The Morning Exercise Methodized, Sermon 18
THE TRUE BELIEVERS Union with CHRIST JESUS.
1 COR. 6.17.
But he that is joyned unto the Lord, is one Spirit.
YOU have lately ſeen the Portraicture of our Lord Jeſus drawn, as it were at length, Introduction.both as to his Perſon and Offices, together with the Means and Mann…r, how he hath dearly purcha'ſt Redemption for us. Method now requires that we lay before you how that Redemption, and the benefits thereof come to be effectually applied unto us. There we had the balme of Gilead, and the plaister spread; what remains, but that it be now applied. There we had a Betheſda, an healing Fountain open'd; but the Pool of life heals not, unleſſe the Patient be put in, and the Angel of the Covenant Stir the waters. Salvation for ſinners cannot be obtain'd without a pu…chaſe; this purchaſe is not ſignificant without poſſeſſion; this poſſeſſion not to be procured without application; this application made only by union; this union clearly held forth in the Text, viz. He that is joyned unto the Lord, is one Spirit.
Coherence.In the cloſe of this Chapter, our Apoſtle ſeriouſly dehorts his Corinthians from that groſſe, that ſoul-polluting ſinne of Fornication. His Arguments (which he lets flie as ſo many Barbed Arrows at the fifth Rib of Uncleanneſs) are drawn
1. Partly from the end to which the body is appointed. The body is for the Lord, Ver. 13. The body was made for the God of holineſſe, therefore not to be proſtituted to Luſt and uncleanneſſe. Ver. 19.The Holy Ghoſts Temple ought not to be converted into a Stye for Satan. That's the firſt.
2. Partly from that honour which by the Lord to our bodies is vouchſafed. Know ye not that our bodies are the members of Chriſt? Ver. 15. Believers bodies are the members of Chriſt, therefore not to be debauch't ſo far as to be made the members of an Harlot. This ſecond Argument is back't and amplified by the words of the Text, He that is joyned to the Lord, is one Spirit: q. d. There is a near and dear union betwixt the Lord Jeſus and true believers, much what reſembling that which is betwixt the head and members: Only here's the difference, that union is carnal, this spiritual. He that is joyn'd to the Lord, is one Spirit: i. e. he is ſpiritually one, or one with the Lord in Spirit, therefore ought not to be one with a ſtrange woman in the fleſh.
Having thus beaten up and l…vel'd our way to the Text, I ſhall not ſtand to ſhred the words into any unneceſſary parts, but ſhall extract out of them ſuch an Obſervation as I conceive ſtrikes a full eighth to the minde of the Spirit of God in them. And 'tis plainly this.
Obſervation.True Believers are cloſely united unto Chriſt Ieſus.
The word which we renderaforeign, Agglutinatus. joyned) imports the neareſt, ſtricteſt, cloſeſt union. This truth I ſhall endeavour, foreign, cleanly to explain, ſolidly to confirme, practically to appy.
1. For the Explication of this truth, Explication.It will be of conſequence to lay before you
Query 1 1. Whom we underſtand by true believers?
Sol. 1. Not ſuch as are united unto Chriſt by a meer external proſeſſion, Sacramental admiſſion, or preſumptuous perſwaſion. Such as theſe are ſaid to believe in Chriſt, John 3.23. and yet they are ſuch, ſo hollow, ſo falſe, that Chriſt dares not truſt them, Ver. 24. Theſe are dead Branches, John 15.2. Sapleſſe ſtakes in the Churches hedge: Reformad…'s and Hangby's only in Chriſts Regiment, whoſe names are not regiſtred in Aeternitatis Albo: Wooden legs of Chriſts body, ſuch as have no true, ſpiritual, vital functions and operations. Such as have a f…rme of godlineſſe, but deny the power thereof, 2 Tim. 3.5. Sardys-like, they have indeed a name that they live, but are dead, Rev. 3.2. With th ſe our Propoſition meddles not.
2. But true believers; i. e. ſuch as are united u…to Chriſt by Internal Implantation, Living, fruit-bearing branches, John 15.5. Such as have not only Chriſts picture drawn on their fore-heads, but Chriſts Spirit quickning their hearts, Epheſ. 3.17. Nathanaels, Iſraelites indeed, John 1.47. Jews inwardly, Rom. 2.29. Such as are really and effectually by the Spirit and Word of God call'd out of a ſtate of ſin, enmity, miſery, into an eſtate of grace, union, reconciliation; ſo that now Chriſt is in them, and they in Chriſt, John 17.21, 23. They repoſing themſelves in Chriſts boſome by love, and Chriſt dwelling in their hearts by faith. Theſe are the Believers our Obſervation intends.
Query 2 2. What kinde of union it is that is betwixt the Lord Jeſus, and true Believers?
Sol. 1. Negatively; what kinde of union it is not.
1. Not a groſſe, carnal, corporeal union; not a union of bodies. Chriſt is in heaven, Acts 1.11. & 3.21. we on earth.
2. Not an hypoſtatical, perſona… union; ſuch as is that ineffable union of the Divine and Humane natures in the perſon of our Immanuel, the Lord Jeſus. 'Tis indeed a union of perſons, but not a perſonal union. Believers make not one perſon with Chriſt, butb1 Cor. 12.13. one body, and that not one body natural, but myſtical. True indeed, the Church is call'd Chriſt, 1 Cor. 12.12. but that is meant of the whole Church, made up of head and members, which is Chriſt myſtical. Now 'tis not rational to apply that to any one ſingle Believer, which is proper only to the whole body. Beſides, ſhould there be a perſonal union betwixt the Lord Jeſus and true Believers, then would there be as many Chriſts as Believers. But to us as there is but one Father, ſo but one Lord Jeſus, 1 Cor. 8.6. Add, that then very action of Believers would be of infinite value, as is the obedience of Chriſts Humane nature, by reaſon of its hypoſtatical union.
3. Not an eſſential, ſubſtantial union; not ſuch an union as makes Believers in any wiſe partakers of the ſubſtance of Chriſts Godhead. Thoſe expreſſions of Nazianzen, foreign, & foreign, of old, and Engliſh't by ſome of us of late; viz. Being Godded with God, and Chriſted with Chriſt, are harſh and dangerous, if not blasphemous. To aver that Believers are partakers of the ſubſtance of Chriſts Godhead, is to aſcribe that to Believers, which we dare not affirme of Chriſſis Manhood it ſelf; concerning which we ſay that it was inſeparably joyned together with the Godhead in one perſon; but yetcforeign. Concil. Chalcedon. without the leaſt converſion, compoſition, or confuſion. True indeed, Believers are ſaid to be partakers of the Divine d2 Pet. 1.4.nature; but how? not of Gods ſubſtance, which …s wholly incommun cable; but Believers, by the exceeding great and precious promiſes, as by ſo many Conduit-pipes, have excellent graces conveyed unto them, whereby they are made like to God in knowledge, righteouſneſſe, and true holineſſe, wherein the Image of God which was ſtamp't on man at his Creation conſiſts. Epheſ. 4.24. Col. 3.10.
4. Not ſuch an union as mounts up Believers to an equality with Chriſt in any reſpect. He is the bleſſed and only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, 1 Tim. 6.15. In all things he hath, and muſt have the preheminence, Col. 1.18. The beſt of Saints have but their Ephah, their Homer, their ſtint andeEpheſ. 4.16. meaſure of excellencies and Divine Endowments. But now Jeſus Chriſt in his Humane nature united to the Divine, was ſanctified and anointed with the Holy SpiritfJohn 3.34. Pſal. 45.7. Hebr. 1.9. above meaſure; we have but our mites, drams, ſcruples, in him are hid all the treaſures of wiſdome and knowledge, Col. 2.3. Our Lord Jeſus is his Fathers Gazophylacium, the great Magazine and Store-houſe of infinite excellencies. It pleaſed the Father that in him ſhould all fulneſſe dwell, Col. 1.19. Yea, in him dwells all the fulneſſe of the Godhead bodily, Col. 2.9. Three gradations, the Godhead, the fulneſſe of the Godhead, all the fulneſſe of the Godhead dwells in Chriſt bodily; foreign; i. e. not only truly and really, in oppoſition to the Ark and Temple in which the Godhead was typically; but perſonally, to diſtinguiſh the indwelling of the Manhood of Chriſt from all accidental, extrinſecal, and integral unions.
Thus Negatively.
2. Poſitively. What kinde of union it is, that is betwixt the Lord Jeſus and tru… B lievers: gNostra & ipſius conjunctio, non miſcet perſonas, nec unit ſubstantias, ſed affectus conſociat & confaederat voluntates. Cypr.Cyprian tells us in the general, 'tis not ſuch an union as ſpeaks a conjunction of perſons, or a connection of natures; but a conſent of wills, and confederation of affections; but this is too lax and general; more particularly; therefore; it is
1. A spiritual union; He that is joyned to the Lord, is one Spirit; i. e. one with Chriſt, not in a groſſe and carnal, but spiritual manner. As man and wife united make one fleſh, Gen. 2.24. ſo Chriſt and Believers united by the Spirit and Faith, make up one ſpiritual Chriſt. Believers are made partakers of one and the ſame Spirit with Chriſt; Chriſts Spirit is really communicated to them, and abides in them.
2. A myſtical, deep, profound union: This is a great myſ ery ſaith the Apoſtle, but I ſpeak of Chriſt and the Church, Epheſ. 5.32. We read of three great myſtical, dazling unions; of three diſtinct perſons united in one God, 1 John 5.7. of two diſtinct natures meeting in one perſon, in our Immanuel, Luke 1.35. Col. 2.9. of two diſtinct natures and perſons united by one Spirit, that's the union betwixt Chriſt and true Believers. This is a great myſtery, a deep union. Hence it is that it is compared to the mystery of the very Trinity, as being like to the union of perſons in the Divine nature. Chriſt in the Father, Believers in Chriſt, and Chriſt in Believers, Joh. 14.20. So Chriſt prayes, Joh. 17.21. that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they alſo may be one in us. Hence may be gathered a likeneſs, though not an equality of union. In the union betwixt Chriſt and Believers, is ſhadow'd out the union betwixt Chriſt and his Father. This is one of the great duplicate page duplicate page Arcana Evangelii; 'tis a myſtical union.
3. And yet it is a true, real union; not a fancy only, not an imaginary union, not like the union of the mouth, and meat in a dream, Iſa. 29.8. No, but we are as really united unto Chriſt, as the members of the body are to the head. Hence are we ſaid to behEpheſ. 5.30. members of his body, of his fleſh, and his bones: As the head communicates real influences to the body, ſo doth Chriſt to Believers; communicates to us his Sp…rit, graces, fulneſſe, spiritual light, life, ſtrength, comfort, Joh. 1.16.
4. A cloſe, near, dear, intimate union: Like that of the food with the body which it nouriſheth. Hence Believers are ſaid to eat Chriſts fleſh, and to drink his blood, John 6.54. Such an intimate union, as that one poſſeſſive particle is not ſufficient to expreſſe it; not ſaid, my Ʋineyard is before me, but my Vineyard which is mine, is before me, Cant. 8.12.
5. An inſeparable, perpetual, indiſſoluble union. A marriage knot which neither men, ſins, ſorrows, death, nor Divels are able to diſſolve. Who, or what can ſeparate us from the love of God? The Apoſtle clearly reſolves his own queſtion:iRom 8 38 39 I am perſwaded that neither life nor death, &c. Believers are held in Chriſts hand; he that would break this union, muſt firſt be too hard of fiſt for Chriſt, yea, and for his Father too. No man ſhall pluck them out of my hand; my Father is greater than all, and no man can pluck them out of my Fathers hand, Joh. 10.28, 29. And thus we have diſpatch't the ſecond Queſtion.
3. What are the efficient cauſes of this union?
Sol. 1. The efficient cauſes of this union are either principal, or leſs principal.
1. Principal; and ſo this great work of union being opus ad extra, 'tis indiviſum, and ſo aſcribed
1. In common to the whole k1 Pet. 5.10. John 6.44, 45. Epheſ. 2 6, 7.Godhead. Hence we are ſaid to be call'd by God the Father into the fell…wſhip of his dear Son, 1 Cor. 1.9. So likewiſe this union is aſcribed to the Sonne. The dead ſhall hear the voice of the Sonne of God and live, Joh. 5.25. & Joh. 10.16.
2. But more eſpecially the Spirit of God in a more peculiar ſenſe, is ſaid to be the principal Author of this union: He it is that knits this marriage knot betwixt Chriſt Jeſus and true Believers. Look aslActs 4.24. Creation in ſome reſpect is appropriated to the Father, m1 Pet. 1.18.Redemption to the Son; ſo the Application of that Redemption to the Holy Ghoſt. 'Tis by one Spirit that we are all baptized into one body, 1 Cor. 12.13. 'Tis by the Holy Spirit the Comforter, That we are convinced of ſin, righteouſneſſe and judgment, Joh. 16.7, 8, 9. 'Tis by the Holy Ghoſt that we are renewed, Tit. 3.5.
2. Leſſe principal, or the means or inſtruments of union. Theſe are twofold; outward, inward.
1. Outward: Generally all the Ordinances of God; by the Ordinances it is that we come to havenJob 22.21. acquaintance; that is, union and communion with Jeſus Chriſt. 'Tis by theſe golden pipes that golden oyle is conveyed to us from that golden Olive, Zech. 4.12. More eſpecially.
1. The Word read, preach't, meditated on, believed, improved. 'Tis by hearing and learning of the Father that we come to Chriſt, Joh. 6.44, 45. The Holy Scriptures were written for this end, that through them we might have fellowſhip with the Father and his Sonne, 1 Joh. 1.3. The way to have Chriſts company, is to keep Chriſts words, Joh. 14.23.
2. The Sacraments, thoſe ſpiritual Seals and Labels which God hath fix't to his Covenant of Grace.
1. Bapti me: By one Spirit we are baptiz'd into one body, 1 Cor. 12.13. Hence we are ſaid to be buried with Chriſt by Baptiſme into death, Rom. 6.3, 4. Baptiſme ſtyled the Laver of regeneration, Tit. 3.5. By Baptiſme we put on Chriſt, Gal. 3.7.
2. The Lords Supper; this is a great means of ſtrengthning and evidencing our union, and advancing our communion with Chriſt Jeſus. We are all made to drink into one Spirit, 1 Cor. 12.13. Hence that, 1 Cor. 10.16. The bread which we break, is it not the communion of (means, arg…ments, evidences of our communion with) the body of Chriſt. The wine which we drink, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? Thus much for the external means of union.
2. Inward, internal, intrinſecal means of union on mans part; i. e. faith: Not a bare hiſtorical, miraculous, temporal dead faith; No, but a living, working, juſtifying, ſaving faith. Chriſt comes to dwell in our hearts by faith, Epheſ. 3.17. 'Tis by faith alone that we receive Chriſt, Joh. 1.12. That we come unto him, and feed upon him, Joh. 6.56. 'Tis by faith that a Believer lives in and to Chriſt, and Chriſt lives in and for a Believer, Gal. 2.20.
Thus much for the Explication of the termes of our Propoſition, for the fixing of it on a right Baſis. I now proceed to the ſecond part of my diſcourſe; viz.
Now That there is ſuch a spiritual, mystical, real, cloſe, inſeparable union betwixt the Lord Jeſus and true Believers, 2. Confirm.appears three ways.
1. From thoſe many ſynonymical terms, and equivalent expreſſions whereby the Scriptures hold forth this union. Chriſt is ſaid to be in Believers, Col. 1.27. Rom. 8.10. To dwell in them, Epheſ. 3.17. To walk in them, 2 Cor. 6.16. So are Believers ſaid to abide in Chriſt, as he abides in them, 1 Joh. 4.16. & Joh. 15.17. To dwell in Chriſt, as Chriſt in them, Joh. 6.56. To put on Chriſt, to be cloathed with him, Gal. 3.27. Each of theſe expreſſions clearly import that near and intimate union that is betwixt the Lord Jeſus and true Believers. The King of Saints hath two Manſion houſes; one in heaven, the Throne of his glory; another on earth, a Tabernacle of fleſh, the heart of a Believer, which is the ſeat of his delight, Prov. 8.31. his leſſer Heaven, Iſa. 57.15. — 66.1, 2.
2. From thoſe ſeveral ſimilitudes by which the Scriptures ſhadow out this union. Believers are ſaid to be lively ſtones, 1 Pet. 2.4, 5, 6. Chriſt the living foundation, the chief corner-stone on which they are built, Epheſ. 2.20, 21. Believers are ſtyled living branches. Chriſt the true Ʋine, into whom they are engraffed, and in whom they bring forth fruit, Joh. 15.1.5. Chriſt the faithful, loving, diſcreet Bridegroom; Believers his Loyal, Affectionate, obedient Spouſe, Epheſ. 5.31, 32. Cant. 2.16. — 5.1. Believers are intitled Chriſts body, Epheſ. 1.23. Bone of his bone, fleſh of his fleſh, Epheſ. 5.30. Chriſt, the Believers head, Epheſ. 1.22. In a word, the head and myſtical body are call'd Chriſt, 1 Cor. 12.12. In all theſe Reſemblances, he that runs may read the union betwixt Chriſt and Believers, pourtrayed out to the life unto us.
3. From that communion which there is betwixt Chriſt and true Believers. Omnis communio fundatur in unione: Communion where ever it is, of neceſſity argues union; as the effect neceſſarily implies the cauſe. Believers, they communicate with Chriſt in his fulneſs, Joh. 1.16. In hiso2 Cor 5.21. Solus pro nobis ſuſcepit ſine meritis malis poenam, ut nos per illum ſine b… nis meritis conſequermur gratiam. Aug. merits, which are as fully imputed to Believers for Juſtification, as if his ſufferings had been by them endured, or the debt by them ſatisfied. In his life and graces, by habitual and real infuſion, and in-dwelling of his Spirit to Sanctification, 1 Cor. 1.2. In his priviledges and dignities; ſuch I mean as are communicable. Is he a King? a Prieſt? So are Believers, Rev. 1.6. A Royal Prieſthood, 1 Pet. 2.9. Is he a Son? an Heir by Nature? Saints are ſo by Adoptior, Joint-heirs with Christ, Rom. 8.17. In his Ʋictories; Believers are more than Conquerours through him, Rom. 8.37. In the midſt of their enemies inſultations, and their own diſtreſſes; yea, even in and by death it ſelf, the victory is ſtill theirs: In his Triumphs and Glory; they ſhare with him in his Throne; all that Believers are is from the Grace of Chriſt, 1 Cor. 15.10. All that they do, is from the ſtrength of Chriſt, Phil. 4.13. So that they do not ſo properly live, as Christ in them, Gal. 2.20. On the other ſide, Chriſt communicates in the Believers graces, affections, duties. He gathers myrrhe and spice out of their Gardens, eats of their honey and honey-comb, Cant. 5.1. Their man-drakes are laid up for their Lord. As they live in the Spirit, ſo they walk in the Spirit, Gal. 5.25. They tune their ſouls to his key; theirpCant. 2.14. voice is ſweet in his Ears; their countenance is lovely in his Eyes; all that Believers are is from Chriſt, and therefore all that Belivers have is to Chriſt. What they receive in Mercy, they return in Duty. Thus from this mutual communion, we conclude a cloſe and dear union.
And now our Propoſition being thus cleared and confirmed, I deſcend to the third thing promiſed, and that is
3. Application, which I ſhall couch under theſe foure Heads, viz. Information, Examination, Conſolation, Exhortation.
1. Information. Are believers thus cloſely united unto Chriſt? Hence ſee,
1. The crimſon, Tyrian tincture, the ſcarlet dye of their ſin, who oppo e, oppreſs, perſecute true believers. Poor ſouls, little do they think or know what they do; viz. that they wound Chriſt through believers ſides. Believers are united unto Chriſt; therefore when the ſeed of the SerpentqGen. 3.15. bruiſes their heel, it muſt needs have an influence on Chriſt their head; who though he hath no paſſion, yet hath he much compaſſion, and in all their afflictions, is afflicted, Iſa. 63.9. In touching them, they touch the apple of his eye, Zech. 2.8. Saul, Saul, why perſecuteſt thou me? Acts 9.4. ſo cryes the Head in heaven, while Saul treads on the foot on earth.
2. Hence learn, the heighth, length, depth, and breadth of the love of Chriſt that paſſeth knowledge, to believers beyond and above all others in the world. Oh Beloved, that the Lord ſhould leave other plants in the woods and waſte ground, let them alone in the Wilderneſſe, ſuffer them to grow up to be fit fuel for eternal flames, and make choice of them (who by nature are as wild rRom. 11.17.olives, as the worſt) and ingraffe them into himſelf, who is the True O…ive, and make them partakers of his fulneſſe! that he ſhould cull them out, who are by nature dead in trespaſſes and ſinnes, and implant them into himſelf, raiſe them up together, and make them ſit together in heavenly places with himſelf! Oh this ſpeaks love beyond expreſſion, beyond imagination! This argues grace, riches of grace, exceeding riches of grace, Eph. 2.1, 4, 5, 6, 8.
3. Obſerve hence not only the love which Chriſt vouchſafes to, but the high honour which he casts upon believers. Was it an honour for Mordecai to be cloat…ed with Ahaſhuerus Royal apparel, to ride on the Kings H…rſ…, having the Royal Crown on his head? Eſther 6.11. what an honour then was it, for a poor Eſther to be taken into the Kings bed and boſ…me? Eſther 2.17. If it ſeemed not a light thing in Davids eyes, but rather an high dignity to be ſon in law to a King, what is it then to be united to a God? the higheſt pitch and pinnacle of honour; This; the Ela, the Neplus ultra of true dignity; an honour not vouchſaft by God to thoſe gliſtering Courtiers of heaven, the Angels. True indeed, they are Chriſts ſervants, ſubjects, not his members. To which of the Ang ls ſaid he at any time, Thou art bone of my bone, fleſh of my fleſh? C…riſt took not on him the nature of Angels, but is united to the ſeed of Abraham, Heb. 2.16.
4. Hence we conclude the ſtability, fixedneſſe, perſeverance of the Saints in their eſtate of grace. Here, here, believers, is a firme baſis, on which to build the Sai…ts c…nstant progreſſe in the paths of holineſs, till they fully arrive at their Port of happineſſe. True believers are united unto Chriſt; They live in Chriſt, and Chriſt in them; their life is hid with Chriſt in God, Col. 3.3. Therefore mauger the malice and power of all unruly corruptions from within, of all ſubtile temptations, violent aſſaults, decoying ſmiles, or threatening frowns from without, they muſt and ſhall perſevere.sforeign Kept as by a Garriſon. Kept they are, and ſhall be by the power of that Chriſt, to whom they are united through faith unto ſalvation, 1 Pet. 1.5. Whil'ſt there is ſap in Chriſt their root, it ſhall aſcend into the true Branches. Joh. 11.16. and 4.14. Let the raine deſcend, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon theſe living ſtones, theſe ſpiritual Houſes, they ſhall not tMat. 7.25. Iſa. 26.4.fall totally, finally, for they are built on that Rock of Ages. True believers are Chriſts Members, and ſhould he loſe the leaſt of them, he would be a maimed, an imperfect Chriſt, 1 Cor. 12.27. Of thoſe whom thou haſt given me, I have not loſt one, Joh. 17.12. True Believers are Chriſts Spouſe, married to him, and whatever men have done, or may do, Chriſt will not give a Bill of utter Divorce, Jer. 3.14.
5. See here a rational, ſolid ground, for the Protestant Doctrine of the imputation of Chriſts righteouſneſs, and the merit thereof to true Believers, againſt the cavils and calumnies of the Phariſaical, ſelf-juſtifying Papiſt. Our union unto Chriſt, is the great foundation on which we build our communion with Chriſt. Chriſt is united to believers; one with them, their Head, their Surety, (who in conſpectu fori, is but one perſon with the debtor) and this by his own voluntary undertaking, the debtors conſent, and the Judges approbation: therefore 'tis rational, juſt, equal, that what our Chriſt, our Head, Repreſentative, Surety, hath done and ſuff…red for us; and that not only bono noſtro, for our good, but loco noſtro, in our ſtead, ſhould by God our Judge be imputed to us. That ſince our Head and Surety was made ſin for us, who knew no ſin, we ſhould be made the righteouſneſſe of God in him, 2 Cor. 5.21. That ſince he hath borne our griefs, and carried our ſorrows; ſince he was wounded for our tranſgreſſions, and bruiſed for our iniquities, 'tis but juſt that our Peace ſhould be obtain'd by his chaſtiſements, and that by his ſtripes we ſhould be healed, Iſa. 53.4, 5, 6, &c.
6. If believers, &c. Hence we gather a cogent, and concluſive Argument for the Saints bleſſed Reſurrection at the laſt day. Chriſt the believers Head is riſen: riſen as their Head: riſen as the ſe…ond Adam. From hence the Apoſtle ſtrongly argues for the Saints glorious reſurrection, 1 Cor. 15.13, 14, 15, &c. If the head be got above, ſurely the body ſhall not away lie under water. True indeed, the ungodly and unbelievers ſhall be raiſed alſo, Dan. 12.2. Joh. 5.29. There ſhall be a u2 Cor. 5.10.general reſurrection of the dead, both of the juſt and unjuſt, Acts 24.15. and 17.31. But here's the difference; The bodies of the wicked ſhall be raiſed up in diſhonour by Chriſt, as a powerful and offended Judge, John 5.27, 28, 29. To receive their juſt ſentence and condemnation, 2 Theſ. 1.6, 8, 9. Matth. 25.33. But the bodies of believers, by the Spirit of Chriſt, and by vertue of his reſurrection, as their Head, ſhall be raiſed in power, ſpiritual, incorruptible, and made like to his glorious body, 1 Cor. 15.20, 22, 23, 42, 43, 44. Becauſe he lives, they ſhall live alſo, and have livery and ſeiſin given them of thoſe joyes and gloryes, which neither eye hath ſeen, nor ear heard, nor can enter into the heart of man to conceive, 1 Cor. 2.9. and ſo ſhall they be ever with the Lord, 1 Theſ. 4.17. Thus much by way of Corollary for information of the judgement. I now proceed to the ſecond Ʋſe, which more immediately reflects on the heart and life; and that is an Uſe of,
2. Examination, Whether there be really and indeed ſuch a spiritual, cloſe, intimate union betwixt our ſouls in particular, and the Lord Jeſus. To this purpoſe give me leave to put the probe into your conſciences, by a ſerious propoſal of theſe five Queſtions.
Queſt. 1. Hath Christ given unto you his holy Spirit? He that is joyn'd to the Lord, is one Spirit, ſaith the Text. If any man have not the Spirit of Chriſt, he is none of his, w1 Joh. 3.24Rom. 8.9. Whatever member is really united to the Head, hath a natural spirit; a ſoul enlivening of it, and acting in it. So ſaith the Apoſtle, Hereby know we, that we dwell in him, and he in us, becauſe he hath given us of his S…irit, 1 Joh. 4.13.
Now this Spirit where ever it is, it is,
1. A praying Spirit, a Spirit of ſupplication; of faithful, ſincere, fervent, conſtant, humble ſupplication, Zech. 12.10. Ask then thy ſoul, Canſt thou, Doſt thou go to God, and cry as a child, with reverence and confidence, Abba-Father, Rom. 8.15. Does this Spirit help thine infirmities? Rom. 8.26. and enable thee to underſtand both for whom, and what, and how thy prayer is to be made? Does it work and quicken in thy heart (at leaſt at ſome times, in ſome meaſure) ſuch apprehenſions, affections and graces, as are requiſite for the right and acceptable performance of ſo heavenly a duty?
2. A mourning Spirit. It puts a believer into a dove-like frame, Ezek. 7.16. mourning for the loſſe of its Mate: yea, mourning for the offence of a gracious God, as for the loſſe of an only ſonne, Zech. 12.10. Tell me then poor ſoul, Art thou apt ever and anon to ſtrike on thy breaſt with the contrite Publican?xJer. 31.19. to ſmite on thy thigh with broken-hearted Ephraim, and in an holy conſternation of ſpirit, to ask thy ſelf, What, ohyJer. 8 6. what have I do…? Does thy Gods bottle, and thy tears therein, for ſin as ſin, ſpeak for thee?
3. A ſanctifying Spirit; z1 Cor. 6.11.1 Pet. 1.2. and that with reſpect to ſins, graces, duties.
1. Sinnes. The Spirit, where ever it is,2 Theſ. 2.13. mortifies the deeds of the fleſh, Rom. 8.13. Speak then, is thine old man crucified (at leaſt as to dominion) with thy Chriſt? Rom. 6.6. more eſpecially, (not to ſpeak of thy more groſſe, dangerous, diſhonourable ſins) Doſt thou ſpit out the ſweet morſel under thy tongue? Doſt thou with Samuel, hue thy delicate Agag in pieces? with David, keep thee from *Pſa. 18.23.thine iniquity, that iniquity to which thy constitution, cuſtome, calling, intereſt, moſtly incline thee? what ſayſt thou to thy Iſaac, Benjamine, Abſolom, Dalilah, Herodias, the Calves at Dan and Bethel? Tell me, Art thou apt ſadly to remember thine own evil wayes, and to loath thy ſelf in thine own ſight for all thine iniquities, and for all thine abominations? Ezek. 36.31.
2. Graces. Speak Believer, Art thou renewed in the Spirit of thy mind? hath the Spirit of God re-inſtampt that glorious Image of God, viz. Knowledge, Righteouſneſſe, and true Holineſſe, which thou loſt in Adam? Epheſ. 4.24. As thy cloathing is of wrought gold, ſo eſpecially is all thy glory, thy chiefeſt glory within? Doſt thou find thy graces ſtirred up, increaſt, and ſtrengthened with might by the Spirit in the Innerman? Eph. 3.16. Hath the North-wind ſo riſen, the Southwind ſo come, and blown upon thy Garden, that the ſpices thereof flow forth? Cant. 4.16. In a word, Doſt thou more and more grow in grace? 2 Pet. 3.18. Beholding the glory of the Lord, art thou changed into the ſame image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord? 2 Cor. 3.18. Art thou ſtill perfecting holineſſe in the fear of God? 2 Cor. 7.1.
3. Duties. Where ever the Spirit is, it cauſeth, effectually cauſeth the man to walk in Gods S…atutes, to keep his judgements, and to do them, Ezek. 36.27. It worketh in believers, both to will and to do, Philip. 2.13. To performe natural, moral, ſpiritual duties, to spiritual ends, in a spiritual manner: and that,
1. Freely. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, 2 Cor. 3.17. Chriſts people in the day of his power, are a willing people; voluntiers in his ſervice, Pſal. 110.3. What ſay'ſt thou, art thou drag'd to duty, as a Bull to a ſtake, as a Swine to ſlaughter? or rather, is it thy meat and drink to do thy Gods Will? John 4.34. Do the wayes of wiſdome, ſeem wayes of *Prov. 3.17.pleaſantneſſe to thee? and all her paths, doſt thou look upon them as peace?
2. Regularly. Thoſe that live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, Gal. 5.25. i. e. by the Spirits light, according to the Spirits rule, the Word of God, the great ſtandard of Truth. What then, doſt thou kindle a fire on thine own hearth, and compaſſe thy ſelf about with thine own sparkles? d…ſt thou walk in the light of this fire, and in the ſparks that thou haſt kindled? my meaning is, Doſt thou forſake the Law and Teſtimony, Gods cloud and pillar, and follow the guidance of that ignis fatuus, thy refined reaſon, or others corrupt example, or a pretended tradition, or ſome extatical Revelation contrary to the Word? All theſe will lead thee into boggs, and this ſhalt thou have of Gods hands, Thou ſhalt lie down in ſorrow, Iſa. 50.11. But if ſo be the infallible Word be thy Rule, and thou walkeſt according to it, then peace be upon thee, as upon the Iſrael of God, Gal. 6.16. So much for the firſt query.
Queſt. 2. Doth Chriſt aEph. 3.17.dwell in thy heart by faith? viz by ſuch a faith as purifies the heart, as works by love, to God. the Word, Saints, enemies, as overcomes the world, its Midianitiſh ſmiles, its Anakimlik frowns? If thou haſt ſuch a faith, remember it as an infallible and momentous truth, That faiths Application of Chriſt to a Believer, i… ſaving, is alwayes joyn'd with a Believers Application of himſelf to Christ. If the Spouſe avers Chriſt to be hers, My Beloved is mine; ſhe as freely acknowledges that ſhe is Chriſts, I am his, Cant. 2.16. 'T s with a Believer and Chriſt in this caſe, not as with a man clasping about a Tree, but as with two loving friends mutually embracing each other. Ask then thy ſoul, thy conſcience, Canſt thou truly ſay with David, Lord ſave me, I am thine? Pſal. 119.94. Doſt thou indeed, not only lean on thy Beloved, but cleave to thy Christ with full purpoſe of heart? Acts 11.23. Does it content thee to apply Chriſt to thy ſoul, only as a plaiſter to a wound, to have healing from him? or not rather as a ſeal to the wax, which takes an impreſſion from it? Hath thy faith two hands? as with the one thou pretendeſt to lay hold on Chriſt, doſt thou with the other, reſign up thy ſelf to Chriſt? Art thou apt with the Romane Spouſe to ſay, Ʋbi tu Caius, ibi ego Caja? Art thou as ready, when he propoſes the ſtricteſt Precepts, to ſay, Lord I am thine, as when he proclaimes the ſweeteſt promiſes, to ſay, Lo d thou art mine? Art thou as ready to offer up thy ſelf a burnt-offering, an Holocaust Rom. 12.1. to God in obedience, as to tender for thy ſelf, thy Chriſt, as a ſin-offering for ſatisfaction? Lev. 5.7.b2 Cor. 13.5. Oh examine thy heart ſincerely, whether thou art thus in the faith; or rather, whether ſuch a faith be in thee. That's the ſecond.
Queſt. 3. Doſt thou crucifie the fleſh with its affections and luſts? They that are united unto Chriſt do ſo, Gal. 5.24. Rom. 8.13. Doſt thou deteſt, loath, hate ſin, all ſin, in thought, word, deed; and that not ſo much for its effects, as its nature? doſt thou hate it rather as hell, than for hell? That is our duty, cforeign.Rom. 12.9. is it our ſincere endeavour? Didſt thou ever groan out under the ſenſe of that intolerable burthen? of that Wolf that lies in thy boſome? does it make thee cry out as Paul, O wretched man that I am, Rom. 7.24. Doſt thou when thou appeareſt before the Lord in prayer, or at his Word, or at a Sacrament, put thy Uriah, thy deareſt darling ſinnes in the front of the Battle, that when Chriſt diſcharges his keeneſt arrows, they may be ſure to be hit and ſlaine? When God ſends a Tempeſt, is it thy firſt, greateſt care to throw thoſe Jonahs overboard? when God ſeems to beleaguer thee with ſharp and threatning providences, is it thy main endeavour to caſt the heads of thoſe Sheba's over the Wall? But,
Queſt. 4. Art thou a new creature? he that is in Chriſt, is ſo, 2 Cor. 5.17. Haſt thou a new head, heart, lip, life? canſt thou now properly ſay, Ego non ſum ego? is the Lyon become a Lamb, the Raven a Dove, the Wolf a Kid, the perſecutor a Preacher, or more, an Adorer of Chriſt Jeſus? Doſt thou act from new principles, the Spirit of Chriſt, Ezek. 36.27. faith, Gal. 2.20. conſtraining*2 Cor. 5.14. love, filial fear? Jer. 32.40, Doſt thou act for new principles, that thou mayſt preſerve them in thy ſelf, and propagate them to others? Acts 26.29. Doſt thou now level at new ends, the beſt, the higheſt ends? is thy main ſcope and aime now not ſo much at a clod of earth, a vapor, a puff of honour, a tickling pleaſure? No, but rather is it thy chiefeſt end, plot, deſign, to advance thy Creators, Redeemers, Comforters glory? and with it, the ſpiritual, eternal ſalvation of thy precious and immortal Soule? Is this thy white, thy mark, thy center? Canſt thou in ſincerity of ſoul, ſay with the Pſalmiſt, Whom have I in heaven but thee, &c. Pſa. 73.25.
Queſt. 5. Doſt thou bring forth fruit? Every branch in Chriſt, is a fruit-bearing branch, John 15.5. Art thou fill'd with all the fruits of righteouſneſſe? firſt and ſecond Table-fruits? art thou fruitful in every good word and work? Col. 1.10. Doſt thou bring forth fruit ſutable to the means vouchſaft? or does the ſeed of an Homer bring forth only an Ephah? doſt thou remember, that where much is given, not a little is required? Luke 12.48. Briefly, doſt thou bring forth fruit like the Land of Egypt, by handfulls? Haſt thou any bunches of Pomgranates to ſhew? is thy ſoul a ſpiritual Eſhcol? and then too, art thou ſo deſirous of bringing forth more, that thou lookeſt on the Vintage of thy attainments only as gleanings? In a word, doſt thou bring forth fruit conſtantly, every month, in old age? Pſa. 92.14. Art thou ever green and flouriſhing? do not thoſe Apples of Sodome, bitter fruits of Apostacy, in principles, in practices, ſpring from thee? Are not thy grapes turned into thornes, thy figs into Thiſtles? Art thou not like Orpah, that tother day kiſt and complemented, but now forſakes? but rather like Ruth, doſt thou reſolve and ſay concerning thy God, thy Chriſt, Whither thou goeſt, I will go; where thou dyeſt, will I dye, and there will I be buryed? Ruth 1.16, 17.
If thy heart and conſcience can give a comfortable anſwer to theſe Quaeries, then Believer open thy mouth, open it wide, that thou mayſt ſuck and be ſatisfied with the next Uſe of our Point, which is a Breaſt of,
3. Conſolation. True Believers are cloſely united unto Chriſt Jeſus; Oh what marrow, what fatneſs drops from this Truth! what an Hybla is it in the mouths, what muſick is it in the ears of true believers! How bleſſed are the people that are in ſuch a caſe! Pſalme 144.15. Their happineſſe will more diſtinctly appear, if we reflect on it, either with relation to Chriſt, or believers.
1. With relation to Chriſt to whom believers are united. On their Union with him, there redounds to them a peculiar Interest in his Perſon, Properties, Promiſes, Providences, All.
1. In Chriſts Perſon; Chriſt himſelf is theirs, Jer. 32.38. Iſa. 9.6. A Chriſt that is not like creature c mforts; thoſe foreign, bitter ſweets; like the Panther, which has a ſweet ſente, but an ugly face; No, but he is an Ocean of ſweetneſſe without the leaſt dram of gall: Chriſt, that perfect beauty, without the leaſt spot; That faireſt of ten thouſand, Can…. 5.10. That altogether lovely one, Ver. 16. This Chriſt is theirs; Chriſt that indeficient, never-failing good is theirs, Heb. 13.5. True indeed, creature comforts and earthly intereſts like Abſoloms Mule, are apt moſtly then to faile us, when we moſt need them. Yea, but Jeſus Chriſt is ſuch a Sun of righteouſneſſe, that he knows no ſetting, no declining, Mal. 4.2. He is a Fountain of life ever running. In a word, Chriſt that full, filling, ſufficient, all-ſufficient perſon,Gen. 17.1. in whomdQuae faciunt diviſa beatum, in hoc mixta fluunt. concenter all the ſcattered excellencies of the whole Creation; in whom is compleatly treaſured up whatſoever an angry God can require for his ſatisfaction, or an empty creature deſire for its perfection. This is the perſon in whom Saints by union have a real intereſt.
2. In Chriſts properties. My horſes are as thy horſes, my Chariots as thy Chariots, ſaid Jehoſhaphat to Ahab; all his Councels and Forces devoted to his ſervice. Son, all that I have is thine, Luk. 15.31. Believers! has Chriſt an Arme of power, 'tis for your protection? has he an Eye of knowledge, depth of wiſdome? 'tis for your direction. A Stock, a Treaſury of perfect righteouſneſſe? 'tis for your juſtification: A Spirit of holineſſe? 'tis for your ſanctification. Has he rowling, yearning bowels of mercy? 'tis that he may ſhew you compaſſion. A Lapp of All-ſufficiency for your proviſion; Arms of Grace, an heaven of glory for your reception, Pſal. 73.24.
3. In Chriſts promiſes: In all thoſe great, rich, precious, gracious promiſes, 2 Pet. 1.4. wherein all they wan…, and infinitely more than they can deſire or imagine, is made over to them, 2 Cor. 1.20. Chriſts promiſes are the Believers Magna Charta, to the confirmation whereof God has been pleaſed to adde bo…h his Oath and Blood, Hebr. 6.17, 18. for Seals.
4. In all Chriſts Providences, let them ſeem never ſo black and gloomy. The hotteſt Furnace they are thrown into, does but looſe their bonds, and the ſcorching flames become a warme Sun, Dan. 3.25. This is the fruit of Gods ſharpeſt rods,*Iſa. 27.9. the taking away of their ſin. The Lyon affords them meat; the Anakim himſelf proves their bread. All things work together for their good, Rom. 8.28. Every wind, though it blow never ſo croſſe, ſpeeds them to their Port. Not a ſtone thrown at them, but it is to them a pr…cious ſtone. Not a Thorn in their Crown, but i… turns into a Diamond. Not a twig in their Rod, but is ſweetned and ſanctified. The ſaddeſt Providences like the Snow falling on them, and deſcending to the hem of their garments, there freeze into a gem to deck them.
5. In all: i. e. True Bel…evers have ſuch an univerſal intereſt in all that Christ is, hath, could speak, ſuffer, or can do, that the Apoſtle going about to take an Inventory of their large Revenue, and as it were deſpairing to give in an exact acc…unt of the particulars, is faine to couch them in one ſum total: All are yours, 1 Cor. 3.22, 23. Wherein are obſervable, 1. The Believers portion, the fulleſt imaginable, All are yours: Then the term, for life and death too; in poſſeſſion and reverſion: Things preſent, and things to come. Laſtly, the tenure, the ſureſt, the high ſt that can be, they hold in …apite; for their better aſſurance, their demeſns are entail'd on the Crown; All yours, becauſe you are Chriſts, and Chriſt is Gods.
Thus you ſee what comfort flows from this Doctrine of Union with Relation unto Christ. There's yet another Dug which ſwels with Conſolation, and that is to be drawn
2. With respect to Believers themſelves, in a threefold regard; viz. of their perſons, graces, duties.
1. Their perſons. Believers being united unto Chriſt, they are, they cannot but be his Fathers Jedidiahs, Beulahs, Hephziba's, dearly accepted in the Beloved, Epheſ. 1.6. They are alſo his own delight, Prov. 8.31. He rejoyceth over them, as a Bridegroom over his Bride. They are to him as the Seal on his Arme; as aeCant. 8.6. Signet on his right hand. He carries their names on his breaſt continually, Exod. 12.29. And as for the Spirit of God, that like Noahs Dove, finds no where to reſt the ſole of his foot, but the ſoul of a ſincere Believer, of whom it ſays, here is my reſt, here will I dwell for ever, for I have a delight herein.
2. Their graces. True Believers graces are in themſelves very defective and imperfect: The eye of their faith, like that of Leah, a blear-eye. The hand of their confidence, like that of Jeroboam, much withered and blaſted. The fire of their love, like that of green wood, apt ſoon to expire. The anchor of their hope very much crackt; ſhoulders of patience ſorely bruiſed; feet of obe…ience, like Mephiboſheth, lame; yet becauſe united unto Chriſt, all accepted, all hold ſcale and weight in heaven, though not as to merit, yet as to acceptance, 1 Pet. 2.5. There is much alloy in the metal, however I ſee my Sons stamp, and Picture on the coyne, and therefore ſaith God, it ſhall paſſe for currant in heaven.
3. Their duti s. Oh the defects of Saints duties: How often do they pray, as if afraid to be heard; hear, as if afraid to learn; learn, as if afraid to do; do, as if afraid to pleaſe; and yet being united unto Chriſt, how acceptable are their perſons and performances! Their weak prayers ſound like melody. Their broken ſighs ſmell like Incenſe; Their very ſtammerings ſeem Rhetorical, Cant. 2.14. Not a good word falls from their lips, but 'tis recorded, Mal. 3.16. Not a tear drops from their eye, but 'tis taken up, and bottel'd, Pſal. 56.8. Mites received as if they were Talents. Cups of Cold water, Ram-skins, Goats-hair, any thing; deſires inſtead of performances; the will for the deed; grief for want of will, for the will it ſelf, 2 Cor. 8.12. and all becauſe from ſuch as are united unto Chriſt, in whom the Lord is ſo well-pleaſed, Matth. 3.17. that he looks on the very ſmoke of his Saints performance, mixt with Chriſts merits as a ſweet perfume. Having done with the Conſolation ariſing from this truth, we proceed to the laſt Uſe, which is of
4. Exhortation. In it I ſhall addreſſe my ſelf, 1. To ſinners, then to Saints.
1. To ſinners, that are as yet*Epheſ. 2.12. without Chriſt, God, Hope in this world. Oh be you yet perſwaded to give your eyes no ſleep, your eye-lids no ſlumber, till you are really and cloſely united to Chriſt Jeſus. Methinks poor forlorne creature thou ſhouldeſt not need a Spur, if thou doſt, conſider.
1. The dreadful, diſmal danger of thy preſent eſtate. A ſoul not united unto Chriſt, lies open to all danger imaginable; 'tis in the very Suburbs of deſtruction: It walks in the valley of the very ſhadow of wrath, death, damnation. True, it may be thou perceiveſt it not; but that ſpeaks thy ſ…curity, not thy ſafety; and thou art ſ…cure, becauſe hood-wink't. Thy ſecurity is not from want of danger, but diſcerning. Alas, how dreadful is thy condition, that lieſt every minute expoſed to the cruel courteſie of every Divel, Luſt, Temptation, Judgment! The ſentence is paſt againſt thee; in the next Scene expect the Executioner. He that believeth not, is condemned already, Joh. 3.18, 19. Poor ſoul, a deluge of wrath is pouring down in full ſtreams upon thee, and thou art as yet ſhut out of the Ark. The Avenger of blood is at thy heels, and thou not yet got into a City of Refuge. A ſhower of brimſtone falling on thee, and thou haſt no Zoar to flie unto. The deſtroying Angel with his drawn Sword at the threſhold, and the lintel poſts of thy door not ſprinkled with blood. But
2. If the winde do not, lets ſee whether the Sun cannot prevaile. Poor ſelf-deſtroying Caitiff, Look yonder on that amiable Jeſus Chriſt; (for a marriage between whom and thy precious ſoul I am now woing) Do but obſerve his condeſcending willingneſſe to be united to thee: That great Ahaſhuerus courts his own captive Hester. The Potter makes ſuit to his own clay; Wooes thee, though he wants thee not; is infinitely happy without thee, yet is not, cannot be ſatisfied but with thee. Heark how he commands, intreats, begs thee to be reconciled, 2 Cor. 5.20. Swears and pawns his life upon it, that he deſires not thy death, Ezek. 33.11. Seals this his oath with his blood; and if after all this thou art fond of thine own damnation, and hadſt rather be at an agreement with hell, than with him; ſee how the briniſh tears trickle down his cheeks, Luke 19.41, 42. He weeps for thee, that doſt not, wilt not weep for thy ſelf: Nay, after all this obdurate obſtinacy, is reſolved ſtill to wait, that he may be gracious, Iſa. 30.18. Stands yet and knocks, though his head be wet with rain, and h…s locks with the dew of the night; fain he would have thee open the door, that he may come in and ſup with thee, and thou with him, Rev. 3.20. Thus much for a whet to ſinners; my next addreſs is
2. To Saints that are indeed united unto Chriſt Jeſus. Four words of advice I have for you: Oh that they might ſtick as Goads, as Nails faſtened by the Maſters of the Aſſemblies.
1. Be very fearful of that which may in any ſort weaken your union with Chriſt. Beware of committing, of approving thy ſelf in the leaſt compliance with any the leaſt ſin. Say not as Lot of Zoar, is it not a little one? Sin approved is that very Dalilah that cuts off the locks, and makes a Believer a prey to every Philiſtine. Sin is that that ſeparates between us and our God; the great make-bate between heaven and earth, Iſa. 59.2. 'Tis true, a Saint ſhall never be left ſo to himſelf or ſin, as that ſin ſhall bereave him of his Jewel, his Grac…, or God; but may, and doth often ſteal away the key of his Cabinet, his evidence his aſſurance. I opened to my Beloved, but my Beloved had withdrawn himſelf, and was gone, Cant. 5.6. Sin is that that will ſoon grieve away that holy Spirit, by which we are ſeal'd to the day of Redemption, Epheſ. 4.30.
2. Wiſ…ly improve this your union with Chriſt. fFrustra eſt potentia, &c.'Tis not enough to have, unleſſe we uſe Chriſt: Not enough to have a Well of ſalvation, but we muſt draw water, and drink it too, Iſa. 12.3. if we intend a benefit by it. 'Twas the looking on the Brazen Serpent that cured thoſe that were ſtung: Not enough for Saints to have faith, by which to live; but they muſt live by the faith that they have, Gal. 2.20. i. e. they muſt by faith draw continual ſupply of grace, comfort, ſtrength from Chriſt, as the branch does ſap from the root, as the members do influence from the head, as the pipe does water from the fountain. This your union then muſt be improved
1. Under the fear and ſenſe of wrath. When God begins to thunder, and to write bitter things againſt thee: Now, now let faith recollect it ſelf and ſay, Why, I am united unto Chriſt, in whoſe wounds is room enough to hold, and in whoſe heart readineſſe enough to receive all that flie unto him, Matth. 11.28. True indeed, there is a terrible ſtorme of juſtice gathering over my head, ready to fall upon me; but my Chriſt to whom I am united, is mygIſa. 32.1, 2. ſhelter; a flood of vengeance, but I am got into the Ark. Deſtruction near, but Chriſt is my Paſſeover, my little Sanctuary. Able, willing, to ſave to the uttermoſt, with all kinds and degrees of ſalvation, Hebr. 7.25.
2. In ſolicitations unto ſin; when ſin comes like a Potiphars wife, and offers deadly poyſon in a golden Cup. Now, now let faith anſwer, I would conſent, but that I am united unto Chriſt. How can I do this great wickedneſſe, and ſin againſt my Chriſt! Gen. 39.9. I could eaſily do this and this, if I were not Alexander: But now I cannot gratifie this luſt, but I muſt needs be diſloyal to my Chriſt, my Husband to whom I am married. If I take the cold in my feet, 'twill immediately flye up into my head; every ſin is an affront to my Chriſt.
3. In the uſe of all Ordinances; let faith uſe them frequently, reverently; but not in the leaſt reſt on them, or be ſatisfied with them, any farther than they advance our union and communion with Chriſt. Look on prayer without a Chriſt, as meer words and ſounds. Sacraments without a Chriſt, as empty Vials without a cordial. Hearing without Chriſt, as a Cabinet without a Jewel. Be only ſo far ſatisfied with the Ordinances, as thou findeſt them to be*Zech. 4.12. golden pipes, conveying golden oyle into thy ſoul.
3. Labour more and more for a frame of Spirit ſutable to this union.
1. An humble ſelf-abaſing frame: Say, Alas Lord, what am I? what my Fathers houſe? that ſo great a Chriſt ſhould ſo far ſtoop beneath himſelf, as to be united to ſo poor a worme, a clod of earth, a maſſe of ſin, a nothing, a leſſe, a worſe than nothing, Iſa. 40.15, 17. That strength ſhould be united unto weakneſs, light unto darkneſſe, life unto death, heaven unto earth, unto hell! That incorruption ſhould marry it ſelf unto corruption: Immortality to mortality: The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, to ſuch a captive, unpared, unwaſh't, unſhaven captive as I! Ezek. 16.4, 5, 6.
2. A truſting, relying, depending frame o… spirit for ſupply of all temporals hQui miſit filium, immiſit Spiritum, promiſit vultum, quid tandem denegabit?: He that hath given thee his Sonne, what can he deny? Rom. 8.32. He that hath given thee an Ocean, will not deny thee a Drop. If thou haſt the Kernel, thou ſhalt not want the Shell; if thy Father vouchſafe thee bread, Manna, the Ring, a Kiſſe, he cannot well deny thee husks. If thou haſt his Benjamin, thou ſhalt be ſure not to go without thy Meſſe, thy five Meſſes: iMatth. 6.33.Seek firſt the Kingdome of God, and all theſe things ſhall be*foreign. added; i. e. caſt in as paper and packthread to the bargain.
3. A loving affectionate frame. Believer, thou art married to Chriſt Jeſus, that Relation calls aloud for union of hand, heart, spirits, all. He is bone of thy bone, fleſh of thy fleſh, therefore to be dearly loved; kforeign. Graecus▪ Aug.count all that thou art, and haſt, too little for him. Love him dearly for what he is, for what he hath, for what he hath done, ſuffered, purchaſed, promiſed. Love him more for what he is, than for what he hath; more for his perſon, than for his rings, bracelets, jewels, joynture. Love him with a cordial, active, conforming, conſtant, tranſcendent love, Pſal. 116.1, 2.
4. A truly, noble, heavenly frame; ſuch a frame whereby thou mayſt truly contemn this poor dunghill world. Believer, being united unto Chriſt, thou art indeed cloathed with the Sun, and therefore thou ſhouldſt like uhy mother, tread the Moon under thy feet, Rev. 12.1. We ſhould never fix our hearts on that whereon our God would have us put our feet. Such Eagles as Believers ſhould not ſtoop at Flies; 'tis not for perſons united unto Chriſt to be fond on theſe beautiful vanities, fair-faced nothings, chaſes in Arras, handſome pictures drawn on Ice; ſuch are all enjoyments on this ſide Chriſt. Believer, thy head, thy husband, thy treaſure is above, there let thylAnima illic potius ſit ubi amat, quam ubi animat. heart be alſo. Having Chriſt for thy portion, let a little, a very little of the world ſerve thee for thy paſſage.
5. A pitiful, compaſſionate frame, to thoſe that are not as yet united unto Chriſt. That are yet without hope, becauſe without Chriſt. Oh as the Elect of God put on*Col. 3.12. bowels toward ſuch. Poor ſouls they are ſinking, drowning; thou art ſafe on the ſhoar, got into the Ark. They are frying, burning in Sodom; Thou ſafe in Zoar, a brand pluck't out of the fire. Oh pity thoſe that do not, will not, cannot pity themſelves. That's the third advice.
4. And laſtly, walk worthy of this union; Let your Converſation be ſutable to your Condition. This I ſhall diſpatch in theſe three particulars.
1. Walk zealouſly; Be wiſely*Gal. 4.18. zealous in and for the promoting the honour of this Chriſt to whom you are united. Make it your only plot and buſineſſe to advance his honour; 'tis your own peculiar intereſt ſo to do. Be jealous of any thing that doth or may eclipſe, or ſully his glory. He that toucheth him, his Perſon, Natures, Offices, Days, Ordinances, Ministers, Servants, let him be thought to touch the apple of thine eye, Zech. 2.8. Let the zeal of his houſe even eat thee up, Pſal. 69.9.
2. Walk fruitfully; ſo it becomes every branch ingraffed into Chriſt the true Vine, Phil. 1.11. Thy fruitfulneſſe adds much to thy Chriſts honour; the plenty of the crop ſets a gloſſe on the Husbandmans care; The fully loaden branch reflects an honour on the root: If men ſee our good works, our fruitfulneſſe in every good work, they will then glorifie our Father, Matth. 5.16. John 15.16.
3. Walk lovingly, tenderly towards believers, fellow-members; They that are ſo happy as to be united unto one head, ſhould be very careful to be of one heart. Believers formerly were ſo, of one heart, and *Acts 4.32.one ſoul, as if animated with one and the ſame ſoul; ſutable to the Philoſophers deſcription of true love; foreign; Ariſt. Formerly Believers were like Scilurus his bundle of Arrows, ſo truſt up together, no breaking of them. But alas, now, 'tis ſad to ſee how thoſe that agree in one common faith, ſhould yet diſagree as implacable foes. Oh Beloved, that Brethren, Joſeph and Benjamin, Moſes and Aaron, Abraham and Lot ſhould fall out, eſpecially when the Canaani…e is in the Land. Shall Gebal, Ammon, Amal k, and the Philiſtines, ſhall theſe agree? and ſhall Ephraim and Judah be at variance? ſhall the Wolf, Lyon, Bear, Leopa…d aſſociate? and ſhall not Lambs and Doves! O let ſuch their ſin and ſhame never be publiſh't in Gath, nor ſpoken in the ſtreet of Askelon. Believers, you have heard the fable of the conteſt between belly and members. The moral of it bids you conſult; if not your duty, yet your ſafety. By your diviſions, you do but dig your own graves. Remember Saints, we are all one by spiritual relation; why ſhould we not be m1 Cor. 12.13, 27. & 1.9, 10. 1 Joh. 4.12, 16 Gal. 3.28.one in our affection? I ſhall cloſe all with that of the Apoſtle, Epheſ. 4.3. to 7. wherein he draws this arrow to the very head. Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: Why? becauſe there is one Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptiſme, one God. Let me adde, you are one with Chriſt the head, 'tis your duty therefore, and 'twill be your priviledge, honour, ſafety, to be one with one another.