Three Decades of Sermons, Decade 3 · Sermon 5
THE CRUCIFIED CHRISTIAN, REPRESENTED.
From Gal: 5. verſ. 24. And they that are Chriſt's, have Crucified the fleſh, with the affections and luſts.
UPON a review of the precedent verſes, you will Sermon 5. Preached at St. Marye's Oxon. Feb. 13. 1658.obſerve a double Catalogue, one of the deeds of the fleſh, verſ. 19, 20, 21. Another of the fruits of the ſpirit, verſ. 22. Concerning theſe the Apoſtle determines, that againſt ſuch there is no law (i. e.)
1. There is no law to Condemne them.
2. There is no law to compell them. Becauſe they as freely obey God, as if there were no law. Their freedome obligeth more to obedience, not in the leaſt to diſobedience.
Now the ſcope of my Text is to prove, what was immediatly delivered before, that there is no law againſt ſpirituall men: and the Text gives a double reaſon, one is becauſe ſpirituall men are Chriſt's therefore there is no law againſt them: the other is becauſe that is crucified in ſpirituall men, which the law condemneth: namely, the fleſh with the affections and luſts: therefore there is no law to condemne the ſpirituall man.
The words then in their d…ift and Latitude containe a deſcription, or a Character of true believers, and the ſcope of the Words lyes obviouſly before us in theſe fundamentall Doctrines.
1. That there are a peculiar people that are Chriſt's, and have ſpeciall Doct. 1 intereſt in him.
2. All thoſe that are Chriſt's and have ſpeciall intereſt in him, are Doct. 2 ſuch as have crucified the fleſh with it's affections and luſts; Theſe two points contain the full ſcope and ſubſtance of the words, and what needs explication in the Text, ſhall be given in upon the proſecution of the Doctrines as I go a long.
I reſume the firſt, That there are a p…culiar people &c. This I Doct. 1 Method propounded.ſhall endeavour to cleare from ſeverall diſtinguiſhing names, the nature, grounds, and benefits of thoſe that are Chriſts, and have intereſt in him: and after this manner I ſhall handle the Doctrinall part of my Text, which done, I ſhall inquire how all this may concerne us, as reducible unto point of practiſe, this ſhall conſtitute the particular Uſe and Application of all.
1. To prove my Aſſertion. It's plain if we inquire into Scripture 1. The Doctrine proved.Teſtimony, what ſpeciall diſtinguiſhing names and Titles are appropriated unto thoſe who are Chriſts, and have ſpeciall intereſt in him. Sometimes Chriſt calls them his friends, Joh. 15. 14, 15. Sometimes he calls them diſciples, Joh. 13. 35. Children, Matth. 17. 26. They are a choſen Generation, a royall Prieſthood, a holy Nation, a peculiar people, 1 Pet. 2. 9. They are Kings and Prieſts unto God, Rev. 1. 6. They are a peculiar treaſure unto God, Exod. 19. 5. A Crowne of Glory, a Royall Diadem in the hand of God, Iſai. 62. 3. The dearly beloved of Gods Soule, Iſai. 12. 7. The Sons of God, Hoſ. 1. 10. They are called Gods Jewells, Mal. 3. 15. Chriſt calls them his ſheepe, Joh. 10. 27. They are his Church, his Spouſe, his adopted Children, Inheritors of the Kingdome of Heaven, the Family of the Firſt borne. Accordingly the Holy Ghoſt gives names and titles unto thoſe, and thoſe only that have intereſt in Jeſus Chriſt.
2. In the ſecond place, lets make inquiry into the nature of this 2. What it is to have Intereſt in Chriſt.intereſt in Chriſt, what is it to be Chriſts?
Anſ. It conſiſts in two things viz: having Union and Communion with him.
1. True believers are Chriſts by vertue of Union with him, 1. True believers have union with Chriſt.Chriſt is the Vine they are the branches, Chriſt is the head of his body the Church, Eph. 5. 23. True believers are in Chriſt, 2 Cor. 5. 17. Chriſt prayed for them that they may be one, Joh. 17. 21. Faith knits us to Chriſt as an Inſtrument, the ſpirit of God is the efficient cauſe of this Union.
2. True believers are Chriſts by vertue of Communion with 2. True believers have communion with Chriſt.him, He is the head and hath influence upon his members, they participate of the ſap and nouriſhment of the roote, a communication of water from the fountaine to the ſtreame, 1 Joh. 1. 3. Truely our fellowſhip is with the Father, and his Son Jeſus Chriſt.
But 3ly, What grounds may be given why, and how it comes to 3. The Reaſons.paſſe, that there are ſuch a people who are Chriſts, and have intereſt in him?
1. The firſt ground ſhall be drawn from the promiſes, becauſe R. 1. Drawn from the Premiſes.there are a peculiar people who only have right unto the Goſpell promiſes, and they only who have intereſt in Chriſt, have right unto the promiſes: The promiſes of Eternall life belong only to true Believers, Joh. 3. 16, 36. Theſe are they that come unto Chriſt, and he hath promiſed that he will not caſt away, Joh. 6. 35, 37.
2. Another ground ſhall be drawne from the Donation of God R. 2. From the Fathers donation.the Father: They have a Kingdome, Luk. 12. 32.
3. From Chriſts Redemption, For ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6. 19, 20. Chriſt hath purchaſed his Church with his R. 3. From Chriſts Redemption.blood, Act. 20. 28. Zipporah ſaid to Moſes a bloody husband haſt thou been to me, She ſpake concerning the circumciſion: much more may Chriſt ſay to his Church, A bloody Spouſe haſt thou been unto me, for thou haſt coſt me my blood.
4. From the Sanctification of the ſpirit, the Saints are a people R. 4. From the ſanctification of the Spirit.loved and waſhed, even waſhed with the lover of regeneration, and renewed by the Holy Ghoſt, Tit. 2. 5. And theſe have the image of Chriſt ſtampt on them, which after the image of God is created in righteouſneſſe and holyneſſe.Eph. 4. 24.
In he 4th place. What are the benefits which thoſe receive that have intereſt in Chriſt.
The 1. Is Juſtification, and this is free, as free as the freeſt gift, Rom. 3. 24.
2. It conſiſts in Remiſſion of ſinnes, Pſal. 32. 1.
3. In the Imputation of Chriſts righteouſneſſe unto us, and imputing our ſinnes unto Chriſt, 2 Cor. 5. 19, 21. And Juſtification is the mother grace, from whence ſuch a rare iſſue proceeds, as peace, joy, acceſſe unto the Throne of Grace, hope, patience, Rom. 5. 1, 2. &c.
2. Thoſe that have intereſt in Chriſt, have the benefits of Chriſts interceſſion, at the right hand of God, he interceeds for all his Children, Heb. 7. 25. Rom. 8. 34. For them Chriſt prayeth, and for them excluſively, I pray for them, I pray not for the world, Joh. 17. 9.
3. They have the benefit of ſpeciall providence, the Guardianſhip of Angells, Pſal. 34. 7. Heb. 1. ult.
4. They have a Sanctified uſe of all the creatures of God, 1 Cor. 3. 21, 22. All are yours, and ye are Chriſts &c. They in joy Chriſt in the creature, and with the creature have Chriſts love tokens, Rom. 8. 32. With him they have all things.
5. They ſhall hereafter reap the benefit of glorification, ſo runs the Climax, Whom he did predeſtinate them he alſo called, and whom he called them he alſo juſtified, and whom he juſtified them he alſo glorified, Rom. 8. 30.
5. Now in the laſt place, what doth all this concern us?
Anſ. Much every way, as will appeare by the particular Application Applicat.of all.
1. Heres an Uſe of Conſolation to thoſe that are Chriſts. Art Ʋſe 1. For Conſolation.thou in a doubt, he is thy Counſellour, Iſai. 9. 6. Art thou in diſtreſſes, he is thy comforter: Art thou tempted? Chriſt was tempted, and is able to ſuccour thoſe that are tempted. Art thou full of infirmities? Chriſt himſelfe had infirmities, which were not ſinfull, and Chriſt is a compaſſionate high Prieſt, touched with the feeling of our Infirmities, Heb. 4. 15. Art thou reviled, cenſured, nay condemned? O go to Jeſus Chriſt, get aſſurance of thy intereſt in him, and then claime for thy comfort, Rom. 8. 31. If God be for us, who can be againſt us.
2. For Exhortation. Art thou Chriſts, let thy life give a proofe Ʋſe 2. For Exhortation.hereof, give up thy ſelfe unto Chriſt, let him be thy King and Lord to rule and governe thee, ſet up Chriſt Commander in chiefe in thy ſoule. As the Centurion profeſt of the ready obedience of his ſervants, ſo do thou, go when Chriſt bids thee go, come when Chriſt bids thee come, give thy ſelfe wholly to be diſpoſed, counſelled, and governed by Jeſus Chriſt, As then we have received the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, ſo let us walk in him.
3. Heres an Uſe of Triall, whether we are Chriſts or no.Ʋſe 3. For Triall.
1. One Character is the new creature as we have it, 2 Cor. 5. 17.
2. Another we have Joh. 15. 5. Bringing forth much fruit.
3. Another we have 2 Tim. 2. 19. To depart from iniquity.
4. Another we have 1 Joh. 3. 3. To be borne againe.
5. Another we have in my Text, viz: Crucifixion of the fleſh, which brings in the ſecond Doctrine, wherein I purpoſe to ſtay longer: Thus it was propounded—
2. That thoſe that have Intereſt in Chriſt have crucified the fleſh, Doct. 2 with the affections and luſts.
For the unfolding of this point of Doctrine, I ſhall inquire,Method.
1. What's meant by fleſh?
2. What's meant by affections and luſts of the fleſh?
3. What's meant by crucifying the fleſh, with its affections and luſts?
4. I ſhall then give in the proofe of Doctrine?
And 5. and laſtly conclude with particular Application.
1. By fleſh we are to underſtand the corruption of the whole Q. 1. Whats meant by fleſh. Perkins in Loc.nature: for the right apprehending hereof, I ſhall diſtinguiſh with Judicious Mr. Perkins of three things.
1. The nature of Man.
2. The faculties of Nature.
3. And corruption of both.
Now this diſtinction muſt be without ſeperation of nature from faculties, or of corruption from either, ſo as we may ſay truly, that the nature and powers of the ſoule are corrupted. Now this corruption conſiſts.
1. In the depravation of Gods image, man was created after Gods image, but by reaſon of ſin he hath defaced the ſame.
2. In a proneneſſe to all wickedneſſe, ſo that the nature of man is evill continually, and the ſeeds of all rebellion are ſowne in the corrupt nature of mankind, wherefore the Lord threatens That Gen. 6. 3.his ſpirit ſhould no longer ſtrive with man, for that he is but fleſh, (i. e.) he is become corrupted, he hath fallen from his Creator, and become fleſhly and ſinfull: what this fleſh is the Apoſtle tells, Rom. 7. 18. Gal. 6. 8. Eph. 2. 3.
2. In the next place we are to inquire, what's meant by affections Q 2. Whats meant by Affections and luſts.and luſt's.
Anſ. By affections we are to underſtand inordinate affections, which beare ſway in carnall men, their affections are out of order, irregular, immoderate, and they are ſet upon the wrong object, they love where they ſhould hate, and hate where they ſhould love. Anger is ſometimes an inordinate affection, and it bared ſway in Cain againſt Abell. Envy is ſometime an inordinate affection, and it prevailed in Saul againſt David. Sorrow is ſometimes immoderate and inordinate in Ahab, when he could not get Naboths Vineyard, he was heavy, and diſpleaſed, 1 King. 21. 4. Love was an inordinate affection in the men of the laſt times: Lovers of pleaſures, more then lovers of God, 2 Tim. 3. 4.
2. By Luſts we are to underſtand, inordinate and inſatiable deſires after the things of the world, as Riches, Honours, Pleaſures, of this ſort of inordinate affections are coveteouſneſſe, pride, gluttony, &c.
3. In the third place, whats meant by crucifying the fleſh, with Q. 3. Whats meant by crucifying the fleſh &c.its affections and luſts?
Anſ. For anſwer hereunto, we are to diſtinguiſh of crucifying, either as the action of Chriſt; or as the action of a Chriſtian.
1. Lets conſider Crucifixion as the action of Chriſt, and this 1. Crucifixion as the Action of Chriſt.conſiſts in three particulars.
1. Upon the Croſſe, Chriſt ſtood in our Roome, and bared the burthen of our ſinnes, and made an expiation for them: in this reſpect we are ſaid to be crucified with him, Gal. 2. 20.
2. The ſecond is in us, when Chriſt conveyes the vertue of his death in us, to cauſe the death of ſinne: when Chriſt gives us his ſpirit to mortify the deeds of the body, Rom. 8. 13.
3. The third is in Baptiſme, whereby Chriſt ſealed the two former to them that believe, Rom. 6. 3, 6.
2. Lets conſider crucifixon as the Action of a Chriſtian, and 2. Crucifixion as the Action of a Chriſtian.this conſiſts in the imitation of Chriſt crucified, after this manner, Chriſt was attached, apprehended, and brought into the preſence of Pilate, ſo muſt we bring our ſelves into the preſence of God, Chriſt was arraigned at the Tribunall of Pilate, ſo muſt we arraigne our ſelves at the barre of Chriſts judgment ſeate: Chriſt was indited and accuſed, ſo muſt we indite and accuſe our ſelves: Chriſt was condemned, ſo muſt we condemne and judge our ſelves, after ſentence paſt there followed execution, Chriſt was crucified: ſo muſt we proceed to the execution of our ſinnes, and corruptions. We muſt labour to be the death of every ſinne, to give every luſt a mortifying blow: we muſt not ſpare any Ruling ſinne, that was Sauls ſinne in ſparing Agag: but we muſt deſtroy all, both great and ſmall: we muſt not only mourne for ſin, but hate it: not only hate it, but endeavour the deſtruction of it. But the further Inlargement of theſe things, I ſhall leave to the uſe of Examination.
4. In the fourth place, it remaines that I prove the aſſertion, 4. The Doctrine proved.that thoſe that are Chriſts, are ſuch crucified perſons; St Paul thus profeſſeth of himſelfe, That he was crucified with Chriſt. But I will prove the point by reaſon.
1. Becauſe the fleſh is enmity againſt God, Rom. 8. 7. foreign, R. 1. The fleſhly mind is enmity againſt God.and naturall men are foreign, Rom. 5. 10. Now fleſh and blood, corrupt nature, unregeneracy, the old man cannot enter into the Kingdome of God, To be carnally minded is death, Rom. 8. 6. and ſuch cann…t pleaſe God, Rom. 8. 8. now we may not ſpare Gods enemies: The Children of Babylon were to be daſht in peices: Amaleck was to be utterly overthrowne, theſe were Gods enemies: Likewiſe the affections and luſts of the fleſh, are Gods enemies: theſe muſt be ſlaine, theſe muſt be crucified.
2. Becauſe Chriſtians ought to be conformable unto Chriſts R. 2. Chriſtians ought to be conformable unto Chriſts death.death, Phil. 2. 10. Rom. 6. 5, 6. As Chriſt died for our ſinnes, ſo we muſt be a mortifying of ſinne, ſinne muſt not be ſuffered to live: we are in this world in a dying condition, we muſt never give over fighting, till we returne away conquerors: though we ſinne as long as we be in this world, and have fleſh as well as ſpirit, yet we muſt never give over ſtriving for maſtery over the fleſh.
3. God will have us exerciſed in a continuall warfare, and R. 3. God will have us exerciſed in continuall warfare.combat againſt the fleſh: it's an inbred enemy, and it hath many lurking holes, many Apologies, many pretences, we muſt be continually reſiſting the fleſh, even unto blood ſtriving againſt ſinne, Heb. 12. 4. Here only a deadly Feud is lawfull; This muſt be tranſmitted from Generation, to Generation, ſinne muſt be crucified, Rom. 6. 6. Sinne muſt be ſubdued, Mich. 7. 18, 19. And above all ſinnes we had need fight moſt violently againſt fleſhly luſts, they being grand enemies unto the ſoule, 1 Pet. 2. 11. 'Tis true the Canaanite will be in the Land, ſinne will be in our mortall bodies, whilſt we be in this world: but we muſt never let it reigne, never ſuffer it to have any peace, never give it quarter, but be continually reſiſting of and fighting againſt it.
Now to apply what hath been ſaid particularly to every ones Applicat.Conſcience, here are ſix Uſes to be made.
1. Information.
2. Reprehenſion.
3. Exhortation.
4. Examination.
5. Direction.
And 6. Conſolation.
1. For Information, and that in two particulars.Ʋſe 1. For Information.
Firſt, Hereby we are informed what a carnall man is: namely, one that is carried away with ſome inordinate affections; or ſome inordinate luſt. Herod did many good things (as the Text ſaith) he heard John Baptiſt foreign ſweetly, yet he was but a carnall man, Joh. 6. 20.for he was poſſeſt with an inordinate love of his Brother Philips wife. Saul ſlew many of the Amalekites, but he was but a carnall man, he obeyed the commandment of God too halves: He was partiall in his obedience. Judas was a diſciple of Chriſt, yet but a carnall man, he was carried away with an inordinate luſt of covetouſneſſe, he was a Theefe and carried the bagge.Joh. 12. 6.
2. Hereby we are informed what a ſpirituall man is, he is one that crucifieth his luſts, hee's a man crucified unto the world, and the world unto him: hee's a wraſtler, and a warrior againſt fleſh and blood, even againſt corruptions: he makes it his buſineſſe to give a deadly blow to them all.
2. The ſecond Uſe is for Reproofe of ſeverall ſorts of perſons.Ʋſe 2. For Reproofe.
1. It Reproves thoſe common ſort of Proteſtants, who would be accounted Chriſtians, and Proteſtants: but theres no change at all wrought in their hearts, nor in their lives: they profeſſe themſelves Chriſtians, but they live without Chriſt: they know not what Regeneration, Adoption, the new Creature meanes: The old ſent ſtill remaines in them, they are covetous, worldly minded, Sabbath-breakers, ſwearers, &c. And yet theſe would go under the name of Chriſtians, but where's the crucifying of the fleſh? where's the mortifying of their luſts: the want whereof evidently proves them to be only nominall, not reall Chriſtians.
2. This Doctrine reproves ſuch, in whom there is ſome beginning of a change: but it's but partiall, it's not a thorough change: ſome ſinnes they leave which are moſt croſſe to their profit, and reputation: but others they hugge, and foſter: ſome ſweet ſinne, ſome antient pleaſant cuſtomary ſin, they will not forgoe: a beloved boſome ſinne, they will not crucify: they would have a diſpenſation in this, with Naaman, and would be faine pardoned in that: but theſe foſterings of a darling ſinne, ſhew the heart to be rotten: David profeſt his uprightneſſe, by keeping himſelfe from his own iniquity, Pſal. 18. 23. Right eyes ought to be pluckt out and right hands cut off.
3. This reproves thoſe that love not to heare their ſinnes reproved, if a preacher touch them to the quick, and tell them of co…ſenage in the trade, double dealing, equivocation &c. and ſhew them the evill of their worldly mindedneſſe, pride, and vaine glory, &c. They cannot abide ſuch plaine dealing, but account of ſuch a plain dealing Preacher, as Ahab accounted of Michaiah a great enemy, and as the Apoſtle Paul himſelfe was accounted an enemy becauſe he told them the truth.
3. The third Uſe is for Exhortation, to preſſe home the duties Ʋſe 3. For Exhortation.of the Text, to ſet upon this great work of crucifying the fleſh, let the proud man labour to crucify his pride, the voluptuous man his pleaſures, the worldly man his covetouſneſſe, the cholerick man his anger: here's a great work indeed, it cannot be done eaſily: There's required ſweat and blood, there's much diligence; A Chriſtian muſt be in faſtings, and watchings often: often tugging hard at the oare, often in prayer, and wraſtling with God. It's a greater victory for a man to conquer his pride, anger, earthly mindedneſſe, &c, Then to take a City by ſtorme, Prov. 16. 32. I will caſt in further two or three Conſiderations, to move us to this duty impartially.
1. Conſider execution of juſtice upon Gods enemies is acceptable Conſid. 1. Execution of juſtice is acceptable unto God.unto him, after Achan was ſtoned, the vally of Achor was a dore of hope, Hoſ. 2. 14. The workes of the fleſh are enemies to God, and muſt be deſtroyed impartially.
2. If we be not the death of ſinne, it will be the death of us, Conſid. 2. If we kill not ſin, it will kill us.it will bring eternall death: ſhall not we rather kill then be killed, rather ſlay ſinne and deſtroy it, then let it ſlay and deſtroy us? Every ſinne is deſtructive to the ſoule, theres a pit of deſtruction whereinto ſinners fall, Pſal. 55. 23.
3. Of all ſinnes thoſe that are moſt pleaſing to fleſh and blood, Conſid. 3. &c.delightfull ſinnes thoſe are moſt pernicious and deſtructive to the ſoule: Immoderate mirth and jollity at Ammons Feaſt, were the harbingers of his ruine: when his heart was merry with wine, then was he ſlaine. Lets then every one beware of the Syren ſongs of the fleſh, let us not hearken to them leaſt we be inchanted therewith to our utter deſtruction.
But I proceed to a fourth Uſe for Examination. Here's the Ʋſe 4. For Examinat.grand Queſtion to be put home unto us all, whether we are ſuch perſons, that have Crucified the fleſh with its affections and luſts?
Anſ. For Anſwer hereunto, by way of Character, Ile ſet down the Properties of a crucified perſon.
1. A crucified perſon hath his affections crucified to the deeds 1. Crucifixion of the affections.of the fleſh, hee's none of thoſe of whom the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Rom. 8. 5. who mind the things of the fleſh: The word is foreign. Now a crucified perſon doth not relliſh nor ſavour fleſhly things, his love, deſires, hopes, Joyes are not fixt upon carnall, ſenſuall pleaſures: what a wonderfull change is here wrought? when as in the ſtate of unregeneracy, carnall luſts, ſenſuall pleaſures, took up a mans joy, deſire, and delight, his diſcourſes, heart, pleaſure and all. Theſe were carried downe with this ſtream, but after God had broke in upon the heart, and renewed the mind, and ſanctified the affections, the man becomes another manner of man, what he formerly lov'd now he hates: what he formerly moſt rejoyced in, are now his greateſt burthens and cauſes of ſorrow: and whats the reaſon! Becauſe he is a mortified perſon, he hath mortified his members (as the Apoſtle ſpeaks) Col. 3. 5. and not only particular members, but the whole body likewiſe, even the deeds of the body, Rom. 8. 13.
2. A crucified perſon hath a quickning vertue from Chriſt, 2. There's quickning vertue from Chriſt.to bring forth the fruits of the ſpirit, as love, joy, peace, long-ſuffering, gentleneſſe, goodneſſe, &c. Gal. 5. 22. A crucified perſon is dead, and alive, (i. e.) dead to the workes of the fleſh, and alive to the fruits of the ſpirit. By vertue of Chriſts death ſinne is mortified, and by vertue of his reſurrection, we are raiſed up to newneſſe of life.
3. A crucified perſon is weary of the world. The world is a 3. A crucified man is weary of the world.burthen to him, and what's the Reaſon, but becauſe the love of the world is enmity againſt God. A man upon the croſſe, O what paines doth he endure! his heart hankers not after honours, pleaſures, pompe and vanities: hereupon the Apoſtle glorieth upon the croſſe of Chriſt: By whom (ſaith he) the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world, Gal. 6. 14. But with a caution you muſt underſtand this. A man may not be ſo weary of the world, as to be impatient of life, and unwilling to live againſt the will of God, with Job, we muſt wait our appointed time till our change come, Job. 13. 14. Much leſſe may any haſten their owne death, and be their own executioner, this is ſelfe murther. It was ſaid of Cleombrotus that when he had read over Plato's book of the Immortality of the Soule, he threw himſelfe down a ſteep Rock to be made partaker of immortality, this was a deſperate act of wickedneſſe. But my meaning is this, we being crucified unto the world, dare not ſet up our reſt, our hearts, our affections upon the world: we cannot be ſatisfied with worldly accommodations, and pleaſures: the ſoule can take no acquieſcency in earthly things, O how many are there that are acquainted with God, of the Apoſtles mind, Phil. 1. 23. Who have a deſire to depart, and to be with Chriſt.
4. All crucified perſon live another life, then the men of the Charact. 4. A crucified perſon lives another life then the men of the world doe.world do, they live a life that the world is not acquainted with all, and that is a life of faith, Gal. 2. 20. This life gives them a ſacred acquaintance with God, a ſight of him that is inviſible, (as was ſaid of the Patriarchs) Heb. 11. 21. Hereupon it comes to paſſe that they mind heavenly things, have their converſation in heaven, and ſet their affections on things above, and not on things below. This life of faith is a heavenly life, it cauſeth a Chriſtian to find a heaven upon earth, it's the ſweeteſt of all lives, none like thereunto.
5. I proceed to a fifth Uſe for Direction, and this uſe I ſhall caſt Ʋſe 5. For Direction.into two heads.
1. What we are to crucify.
2. What duties are eſpecially requiſite for the crucifixion of them.Q. 1. What we are to crucify? 1. All inordinate affections.
1. What we are to crucify? For Anſwer, its ſaid in the Text affections, and luſts, more particularly.
1. All inordinate affections ought to be crucified as immoderate love of any earthly thing, Rachel was ſo importunate for children, as ſhe ſaid in a great paſſion, Give me children or elſe I dye, and ſo for joy, the Rich man in the Goſpell did ſing a Requiem unto himſelfe, and ſaid to his ſoule eate, drinke, and be merry. Thus voluptuous men deſire pleaſures, and Ambitious men deſire honours, and rich men hope in their riches, and ſay to the wedge of Gold thou art our confidence.
2. All Ruling luſts are to be crucified, Pride, Paſſion, Envy, 2. Ruling corr…ptions muſt be crucified.theſe are to be crucified, thoſe three are to be crucified eſpecially, viz. the Luſts of the fleſh, the luſts of the eye, and the pride of life. And theres great reaſon why Ruling luſts ſhould be crucified.
1. Becauſe Ruling luſts are the fountaine of all miſchiefe, Jam. 4. 1.
2. They are the ſoules enemies, 1 Pet. 2. 11.
3. They allure and entice the ſoule to evill, 2 Pet. 2. 18.
Now theſe impediments being thus removed, the duties that are to be put in practice are theſe.
1. To inquire after, and get a knowledge of the evill and great Dut. 1. Inquire into the evill of ſinne.miſchiefe, which the waies of ſinne, and the purſuits of carnall Luſts bring unto the ſoule, they are deceitfull, Eph. 4. 22. We expect this and the other ſatisfaction from them, and they beguile and deceive our expectations, they are called fooliſh and hurtfull luſts, 1 Tim. 6. 9. Deſtructive, worldly luſts, Tit. 2. 12.Dut. 2. Be acquainted with the pleaſures of Godlineſſ. Dut. 3. Study the beauty & riches of Chriſt.
2. Be well acquainted with the pleaſure, and profit in the waies of Godlineſſe: for pleaſure, Prov. 3. 17. for profit, 1 Tim. 4. 8.
3. Study the Beauty, Riches, and all the excellencies that are in Chriſt, Chriſt is beauty it ſelfe, he is the faireſt of ten thouſands, for riches he hath all treaſures, for wiſdome he is the wiſdome of the Father. Had men their ſenſes exerciſed, and their underſtandings inlightend, they would not be ſuch fooles as to purſue brutiſh pleaſures and vaine delights, and in the meane time neglect their pretious ſoules. Had men their eyes in their heads, they would not make merchandiſe of trifles, and neglect the pearle of price: but multitudes there are now a daies, who beſtow more paines to ſatisfy a luſt, then to get Jeſus Chriſt, and with leſſe paines they might get Chriſt, then get a luſt ſatisfied.
4. Give not the leaſt liberty to the fleſh to ſinne. Chriſtians Dut. 4. Give not liberty to the fleſh to ſinne.have great liberty by Chriſt, but no liberty to ſinne, no allowance in any luſt, not for a Cloake of Malitiouſneſſe, 1 Pet. 2. 16. Saints are not the Servants of Corruption, 2 Pet. 2. 19.
5. Labour to keep thy body undefiled, Know yee not that your Dut. 5. Keep thy body undefiled.body is the Temple of the Holy Ghoſt, 1 Cor. 6. 19. Shall I proſtitu…e my body to Mammon? &c. Shall a luſt be entertained in Gods Temple, ſhall a baſe luſt be where Gods Temple ſhould be? Chriſt will not dwell in a polluted body, in a cage of uncleane birds.Dut. 6. Be a fighting againſt every corruption.
6. Be a fighting, wraſtling, and ſtrugling againſt every corruption, never lay down thy armes, but hold up thy weapons fighting againſt every corruption. Labour to deſtroy the fleſh by the ſword of the ſpirit, take the whole armour of God as you are exhorted, Eph. 6. 13.
7. And laſtly, apply Chriſt crucified home unto your owne Dut. 7. Apply Chriſt crucified unto the ſoule.ſoules, and believe that Chriſt is not only crucified for us, but that we are crucified with him. Where this faith is, ſinne ſhall have no dominion over you. Believe that Chriſt is able to ſubdue thy luſts, and mortify thy corruptions, and therefore go to him for ſtrength to conquer thy luſts, and begge that he would beate downe Satan under thy feet, believe that help is laid on Chriſt who is mighty, and that he is able to ſave to the uttermoſt, Heb. 7. 25. Do thou thy duty in ſtriving againſt ſinne, and apply Chriſt by faith, and believe that theres vertue in his blood, to cure thee of all diſeaſes: His blood is the blood of ſprinkling, which ſpeaks better things then the blood of Abel: His blood is mortifying blood, cleanſing, healing, meritorious blood. Go then to Chriſt for victory againſt ſinne, Chriſt is the great Phiſitian only able to heale thee. He is a Counſellour for wiſdome, a Rock for ſtrength, a Treaſure for riches, a Fountaine opened: Theres fulneſſe in him, Col. 1. 19. compare this with Joh. 1. 16. And of his fulneſſe, we have received grace for grace.
6. The ſixth Uſe is for Conſolation unto Gods Children, who Ʋſe 6. For Conſolation.have been thus imployed, in ſtriving to crucify ſinne, and in ſome good meaſure they have obtained victory: this is an excellent imployment, to be wraſtling againſt corruption, beating downe the body, bringing it into ſubjection.
But it will be objected, That ſinne is in the beſt of Gods children, Object. and notwithſtanding all their ſtrivings, and ſtruglings, they cannot get rid of ſinne, whileſt they are in this world.
Anſ. 1. You muſt know, that in this life there are imperfections Anſ. in the beſt, and an abſolute perfection cannot be attained till we come to heaven.
2. Sinne though it is, yet it Reignes not in the Regenerate, Rom. 6. 12. verſ. 14.
3. The Regenerate make not a trade of ſinne, 1 Joh. 3. 9. They are ſaid foreign but not foreign.
4. Sinne is the griefe, diſeaſe, burthen of Regenerate men, wherefore they grieve that they ſinne, and would faine be in that condition where they may ſinne no more, hereupon they crye out for a deliverer, Rom. 7. 24.
5. It's the endeavour of Regenerate perſons to conquer every ſinne, they allow not themſelves in ſinne, they ſtrive to deſtroy boſome ſinnes, Pſ. 18. 23.
6. God accepts of Evangelicall Perfection. (i. e.) ſincere Intentions, and endeavo…rs, for action; the will for the deed. Wherefore then though fleſh remaines as well as ſpirit, yet the ſpirit at length will prevaile, and returne conqueror, and herein conſiſts the great conqueſt of Chriſtians, to conquer the fleſh, to ſubdue all inordinate affections, and inſatiable deſires: and this is that which I have preſt from my Text, To crucify the fleſh with its affections and luſts.