The Being and Well-Being of a Christian, Treatise 3

The Being and Well-Being of a Christian · Treatise 3

p. 297THE Nature and Sweetness OF FELLOWSHIP WITH Jesus Christ.

OUR Fellowship with Christ stands in,

1. Interest.

2. Intercourse.

1. In Interest whereby

1. He and all his are made ours.

2. We and all ours are made his.

I. Whereby Christ is ours, and we are p. 298his, by mutual propriety or Reciprocation of Right and Title, one in and to another. This Mutual Interest may be claimed, pleaded and professed.

1. By us to Christ, as it was by the Spouse, Cant. 2.16. My beloved is mine, and I am his: by Thomas, John 20.28. My Lord and my God: By David frequently, when he saith My God, My God, and I am thine, Psal. 119.94. & 116.16.—truly I am thy servant.

2. It is owned and acknowledged by Christ towards us, that we are his: his people,Isa. 43.1.Isa 43:1 his members, his Spouse, his friends, his brethren,Mal. 3.17.Mal 3:17 his sheep, his Jewels, his peculiar treasure, &c. and that he is ours, our Saviour, Head, Husband, Shepheard.

This was mutual between God and Israel, In the day when Israel avouched the Lord to be their God, and the Lord avouched them to be his peculiar people, as he had promised them, Deut. 26.17.18.

II. By this Interest.

1. All His are made ours.

2. All Ours are made his.

1. All his are made ours: scil. as we are capable, or stand in need thereof, and which conduce to our good: as his two p. 299Natures, and the properties of them: his three Offices: his several states of Humiliation and Exaltation: And all his benefits procured unto us in and by the same, are made really ours.

And we have fellowship with Him in them all, especially in these Six: Scil.

1. His Righteousness.

2. Holiness.

3. Sonship.

4. Redemption.

5. In his

1. Ascension.

2. Session.

3. Intercession.

6. In his Salvation.

1. In his Righteousness wrought for us by his obedience active and passive, imputed by God, and applyed by faith unto us, Phil. 3.9. 2 Cor. 5.21. for our justification, or remission of our sins, and reconciliation with God, which he obtained for us by his blood, Ephes. 1.7. Hence Christ is said to be our Peace, and the propitiation for our sins, 1 Cor. 1.30. Ier. 23.6.1 Cor 1:30Jer 23:6to be made unto us of God righteousness: and to be the Lord our righteousness.

2. In his Holiness for our sanctification, p. 300which he is made to us of God; we by faith receiving of Christs fulness, Grace for Grace.Iohn 1.16.John 1:16

For his Grace is sufficient for us, to make us holy throughout in Spirit soul and body, even as good as he would have us to be, even partakers of the Divine Nature.

To this End we have fellowship with Christ: particularly,

1. In his death, for the Mortification of sin in us, Rom. 6.6.

2. In his resurrection, for the vivification of our souls, to raise us up to newness of life, Rom. 6.4. to seek and set our affections on things above, Col. 3.1, 2.

The power and vertue of both, being derived and conveyed into us from Christ by his Spirit through faith, to make us conformable to Christ in both, Phil. 3.10. Which the Apostle calls, our being complanted into the likeness of his death and resurrection, Rom. 6.5.

3. We have fellowship with Christ in his Sonship, for our Adoption and Regeneration. Hence it is said,

1. That God hath predestinated us to the adoption of Children, by Jesus Christ to himself, Ephes. 1.5. to wit, by p. 301our Union, or Membership with Christ, and Marriage to Christ, who is the Son of God from Eternity.

2. That God in fulness of time, sent his Son to redeem us, &c. that we might receive the Adoption of Sons, Gal. 4.4, 5, 6.

3. That we receive our Adoption from Christ, by receiving Christ by faith, John 1.12. To as many as received him, he gave power (or priviledge and Prerogative royal, to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name; And ye are all the children of God (saith Paul) by faith in Christ Jesus, Gal. 3.26. Therefore he is not ashamed to call them Brethren, Heb. 2.11.

4. That we are begotten again by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 1.3.

4. We have fellowship in his Redemption purchased for us with his blood, Col. 1.14. For our deliverance out of the hands of all our Enemies, Luke 1.74. From Sin, Satan, World; from Death, Grave, Hell, or wrath to come, Rom. 5.9. 1 Thess. 1.10. And from the charge or inditements, which any of them can draw up against us; as appears by Pauls triumphant Challenge in Rom. 8.33, 34. Who p. 302shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect. —It is Christ that dyed, yea rather that is risen again, &c.

Hence Christ is said to be made unto us of God,1 Cor. 1.301 Cor 1:30 Redemption; that is, both of our bodies and souls, from all evils and miseries whatsoever, by the last and glorious Resurrection.

5. We have the fellowship of Interest with Christ, even here, on this side the Grave, in his

Ascension.

Session at the right hand of God.

Intercession.

1. In his Ascension into Heaven, to prepare a place for us, even mansions of glory in our Fathers House, John 14.2. and to make all ready for our Compleat Reception and Entertainment, against we come there. Hence Christ is said to be foreign,Heb. 6.20.Heb 6:20 a fore-runner for us, that entered into Heaven for our good. As a Harbinger goes before to take up lodgings: So did Christ,

1. To open Heaven for us (which was shut against us for our sins, as Paradise was against Adam when he had sinned) p. 303and to make a free passage for us to enter in. Christ by his own blood entered in thither, having obtained eternal Redemption for us, Heb. 9.12.

2. To take Possession of Heaven for us, in our very Names, stead and right; as a Guardian takes possession for Heirs under age, or in their Minority, as we are here.

3. To assure us that we shall go after him, and follow this our fore-runner to Heaven, in due time, as Members to our Head, and as a Spouse to our Husband.

Christs Ascension adds much to the strengthening of our faith in him,Heb. 6.19, 20.Heb 6:19Heb 6:20 for the fulfilling of Promises: and it makes our Hope as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, because cast within the Vail whither Christ is entered for us, that we should be made partakers of the Happiness there enjoyed.

4. To draw up our hearts to Heaven after Christ, to make us mind heavenly things, and set our affections on things above, and have our conversation in Heaven; by the Influence of Christs Ascension upon our souls; to make them ascend continually Heaven-ward; and p. 304desire to be there with Jesus Christ (he being so nearly and dearly related to us,Phil. 1.23.Phil 1:23 as our Head, Husband, sweetest Friend, &c.) as best of all for us. The hearts of men and women are much carried out towards the place whither their dear friends are gone.

5. To comfort our hearts against all troubles, sorrows, disgrace, &c. to which we are obnoxious in this world, John 14.1, 2. because Christ in Heaven prepareth rest, and honour, and joy, &c. enough for us.

2. In his Session at the right hand of God; which may be considered in two respects:

1. As it imports the highest degree of Christs Exaltation, and the sublimity of his Power, Majesty, Glory and Soveraignty, so it is peculiar to the person of Christ the Mediator, and his Prerogative only, Matth. 26.64. Luke 22.69. Heb. 1.3, 13.

Eph. 1.20, 21, 22.Eph 1:20Eph 1:21Eph 1:222. As it implyes Christs sitting there as a Head to his Church, or as in our right and stead, as a common person representing us. So we have Interest and fellowship with Christ therein: because God hath made us to sit together with p. 305him, foreign, in the Highest Heavens, Eph. 2.6. By faith we may look upon our selves as sitting with Christ there, by vertue of our near Union with him; yet in our Capacity and Proportion: scil. we are made to sit with Christ in his Throne, as he is set down with his Father in his Throne, Rev. 3.21. To sit at Christs right hand, as Christ sits at Gods right hand, Psal. 45.9. Upon thy right hand did stand the Queen in Gold of Ophir: that is, as one expounds it, As Christ is at the Fathers right hand, so the Church is at Christs right hand, where, as his Wife, she shineth with her Husbands beams.

The Benefits that redound to us by Christs sitting at the right hand of God, are the royal and glorious Execution of his Offices,

Kingly,

Priestly and

Prophetical.

1. Kingly, to rule in both his Natures, as he is God and man in one person in full Glory, Power, and Majesty, and to govern all things for the good of his people:

p. 306Particularly,

To defend his Church, as well as to rule and govern it.

And to subdue his and their Enemies.

For he must reign, till he hath put all Enemies under his feet, 1 Cor. 15.25. Psal. 110.1, 2. and rule in the midst of them till then.

Mat. 28.18Matt 28:18To this end he hath all power (Imperial over every creature, judicial over men and Angels) or power over all things in Heaven and Earth is given him, Eph. 1.20, 21, 22.

And all Judgement is committed to him by the Father, John 5.21, 22.

And he hath the Keyes of Hell and Death, Rev. 1.18. and of the Kingdom of Heaven also, to open to whom he will.

This sets forth the Dignity and safety of the Saints even here, that Christ is at Gods right hand, and they are held fast in Christs hand, John 10.28. And all his and their Enemies are under his feet; who then can pluck them out? Are they not as safe as if they were in Heaven? Him hath God the Father exalted with (or as Piscator expounds it) at his right p. 307hand, to be a Priest and Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel, Acts 5.31. & 2.36.

2. Of his Priestly Office, to make Intercession gloriously for them (of which afterwards) at the right hand of God, Rom. 8.34.

3. And Prophetical, to pour out his Spirit upon all flesh;Ioh. 14.26. 1 …ohn 2.27.John 14:26John 14:1 to reveal his Mind and Will, and the Mystery of Salvation unto us; to teach us all things, and guide us into all Truth, and illighten our understandings in the Scriptures.

By this his Prophetical Office he is made unto us of God wisdom, 1 Cor. 1.30.

Further, Christ makes us conformable to himself (as we are capable) in these his Offices, Rev. 1.6. He hath made us Kings and Priests unto God, — a royal Priesthood, or Kingdom of Priests, 1 Pet. 2.9. Kings to rule over the Devil, the World and the flesh: Priests to offer up the Sacrifice of our selves, Rom. 12.1. of Praise and Alms, Heb. 13.15.

This also should draw up our hearts to Heaven, that our Saviour is not only entered thither, but sits there in Majesty, draw them to seek those things that are p. 308above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, Col. 3.1. I desire to take a journey thither to see Christs Exaltation at Gods right hand, as men are desirous to see those friends that are highly advanced though in places remote from them, as Jacob to see Joseph that was preferred in Egypt.

3. We have the fellowship of Interest in his Intercession; not only as that on Earth, that is, the prayers he put up to his Father in the dayes of his flesh for all believers,Iohn 17.9, 20.John 17:9John 17:20 or all which the Father gave unto him: but especially in that he performs now in Heaven;Heb. 9.24.Heb 9:24 whither Christ is entered, to appear in the presence of God for us, with our Names in his breast (as the High-Priest entered into the Holy of Holies for Israel, Exod. 28.29.) where he presents himself, or his own Person in two Natures, and the merits of his Death and Passion, and his satisfaction before his Father, to be accepted on the behalf of all the Elect of God: and he is is foreign, ever-living to intercede for us,

1. For the Application of all his Benefits to us, to put us into actual possession of them.

p. 3092. For acceptation of our Persons, Services, and good works with God, notwithstanding the iniquities of our holy things, 1 Pet. 2.5. Heb. 13.15. and for the prevalency of our prayers, Rev. 8.3.

3. For the continuance of our Reconciliation with God, notwithstanding our daily infirmities and trespasses to maintain that peace by his Intercession, which he made between God and us by his Blood and Passion.

4. For our Perseverance or preservation in the state of Grace even to the end, that we may not fall away, or out of it, though we do fall in it. Christ prayed on Earth for Peter, that his faith might not fail, Luke 22.32. What doth he now in Heaven upon that account for his Saints on earth.

5. For the Mission or sending of the Holy Ghost the Comforter to us, to abide with us for ever, (which he promised as a fruit of his Ascension, John 16.7. and of his Intercession, John 14.16.) in his several operations suitable to our Necessities: to make intercessions for us, by stirring up sighs and groans in us which cannot be exprest, Rom. 8.26.

6. For the pleading of our Cause (in p. 310every respect) throughly and effectually, as our Advocate with the Father; as a Lawyer doth for his Client, 1 Joh. 2.1. Rom. 8.33, 34.

7. For compleating our Salvation, or to save us perfectly and everlastingly, Heb. 7.25.

Thus we have the fellowship of Interest with Christ, in his Ascension, Session and Intercession.

6. And Lastly, in his Salvation, or Inheritance, Kingdom and Crown of life and glory, joy and felicity unto Eternity.

Hence we are said to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,1 Thes. 5.9. 2 Tim. 2.10.1 Thess 5:92 Tim 2:10 or the salvation that is in Christ, with eternal Glory; and Christ is call'd the author of eternal Salvation, Eph. 5 23.Eph 5:23Heb. 5.9. and the captain thereof, Chap. 2.10. He is the Saviour of the body, and we are said to be coheirs with Christ, Rom. 8.17. that is, joynt-inheriters with him of the everlasting Kingdom and Glory of our Heavenly Father.

This salvation or Eternal Glory is prayed for, purchased and ensured by Christ to us on earth.

1. Christ prayed for it to his Father p. 311when he was on earth, Joh. 17.24. that all those whom he had given him may be with him where he is, (that is in Heaven) for the full participation of his Glory: and I know, saith he to his Father, that thou hearest me alwayes.John 11.42.John 11:42

2. Christ purchased it for us on earth by his passion, or with his own blood, that was the Price of Heaven, and our way into Heaven, Heb. 10.19, 20. Hence it is call'd the Purchased possession, Eph. 1.14.

3. Christ ensures it to us here,

1. By Pledges.

2. By Promises.

1. By Pledges or pauns, two especially,

1. Of his spirit, which he leaves us on earth, as an earnest of our Inheritance, Ephes. 1.13, 14. and his graces call'd the first fruits of the spirit,Rom. 8.23▪Rom 8:23 for a Pledge of the whole crop of glory we shall receive in Heaven. By this assurance an entrance is ministred to us abundantly into Heaven, 2 Pet. 1.10, 11.

2. Of our flesh, which he took from us, and carried it into Heaven, to assure us, p. 312that the whole shall be brought after him.

2. By promises, for Christ hath given us many pretious promises of eternal life and salvation, all which are Yea and Amen in him, to all true believers. By faith their souls are bound up in them as in bundles of life.Ioh. 3.36.John 3:36 Hence He that believeth, hath everlasting life, is as sure of Heaven, as if he was there already, When Christ went away (home to Heaven, his Fathers house) there to prepare a place for us; Ioh. 14.3.John 14:3he promised, I will come again (in due Time) and receive you unto my self (that is, up to glory) that where I am, there ye may be also, even for ever. Christ being a Head, and the Church his body, and his fulness, Ephess. 1.22, 23. he must and will have all his Members up to him; he accounts himself not to be full or compleat without them all, as a body would be lame and imperfect, if it wanted any members.

As this is the Fathers will, that of all, he hath given Christ,Ioh. 6.39.John 6:39 Christ should lose none, yea nothing, not the least member or part, no not so much as a Toe or a little finger: so it is in the purpose of Christs heart, and in the power p. 313of his hand to do the same effectually.

Thus we have Interest in the salvation of Christ even here in this life, to wit, in hope or in reversion, as hereafter in hand and in possession. Yea may we not look at our selves as in some sense already in Heaven and instated in it, considering that Christ entred into Heaven in our person, and we entred in, in his person; and that our flesh is there, and our Head is there.

Secondly, As all that is Christs is made ours, so all Ours is made his.

1. Our Nature is made his by Incarnation. He took part of flesh and blood, (Heb. 2.14, 16, 17.) and was made in the likeness of men, Phil. 2.7. essentially in soul and body, and in all the powers of the one, and the Members of the other: and He was subject to all manner of frailties and common infirmities, such as accompany flesh and blood,Heb. 4.15.Heb 4:15 so far as they are freed from sin.

2. Our sins are made his, or He was made to be sin for us,Gal. 3.13.Gal 3:13 2 Cor. 5.21. (who knew no sin,) by Imputation and a curse, God made the iniquity of us all to meet upon him, Isa. 53.5, 6. and put upon Him all p. 314the punishment and malediction due to us for them; as he is our surety that undertook to God for us, to be responsible to his Law and Justice in every thing;1 Pet. 2.24.1 Pet 2:24 Christ bore our sins in his own body on a Tree, that is, the Cross; at his Passion, in the full weight or condign penalty of them.

3. Our afflictions and miseries both inward and outward are made his;

1. Inward afflictions or Soul-troubles, as Desertions, Tentations, Contristations, Fear, Grief, &c. Sense of Sin, and of the Fathers wrath, Christ had large experience hereof in his own soul, especially in his Agony, when he swet drops of blood, &c. and offered up prayers with strong Crying and Tears, Heb. 5.7. and on the Cross, when he cryed with a loud voice, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with Grief, Mat. 26.38.Matt 26:38Isa. 53.3. His soul was exceeding sorrowful (foreign begirt with grief, or heavy round about) even unto death.

2. Our Outward and bodily afflictions are made his, as hunger, thirst, cold, weariness, faintness, sleepiness, poverty, mortality, death, &c.

p. 315Oppositions, persecutions and sufferings of all kinds, in word and deed; Christ had experience of them all, and did partake of these infirmities of our condition, inward and outward, By way

1. Of Passion.

2. Of Compassion.

1. Of Passion, by his bearing of them for us in his own person, soul and body:Heb. 4.15.Heb 4:15 for he was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin: and Christ undertook these infirmities for our sake.

2. Of Compassion, by his sympathizing with us in all our Weaknesses and Sufferings, as if he felt the weight, the smart, the pain of them all.Isa. 63.9.Isa 63:9 He is a merciful High-Priest, that cannot but be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, Heb. 4.15. for he is in all things made like to his brethren, not only in Nature, but also in infirmities and sufferings, and in all manner of Tentations, that thereby he might be able, (experimentally) to succour them that are tempted.Heb. 2.17, 18.Heb 2:17Heb 2:18

He gave many Evidences of his Sympathy or fellow-feeling of our Infirmities when he was on Earth, as he groaned in p. 316his spirit and was troubled, Joh. 11.33. when he saw those that wept for Lazarus, and he wept also, ver. 35. as he did over Jerusalem, Luk. 19.41.

It is often observed in the Gospel that Christ was moved with compassion: and that he put forth frequent Acts of pitty, mercy and succour to those that were in any distress, in body or soul. He invited weary and heavy laden souls to come unto him, Matth. 11.28. he comforted the afflicted, Matth. 9.2. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, restored the blind, deaf, dumb and lame, and ejected devils: Christ retaineth this Sympathy and fellow-feeling with us; now he is in Heaven, and doth so far commiserate our distresses, as may stand with a glorified condition.

Hence Christ counts himself persecuted, when his Church is so, as it was by Saul, Act. 9.4. to whom he said, Saul, Saul, Why persecutest thou me; Matth. 25.35, 36.Matt 25:35Matt 25:36himself to be hungry, thirsty, naked and in prison, when his Members are so; and that all those injuries are done to him, which are offered to them. He that toucheth them, toucheth not only his Eye, but the Apple of his Eye, which is the tenderest p. 317piece of the tenderest part, Zech. 2.8. to express the inexpressible Tenderness of Christs compassions, from the Mystical Union betwixt him and his Members.

Hence the afflictions of Christians are call'd foreign the remainders of the afflictions of Christ;Col. 1.…4.Col 1:4 such as Christ by his fellow-feeling suffereth in his members; and as they by correspondency are to fill up, as Exercises and Tryals of their faith and patience.

Quest. What are the Grounds of this fellowship, of mutual Interest between Christ and us?

Answ. Three.

1. The Fathers mutual Donation.

1. Of Christ his Son to us, Joh. 3.16. hence he is called, the gift of God, chap. 4.10.

2. Of us to Christ, Joh. 17.6, 9.

2. The Mutual Dedition and Reception between Christ and us.

1. Christ gives himself for and to us, Gal. 2.20. And we receive him by faith to be ours, Joh. 1.12. Col. 2.6.

2. We give our selves unto Christ; freely and wholly to be his, 2 Cor. 8.5. and Christ receives us to himself to become his peculiarly, Rom. 14.3. and 15.7.

p. 3183. The Mutual Relations between Christ and us, which imply union and interest. He is our Head and we his Members; Head and Members make up one body. He is our Husband, and we his Spouse or Wife (for we are married to him.) Now Husband and Wife are one flesh, Eph. 5.31. and have mutual power over the bodies each of other, 1 Cor. 7.4.

And we being joyned unto the Lord (in these Relations of Membership and Marriage) are one Spirit, 1 Cor. 6.17. and are mutually one anothers: He and his, ours; we and ours, his▪

This mutual interest is transacted by Covenant mutually between God, Christ and us. I entered into Covenant with thee (saith God, Ezek. 16.8. to his people) and thou becamest mine; So we take hold of his Covenant, and become his, Isa. 56.4. Hos. 2.23.

So much of our fellowship with Christ in Interest.

Secondly, Our fellowship with Christ in Intercourse stands in two things.

1. In Expectance of what our souls most desire from him.

2. In Performance of what Christ best accepts from us.

p. 319First, In Expectance of what our souls most desire from him and delight in, namely, the principal objects of all our spiritual senses, seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching, or …aking.

1. The sight of his face, the light of his countenance: that we may behold his beauty and excellency, how white and ruddy he is,Cant. 5.10. Psal. 42.2.Song 5:10Ps 42:2 the chiefest among ten thousand, fairer than the children of men; his smiles and his glory.

To see that in him with the Eye, which we have heard of him with the Ear, as Job did, Chap. 42.5.

To this end, expect that Christ will according to his Promise,

1. Manifest himself to us, and make his face to shine upon us,Iob 34.29▪Job 34:29 John 14.21. for when he hides his face, who then can behold him.

2. Arise as the Sun of Righteousness and shine upon, and into our souls, Mal. 4.2. that in his light we may see light, Psal. 36.9. and see his face. As the Sun cannot be seen but in his own light,Psal. 4.6, …Ps 4:6 no more can Christ. To see Christs face will fill us with joy, Acts 2.28▪ Thou hast made known to me the ways p. 320of life, thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

2. The Hearing of his voice, speaking pardon of sin to us as God did to the Palsie-man, Matth. 9.2. and to the woman in Luke 7.48. and peace and acceptation with the Lord: I will hear, saith the Psalmist, Psal. 85.8.Ps 85:8What God will speak, he will speak peace to his people, &c. Expect that he will say to our souls (as David desired he would do to his) I am thy salvation, Psal. 35.3. Psal. 51.8. & 143.8.Ps 35:3Ps 51:8Ps 143:8yet make us to hear joy and gladness, and his loving kindness.

That he will call to us, as he did to his Spouse, to quicken, awaken, strengthen, direct, comfort us, as our souls stand in need, to come away, scil. from sin, self, world, sloth, &c. and to follow him, Cant. 2.10. & 8.5.

How sweet and pleasant is the voice of Christ our beloved:Cant. 2.8. Iohn 3.29.Song 2:8John 3:29 the Bridegrooms voice, which greatly rejoyceth the Bridegrooms friends.

3. The smell of his Perfumes or fragrant Odours, as of his Name, his Titles, Attributes, (Wisdom, Mercy, Power, Justice) Word and Ordinances, &c. (for his Name is as Ointment poured forth, Cant. 1.3.) and of his good Ointments, p. 321or the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit, which he had being full of the Holy Ghost, for God annointed him with the oyle of gladness above his fellows,Heb. 1.9.Heb 1:9 and for his fellows: all these yield a sweet odour or savour to the soul.Psal. 45.8.Ps 45:8 These are called the smell of his Garments, scil. of Myrrh, Alloes and Cassia, which were of sweet scent and great price.

These Graces of the Spirit are very sweet as they are in the Saints; Hence the Church is said to be perfumed with Myrrh and Frankincense, with all powders of the Merchant, Cant. 3.6. and the smell of her Oyntments is better then all Spices, Cant. 4.10, 11. But much more odoriferous as they are in Christ, and give forth a delightful and fragrant smell both to God and man. In Christ all things are altogether sweet, and he is of all sweets the sweetest: A Bundle of Myrrh▪ is my well beloved unto me saith the Spouse, Cant. 1.13, 14. and a Cluster of Camphire: — his Cheeks are as a bed of Spice, or sweet smelling flowers, Cant. 5.13. Not only his Name and his Graces, but his sufferings which were very bitter to him, & in Golgotha, a filthy loathsom place, Mat. 27.33. are exceeding sweet p. 322to God and us, Eph. 5.2. of a sweet smelling savour. As sweet odors comfort and refresh the animal spirits, Prov. 27.9. Much more doth Christs Name and his precious Graces give forth reviving, refreshing perfumes into the soul: and are in it like the costly Ointment which Mary powred out on Christs head, the whole house was filled with the sweet savour of it.

We should pray that our Nose, (it being the Instrument of smelling or drawing breath) may be as the Spouses Nose, as the Tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus, Cant. 7.4. for our singular sagacity in smelling the choice flowers and fragrant Spices of his Name and Graces. Lebanon (as some say) was a Hill and Forrest full of sweet and fragrant Trees and Shrubs: and so the Tower built in Lebanon must needs be compassed about with sweet smelling odours, to the great refreshing and delight of such as dwelt in it, or passed by it.

So they that converse much with Christ shall be wonderfully refreshed with his sweet odours.

4. Expect from Christ the taste of his goodness, and of his fruits; p. 323scil. of his death, resurrection, ascension and intercession, &c. Of his Offices and Ordinances, and of his Word, Psal. 119.107. All which are sweet to our taste, Cant. 2.3. And a sense of his …ove shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, Rom. 5.5. which is better than Wine, Cant. 1.2.

For cheering, comforting, refreshing and rejoycing the heart,Psal. 104.15.Ps 104:15 than Milk for nourishing, than hony for sweetness.

The taste of Christs fruits will make us sit down under his shadow with great delight.

The taste of his goodness will replenish a soul with sweet and savoury re…shes.

The feeling of Christs Love is the kisses of his mouth.

The drops of his lips,Can. 5.13. which are like Lillies, dropping sweet smelling Myrrh: the hidden Manna Christ gives the soul to eat.

This will fill the soul with joy and gladness, or as with marrow and fatness.

We may ground our expectation of the manifestation of his love to us, upon those precious Promises, John 14.21, 23. If a man love me, he will keep my words, and p. 324my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Let us wrestle with the Father and the Son for the accomplishment of them.

5. Expect from Christ the touch or receiving and feeling of his

Spirit,

Grace,

Strength:

and all these according to his Promise.

Rom. 8.9.Rom 8:91. Of his Spirit, that he will send forth his Spirit into our hearts, to lead us and comfort us: to witness our Adoption and Reconciliation:1 Cor. 2.12. Ephes. 1.13, 14.1 Cor 2:12Eph 1:13Eph 1:14 to shine upon our evidences of Grace; and to seal us for Glory, or assure us of eternal salvation.

Iohn 1.16.John 1:162. Of his Grace, that we shall receive of his fulness Grace for Grace, sufficient for us, or commensurate and proportionable here to our Necessity and Capacity; to sanctifie us throughout, in soul and all the faculties of it, in body and all the members of it, in Spirit and in the inclinations, motions and operations of it.

Zech. 10.12Zech 10:123. Of his strength and power, that Christ will strengthen us to do all our p. 325duties, Phil. 4.13. to bear all our Crosses and Tryals, Col. 1.11. to presevere to the end,Rom. 8 37.Rom 8:37 Isa. 40.31. and to overcome the Devil, World and Flesh, all the enemies of our salvation.

Our Expectation of all these from Christ, should be,

Fixed and Setled,

Constant and Continual.

Secondly, Our fellowship with Christ in intercourse stands in Performance of what Christ best accepts from us, especially these ten.

I. Our Faith in him, or a stedfast and constant recumbence upon him, above all others, and for all things. To believe in him, though we do not see him, as the elect strangers did, 1 Pet. 1.8. Yea, though he slay us, which Job resolved, Chap. 13.15. his faith was stronger than death▪ Let him see we live by faith in the Son of God for all things pertaining to life and godliness, to Grace and Glory.

Faith is very taking with Christ. He takes special notice of it, and of them that have it. He knoweth them that trust in him, Nahum 1.7. He takes great complacency p. 326and delight in them. Faith is one of the Churches eyes, wherewith she ravisheth (that is strongly affects, or as it were captivates) Christs heart, Cant. 4.9. He makes us his Hephzibahs when we make him our confidence.

Let us look unto Jesus, not only by faith, but for faith also, as he is the Author and finisher of our faith, Heb. 12.2. that he would increase and strengthen it in us;Rom. 15.13.Rom 15:13 and fill us with all joy and peace in believing.

II. Our love to Christ, who loved us, and gave himself for us, manifested in five particulars,

2 Tim. 4.8.2 Tim 4:81. In looking and longing for him and his appearing, our fruition of him and Oneness with him. When our eyes are ever towards the Lord Jesus, ubi amor ibi oculus: as looks breed love, so love shews it self by looks.

2. In having high and honourable thoughts of Christ,Psal. 73.25. & 139.17. Cant. 5.10.Ps 73:25Ps 139:17Song 5:10 and a pretious esteem of him as our portion, chief good or All in All: accounting him and all his dear to us, his Name Honour and glory, his Truth, and cause; wayes, ordinances and servants, his Example: his Saints doings and sufferings, as his Cross which p. 327was dear to Paul, Gal. 6.14. his Reproaches which were dear to Moses, Heb. 11.26. his wounds, as the hole of Paphnutius his Eye that was pull'd out in time of persecution was to Constantine, for he was wont to kiss it. How dear were Christs feet to the Woman in Luk. 7.38. When she washed them with her Tears, wiped them with her hairs, kissed and anointed them, &c. (for she loved much, ver. 47.) How dear was Christ Crucified to Ignatius when he called him his Love.

3. In counting nothing we have too dear for Christ; to part with either to him or for him: nor our Relations as Father, Mother, Wife, Children, Luke 14.26. an only Son, as Abraham did with Isaac; not our possessions or livelihoods; as the Apostles, who forsook all and followed Christ,Phil. 3.8.Phil 3:8 Matth. 19.27. and Paul who suffered the loss of all things for Christ.

Nor our Names, Liberties,Act. 20.24. & 21.13.Acts 20:24Acts 21:13 blood or Lives, but in counting all things loss, yea dung, that we may win Christ, and he found in Christ, &c. Phil. 3.8.9.

4. We should manifest our love to Christ in opening our hearts wide to him, p. 328that the King of Glory may come in: to receive his incomes, his appearances, influences, love, graces, and ravishing operations into our souls. As the gates and doors of the Temple were opened that the Ark, which was the Glory of Israel, should enter in, as we open our doors to entertain a dear friend, or our windows to let in the light, heat and beams of the Sun.

For we are the Temple of Christ: and Christ knocketh at the door of our hearts to have entrance; and if we open to him (which he requires of his Spouse, Cant. 5.2.) he will come in to us, Rev. 3.20. for it is his promise.

Quest. How may we thus open to Christ?

Answ. 1. By earnest, restless desires, pantings and breathings of our Souls after Christ, that cannot be satisfied without him; as the Hart panteth after the Water-Brooks, &c. Psal. 42.1. And as a thirsty Land doth after Rain, Psal. 143.6. So panteth my Soul after thee O God, said David. Tell Christ we are sick of Love, scil. with grief for his absence, and desire of his presence. Sick of love to him for want of the sense of his love to us.

p. 3292. By opening our Mouth wide in Prayer with Tears to Christ,Psal. 81.10.Ps 81:10 inviting him to come in: filling our mouths with arguments drawn from his loving-kindness, promises and relations to us; from his remembrance of the kindness of our Youth, and the love of our Espousals, Jer. 2.2. Herewith we should press him, even with a holy violence thereunto; as Lydia did Paul and his Associates, she besought and constrained them to come into her house, Act. 16.14. Say to Christ as Laban to Abrahams servant, Gen. 24.31. with a little alteration, come in thou blessed Lord, wherefore standest thou without? say with the Church, come Lord Jesus come quickly. Let your Prayers and Tears give Christ no rest,Rev. 22.17, 20.Rev 22:17Rev 22:20 till he come in and give rest and satisfaction to your souls, and joyn himself more neerly to you.

5. We should manifest our love to Christ, as our Husband and King, by keeping our hearts intire and peculiar for him alone, as a retiring room,Hos. 3.3.Hos 3:3 or lodging; as a bed to lye in, or Throne to Rule in alone.

And by keeping out all competitors and Corrivals with him, as the World, Lust and Self.

p. 330We should lock up our hearts against all these, and give the Key into Christs hand to keep and open to himself alone, and come in when he pleaseth.

Cant. 7.12.Song 7:12Let us with the Spouse give Christ our Loves, our whole Love; and bestow the livelyest and warmest of our affections upon him: and that not only in the Vineyards of the Churches, and in the society of Saints, but when we are alone, as by Night in our beds, by day as we sit, walk or go journeys.

We should manifest our love to Christ upon all occasions, and abound in labours of love towards his Name, cause and members. We can present nothing to Christ, which he desires or delights more in, and accepts better; or which hath a more prevailing Influence upon him; to procure from him, what we desire of him, than Love. He cannot deny us (if he see it good for us) what we ask of him under this alluring compellation O thou whom my soul loveth, Cant. 1.7, 8.

Cant. 4.9.Song 4:9The Spouses Love to Christ is the one chain of her Neck (full of Links and very binding) which ravished Christs heart, or put a force upon it, as well as p. 331her eye of faith. Love is very Magnetical or attractive to draw Christ unto us; and hereby the King is held in the Galleries, that is,Cant. 7.5.Song 7:5 Christ is tyed fast in bands of love to his spouse; and to every soul that can say with Peter, Lord thou knowest that I love thee.

Love is the cream of Communion, and Honey of delight between Christ and the soul, both on his part and on ours.

We shall lose nothing by loving Christ, for then Christ will love us and his Father also, and will manifest himself to us, Joh. 14.21. He and his Father will come unto us, and make their abode with us, ver. 23. We shall get for a recompence, a hundred fold more love from Christ than we have to give unto Christ.

We should covet earnestly the Grace of love to Christ, that all which proceeds from us towards him may be stamped with an Impress of love, and taste of the sweet and savoury relishes thereof.

To this end, Let us pray and believe upon the account of Gods promises of Heart-circumcision, Deut. 30.6. and of giving us the spirit of Love, 2 Tim. 1.7. and labour to feel Christs love in our hearts which will fill our hearts with love p. 332to Christ. We have many Motives to manifest as much love to Christ as we can, as our propriety in him, because he is ours, and he loved us first; and for the savour of his good ointments, Cant. 1.3.

III. Our delight in Christ, as the Head of our joy, for the object of it, and as the Root or fountain of our joy, for derivation or infusion thereof into us. Tell Christ, or let him see,

1. That we never expect any solid, satisfying solace or gladness in our souls untill Christ put it in: that we account it our chiefest joy to injoy him, and fellowship with him; and our greatest grief to want him, and the comforts of his presence, that this makes us go mourning, (like Job) without the Sun;Job 30.16.Job 30:16 or as a wife that wants her husband; that Christ alone rejoyceth our hearts, and we perceive all creature-delights to be empty, flashy, unsatisfactory and vanishing, and that they leave our hearts sad: that our joy ebbs or flows, waxeth or weanes according as he comes to us, or goes from us; as he manifests himself to us, or withdraws and hides himself from us.

2. That we rejoyce not only in him but in his, in all that is near and dear p. 333unto him, as in his Name and Attributes, in his love and great goodness;Psal. 119.Ps 119 in his Law or word and worship, that is our delight as it was Davids: in his Saints, Psal. 16.3. in the success of his Gospel, and interest and promotion of his Kingdom and glory, however things go with us, as John did, chap. 3.29, 30. —This my joy is fulfilled, —He must increase, but I must decrease. scil. as a Star at the rising of the Sun. That we are content to be outshined by others in gifts or labours; to be small and despised, disparaged and diminished, so Christ may have more glory thereby; and things may go well with Sion, and can be glad therein: that our Hearts desire to rejoyce in him, in the greatest afflictions as Habakkuk did, chap. 3.17, 18. when the Fig-tree doth not blossome, &c. when Fruits fail from Trees and Fields, and Flocks from the Fold; yea to rejoyce in our sufferings for Christ as the Apostles did, Act. 5.41.

IV. Our Holiness, which we should manifest by our constant care and endeavour to keep our minds and hearts pure in the sight of God, to suppress the first motions and stirrings of corruptions within us, even of those to which our p. 334Natures are most inclined; as well as our outward man from the breaking forth of sin in our lives; to keep our selves as from our iniquities,Psal. 18.23.Ps 18:23 so unspotted of the World: to do no evil, wittingly or willingly; but to humble our selves low before the Lord for all that is amiss in our thoughts, words or deeds. Christ gives repentance as well as remission of sin to Israel, Act. 5.31. he will have no fellowship with impenitent persons; if we confess our sins, he is faithfull and just to forgive us our sins, 1 John 1.9. For sin separates between Christ and us,Isa. 59.2.Isa 59:2 and makes him hide his face, and turn away his ears from us, and causeth distance and estrangement, and breaks off all familiarity. For Christ is light, 1 Joh. 1.5. sin is darkness, the blackness of darkness. Christ is righteous yea righteousness, sin is unrighteousness; what fellowship hath light with darkness? hath righteousness with unrighteousness? 2 Cor. 6.14. we must walk in the light as he is in the light, else no fellowship with the Father or the Son, 1 Joh. 1.5, 6, 7. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lye, and say (and do) not the truth; we are children of falshood both in word and deed.

p. 335Purity is a preparative to our intimate fellowship with Christ to behold his face, for the pure in heart shall see God, Matth. 5.8.

To hear his voice, for he will speak peace to his Saints or holy ones, Psal. 85.8.

To converse or commune with Christ as a man with his friend, Isa. 1.16, 18. If we put away the evil of our thinkings sayings and doings, he will say to us, come now and let us reason together. If we come out from among sinners and touch no unclean thing, he will receive us, 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. God tenders fellowship to us upon the terms of Purity. Fellowship with Christ and with Sin are contraries, extreamly inconsistent and repugnant.

To know the mind of Christ, for his secrets are with them that fear him; for they depart from iniquity, Psal. 25.1….

To have the breathings of the spirit of Christ upon our souls, his graces and actings in them, as a pretious liquor in a clean vessel.

To feel the love of Christ in our hearts, which those are most sensible of that hate all sin.

p. 336For Christ loveth and delighteth in pureness of heart, wherever he seeth it; This is the way to make us Christs fair ones, Cant. 2.10. and 4.7.

V. Our Obedience, in resolutions and endeavours to keep Christs Commandments alway,Psal. 119.112.Ps 119:112 even unto the end, whatever it cost us; to have respect to them all (as David had, Psal. 119.6.) without partiality: to do Christs will and our works with diligence and delight. Let Christ see that we have upon our Hearts, not only the Bent or Bias of a strong inclination, but the power or obligation of a stedfast purpose and oath to universal obedience,Psal. 119.106.Ps 119:106 as David had — I have sworn and I will perform it, &c.

Christ makes our keeping of his commands to be a demonstration of our love to him, Joh. 14.15, 21, 23. Therefore let us come to Christ to receive commands or directions in every thing, and say as Paul, Act. 9.6.Acts 9:6Lord what wilt thou have me to do? God the Father charged Israel to obey Christs voice, and not provoke him, when they had fellowship with him as their conductor in the Wilderness.Exod. 23.21.Exod 23:21

VI. Our Patience.

p. 3371. In submitting,Job 2.10.Job 2:10 or suffering evils at the hand of God quietly and silently, in bearing Christs cross, lying down at Christs feet, and saying with David, 2 Sam. 15, 26. Psal. 39 9.2 Sam 15:26Ps 39:9here am I Lord, do to me as seemeth good unto thee: and I was dumb and opened not my mouth because thou didst it: in resolving our will into Gods will.

2. In waiting on Jesus Christ, and tarrying his leisure untill the time of his coming and refreshing to our souls, without making haste, thinking much, fainting or desponding, or grudging at his delayes. This is to abide for him many dayes. Waiting on (and for) God,Hos. 3.3.Hos 3:3 was Davids profession and practice, Psal. 130.5, 6. & 62.5. Say with David, and now Lord what wait I for,Psal. 39.7.Ps 39:7 my hope is in thee, my expectation is from thee, Scil. of communion with thee.

VII. Our Humility and meekness, in spirit and speech, in looks and carriage. A humble lowly posture is most taking with Christ, who is most high; because it is his Impress upon us, and makes us like unto him. —I am (saith he, Matth. 11.29.) meek and lowly in heart. A humble heart is Christs house, yea Heaven upon Earth, wherein he chuseth to dwell p. 338and to solace himself, Isa. 57.15. How acceptable have Gods eminent servants been to him upon the account of their Humility; as Abraham, who said I am but dust and ashes. And Jacob that said, I am less than the least of all thy Mercies: And David who said, Who am I, 2 Sam. 7.18. 1 Chron. 29.14. as thinking himself no body: and Paul who counted himself to be nothing, 2 Cor. 12.11. And John Baptist, who thought himself not worthy to bear Christs Shoos, Matth. 3.11. And Job who abhorred himself, and repented in dust and ashes, Job 42.6. God the Father hath called us to the fellowship of Jesus Christ as he is our Lord,1 Cor. 1.9.1 Cor 1:9 which obligeth us to walk humbly, or to humble our selves to walk with him:Mic. 7.8.Mic 7:8 to serve our Lord with reverential fear, and to rejoyce before him with holy trembling: to condescend or stoop very low to take up his cross.

VIII. Our sincerity, in approving our hearts and wayes unto Christ: in seeking his glory in every thing, not our selves in any thing; and in giving him the honour and praise of all we have or do.1 Chron. 29.17.1 Chr 29:17 For he desires truth in our inward parts, and hath pleasure in uprightness, p. 339and such as are upright in their way are his delight.Prov. 11.20. Ioh. 1.47.Prov 11:20John 1:47 Christ commended Nathanael for it with an Ecce— Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile. The upright love Christ, Cant. 1.4.

IX. Our knowledge and acknowledgement of Christ.

1. Our knowledg of Jesus Christ.

1. Notional in our minds, of his natures, and the properties of them: of his offices and the acts of them: of his several states, of humiliation and exaltation, and of the condition and operations or benefits of both: of his truths, wayes, and ordinances.

2. Fiducial, to trust him with our hearts.

3. Affectional, to embrace him with our dearest affections.

4. Experimental, from our spiritual seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, handling of him, the word of life, 1 Joh. 1.1. and from our observation of his various and gracious dealings with us, all along.

5. Augmentative, to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,Col. 1.10.Col 1:10 2 Pet. 3.18. this is to follow on to know the Lord, Hos. 6.3.

2. Our acknowledgment of Christ. p. 340We must not only know Christ, but profess or hold forth our knowledge of him, which is to confess Christ before men, to give testimony to his Gospel, truths and wayes, and whatever hath the stamp of Christ upon them. To this we are his Witnesses, Isa. 43.10.

It pleaseth Christ well, as to know, so to be known of those that are his, Joh. 10.14. as his sheep, spouse, people.

And Christ will confess such before his Father which is in Heaven,Matth. 10.32.Matt 10:32 and before the Angels of God: that these have been his companions and his friends, his Noahs, Henocks, &c. that have walked and talked with him, as two that are agreed. Christ will own them and avouch them before all the World to be his people; and will say to them at the last day, come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you, Mat. 25.34.

X. Our suitableness of Disposition and of carriage to Jesus Christ. For this is the ground of friendship and fellowship; the procreant and conservant cause thereof.

We contract familiarity with such as suit our spirits; and we cannot close with those, that are of a cross or contrary p. 341Temper to us. For fellowship is a Harmony that is made up of consent of spirits, and of concord of Hearts.

Jarring spirits make no melody of communion, as jarring strings marr Musique. Make no friendship with an angry man, saith Solomon, Prov. 22.24. and with a furious man thou shalt not go, because it cannot be kept with such; their frowardness and fury is repugnant to friendship and fellowship, and makes them knotty and crooked pieces, rough and uneven, they will not lye flat, nor close well in and juncture of amity and familiarity. The grain of our dispositions must lye Christ-wards, and our spirits must be tuned sweetly to him, to be of the same Mind with Jesus Christ in every thing, Phil. 2.5. to love what he loveth, and to hate what he hateth; to choose and do the things that please him, which is the way to walk worthy of him unto all well-pleasing, Col. 1.10. else we can have no intimate fellowship with him. If we be correspondents unto him in our spirits and course, we shall be companions with him in comfortable communion. We should be very tender of, and affected with his glory; and be sensible of, and p. 342mourn for the dishonour which is offered to his Name. Put on, towards Christ, the affections of David, who wept Rivers of Tears because men kept not Gods Law, Psal. 119.836, 138, 139. of Elijah, who was very jealous for the Lord God of Hosts, 1 King. 19.10. Gods honour was as dear to him as a Wives fidelity is to her Husband: and of Phinehas Wife, that holy Woman who dyed for grief, because of the dishonour which came to God and his Ark, 1 Sam. 4.21, 22.

Our Fellowship of Intercourse with Christ may be exercised mutually between him and us in the way of,

1. Relations.

2. Afflictions.

3. Duties or Ordinances.

4. Of Providences.

I. Of Relations.

1. As Members with their Heads.

2. As a Wife with her Husband.

1. We should seek to have fellowship with Christ, as Members with the Head.

p. 3431. By receiving from him daily the Benefits of a Head, depending on him for the same, as

1. Spiritual Life, quickning Influences to piety in profession and practice. Our life is hid in Christ as our Head, Col. 3.3, 4.

2. Spiritual Senses, also wisdom and knowledge, the Treasures whereof are hid in Christ for us, Col. 2.3.

3. Spiritual Motions and Operations, for without Christ we can do nothing (Joh. 15.5.) as members cannot move without their Head; nor Trees bear Fruit without their Root: but through Christ we can do all things.Phil. 4.13.Phil 4:13 From him is all our fruit found, Hos. 14.8.

4. Directions in every particular what to do. Christ our Head is our Guide, as the Head is to all the Members of the Body.

5. Provision and protection. Christ as he is the Head of the Church, he is the Saviour of the body, scil. Mystical, Eph. 5.23. to procure the wellfare and secure the safety of it. He is such a Head to whom all things are subject, Ephes. 1.22, 23.

6. Spiritual Nourishment ministred to p. 344us from Christ as our Head by the joynts and bands wherewith we are tyed as Members to him, especially the spirit and faith; to make us grow up to a full stature, and encrease with the encrease of God, Col. 2.19.

2. By giving up our selves wholly to Christ, as Members to our Head,

1. As to ask his Counsel, so to follow his Directions in every thing, Prov. 3.6.

2. To be serviceable unto Christ in every thing, as all the Members of the Body are to the Head, and to obey his commands.

3. To be made conformable to him in holiness and righteousness, in doing and suffering. Head and Members should be alike, else the body would be Monstrous.

4. To give Christ the preheminence in all things, and above all, Col. 1.18. as all the Members of the Body do the Head.

2. We should live in fellowship with Christ, as a Wife with her Husband.

1. By receiving from him the seed of Grace into our souls (in the Marriage bed of Love) that we may bring forth fruits unto God,Cant. 1.16.Song 1:16 (to wit of righteousness, p. 345obedience and good works) which are as it were the children begotten by Christ through the spirit, and conceived in our soul, Rom. 7.4. Ye are become dead to the Law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. And by drawing all the kindness and benefits of a Husband out of Christ into our souls, as counsel and comfort, strength and joy, provision and protection, to be nourished and cherished by him, Eph. 5.29. to be refreshed with the discoveries of himself and of his mind and secrets the demonstrations of his love, and tokens of favour to us.

2. By resigning up our selves,Eph. 5.31. Psal. 45.10, 11.Eph 5:31Ps 45:10Ps 45:11 and cleaving to Christ alone as the Husband of our souls, forsaking all others for him.

By performing unto Christ, the submission, obedience, reverence, helpfulness, faithfulness and delight of a Wife to her Husband; subjecting our wills and desires wholly to him.

Let us believe and wait that Christ will realize and actuate his relations to us.

p. 346II. We should live in fellowship with Christ as in Relations, so in Afflictions: Paul counted all things but loss and dung that he might know Christ and the fellowship of his sufferings, Phil. 3.10. that is, such as he did suffer in the dayes of his flesh, and doth daily suffer, in his name, cause and members. To have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings, is

Rom. 8.17. 2 Tim. 2.12.Rom 8:172 Tim 2:121. To suffer with him, by sympathy, when we are sensible at our hearts of, and much affected and afflicted for, the sufferings of his name and servants, Heb. 13.3.

2. To suffer for him by bearing his cross, and enduring persecutions of all sorts, from mens hearts by hatred, tongues by slanders, reproaches, or hands by acts of violence, or the loss of any comforts we enjoy for Christs sake, his Gospel, righteousness, conscience sake, which Paul calls, Col. 1.24. foreign, the remainders of the afflictions of Christ; To which God hath annexed a promise of great reward, Mat. 5.11, 12. Paul suffered the loss of all things for Christ, Phil. 3.8.

3. To suffer like him, as he suffered, patiently, submissively and silently, 1 Pet. 2.23.Isa. 53.7.Isa 53:7 When he was reviled he reviled not p. 347again, &c. — He left us an example that we should follow his steps, ver. 21.

The fellowship of Christs sufferings …aketh the Spouses fingers drop with sweet smelling Myrrh, Cant. 5.5.

III. We should excercise fellowship with Christ, as in Relations, and in afflictions, so in Holy duties and ordinances, which are appointed of God to be means …f much and sweet communion between Christ and our souls, as

1. Prayer, or speaking much to God thereby, and receiving answers thereto. Great acquaintance and familiarity is contracted by Prayer between God and man, especially when seconded and set on with Tears.

2. The word, or hearing; God speaks …o us therein, counsel, commands, consolation, corroboration and confirmation.

Let us say to Christ, as Samuel did, speak Lord for thy servant heareth. Our hearts should eccho answers of obedience to Christs commands as Davids did, when God said, seek my face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face Lord will I seek, Psal. 27.8.

3. The Sacrament, or eating and drinking not only with Christ, but of Christ p. 348(his flesh and blood) therein, John 6.55, 56.

Act. 2.41. Heb. 10.24, 25. Psa. 133.3.Acts 2:41Heb 10:24Heb 10:25Ps 133:34. The Communion of Saints, or fellowship in the Gospel; for there God commands a blessing even to advance our souls communion with Christ: as the Daughters of Jerusalem conversing with the Spouse did, Cant. 5.8, 9. to the end, & 6.1.

5. Meditation, which is the souls private discourse and intercourse, walking and talking with Jesus Christ.

Wherein passages of greatest secrecy and intimateness (as concerning our Relations, &c.) are transacted between Christ and the soul.

Meditation is very opportune for night-communion with Christ in the intermissions of sleep, as well as on the day. David used it much. Mine eyes prevent the night watches (saith he, Psal. 116.148.) that I might meditate in thy word: and when I awake, I am still with thee, Psal. 139.18. How pretious are thy Thoughts unto me, O God, ver. 17. And my Meditation of him shall be sweet, Psal. 104.34.

David had experience of the sweetness hereof, scil. that his soul was filled as p. 349with marrow and fatness, when he remembred God upon his bed, and meditated on him in the Night watches, Psa. 63.5, 6.

The spouse sought him whom her soul loved, by night on her bed, Cant. 3.1. scil. by Meditation and Prayer. With my soul have I desired thee in the Night (saith the Prophet, Isa. 26.9.) and with my spirit within me will I seek thee early. For God giveth to his Meditating servants, songs in the Night, Job 35.10. and causeth them to hear his loving kindness in the Morning.

Meditation is very suitable and seasonable for mutual

Interviews between Christ and the soul.

Kisses and Embraces. between Christ and the soul.

As

Cant. 1.13. & 3.4. For Embraces.

Cant. 2.6. & 8.3. For Embraces.

Cant. 1.2. For Kisses.

Cant. 8.1. & Psal. 2.12. For Kisses.

Cant. 4.9. Psal. 45.2. For Interviews.

Cant. 5.10. & 4.1, 7. For Interviews.

p. 3506. Singing of Psalms, which are a means of mellifluous and melodious, heart-raising and ravishing intercourse between God and the soul.

In all holy duties and ordinances we should labour to have fellowship with Christ, not only in the outward form, but in the inward power and efficacy of them; not only in the light but in the life and heat of them, in the bark, bone or shell, but in the sap, kernel or marrow of them: to inlarge our Hearts in them all, as in activity for (or towards) Christ, to set all the power of our souls on work therein; so in receptivity for our selves, to take in all spiritual blessings, communicated therein from Christ to our Souls.

In these, as in the banquetting house, Cant. 2.45. or Wine-Celler, where he stayes us with Flaggons and comforts us with Apples: Christ and the soul feast together. He sups with us and we with him, Rev. 3.20. and keeps spiritual banquets: his banner over us here is love. Here the King setteth at his Table, &c. Cant. 1.12.

Christs ordinances are his Garden, into which he cometh to meet and converse p. 351with his Spouse and every believing soul; to eat his pleasant fruits,Cant. 5.1. & 6.2.Song 5:1Song 6:2 his honey-comb with his honey, to drink his Wine with his Milk, &c. that is, to feed upon the Graces, affections and obedience of our souls, which are exercised therein; upon our spiritual sacrifices; and to feast our souls with his love, and the comforts of his presence, and Graces of his Spirit; and with the sweetness and fatness of his Ordinances (which are feasts of fat things, full of Marrow and of Wine on the Lees well refined, Isa. 25.6.) to make them by his blessing delightful and powerful nourishment, as spiritual Wine, Milk, Honey to our souls, to strengthen, ripen and increase all his Graces in us: and to excite and incourage us (as his Friends and Beloved) to eat and drink thereof liberally and abundantly, no danger here of excess.

IV. As in a way of Ordinances, so of Providence, we should exercise fellowship with the Lord; and therein four wayes.

1. By eying and observing God in them all; his efficiency and the appearance of his several Attributes therein, as his wisdom, p. 352power, goodness, faithfulness, patience, &c.

2. By considering wisely of his doings, Psal. 64.9. Searching to find out the special cause thereof, and Gods end therein. Why he doth so and so, Job 10.10. 2 Sam. 21.1.

3. By being affected continually, as he gives us occasion in his Providence: Our hearts ecchoing to Gods hand: or answering to Gods several Dispensations, with suitable dispositions or affections, which is to sanctifie the Lord God in our hearts, 1 Pet. 3.15.

4. By improving all his providential doings to a holy use; giving him the praise and glory, and due thanks for them all.

Motives to Communion with Jesus Christ.

I. This is the best fellowship of all, in six Respects.

1. For the excellency and transcendency of it. To live in fellowship with Christ is to live at the highest rate under Heaven, next to Heaven, yea as in a corner of Heaven, or in Heaven upon p. 353Earth; To live in the highest Region of Christianity, above all Winds, Storms, Tempests, Commotions and Disturbances caused here below. Above all Relations and creature-comforts in the world, natural or Civil: It is the life of Paradise; an Evangelical, yea, Angelical and Celestial life, in comparison whereof, the most men and women are dead, even while they live. Communion with Christ is the cream, flower and quintescence of all communions.

Such as have fellowship with Christ, may say with Christ,John 4.32, 34.John 4:32John 4:34 we have meat to eat the world knows not of. It is our meat (and drink also) to do Christs will, and finish his; and with Paul, Thus I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, Gal. 2.26.

Communion with Christ will put us into the same posture with the Woman (that is the Church in Rev. 12.1.) scil. to be cloathed with the Sun (of Righteousness, or with the Righteousness of Christ the Son of God, and the Sun of his Church) and to have the Moon (that is, the world and all sublunary things) under our feet.

This is the way to live in Christs sight, to see his face, as we are capable here, p. 354to walk in the light of his countenance, and to hear his voice.

2. For Satisfaction: Fellowship with Christ gives a soul sound, solid and full content, acquiescence, comfort and delight: it terminates the desires of the heart, and makes it say with Jacob, I have enough, I have all. It is pure without mixture of bitter or heart-sadning Ingredients; it is all hony, no gall, or wormwood. He that cometh to me, saith Christ, John 6.35. shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst, that is, he that hath communion with me, shall be fully satisfied with me, and not desire any thing but Christ, or in comparison of Christ, but only more of Christ, or the full fruition of him in glory.

All other fellowships (natural and Civil) are empty and unsatisfactory, but bitter sweets, accompanied with vanity and vexation of Spirit, and a bitterness in comparison of this.

3. For Duration. Fellowship in natural or Civil; yea, in spiritual Relations is uncertain sometimes and inconstant, or momentary; but pro tempore, and confined to this side the Grave, at the farthest. p. 355yea, even during this present time.

1. They may dye, and the one be taken away from the other, as Davids dear friend Jonathan was from him, and his Child and his Parents; and as Ezekiels wife. Our relations may soon be laid in the dust, then all our fellowship with them will perish.

2. Or though they live, they may change their mind, decay in their affections, and fall off from us. Many of Christs Disciples went back,Joh. 6.66. 2 Tim. 4.10.John 6:662 Tim 4:10 and walked no more with him. Some of Pauls Hearers deserted him, as Demas, and all they in Asia, 2 Tim. 1.15. The Corinthians and the Galatians kept not so close to Paul in affections, and in communion as they might and ought, Gal. 1.6. & 4.15, 16. 2 Cor. 12.15. Johns Hearers did the like to him, John 5.35. Distance and estrangement may break off the Fellowship of other Relations, as between David, and his lovers, friends, kinsmen, acquaintance, Psal. 38.11. So as he was forgotten as a dead man out of mind, Psal. 31.11, 12. like a broken vessel, out of use, esteem and request: between Job and his brethren, acquaintance, kinsfolks and familiar friends, Chap. 19.13, 14. and his p. 356domesticks, his servants and his Wife, ver. 15.16, 17.

3. Yea, Friends may turn enemies to us, Jobs most intimate friends, (to whom he communicated his secrets) abhorred him: they whom he loved set themselves against him to do him hurt, Job 19.19. He called them all miserable comforters, Job 16.2. Who instead of lightning his burden, laid more load on him: So did Ahitophel, Davids own familiar friend in whom he trusted, to him, Psalm 41.9. & 55.13, 14. and Judas to Christ, Matth. 26.23. All Jeremiahs familiar friends watched for his halting, Jer. 20.10. Even his Brethren, and the Sons of his Father dealt treacherously with him, Jer. 12.6. A friend, as Plato said, is a mutable creature. A man may have no fast hold, nor strong assurance of fellowship long with any creature.

Trust ye not in a friend (saith the Prophet)—a mans enemies are the men of his own house,Mic. 7 5, 6.Mic 7:5Mic 7:6 Jeremy gives the like caution, Chap. 9.4, 5. But our fellowship with Christ is constant, permanent and perpetual: because it is with him,

1. Who is immortal, and liveth for p. 357ever, called therefore foreign,1 Tim 1.17.1 Tim 1:17 the King of Ages.

2. Who is immutable as to himself, so in his love and kindness to us; and in his communion with us. For with him is no variableness, nor shadow of turning. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to day and for ever. Our fellowship with Christ is like the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day here; and this will continue in glory unto eternity, when all other Relations, and the fellowship of them are expired:Lu. 20.35. When there shall be no marrying, nor giving in Marriage, yet the Relation and Communion between the Lamb and the Bride his Wife shall be consummated and perpetuated in Heaven. Blessed are they that are called to that Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

4. This is the best fellowship for compensation of the loss or want of all other Relations and of the comfort of Communion in them; as of Parents and Children, of Husbands and Wives, of friends by death, or by defection.

All may be abundantly made up in, supplied, yea, exceeded by our fellowship with Jesus Christ. If a man place p. 358his chief comfort and joy in any relation, and God dissolve that by death: how miserable is he; but if he enjoy one superlatively better, as this communion with Christ is, and as he can never lose, this will make amends for all, yea, an overplus: this will make him happy for ever.

I may add, that our fellowship with Christ will comfort us amidst all our losses, crosses, sorrows and troubles under the Sun.

5. This is the best fellowship for preparation to our dissolution, or solemn change, to leave the world and all our relations, possessions, interests and comforts in it; and to go to Christ, which is best of all for us. For all such, and only such who have fellowship with Christ in Grace on Earth, shall have fellowship with him in glory in Heaven: the former is the Inchoation, the latter is the consummation of our communion with Christ. Every act of fellowship with Christ here, is a step Heaven-ward or home-ward to our Fathers house. This will make us sing in the wayes of the Lord while we live, and go triumphantly to Heaven when we dye. Those that p. 359live in communion with Christ may dye with great confidence (and strong consolation) that their departure hence shall be an entrance into the joy of their Master, and say at death, as that holy man of God did,Dr. Preston. I shall now change my place but not my company; for they live near to Heaven here, upon the confines of Eternity; even at Heaven-gate: therefore to dye will be to them but one step, scil. from Earth to Heaven; or out of communion with Christ here below into the immediate and full fruition of Christ above.

6. For sweetness: To live in fellowship with Christ, is to lye in a bed of aromatical Spices; of Roses and sweet flowers, or Towers of perfumes, Cant. 5.13. See the Margent.

To suck a honey-comb; to eat fat things full of marrow, and to drink Wine on the Lees well refined, spiced Wine; at which feast the soul may delight it self in fatness and in sweetness. This is to have a pleasant Nosegay, a fragrant Pomander of love, or a Bundle of Myrrh, or a Sweet-Bagg laid between our breasts; which sends up a most comfortable scent, to refresh our souls continually p. 360with Christs delectable sweetness. A bundle of myrrh, that is, abundance of spiritual comforts and refreshments. A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me, saith the spouse, Cant. 1.13. he shall lye all night betwixt my breasts.

To have communion with Christ, is to have Christ as a cluster of Camphire or of Redemption (as the word imports) to us by his death: the sweetness whereof is resembled by a cluster (which is of many berries compacted together) of the sweet Cypress,Ainsworth. as some render that place, Cant. 1.14. Christs Redemption is a cluster of sweet smelling savour to our souls, Aromatical, Medicinal and Cordial.

Hence Christs expressions of love and kindness in communion to our souls, are very fragrant and odoriferous to the smell, very sweet and pleasant, to the taste, or to the spiritual senses, of our souls: as appears by the plenty and variety of those things to which they are compared upon this account, in the Canticles and elsewhere.

Our Graces and obedience (and the fruits and effects thereof) in the correspondence p. 361of our communion with Christ, are the like to Christ, as appears by the comparisons thereof in the Word.

Motive II. God the Father calls us unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 1.9. our Lord, that we may have fellowship with the Father in the Son, 1 Joh. 1.3. For the Father is in the Son, and the Son is in the Father, Joh. 14.10, 11. and the Father and the Son are one, Joh. 10.30.

Christ is the middle Person, or Mean and Mediator of all society and converse between the Father and us. But out of Christ he hides himself from us, and is a consuming fire to us. Now by fellowship with Christ we may have fellowship with the Father in six particulars,

1. In the manifestation of himself, and of his mind and will, counsels and secrets to us; for God the Father shews himself to us (his beauty and excellency) in his Son, and the Glory of the Father shines in the face of Jesus Christ, and he gives us the light of the knowledge thereof in him, 2 Cor. 4.6. and he reveals his will and secrets to us in and by his Son Christ, Mat. 11.25, 26. & 16.17.

2. In the reconciliation of himself to p. 362us,2 Cor. 5.19. 1 John 2.1, 2.2 Cor 5:191 John 2:11 John 2:2 and of us to himself in Christ by his death, who is our peace, and the propitiation for our sins, and our Advocate with the Father, and in the shine and smiles of his face, and tokens of his favour to us, that he hath pardoned all our sins.

Mat. 3.17.Matt 3:173. In his complacency with us, for the Father is well-pleased in his beloved Son Christ, and with all that live in union and communion with him.

And in his acceptance of us; for he hath made us to be freely and graciously accepted in his beloved Son Jesus Christ.Eph. 1.6.Eph 1:6

Both our persons and our Sacrifices, all our duties and performances, as prayers, praises and the rest.

1. As they are performed by us in Christ, to wit, in his strength, Joh. 15.4, 5. then our deeds are wrought in God, Joh. 3.21.

2. As they are presented by Christ (and mingled with his odours) to the father for us, 1 Pet. 2.5. Heb. 13.15. Rev. 8.3.

In his returns of answers, rewards and benefits to us in, by or for them all, Mat. 7.11. Luk. 11.13. And in his gracious presence (and comforts of it) manifested to us as his reconciled ones in p. 363Christ: in which respect Christ is called Immanuel, that is, God with us; as well as in regard of the union of his divine Nature with our flesh, in one personal subsistance.

4. In his Fatherly affections to us, as his love, delight and compassions in Christ, in whom he hath adopted and regenerated us to be his children: and manifests or actuates all these to us;Eph. 2.4, 5.Eph 2:4Eph 2:5 that we are his Jedediahs i. e. beloved of the Lord: his Hephzibahs, that is, his delight is in us.

His Ephraims, Ier. 31.20.Jer 31:20or dear Sons, and pleasant children in Christ, and his bowels are troubled for us.

God the Father loveth us with a love of complacency or delight in his Son Christ, because we through Grace do love Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, Joh. 14.21, 23. and believe in him. The Father himself loveth you (saith the Son, Joh. 16.27.) because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. Zeph. 3.17.Zeph 3:17The Father rejoyceth over us with joy, to do us good, and joyeth over us with singing (as a father doth over his child, whom he beareth in his bosome, or dandleth on his knee) and rests in his love to us, in his Son Christ.

p. 3645. In his fatherly blessings both spiritual and temporal, and in the communication of all good things to us, in and by Christ, as appointed by the Treasury or Fountain of all for us, and the conduit-pipe for conveyance of all to us.

Hence, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is said to bless us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ, Ephes. 1.3. 1 Cor. 1.4, 5. and to supply all our needs by Christ Jesus, Phil. 4.19.

6. In his fatherly corrections of us in Christ as his Sons; scil. in Measure and in Mercy; out of his love to us, and for our profit,Heb. 12.6, 7, 10.Heb 12:6Heb 12:7Heb 12:10 to humble us and purge us and make us partakers of his holiness. The father exerciseth the discipline of his Rod towards his children, as they are in Christ, his dearly beloved Son. And in his fatherly consolations of us in and by Christ in all our Tribulations and Sufferings, 2 Cor. 1.3. to 6. 2 Thes. 2.16, 17. for he is the father of mercies. And in his fatherly forbearance, patience or long-suffering which he exerciseth towards us in Christ.

Thus God the Father calleth us unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ, to p. 365the end we might have fellowship with him in the Son, and that both,

Fatherly on his part. And

Filial on our part.

1. Fatherly on his part, as hath been declared in six particulars. scil. in his Fatherly Manifestations, Reconciliation, complacency, acceptance, and presence: in his fatherly affections, blessings, patience, corrections, consolations.

2. Filial on ours, that we might have fellowship with the Father in the Son by Filial carriage (suitable) on our part towards him, four wayes especially.

1. By believing in God the father as we do in his Son Christ, and as Christ did in the Father, Joh. 14.1, 2.

2. By honouring the Father,Mat. 1.6.Matt 1:6 and seeking his glory not our own, as Christ did, Joh. 8.49, 50. & 7.18.

3. By obeying the Fathers commands, and doing his will not our own, and those things alwayes, which please him, as his Son Christ did,Joh. 6.38.John 6:38 Joh. 15.10. and chap. 8.29. with diligence and delight, Luk. 2.49. Joh. 4.34.

4. By submitting patiently to the Fathers p. 366will and hand in all afflicting or trying Dispensations; as his Son Christ did, in drinking the bitter cup of his Passion, Mat. 26.39. Joh. 18.11.

For Christ tells us, that God the Father is our God and our Father as well as his, Joh. 20.17. his by nature, and ours by grace; and Paul stiles him our Father,2 Cor. 1.2, 3.2 Cor 1:22 Cor 1:3 and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Fathers vocation of us unto the fellowship of his Son is a fruit of his election of us unto life eternal; and a certain argument of our perseverance;1 Cor. 1.9. v. 8.1 Cor 1:9 because God is faithfull who hath called us to it, who will continue it to us, or keep us in it, and confirm us unto the end, that we may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father that hath begun this good work of communion between Christ and us, will perfect it untill the day of Jesus Christ, Phil. 1.6. and then compleat and crown it in glory.

Quest. What shall a Christian do, whom God hath called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ, yet cannot injoy communion with him, or the comforts of his presence: not see his face, nor hear his voice, nor feel his love, but p. 367Christ seems to withdraw himself, and carry strangely to the soul, and doth not actuate his Relations (as of a Head and Husband, &c.) sensibly towards it; as if our Fellowship with him was but a fancy, or imaginary only, not real?

Answ. I shall return an answer hereunto in six Particulars.

1. Let us search out the cause thereof.

1. Which is commonly in our selves. Hath not Christ seen some iniquity in us, (unbewailed, unmortified) as whoreishness and unfaithfulness in our hearts in departing from him (Ezek. 6.9.) which have separated between Christ and us, and caused him to hide his face,Isa. 59.2.Isa 59:2 and turn away his ear, and be silent towards us. A Lust indulged will put in a barr between Christ and our souls, which being pulled out by repentance and mortification, a door of fellowship with Christ will be opened to us.

2. But Christ may estrange himself for a time from our souls, by design for good to us.

1. To try and exercise our Graces, the truth and strength of them, as of our faith, love, patience, faithfulness, &c. whether we will love him p. 368when we do not see him; and follow after him, when he seems to go away from us;…os. 3.3. and wait for him though he stay long: and not play the Harlot, nor be for another in his absence. The tryal of our Graces procures a Testimony of them from Christ; and an increase of them in our selves, for habenti dabitur, to him that hath, i. e. useth what he hath, shall more be given.

2. To endear his presence and fellowship with him unto us; to make us prize it more highly, and seek it more earnestly (knowing the worth of it by the want of it) keep it more carefully, and hold him fast when we have regained him, and not let him go, Cant. 3.4. and to prepare us for fuller and longer fruition of him.

Upon these accounts it may be said that there is a Time for Christ to embrace (the soul) and a Time to refrain from embracing it.Eccl. 3.5.Eccl 3:5

2. Let us get our Right and Title to Christ and to our Relations and communion with him cleared up to us, and to that end examine our selves in three particulars.

1. Have we deliberately and resolvedly p. 369chosen Christ to be our Head and Husband, and given our free and full consent to be his Members and his Spouse, to become one with him, and fast tyed to him for ever?

2. Do we esteem this Communion with Jesus Christ as the dearest fellowships in the World, above the comforts and delights of all other Relations whatsoever, from some glimpses, tasts or relishes we have had of it; and the suitableness of it to our spirits; the grain of our disposition lying that way.

3. Are our hearts carryed out constantly after intimate fellowship with Christ (in a strong stream of vehement, restless desires) as that without which we can never be satisfied, nor happy, what ever we enjoy besides, as temporal relations, riches, honours, pleasures? Can we say with that holy Martyr, None but Christ, None but Christ? that the presence of no creature can supply Christs absence to us? that no love can satisfie the longings, no peace can settle the shakings of our souls, but only Christs?

Upon these Grounds we may boldly claim a peculiar Interest in Christ, and p. 370call him Ishi, my Husband, Hos. 2.16. and Roshi my head, and comfidently expect comfortable communion with him in all the Relations between him and us.

3. Let us gather grounds out of Gods Word, as rests for our souls to lean on, and security that Christ will renew his fellowship with us, though at present he estrange himself from us, as These three

1. The verity of his Relations.

2. The Properties of his Person.

3. The Plenty of his Promises.

1. Ground: the verity, certainty and constancy of his Relations to us, and of ours to him; Christ is as true and real (but spiritual) a Head and Husband to his Church and to every true believer, as the Head is to the Natural body;Ephes. 5.22, 23.Eph 5:22Eph 5:23 or the Man to his married Wife. Therefore our fellowship with Christ upon this account must needs be real, not nominal, notional or imaginary only, according as our Communion with Christ in his righteousness, holiness. Sonship p. 371in his death, resurrection, ascension, intercession, &c. Christ in the benefits thereof, and in his Offices, are all realities, no fancies or conceits.

Our communion with him corresponds to our Relations to him.

2. Ground: the properties of his Person in reference to the Relations between him and us, which are such as we may safely confide in him for communion with him therein.

As he is our Head, he is infinitely full of all spiritual senses, wisdom and knowledge; of life, spirit, vigilancy.

As he is our Husband he is,

1. Very tender hearted, for he really gave himself for his Spouse the Church to dye for her, that she might live;Ephes. 5.26, 27Eph 5:26Eph 5:27 and to shed his heart blood for her to wash her fair.

Did he give himself for us, and will he not manifest himself to us? Did he dye for us, and will he not live with us? Did he shed his blood for us, and will he not shed his love abroad in us? Did he come to bring us light, life, peace and joy, and will he go away and leave us dead, dark, sad and troubled?

p. 372Mat. 9.15.Matt 9:15He sympathizeth with us in all our sufferings, not only from others; but even in or by his absence or departure from us: as a Tender Loving Husband doth with his Wife in the like case: he is very constant in his Conjugal love and kindness to us, unto the end, John 13.1. Jer. 31.3.

2. God hateth putting away, Mal. 2.16. between Man and Wife, and Christ hates divorce between himself and his Spouse.

3. He is very Tenacious or retentive of the first love or kindness of our souls to him at our Conversion; he cannot forget the love of our espousals, and the kindness of our youth. As he could not forget Israels of old, Jer. 2.2. which they expressed in their willing complying, obeying and following him in the Wilderness, an uncultured Desart, when newly come forth of Egypt out of their bondage; should not we remember Christs love to our souls then, his first love, which is most dear, entire and strong? Whilest this first love between Christ and us is remembred, our souls shall not be forgotten. Let us avoid the Guilt of Christs Exception against the p. 373Church of Ephesus, that she had left her first love, Rev. 2.4.

3. Ground: The plenty and pregnancy of his Promises, which are Yea and Amen in Christ; and stand firm to be fulfilled even to deserted, solitary souls, in this particular of fellowship with him, as in any other thing; as those that are made to the

1. Desires, of his people.

2. Prayers, of his people.

3. Expectations, of his people.

1. To their desires, He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him, Psalm 145.19. He satisfieth the desire of every living thing, ver. 16. much more of his Spouse, Children, Servants, Psalm 107.9. He will not quench the smoaking flax, nor break the bruised Reed; that is, our desires after him to enjoy him, though weak, if sincere. He deals not with us as vain persons that entangle the affections of silly Women, and then leave them: but he stirs up longing desires in us towards him, to the end he may satisfie them.

2. To their Prayers, Matth. 7.7, 8. p. 374Ask and ye shall have, &c. Chap. 21.22. All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive: and to their seeking of him to be found of them, 2 Chron. 15.2. and coming to him, John 6.37. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out: and to their opening to him, Rev. 3.20.

3. To their Expectations, which shall not perish for ever,Jer. 29.11.Jer 29:11 though they may be deferred long, Psal. 9.18. Prov. 23.18. and to their waiting on him, and for him, or tarrying his leisure, Isa. 30.18. Blessed are all they that wait for him—he will strengthen their hearts, Lam. 3.25.Lam 3:25Psalm 27.14. Isa. 40.31.

I may add some promises of Gods returns after departures, Mic. 7.19. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us, &c. of manifestations after occultations, Isa. 54.7, 8. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee: In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. Of visits after estrangements, John 16.22. But I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoyce, &c. Of non-rejection or non-dereliction, p. 375Lament. 3.31, 32. Heb. 1….5. He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Of all which Promises there shall be a performance to us, if we close with them by faith.

For Christ is the Amen, Rev. 3.14.Rev 3:14the true and faithful witness, therefore he will verifie to a tittle what he hath promised, and perform to the utmost what he hath undertaken, and make full proof of every Relation he stands in to his Church.

No Christian shall have cause to tax Christ with unkindness or unfaithfulness, in not discharging the Trust reposed in him. But the visions and fruitions of this Mystical Marriage between Christ and the soul, are for an appointed time; though they tarry, wait for them, Hab. 2.3.

The longer Christ defers to come unto us, and to satisfie us, he will pay use for forbearance.

4. Let us fill our mouths with Arguments, and plead strenuously with Christ for real and effectual fellowship with him; as these five.

1. Argument: It is not presumption but obedience in us to desire it, and pursue it: considering,

p. 3761. That God the Father hath called us unto it (as I shewed before) to seek it and enjoy it; and God who calleth us is faithful, who also will do it, 1 Thes. 5.24. that is, see it done effectually; and not only begun, but continued even to the end. And considering,

2. That Christ calls us so oft unto him: Now Christ calls of us to come unto him, are calls to communion with him.

We may say to our souls in this case, as the Disciples did to Bartimeus the Blind Man in Mark 10.49. Be of good comfort, rise (go to Christ) he calleth thee; and we should do as Mary did, who as soon as she heard that Christ her Master was come, and called for her, she arose quickly, and came unto him, John 11.28.

To come unto Christ to have Communion with him, is to do but what we are commanded, and what is our duty: and this we may do boldly, chearfully and confidently; Christ complains when men will not come unto him, John 5.40.

2. Argument: Is not the Lord our Maker and our Redeemer, our Husband; and hath in this regard said unto us, Fear not, ye shall not be ashamed, Isa. 54.4, 5. Will he not live and dwell as an Husband p. 377with us? May not Christ call us, in his withdrawings or hidings of himself from us,Isa. 54.6.Isa 54:6 as a Woman forsaken (by her Husband) and grieved in Spirit (upon that account) and will he not reunite us again unto himself, as a man his wife, that he had left for a time? And make us a Wife of youth, that is, as dear to him again, as a young Wife to her Husband; Will the Lord cast off his Church or any poor soul, that is, his companion and the Wife of his Covenant, whereof God the Father is a witness, as of that between Husband and Wife? Mal. 2.14.

Did he not betroth us unto himself for ever, in loving kindness, and faithfulness, &c. Hos. 2.19, 20. how then can he break his Covenant with us, or forsake us utterly?

3. Argument: Is not Christs desire towards us, and his delight in us, even to have fellowship with us?

1. His desire towards us, his conjugal desire.Cant. 7.10.Song 7:10 It was laid as a Curse upon the Woman, that her desire should be to her Husband, Gen. 3.16.1 Cor. 11.31 Cor 11:3 But its a blessing to the Spouse, and to every soul espoused unto Christ, that her heavenly Husbands desire is to his Wife; to see p. 378her countenance, and to hear her voice, because sweet is her Voice, and her Countenance is comely, Cant. 2.14. and he knocketh to come in and sup with her, and she with him, Rev. 30.20.

Doth not the earnestness of Christs desire towards us to enjoy us wholly and peculiarly to himself, appear by the whole scope of this Song of Songs? Should not our desires then be towards Christ to have communion with him, and will not Christ satisfie them fully?

2. Is not Christs delight in us? for he saith to his Spouse, How fair and how pleasant art thou, O Love, for delights? Cant. 7.6. or in delights? One saith, it is an allusion to the Marriage-bed, which is the delights of the Bridegroom and Bride; This Marriage-bed is (as he conceives) the publick Worship of God in the Congregation of the Church: this is the bed of Love, where Christ embraceth the souls of his people, and casteth into their hearts the immortal seeds of his Word and Spirit, Gal. 4.19. and the Church conceiveth and bringeth forth fruits unto Christ.

Ainsworth.Some think this to be the Reason why the King (Jesus) is held in the Galleries, p. 379in the former Verse, (Cant. 7.5.) because he was delighted, and as it were ravished with her heavenly graces, Cant. 4.9, 10. (as Kings are held in their Galleries of pleasure) that he cannot depart wholly from her.

Hath not Christ promised to rejoyce over us, as the Bridegroom doth over the Bride, Isa. 62.5. That is, to take as much pleasure and delight in us, and in fellowship with us, as such are wont to take, the one in the other? and will he not cause our souls to rejoyce in him, and in communion with him, by his Manifestations, Communications and Consolations dispensed to us therein?

4. Argument: Doth not the Lord bid us return, (as he did Israel of old) after we have backslidden and gone astray from him, and carried ill towards him, upon this account, because he is married to us, Jer. 31.1, 4, 5, 14. Which assures us that he will receive us unto favour and fellowship again. May we not retort this, or plead the same for our selves before the Lord, wilt not thou return to us (after thou hast gone away and tarried long from us) because we are married to thee?

p. 380Hath not the Lord promised to be with us, while we are with him, and not to forsake us, so long as we do not forsake him? 2 Chron. 15.2. May we not say, behold Lord, is it not the earnest desire, care, resolution and indeavour of our souls to keep close to Christ? to pursue after thee and wait for thee? and to carry Wife-like, lovingly, loyally and faithfully towards thee, even in thy absence from us? and wilt thou leave us and forsake us, when we do not, or desire not to leave thee?

5. Argument: Put Christ in remembrance of our many Prayers, Tears, Sighs, Groans, wherewith we have lamented after him, sought him sorrowing, and wrestled hard with him (some of us many years) for his gracious returns to us, or communion with him,Hos. 12.4.Hos 12:4 as Jacob did with the Angel for a blessing.

May we not say with Hezekiah, O Lord, remember now how we have walked before thee in truth, in pursuing after thee and waiting for thee,2 King. 20.3.2 Kgs 20:3 and how we have wept sometimes with a great weeping, to enjoy thee.

Isa. 45.19.Isa 45:19Didst thou ever say to thy servants, seek ye me in vain? Dost thou set them p. 381on longing after thee,Jer. 15.18.Jer 15:18 to disappoint their expectations? wilt thou be unto them as waters that fail? which are dryed up in the heat of Summer, when men have most need of them, as Job's friends were to him, Job 6.15.

Put him in mind frequently of his promises, which ingage him to renew his fellowship with us. Say with David, Psal. 119.49.Ps 119:49Remember thy Word unto thy servant upon which thou hast caused me to trust.

God permits us (yea bids us) put him in remembrance:Isa. 43.26.Isa 43:26 he gives us liberty to plead our own cause with him; and if we have any thing to say for our selves (as in this case of having communion with Christ) to speak it out freely.

5. Let us recollect former experience (both our own and others) of Christs various dealings in this respect.

1. Our own Experiences, That though Christ hath for a season gone away from us and is not nigh to us as formerly, but hid his face, and to our sense left our souls desolate or destitute of the quickning, refreshing influences of his presence, and we have walked in darkness and seen no light, yet he hath returned p. 382again to us, and visited our souls with gracious manifestations, and communications of himself to us, with smiles and shines.

Now what Christ hath done, he will do to us. Christ is and will be the same for ever, that ever he was. Let us call to remembrance our songs (which God gave us formerly) in the night, as the Psalmist did, Psal. 77.6. and the loving kindness he commanded and communicated to us in the day time, Psal. 42.8. and remember Christs love (which we have formerly tasted) more than Wine; as the spouse did, Cant. 1.4. Former experiences are refreshing cordials in present desertions.

2. Let us consult and consider the experiences of Gods dealings with others in this case: as with Job, who went mourning without the Sun, chap. 30.28. but afterwards this Sun appeared in some cloud to him, and his eye saw God, that is, a visible demonstration of his presence, or a glimpse of Glory, and revelation of himself, and his will towards him, chap. 42.5, 6. this was a special favour. And with David, from whom God hid his face, and he was troubled, but afterwards p. 383he made him full of joy with the light of his countenance: and with the Church in Isa. 12.1. yea with his dear Son Jesus Christ who experienced (as to his sense) very dark and deep desertions from his Father at his Passion; which caused him to sweat drops of blood in his Agony, and on the Cross to cry out, My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me! But after his resurrection he received him up into Glory, 1 Tim. 3.16.

Thus Christ carryed it towards his Spouse, though she opened to her beloved,Cant. 5.6.Song 5:6 he sometimes withdrew himself and was gone, and she sought him but found him not, Cant. 3.1, 2. but afterwards she found him, whom her soul loved, and held him and would not let him go, ver. 4. sometimes Christ leads her into a Wilderness, a dry and thirsty land, Cant. 3.6. & 8.5. and sometimes he brings her into his chambers, Cant. 1.4. And towards his Disciples from whom he went away, and they therefore had sorrow for a little while, but afterwards he did see them again, and their hearts rejoyced, &c. Joh. 16.16, 20, 22.

If these precious servants of God experienced p. 384sometimes such interruptings of their communion with God and Christ, such cloudings of Gods face towards them, and Eclypses of their joy (yea Christ himself did the like from his Father) what have we deserved, or what may we expect in this kind?

6. Let us recount how comfortable and joyfull, sweet and welcome will Christ's returns to our souls be, and the renewings of his fellowship with us, after his departings and hidings or estrangings of himself from us, even as light after darkness, as the rising of the Sun is to all living creatures.

As the Morning is after a dark, sad, weary Night, to them that have kept watch or layn in pain.

As Rain and Dew are after Drought.

As a calm is after a storm by Land or Sea.

Or as clear shining after rain; or as fair weather after foul; as the coming of the Bridegroom, or the return of a Husband, a Wife, a Son, or dear Friend, that hath been long absent or far distant, as from a long journey, or out of a remote Countrey: or as the face of a friend, whom we have not seen of a long time. p. 385How was Paul refreshed with the coming of Titus; 2 Cor. 7.6.2 Cor 7:6as the coming of a Physitian with healing Medicines and Cordials to a sick Patient, so is Christs coming to a soul that is sick of sin in it self, and of self; or sick of love to Christ.

As joyfull as life from the dead, or the receiving of some related to us, whom we supposed had been dead, as Jacob did his Son Joseph, Gen. 45.28. and the Father did his prodigal Son, Luk. 15.24. as liberty from restraint or bondage. As good News from a far Countrey.

Christs return is a reviving, and is comforting and quickning to a soul dead in its own sense; and an inlarging to a straitned or imprisoned soul.

God hath given us all these under promise, which should incourage us to seek and expect daily the performance hereof from him, but with an Eye to the conditions annexed.

As that God will be a Sun to us and will enlighten our darkness, but we must endeavour to walk uprightly that Christ the Sun of righteousness shall arise unto us with healing under his wings,Psa. 84.11. & 18 25, 28.Ps 84:11Ps 18:25Ps 18:28 but we should desire to fear his Name, Mal. ….2.

p. 386That his going forth is prepared as the Morning, Hos. 6.3. scil. that God is as ready to come unto us, as the day is to dawn, or the morning is to look forth; but we must follow on to know the Lord, &c. and wait for him more than they that watch for the morning, Psal. 130.6.

Hos. 6.3.Hos 6:3That he will come unto us as the rain, as the former and latter rain unto the Earth;Psa. 143.6.Ps 143:6 but our Souls must thirst after him as a thirsty Land.

And he will be as the dew unto Israel, Hos. 14.5. but Israel must return unto the Lord. v. 1. and take with them words, &c. v. 2. and say, Ashur shall not save us, &c. v. 3.

That Christ will come into us, and will sup with us, and we with him; but we must open the door of our hearts to him,Rev. 3 20.Rev 3:20 when he knocketh.

That Christ, the King of Saints, will bring us not only into the Kings Palace,Psa. 45 15. Cant. 1.4.Ps 45:15Song 1:4 but into his privie-chambers, the most secret, safe and quiet rooms of his Palace; wherein the hidden Treasures of mercies, Mannah comforts, and mysteries of grace are revealed and dispensed; and spiritual intimacy and kindness, or retired p. 387communion between Christ and our Souls is injoyed.

But we must run (or follow hard) after him, as the chief object of our desires;Cant. 1.4.Song 1:4 and be glad and rejoyce in him, and remember his love more than Wine; that is above the chiefest of creature-comforts.

FINIS.