright ſide in that Cloud, which ſhines on the Believers Inſide, to comfort and encourage him, in Truſting in and Relying on God, in the way of Believing and Dependance.

And not only ſo but we Glory in Tribulation alſo; knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience; and Patience Experience and Experience Hope; and Hope maketh not aſhamed, becauſe the Love of God is ſhed abroad in our Hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given to us, Rom. 5.3. Bleſſed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Father of Mercies, and the God of all Comfort; Who comforteth us in all our Tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any Trouble, by the Comfort wherewith we our ſelves are comforted of God, 2 Cor. 1.3, 4. Nevertheleſs God that p. 141comforteth thoſe that are caſt down, &c. 2 Cor. 7.6.

Seventhly, and laſtly. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt (the Head and King of all true Believers) being Pilot, to ſit at the Helm of all Affairs (wherein the Glory of his Father, and the Salvation of his Elect are concern'd) he will ſo Steer the Courſe of all ſecond Cauſes in this World, as not one of his Believing Members ſhall ever come ſhort of a Safe and Happy Arrival at Glory; but ſhall (moſt infallibly) be ſecurely conducted through all Storms and Hurricanes, which can poſſibly ariſe, to overwhelm and ſink the true Believer.

Let what Times ſoever God pleaſes come; let what Calamities ſoever fall out in the Land; Plague, Famine, Civil War, Forreign Invaſion, Penal Laws, Biſhops Court, Devil, World, indwelling Sin: Let all come upon thee (at once) and diſplay the Banner of their Force, Policy, and Malice againſt thee, to ruine and deſtroy thee; yet thou (who art a real Believer) art ſafe (being ſecur'd under the ſh… dow p. 142of the Appletree) and not only ſafe (from any Harm which can come to thee by ſuch Storms or Enemies.) But thou ſhalt be (infallibly) aſſur'd of ſafe Landing in Heaven, and that by Virtue of that Univerſal Conqueſt and Victory, Atchiev'd by thy Head and King, over all his and thy Enemies: And his having gone through all thoſe kind of Storms which thou feareſt thou ſhalt meet with (and that as thy Repreſentative) and hath ſhot the Gulph of Death; and is now (Actually) Poſſeſt of thy Crown and Manſion in the higheſt Heavens, whereto the Efficacious Virtue and Power of thy Redeemers Aſcenſion, will in a very ſhort ſpace of time, bring thee to behold and enjoy the great and unſpeakable things which he hath purchas'd for thee, and for all that truly Love, and long for his Appearing.

God is our Refu…e and Strength, a very preſent Help in Trouble; therefore will not we fear, though the Earth be removed, and though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea: Though the Waters thereof rear and be troubled; though the Mountains ſhake p. 143with the ſwelling thereof, Pſal. 46.1, 2, 3. Whither the forerunner is for us entred, even Jeſus made an high Priest (for ever) after the order of Melchizedech, Heb. 6.20.

What hath been obſerv'd from the latter part of the Text, concerning the Fruits of the Appletree, which are ſo ſweet to the Taſte of a true Believer; many things might have been ſpoken by way of Application, both to the Comfort and Joy of all true hearted Believers; and alſo to the Terror and Amazement of all Papiſts, Quakers, Arminians, &c. who are deſtitute of the Fruit of this Appletree. When ſpiritual Famine (from God) comes on theſe graceleſs (becauſe Chriſtleſs) Souls, when they come to be Hunger-bitten, and their ſtarv'd Souls languiſh away in them, for want of the Fruit they now ridicule and ſcorn: Then will that dreadful and killing Word take hold of, and be (Actually) fulfilled in them. Eſa. 65.13. Therefore thus ſaith the Lord God, behold my Servants ſhall eat, but ye ſhall be hungry: behold my Servants ſhall drink, but ye ſhall be thirſty: behold my p. 144Servants ſhall rejoyce, but ye ſhall be aſhamed. Behold my Servants ſhall ſing for Joy of heart, but ye ſhall cry for Sorrow of heart, and ſhall howl for vexation of Spirit.

This is (and will be) the Doom of all thoſe who ſit not under the Protecting Shadow of this Appletree. The Fruit of this Tree is ſweet to none but to thoſe to whom its Shadow is Delightful.

The Shadow and the Fruit belongs to none but to God's Elect, even Chriſts Redeemed ones.

Well therefore may the Believer cry out, and ſay (with the Prophet) Although the Figtree ſhall not Bloſſom, neither ſhall Fruit be in the Vine; the Labour of the Olive ſhall fail, and the Field ſhall yield no Meat: The Flock ſhall be cut off from the Fold, and there ſhall be no Herd in the Stalls: Yet will I rejoyce in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation, Hab, 3.17.18. The Mediatorial Righteouſneſs of God Man is upon me, and his protecting Care and Providence is over me, for my Covering, to ſhelter me from the Laws Curſe. From p. 145the Agonies of a fearful Conſcience; from the dreadful Temptations of Satan, and from the deſerved Wrath of God. Here's my hiding place in time of Storm and Tempeſt, of whom ſhould I be afraid, Pſal, 27.5.

Whenever a Storm ariſes, whether rais'd by Satan or the World, or by my own corrupt Nature, or by Gods deſerting,, or hiding his Face for a time: I preſently (by Faith and Prayer) run to the Appletree and take up my place under its Shadow, crying out (with Holy David,) Keep me as the Apple of the Eye, hide me under the Shadow of thy Wings, from the wicked that oppreſs me, from my deadly Enemies who compaſs me about, Pſal. 17.8, 9. No ſooner am I ſet down under that refreſhing Shadow, and become ſenſible of my Safety, but I preſently fall upon ſolacing my ſpiritual Senſes, with beholding and feeding upon its Fruit; applying unto my ſelf (by Faith) the ſaving Benefits of Chriſts perſonal Graces, and the Improvement he hath made of the ſame for me, a poor Worm; together with the ſaving Benefits of his Word and Works, p. 146(as above diſcovered) appropriating each Particular unto my ſelf. Thus the Improvement which my dear Lord Jeſus made of the Anointing, poured out upon him by the Father (to fit him for the Work of Mediation) it is mine. The Promiſes of the Everlaſting Covenant of Grace (which are ſuited to every Condition, I either am, or can be in) they are mine. That wonderful and amazing Work of his Incarnation (or becoming Man) it is mine. It was to Unite me to God, in a nearer and firmer Bond of Union, than was between God and me in the firſt Creation.

The Work of his unparallell'd and matchleſs Humiliation (in my Nature) it is mine. It was for me, to prevent my Periſhing by the Damning Pride of my corrupted Nature, and to merit and purchaſe for me Goſpel Humility.

That Work of his (perfectly) obey'd the Moral Law (in Heart and Life) it is mine, he obeyed the Law for me as my Surety.

p. 147The Death which he ſuffer'd and underwent it is mine. It was for me that he might unſting Death for me, and to give full Satisfaction to Juſtice for my breaking the Law, that my Sins might be Arraign'd and put to death in his Death. The Guilt of Sin can (now) no more condemn or caſt me at God's Bar; neither can its reigning Power (from henceforth) detain me as its Captive (or Slave) that I ſhould obey it, in the Luſts thereof: The Reſurrection of Chriſt (from the Dead) it is mine. He Roſe for my Juſtification, hereby I am fully Aſſured (from under the Hand of the Spirit of God) that the Whole of my Debt (for which Chriſt my Surety Actually Dy'd and lay confin'd in the Grave) is new fully Diſcharg'd; I am (from henceforth) no more liable to the Arreſt of the Law, for Sin; for that the Juſtice of God hath (by raiſing my Surety from the Dead) Releas'd and Diſcharg'd me.

The Aſcenſion of Chriſt (from Earth to Heaven) it is mine. be Aſcended for me (as my Surety, and Repreſentative) p. 148to preſent before his Father; the Succeſs of his Negotiation, which he undertook (for me) when on Earth. The compleat and perfect Righteouſneſs he fulfilled for me, to anſwer the Laws Demand, and the Univerſal Conqueſt and Victory which he by that Rig…eouſneſs hath Atchiev'd over all his and my Enemies, he makes open ſhew of them in Heaven.

Beſides this, he Aſcended to enter upon the Poſſeſſion of that Crown and Manſion in Heaven, which he himſelf purchaſed for me; the which he hath (as my Forerunner) taken into his own keeping for me, until I have accompliſht the Service, to which he hath appointed me on Earth.

The Interceſſion of Chriſt (in Heaven) is mine. He ſits at the Fathers right Hand, to lay my Caſe (in all its various Circumſtances) open before Gods Throne of Grace, pleading (in my Behalf) the Price which he himſelf hath paid (to Juſtice) for the Procurement of all the Good p. 149I ſtand in need of, till I come to the end of my Race.

And to Encourage my coming to God's Throne of Grace (in Prayer) with a Humble and Holy Boldneſs, to obtain (in the Virtue and Merit of the Price he hath paid, and the Interceſſion he makes in Heaven) the Mercy and Deliverance which at any time (or in any caſe) I ſtand in need of.

The Providence of Chriſt (whereby he governs the World) it is mine.

He Orders and Rules all Creatures (or ſecondary Cauſes) wherein I am concern'd, for my Advantage and ſpiritual Good. Devil, World, Indwelling Sin, Poverty, Reproach, Friends, Enemies, Adverſity, Proſperity, Health, Sickneſs, Life and Death. No further will the All (and Over-ruling) Providence of Chriſt ſuffer any of theſe to move (or ſtir) then he will order for my Good, and Eternal Advantage.

p. 150Matters being brought to ſo Excellent an Iſſue (through the powerful Operation of the Holy Ghoſt) my Soul finds it ſelf under a Holy Conſtraint of crying out, (Admiringly,) Here's Fruit indeed! none could ever compare with it, of theſe Celeſtial Fruits; that Feaſt of Fat things (promiſed in Eſa. 25.6.) is made up, and they are by Chriſt himſelf intended in thoſe Words; For my Fleſh is Meat indeed, and my Blood is Drink indeed, Jo. 6.55. What the Prime and Fatneſs of Beaſts and the moſt delicious and pureſt of Wines are to feaſt and ſatiate the Body.

The Fleſh and Blood of Chriſt the Son of God (as held forth in the Goſpel and by Faith, apply'd and fed upon) is unſpeakably more to the Soul of a true Believer to feed his ſpiritual Hunger, and to quench his ſpiritual Thirſt. The Believer while he finds himſelf (thus) overcaſt with the Shadow of the Appletree, and his ſpiritual Senſes ſo (unſpeakably) cheer'd and raviſh'd with its Fruit; he cries out with Peter on the Mount (at the Transfiguration of Chriſt) p. 151it is good to be here, Mat. 17.3. There's no Shelter like this of the Appletree, which ſecures from all manner of Storms, be they inward or outward; from Devil, from the envious (wicked) World, from Heart Corruption, or from God hiding his Face, Neither is any Fruit to be compared to its Fruit. A Fruit which never fails a Hungry Soul (which feeds on it) to feed, to fatten, to corroborate the Soul againſt all ſpiritual Qualms and Faintings of Soul. A Fruit which (as ſoon as taſted) brings the perplexed, melancholly, diſtracted, deſpairing Heart and Mind to Rights again. A Fruit which is ſo far from cloying, or ſurfeiting the Believer; that the more and the oftener he makes uſe of it, the more doth he long to be at it again. This Fruit produceth in the Soul of a Believer ſuch a Holy Dropſie (or unquenchable Thirſt) as nothing ſhort of the Beatifical Viſion (in Heaven) will perfectly cure, Rev. 7.16.

Come then, Oh! come all ye Poor, diſtreſſed, melancholly, deſpairing Souls, who dread the Terrible Sentence of p. 152the Law; who are frightened by th… Devils Temptations, who are read… to die away in Deſpair, of the Agonies and Wounds which Sin hath occaſion'd in your Conſciences; ye who are afraid, ye ſhall periſh for want: And are afraid that God's Wrath will be your Portion for ever, haſten under the Shadow of the Spouſes Appletree, leſt the Avenger of Blood overtake thee And for thy Encouragement know it, that this Appletree affords Shelter to all comers, to all ſorts of Sinners. The oldeſt Sinners, the vileſt, and moſt notorious Sinners who breath this ſic… Hell and Deſtruction; all will find Welcome, none will be rejected who have a mind to come. All that the Father gieth me ſhall come unto me, and he that cometh to me, I will in no wiſe caſt out, Jo. 6.37. Ho! Every one that Thirſteth, come ye to the Waters, and he that hath no Money, con… and Eat; yea, come buy Wine and Milk without Money and without Price, Eſa. 55.1, 2. And the Spirit and the Bri… ſay, come; and let him that heare… ſay, come; and let him that is athir… come, and whoſoever will, let him ta… of the Water of Life freely, Rev. 22.1. p. 153All other ſpiritual Phyſitians (and Means of Cure) will be found Inſignificant, and of no value. Here's the Phyſitian who muſt cure thee, if ever thou be ſaved. Jo. 8.36. Acts 4.12. And I dare (boldly) to aſſure thee, that the whole World cannot afford thee a ſafer Phyſitian, with whom to truſt thy Sin-ſick dying Soul, than this dear Lord Jeſus, under whoſe Hands never any Soul yet miſcarry'd, and for cheapneſs never was the like. The Scriptures laſt quoted make this plain, to which I will (only) add, that of the Apoſtle Paul. Wherefore he is able (alſo) to ſave them to the uttermoſt, that come unto God by him; ſeeing he ever liveth to make Interceſſion for them. Heb. 7.25. And in a better and more Encouraging Place of Scripture I cannot end.

FINIS.

End of the text · James Barry, The Only Refuge of a Troubled Soul (1700)