The Great Salvation Revealed and Offered, Sermon · Proposition 3

The Great Salvation Revealed and Offered · Sermon · Proposition 3

p. 73PROPOSITION III. THAT the Salvation Revealed and Offered in the Goſpel is very Great and Glorious.

CARRYING in it the brighteſt diſplays of the Divine Glory; containing in it the greateſt Mercy. The Apoſtle calls it, Great Salvation: the manner of his expreſſion is worth our Obſervation, SO Great Salvation. Which may denote the inexpreſſible, yea, inconceivable Greatneſs of it! A Salvation beyond any other that God hath ever vouchſafed to Men. Many great Salvations God hath wrought ſince the beginning of the World, but the Salvation of Sinners by Jeſus Chriſt is beyond all compariſon. We have an expreſſion parallel hereunto, Joh. 3.16. God ſo loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. So as can't be told. The love appearing in this Gift is inexpreſſible! We read concerning the Works of God in general that they are Great! Honourable and Glorious, Pſal. 111.2, 3. The works of Creation and Providence are ſo, they may fill the hearts of conſiderate beholders, with wonder and aſtoniſhment; ſuch as the higheſt flights of humane underſtanding cannot penetrate into: p. 74and it is eminently true of this Work of Redemption, or the Salvation of Sinners by Jeſus Chriſt; for which the Praiſes of God will be celebrated throughout the days of Eternity. There are ſo many great and myſterious things concurring to it and contained in it, ſuch ineſtimable bleſſings accompanying of it as may juſtly render it marvellous in our eyes. Fully to declare the greatneſs of this Salvation is poſſible only u… an underſtanding capable of comprehending it. I ſhall only attempt at ſome few him that may give us reaſon to aſſent to the manner of expreſſion as highly ſuitable.

1. IF we conſider how great difficulties la… in the way of it, and what a glorious diſplay of the Divine Perfections there is in bringing it to paſs. Such works as are not without great difficulty brought to paſs are wo… to be accounted great. Now this work o… ſaving Sinners had ſuch difficulties in the way of it, as quite exceeded the Wiſdom of Men or Angels to remove. It was beyond them to determine how the Sinner ſhould be ſaved, and Sin condemned. How Mercy might be exerciſed, and the rights of Juſtice not impaired. How the honour of Gods Truth in the threatning of Death to ſin could be vindicated without the Death of the Sinner. How the ruling Wiſdom of God in eſtabliſhing p. 75a Law by which Mankind ſhould be governed, could be manifeſted unleſs Divine Juſtice did proceed according to it: and how this could be done and Man preſerved from everlaſting ruin was above their comprehenſion. But the Wiſdom of God hath ſurmounted all theſe difficulties, in bringing about this great work, it is ſo eſtabliſhed that there is no breach in the harmony of the Divine Attributes. The Wiſdom of God hath pitched upon ſuch a way wherein his Truth, Juſtice and Mercy might all be Glorified. As the Pſalmiſt obſerves, Pſal. 85.10. Mercy and truth have met together, righteouſneſs and peace have kiſſed each other. Beſide there is a glorious diſplay of the God-Head and its perfections. Much of the Divine Glory and particularly that ſacred Myſtery of the Trinity of Perſons in the God-Head, is more revealed in this work than ever it was before: God the Father contriving, God the Son performing, God the Holy Ghoſt applying Salvation for and to fallen Man. This Counſel of Peace was among theſe Sacred Perſons before time, but their particular and diſtinct operations in and about it are in time exhibited in the Goſpel to raiſe our admiration and praiſes! and herein the glorious Perfections of the God-head are diſplayed more than in any other Works. The Power, Wiſdo… and Goodneſs p. 76of God, which appeared in Creation, in the variety of Creatures that were made, and adapting of them to their reſpective ends, appears in this work with a yet greater luſtre; and over and above, God's Holineſs, Truth, Juſtice and Mercy, ſhine forth in their tranſcendent excellencies: the glory of the Divine Perfections did never ſo diſplay itſelf as it doth in this wonderful work of bringing about Salvation for ſinful Man. Inſomuch that you read that the Heavenly Spirits deſire to ſtoop down and look into this wonderful work, 1 Pet. 1.12. that they might ſolace themſelves with the manifeſtations of divine Glory appearing herein, and have their love and praiſe excited upon the occaſion of it.

2. IT may appear ſo if we conſider how great and glorious a Perſon was employed … purchaſe Salvation for us. This work was undertaken by the Son of God himſelf, and obtained through his Incarnation, Obedience, Sufferings, Reſurrection and Interceſſion. We may juſtly infer the greatneſs of the work from the glorious dignity of the Perſon employed about it. No other than the only Son of God's love, in whom he was well pleaſed, was found worthy or capable to manage ſuch an affair. Now the Son of God being ſo highly eſteemed, ſo dearly beloved of him▪ p. 77never have been employed about a trifle or ſmall matter. The conſervation and manifeſtation of the divine Glory requir'd that ſo great a Perſon ſhould be entruſted with this work. You read in 1 Pet. 1.18. We are not redeemed with, corruptible things, as ſilver and gold. No ſuch price was of value ſufficient for the Redemption of a Soul; much leſs of all the Souls of the Elect; but it muſt be the precious Blood of Chriſt, of God Incarnate to procure ſuch an ineſtimable benefit, otherways that might be thought of were inſufficient. There was no hopes of Mans re-entry into Paradiſe to make a new trial of his Fidelity to the firſt Covenant; that made no promiſes to Repentance being once broken, and that was guarded againſt him: there was no hope of having life by the Law that was become weak through the fleſh, Rom. 8.3. Mans ſinfulneſs had rendred him obnoxious to Death by it, and uncapable to perform the righteouſneſs it required of him, ſo far as would be accepted for his Juſtification; nor would any of the Sacrifices or Ceremonial purifications of the Law avail hereunto. It was not poſſible that the blood of bulls and goats ſhould take away ſin. All theſe Ceremonial rites could not take away the guilt of ſin; nor any further relieve the conſciences of Men, then as they directed p. 78them to look to the Great Sacrifice which they were appointed to Typifie and repreſent; nor were they ever deſigned by God in their inſtitution and eſtabliſhment to an higher end. Yea it was a work too great for an Angel to have performed: for an infinite wrath would have been a burthen too heavy for any meer creature to have endured. Nor would there have been that worth and value in the ſervices and ſufferings of any creature, or indeed of all creatures, as the… is in the ſatisfaction made by Chriſt. Now the greatneſs of this Salvation in reſpect of the Perſon employed for the purchaſe of it▪ might be here further Illuſtrated by conſidering what he doth in order to it.

(1.) HE aſſumes an humane Nature into perſonal union with his Divinity. This is a Doctrine that the Scriptures do very expreſly and largely inſiſt upon, as might be ſhewn in abundance of Places, and do alſo declare to us why it was neceſſary he ſhould do this; that he might be a fit Perſon to ſuſtain the office of a Surety in our ſtead, being one that had a true humane Nature, was fit to perſonate Man, and to ſatisfy for him, Heb. 2.16. The reaſon why the fallen Angels are not ſaved is, becauſe there is no Surety provided in their Natures, to tranſact for them. But Chriſt Jeſus aſſumed the Nature of Man that p. 79he might make ſatisfaction in the Nature that had ſinned; and therefore a body was prepared for him, as he informs us; becauſe other Sacrifices were not ſufficient, Heb. 10.5,—10. Now this was a great, a glorious and wonderful thing! that the Humane Nature ſhould be thus exalted, and that he who was the brightneſs of his Fathers Glory, and the expreſs Image of his Perſon. Who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, ſhould be made in the likeneſs of Men, Phil. 2.6, 7. That God was manifeſt in the fleſh, the Apoſtle calls the great myſtery of Godlineſs, 1 Tim. 3.16. This aſtoniſhing condeſcention is that which Saints and Angels will admire throughout the Ages of Eternity.

(2.) IN ſubmitting to a life of Obedience. It's ſaid, Gal. 4.4. He was made under the Law. He who was the Supream Lord, who had given, and who had right to give Laws to Angels and Men; being made Man, becomes ſubject to his own Laws, he was obedient both to the Moral Law and to the … of the Mediator. He fulfilled all Righ… neſs. The diſobedience of the Firſt … off him and all his Seed from ho… … by the works of the Law. No… … Second Adam performs this … acquires a right to Life f… … Seed. The dignity of his … p. 80excellency and value into his obedience, that it became highly acceptable and meritorious; he ſubmitted to the Law of a Mediator, he came from Heaven not to do his own will but the will of his Father, and this he delighted in and ſubmitted to. So that in this Relation he became obedient unto Death even the Death of the croſs, Phil. 2.8. which is,

3. THE Third Thing to ſet forth the greatneſs of this Work. There was a debt of puniſhment that ſinful Man owed to the Law, and this muſt be diſcharged. The wiſdom of God ſaw it neceſſary that the Law ſhould not be abrogated and laid aſide: but the threatnings of it muſt be endured, that Juſtice might be glorified. Therefore the Lord Jeſus Chriſt ſuſtaining the Relation of a Mediator, undertakes to ſuffer, to die, to ſhed his Blood, to make his Soul an offering for ſin, that he might redeers his Church with his own Blood, Acts 20.28. Hence it was that he ſubmitted moſt freely and willingly to a ſtate of ſuffer…, was as a Lamb dumb before his ſhear… at he endured that grievous and unpa… … Agony in the Garden, wherein he ſweat … …reat drops of Blood. Hence it was … …mitted to that barbarous treat… … …th Prieſts, their Officers and … the indignities and con… … …his M…n of War, to the p. 81cruel and unjuſt Scourging, Condemnation, and Contumely of Pilate and the Roman Soldiers, that he was Crucified, and laid in a Grave. Thus our glorious Lord Jeſus endured an accurſed Death that he might redeem us from the Curſe of the Law. For the Scripture abundantly informs us that his Death and Sufferings had the nature of a Sacrifice, and that it was for ſin, yea that he died for our Sins, not for his own; for he was of perfect purity and innocence, none could ever convince him of ſin, or charge any manner of fault upon him; tho his enemies with the greateſt ſubtilty and malice attempted it. But he was made ſin for us who knew no ſin himſelf, that we might be made the righteouſneſs of God in him, 2 Cor. 5.21. and, Iſai. 43.4, 5.6. Now this being a neceſſary means for the bringing about our Salvation, ſhews it to be inexpreſſibly, yea inconceivably Great! There is no higher demonſtration of love among the deareſt friends that have ever been in the World, then to expoſe their lives for each other, but Chriſt hath commended his love beyond this, that while we were enemies he died for us, Rom. 5.8, 10. That ſo glorious a Perſon as God-Man ſhould groan and ſigh under the burthen of Divine Wrath, ſhould be expoſed to ſuch painful and ignominious Sufferings! even to Death itſelf! was ſuch a Work as aſtoniſhed p. 82the Creation! and made all …remble, beſides the obſtinate hearts of his Perſecutors. It is ſuch a work as never had been done from the beginning of the World, nor ſhall ever be again to the end of it.

4. HAVING performed the work of his Humiliation, our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, as a Conqueror over Death and Hell, roſe from the Grave, aſcended into Heaven, is crowned with Glory, and lives continually to make Interceſſion for his People. His Reſurrection was a glorious and eminent proof of his Satisfaction to the Law, in what he had ſuffered: the Law had threatned Death to ſin, therefore that the Sinner might live, the Surety muſt die: but that the ſufficiency & acceptableneſs of his Death unto the ends for which he ſuffered might appear he muſt riſe again, and not be held under the power of Death.

HIS Reſurrection plainly ſheweth that God hath accepted the Death of Chriſt, as a ſufficient ranſom for our Sins. The active and paſſive Obedience of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt was every way enough to free us from ſin and from condemnation by ſin. But his Reſurrection was a viſible evidence of the ſatisfactorineſs of his Death. This had the nature of a ſolemn acquittance and diſcharge; it is aſcribed to the Father as his diſcharge of p. 83him, Heb. 13.20. The God of Peace which brought again from th… dead our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. And from hence, there is ſpecial ground of comfort afforded to Believers, in expectation of the bleſſings of a pardoned eſtate 1 Cor. 14.17. If Chriſt be not riſen then are you yet in your ſins. And again, Rom. 4.25. He died for our offences, and roſe again for our juſtification. This act of his is a convincing proof that he is indeed the Son of God, and Saviour of the World: not an Impoſtor or deceiver, as the Jews wickedly traduc'd him: his own living alſo ſhews him to be capable to convey life to others; which if he had remained in a ſtate of Death he could not have done, Joh. 14.19. And then the acceptableneſs and value of it, is further diſcovered in that he not only roſe but aſcended to the right hand of God. This is a pledge and proof of his compleat Victory over all his Enemies, and ſhews how fully he was accepted of the Father. Having ſuch glorious dignity and honour put upon him, it carries ſtrong ground of encouragement to his people to commit themſelves and all their concernments into his Hands, Eph. 1.20, 21. 1 Pet. 3.22. He is gone into Heaven, Angels, Authorities and Powers being made ſubject to him. A further priviledge following hereupon is his INTERCESSION for his People, ant that p. 84this muſt needs be prevalent and ſucceſsful is ſufficiently obvious from the reallity of his Death, the ſatisfactorineſs of it, and the high honour that is now put upon him as the Reward of it. He is in all reſpects accompliſhed for this work, and a Perſon ſo tenderly loved and ſo highly honoured that he ſhall not be rejected in any of the requeſts that he makes for his People, 1 Joh. 2.1. If any man ſin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the righteous. Heb. 2.14, 15, 16, 17. And it is upon theſe ſeveral Acts of the Death, Reſurrection, Aſcenſion, and Interceſſion of Chriſt, that the Holy Apoſtle lays the Foundation of his own Triumph and of all Believers, Rom. 8.33, 34. and ſo on. From the conſideration of the things ſpoken there is ground to conclude that if the manifeſtation of the glory of God in the Salvation of his Elect had not been a thing of great weight and importance, ſuch great things had never been in order to it.

3. THE greatneſs of this Salvation might alſo be argued from the neceſſary, gracious and effectual Operation of the Holy Spirit in applying of it to the Souls of Men. Not only the coming of Chriſt, but the coming of the Holy Spirit which are the moſt ſignal favours that God manifeſts to Mankind, give us reaſon to conclude that they are ſome great p. 85and weighty ends for which they are beſtow'd. Now there was a neceſſity of both theſe to the bringing home Salvation to the Souls of Men. Had not care been taken for the Application as well as the Impetration of Redemption, the caſe of fallen Man conſidering his impenitency and obſtinacy, had been ſtill deplorable: But the Lord Jeſus Chriſt having ſatisfied the Juſtice of God, and procured favour for ſinful Man, he informs us that the deſcent of the Spirit ſhould be one eminent fruit and teſtimony of it. And by minding them of this, comforts his Diſciples when greatly dejected with the thoughts of his bodily abſence from them, Joh. 16.7. And though the Church in all Ages have been in ſome degree priviledged with the preſence of the Spirit, yet the more large and plentiful communications of it hath been reſerv'd to the times of the Goſpel; it being the great and ſpecial promiſe that had been given for thoſe times, as may be ſeen in many Texts of Scripture, Joh. 7.37, 37. Act. 2.38. Accordingly the Apoſtle calls the Goſpel by way of eminency, The miniſtration of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.8. And on this account checks the folly of the Judaizing Galatians, that they were grown fond of the Moſaick Rites, and had abated in their valuation and eſteem of the Goſpel, by minding them of the priviledge p. 86they had had by it. Gal. 3.2. This on-would I learn of you, received you the ſpirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith; by which he intends the Preaching of the Goſpel. In 1 Pet. 1.12. The Goſpel is ſaid to be Preached with the Holy Ghoſt, ſent down from Heaven. Now the reaſon of this communication of the holy Spirit was not only to prepare the World to give entertainment to it, by the extraordinary Operations that did accompany it at its firſt publiſhing, but that alſo by its efficacious and powerful operations upon the Souls of Men they might be actually intereſted in the Salvation that the Goſpel reveals. In order to this there are ſeveral gracious operations of the Spirit, in Convictions of Sin, Opening the Eyes, and Awakening the Conſciences of Sinners, to ſhew them their guilty, polluted, periſhing condition without a Saviour, and leading them into the knowledge of the ſufficiency and ſuitableneſs of the remedy, which is revealed in it; in Regenerating the Soul, diſpoſing and inclining of it to a new Life, and aſſiſting it thereunto in the work of Sanctification, of which the Holy Spirit is the principal Author, who deſtroys the life of ſin by degrees, and cheriſhes and confirms thoſe gracious diſpoſitions that he hath wrought: and as a Spirit of Conſolation, refreſhing the p. 87hearts of Believers in the expectation of promiſed Glory; helping them to ſee the truth of Promiſes, and enabling them to diſcern their own intereſt in them: on which accounts he is called ſome…imes a Spirit of Bondage; ſometimes a Spirit of Grace; and ſometimes a Comforter; from the different effects that he works. Now that ſo gracious a Perſon as the Holy Ghoſt ſhould be employed in this work by ſuch operations upon the hearts of Men in order to their Salvation, ſhews the work to be Great. But further,

4. THAT it is great Salvation will appear if we conſider, From what evil and miſery we are ſaved. The greater any evil is from which a Perſon is delivered, the more affected he is wont to be with it. To be delivered from ſome tormenting pain, from ſome cruel bondage and ſlavery; from the apprehenſions of preſent Death, are wont to be accounted great things: but they are the moſt formidable of all evils, from which Chriſt delivers his People. This might be largely opened, but I ſhall only inſiſt upon ſome things briefly.

(1.) IT is a Salvation from Sin. For this reaſon Chriſt hath the Name Jeſus put upon him, Mat 1.21. Becauſe he ſaves his People from their ſins. It was upon account of ſin in a peculia… manner, that Man needed a p. 88Saviour. Sin had invaded the whole race of Mankind. The whole nature of Mankind (the Man Chriſt Jeſus excepted) is ſtained and corrupted with it. All are under Sin. Now ſin is of all evils the greateſt: it is an evil, yea an only evil. It hath no good in it, and it tends to no good. It is a worſe evil than any affliction that Men have …ffered or can ſuffer in this World: it's worſe than Death, yea then Death in the moſt frightful aſpect that it ever appear'd in: hence many of the wiſeſt and beſt of Men have choſen to ſuffer all ſorts of tortures, and the moſt cruel Death that their enemies could inflict than yield to Sin. Yea Sin is really worſe than Hell itſelf. Sin is ſuch an evil as is immediately againſt God; it is an oppoſition to his will and glory, a rebellion againſt God, a fighting againſt him, a blemiſhing his manifold Perfections; his Wiſdom, Knowledge, Juſtice, Truth, H…lin…s, Power, Goodneſs, Patience, Mercy; as might be largely ſhewn, and therefore makes the Sinner loathſome and abominable in the eyes of a holy God. Sin is an evil that …ebaſes defiles and deſtroys the Soul, Prov. 8.36. It hath taken away the primitive beauty of it, and it entails the moſt dreadful curſes upon it. Sin is a reſemblance and imitation of the Devil, Joh. 8.34. 1 Joh. 3.8. The more p. 89Men commit it the more they ſtrengthen the Devils Kingdom, and fall in with his deſign. Now this being the univerſal inclination of depraved nature to chooſe and love & ſerve Sin, though under various appearances and diſguiſes, it muſt needs be acknowledged a great and glorious work of Divine Grace to ſave and recover Man from it, to change this wretched diſpoſition in him, to ſubdue a heart to God that is ſo full of rebellion and oppoſition againſt him, to cleanſe a Soul ſo deeply defiled; to create a clean heart, and to renew a right ſpirit in him; to turn a … …l from darkneſs to light, and from the power of Satan to God, Pſal. 51.19. Acts 26.18. to make ſuch a Soul holy, and to prepare it to love, fear and glorify God, and live unto him. And it will further appear ſo, if we conſider, Man's impotency to work ſuch a change in his own Soul; yea his reluctancy againſt it, and various methods he uſes to continue in it, and fruſtrate the deſigns of Divine Grace to effect it in him, and the inſufficiency of all other means to do it.

(2.) IT is a Salvation from Hell. Sin is the worſt of moral evils, and Hell is the worſt of penal evils; but this alſo Chriſt ſaves his People from. 1 Theſ. 1.10. Jeſus which delivered us from wrath to come. Sin had entail'd p. 90this upon all the miſerable progeny of Adam. Evil purſues Sinners. Offended Juſtice hath prepared Hell for the vindication of Divine Glory, in the everlaſting puniſhment of Sinners, and there they muſt feel the full weight of Divine Wrath; in a privation of all good, and the ſenſe of all that is evil. Now the Lord Jeſus Chriſt by ſatisfying for Sin and bearing the curſe of the Law ſaves his People from it; ſo that they ſhall not come into condemnation. The miſeries of Hell a…e inconceivable! and therefore Salv…n from it is deſervedly to be accounted a great Salvation: and however Men blinded by ſenſible objects, through unbelief not apprehending the terror or certainty of it, may account otherwiſe of it; yet when there ſhall be the actual execution of the curſe upon the ungodly; and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt ſhall appear in terrible Majeſty to perform the work of the Laſt and Great Judgment, and the doom ſhall be paſſed upon Sinners, and they ſhall be ſent away into everlaſting puniſhment, there will be a full diſcovery that it is great indeed.

(3.) I might add, that it is a Salvation that comprehends in it the mitigation and ſanctification of all temporal evils, that the People of God are in this World expoſed unto. It is one great and gracious fruit of the love p. 91of God in Chriſt toward Sinners, and a part of that Salvation which is wrought for them; that tho' in his Fatherly wiſdom he corrects them, yet their chaſtiſements are Medicinal, not Penal and Vindictive: deſign'd by Love, and over-rul'd to their Spiritual Profit, and have many comfortable Promiſes belonging to them. And theſe are all ordered in ſuch ſeaſons and in ſuch a meaſure as Divine Wiſdom and Love ſee to be beſt: and thro' the Grace of Chriſt they have many ſupports and conſolations under them, and a ſeaſonable releaſe from them. Nor ought this to be accounted a ſmall or diſpicable priviledge.

5. THAT it is a great Salvation which the Goſpel reveals and offers to Sinners by Chriſt, may further appear, if we conſider, What Bleſſings it contains in it, and what Priviledges it intitles Believers unto. Beſides the freedom from the forementioned evils, there are many poſitive Bleſſings belonging to it, and theſe ſuch as are invaluably great. The uſefulneſs profit or comfort of any outward bleſſing is wont to recommend it to our deſires, and raiſe our eſteem of it: the more available it is to our preſent or future good, the more it is wont to be ſought after. Now the Salvation which is brought us by the Goſpel contains in it the beſt Good, and ſuch p. 92as we have the greateſt reaſon to deſire and to be concerned for. I ſhall inſtance in ſome of the Priviledges of it, but not inlarge upon them.

THEY who are brought to cloſe with the offers of it are brought into a ſtate of Peace and Reconciliation with God. The dreadful breach that ſin had made between God and the Sinner is made up, Rom. 5.1. Peace with Men is deſirable, Peace of Conſcience is more deſirable: but Peace with God is moſt of all ſo! and indeed this lays the ſureſt foundation for the other.

AGAIN, Their Sins are Forgiven, and they are made righteous before God, thro' the imputation of the righteouſneſs of Chriſt unto them by Faith, Rom. 8.12. That vaſt debt which they owed, is cancelled: God hath received full ſatisfaction for it, in their Surety, and doth upon believing freely, fully and for ever diſcharge them from it. Now this is a bleſſed Priviledge, and makes thoſe happy that obtain it. Pſal. 32.1, 2.

AND Further hereupon their Perſons and Services are accepted, Eph. 1.6. Their hearts are ſanctified, and they are graciouſly renewed and reſtored to ſome conformity to the Divine Image and Likeneſs, 2 Pet. 1.4. And have the Promiſes of Preſervation in a ſtate of Grace; that the good Work begun in them p. 93ſhall not be ſo obſtructed, either by remaining ſinfulneſs, or the many artifices of the Tempter; but ſhall in due time be perfected in them. Thoſe weak beginnings of Grace thro' the powerful and abiding preſence of the Spirit of Grace ſhall be preſerved and cheriſhed, till they arrive at the ſtature of perfect Men in Chriſt. Such a Promiſe was never given to Adam in his ſtate of innocency.

THEY have alſo Liberty of Acceſs to the Throne of Grace, and encouragement to expect that they ſhall obtain mercy and find grace to help in all times of need, Eph. 2.18. Heb. 4.16. How much comfort and ſollace doth this afford to gracious Souls? That they have ſuch a wiſe, powerful and gracious God to go to in all their wants, fears and temptations? Hence alſo they have gracious Communion with God: there are ſpecial Seaſons wherein he makes them glad with his Countenance, leads them into the underſtanding of his Excellencies, ſhews them the ſtability of his Covenant; ſhines upon their Graces, and fills them with unſpeakable Conſolation.

FURTHER, They have the priviledge of Adoption, they are honoured not only with the Title of Children, but have the real priviledge of ſuch. Joh. 1.12. 2 Cor. 6.18. They have a Child-like Spirit of love, reverence p. 94and obedience towards God. They have his Fatherly care of them while here; and they have a Childs Portion and Inheritance, reſerved for and promiſed to them. Rom. 8.17. And this is ſo rich and great, ſo full and compleat as will exceed all their deſires and expectations; nothing ſhall be wanting to their ſatisfaction and felicity. On all theſe accounts the Priviledges of Salvation are great: but were there no more than this one act of Divine Grace, their full enjoyment of God in a ſtate of Heavenly Glory; this might abundantly convince us that it is ſo. To be ever with the Lord, to behold his face in righteouſneſs, is a thing great, to aſtoniſhment!

I proceed to ſome APPLICATION of this Propoſition.

USE I. HOW greatly concern'd Men ought to be for the Salvation of their own Souls, and with what weight this matter ſhould lie upon their Spirits. It is the Soul in a principal manner that is the ſubject of this great Salvation we have been ſpeaking of, (tho' it is readily granted that the Body according to its ſtate and capacity ſhall ſhare in it,) had not Man been enobled with a Soul of an Immortal nature, there had been no reaſon to have expected that ſuch great things ſhould ever p. 95have been done for his Salvation. It was the Soul eſpecially that was ſtained and corrupted with ſin, that needed to be reſtored by ſanctifying Grace; it was the Soul that was firſtly ſubject to the impreſſions of divine Wrath, and that can have the deepeſt ſenſe of it. It is the Soul that is capable to know, love, fear, glorify and enjoy God, and it was the tender compaſſions of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt working towards our precious but periſhing Souls which (next to the Glory of his Father) mov'd him to do what he hath done for the Salvation of them. Hath then the Wiſdom of the Father, the Love of the Son, the Grace of the Spirit been thus employed to bring about Salvation for our loſt and dying Souls? How abundantly may it convince us of the great value of them, and engage to a deep concern for them, and ſolicitude that it may be well with them. There's no deſign that Men have to carry on, no buſineſs that they have to do, of equal weight with this: and which deſerves ſuch regard from them. Surely would Perſons conſider theſe things as they ought, it would be impoſſible that their Souls ſhould be neglected as they are. As means to awaken hereunto, Conſider,

(1.) SURELY GOD knows the worth of Souls. He that made them muſt needs know p. 96the value of them: He knows their nature, their capacity, what vaſt deſires they are fill'd with, and what an eternal felicity they are capable of: and ſhall we have ſuch mean thoughts of them, as only to think them fit to continue for the Body, to be employed in ſearching into the works of Nature or Art, or much leſs be enſlaved to fleſh and ſenſe, that we might be a wiſer ſort of Beaſts. It were a ſhame to us to think ſo, and not turn our Souls to the contemplation of their nature and uſe, and to think with our ſelves, Hath God been thus concern'd for the Salvation of them, what a ſin and ſhame will it be for us to be careleſs of and unconcerned for them.

(2.) Conſider, HOW great danger you are in of loſing your Souls, and failing of the Salvation of them. The Soul as precious as it is may be loſt, and too many are in every Generation of Men; and there's danger of every one of your Souls in particular, being loſt, that are not intereſted in the great Salvation, that the Goſpel reveals to you. For there is a Sentence of Death and Condemnatien now lies upon you: this ſeizes upon you ſo ſoon as you become one of the Children of Adam, Eph. 2.3. We are Children of Wrath by nature, and it continues upon you while you abide in unbelief, Joh. 3.18. None but p. 97Chriſt can deliver you from it by preſenting himſelf to Juſtice in your ſtead. There's danger, becauſe of your ignorance of Chriſt's Excellency, and your natural averſion and unwillingneſs thro' pride, ſloth, love of ſin, the ſnares and allurements of the World, to come unto him, for the Salvation he hath purchaſed: there's danger in regard of the many and unwearied ſubtle attempts that Satan the great Adverſary is uſing to deſtroy your Souls. He goes about as a roaring lion ſeeking whom he may devour, 1 Pet. 5.6. And he hunts for the precious life; they are the Souls of Men that he would prey upon. He hath already drawn you into abundance of ſins, and is daily tempting you to more, that he might bring upon you a dreadful & irremedilous deſtruction: now ſhould not the danger you are in of loſing them awaken your care of them and thoughtfulneſs for them.

(3.) Conſider, THE loſs of your Souls will be very dreadful. Perſons have deeply lamented other loſſes that they have met with, but who can conceive what will be the doleful outcries and bitter complaints of them that loſe their Souls? The loſs of the Soul doth not conſiſt in the annihilation of it; but in its ſeparation and baniſhment from God; and in the impreſſions of divine wrath upon it, and its being ſentenc'd to the eternal regions p. 98of darkneſs & deſpair. How doleful will it be to be excluded out of the Kingdom of Heaven, when others ſhall be admitted into it! to be thruſt down with infernal Spirits and damned Souls! when others ſhall ſit down with Abraham, Iſaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God, Mat. 8.12. How doleful will it be to be ſentenc'd to depart from God! to be excluded from any comfortable ſight of God, when others ſhall be encircled in the Arms of his love, and admitted to a ſtate of ſatisfying Fellowſhip and Communion with him? How doleful will it be, to be a monument of Divine Wrath, to feel the weight of revenging Juſtice, when others ſhall taſte and experience the love of God, and drink of the river of his Pleaſures? Theſe things are dreadful beyond what our narrow underſtanding can now comprehend! and it will yet further inhance theſe miſeries, that when theſe Spiritual evils ſhall light upon impenitent Sinners, there will be no Temporal good things, ſuch as they now enjoy, to alleviate them, nor to divert their thoughts from the afflicting ſenſe of them: The rich Man in the Parable, Luk. 16.24. is not able to command a drop of Water to cool his tongue, when horribly ſcorch'd in thoſe Flames: but eſpecially the Eternity of theſe miſeries ſhews them to be inexpreſſibly dreadful! if there were any hope that there might ever be an p. 99end of them, tho' it were after Thouſands or Millions of Years, this would be ſome mitigation of them, but this thought, that the Worm never dies, that the Fire is never quenched, fills the Soul with the moſt tormenting rage and deſpair!

USE II. HOW much reaſon we have to admire the riches of divine Wiſdom, Grace and Love which hath provided ſo great and glorious a Salvation for us. We read, Pſal. 111.4. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembred. God would not be forgotten in the World, therefore he hath ſet before us evident marks of his Perfections in his works of Creation and Providence, which are with heedful obſervation and intention of mind to be reflected upon. But the Divine Perfections do yet more illuſtriouſly ſhine forth in the work of Redemption; and in this eſpecially our thoughts ſhould be employed: that our Souls might be filled with ſuitable apprehenſions of them. And for this great work God ſhould ever be Glorious in our Eyes! The Pſalmiſt contemplating the Works of God cries out with admiration and praiſe! Pſal. 8.4. What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the ſon of man that thou viſiteſt him! So great is the diſtance between the Great and Holy God, and mean and ſinful Man; that we have reaſon to look upon it wonderful condeſcention p. 100that he ſhould expreſs his regards in the loweſt inſtances of it. So holy Jacob thought, Gen. 32.10. But it is much more to be admired, that he ſhould employ his Wiſdom in ſuch a wonderful contrivance as that of our Redemption: give his Son to aſſume our nature, to obey and ſuffer and die, that he might redeem and ſave us, ſend forth his Almighty Spirit, to make application of that Redemption notwithſtanding the rebellion and reluctancy of our hearts againſt it: and it ſhould the more endear it to us, conſidering that as great and wonderful as it is, it was no more then we had abſolute need of, and had been for ever loſt and undone, if infinite Wiſdom, Love and Grace had not been in this way concerned for us. The Scripture ſets it forth by ſuch expreſſions as may abundantly raiſe our eſteem and admiration of it. It tells us, Joh. 3.16. God ſo loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. And Rom. 5.8. God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet ſinners Chriſt died for us! It calls it riches of Grace: Treaſures of Wiſdom: Exceeding Greatneſs of Power! That it contains ſuch wonderful diſplays of the Divine Perfections, that the Angels deſire to ſtoop down and look into it, 1 Pet. 1.12. that they may have freſh occaſions to excite their Praiſes. How can we p. 101enough bewail the ſtupidity, earthlineſs and ſottiſh inconſiderateneſs of our hearts? that are looking upon other objects with eſteem and admiration, while this great deſign of divine Wiſdom and Love is no more admired, eſteemed and delighted in by us. But to excite hereunto, Conſider Two or Three Things.

1. THIS is one ſpecial way of putting honour upon God for it, to entertain high and honourable thoughts of it. God's laſt and higheſt end in all his Works is his own Glory, and it ſeem'd good to the divine Wiſdom to pitch upon this way for the manifeſtation of it; and he will be admir'd in and for it throughout the days of Eternity. Now none can doubt but that they, for whom theſe great things are done ſhould be peculiarly concerned to give him the glory of it. Did the bleſſed God deſign to glorify himſelf in this work, to give occaſion to Men and Angels to do it? How unworthy a thing will it be if we don't fall in with this great deſign? Now we ſhall not do this if we content our ſelves with ſome formal verbal acknowledgements of God for it, and han't hearts deeply affected with it, and don't admire the Divine Perfections ſhining in it. If we don't often view with wonder and praiſe the glory of his Grace and Love in the Incarnation p. 102and Humiliation of the Son of God, the glorious diſcoveries of his Holineſs, Truth, Juſtice, Wiſdom and Power, the ſweet concurrence of his ſeveral Attributes, and the luſtre they caſt one upon another in the carrying on this great deſign, and the immenſe and infinite Goodneſs of God that appears in the gracious effects procured for us by it. How juſtly offended was God with the People of Iſrael when they loſt a ſenſe of his Mercy in their deliverance from the Egyptian tyranny; that they remembred not the multitude of his mercies; nor the great things he had wrought for them. Yet this was but a temporal Mercy, and a ſhadow of this glorious Work: therefore not to admire God in this will be the blackeſt ingratitude. What greater thing can be ſuppos'd that God ſhould ever do to endear himſelf to us, and engage the higheſt eſteem of him, and readineſs to put honour upon him, then he hath done in this aſtoniſhing work?

2. DUE apprehenſions and admirations of the Divine Glory appearing in this great Work will be greatly ſubſervient to your own comfort. It will be a good evidence of your intereſt in the priviledges of Redemption. It is ever the property of thoſe that have been ſharers of this deliverance from ſin and wrath to have high thoughts of their Deliverer, p. 103and of the ways and means whereby deliverance hath been brought about. 1 Pet. 2.7. Unto you that believe he is precious. The Propoſition is convertible: They to whom Chriſt is precious do believe: a high valuation of Chriſt in his Perſon, Offices, Benefits, is ever a concomitant of Faith, and evidential of it. They who have been led into the ſpiritual underſtanding of the Glory of the Perſon of Chriſt, the acceptableneſs of his Obedience, the ſufficiency of his Satisfaction, the glory of divine Wiſdom, in the contrivance and carrying on the work of our Redemption, will and do undoubtedly cloſe with it, and actually depend upon this glorious Saviour. Men ſhew their dependance upon created helps by their high thoughts of the ſufficiency of them. Such a high eſteem of the ſufficiency and excellency of Chriſt will diſcover your affiance and complacency in him. Thus the Apoſtle diſcovered his intereſt in Chriſt by his tranſcendent reſpect to and eſteem of him, Phil. 3.8. I count all things but loſs for the excellency of the knowledge of Chriſt Jeſus my Lord. And thus the ſincere Chriſtian, repreſented by the wiſe Merchant, is characterized by his tranſcendent eſteem of Chriſt, and willingneſs to part with all for him, Mat. 13.45, 6. The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant-man ſeeking goodl…s p. 104pearls who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and ſold all that he had and bought it. So the Church, Cant. 5.10. Eſteems her Beloved as the chief among ten thouſand.

USE III. IS the Salvation which the Goſpel reveals ſo Great and Glorious, as you have heard, Be hence exhorted, to ſecure an intereſt in it. This is the great deſign of the Revelation of it; this is the unqueſtionable duty of thoſe that have the offer of it made to them. If this be not your ſerious concern and endeavour, you receive the Grace of God in vain, are nothing the better for the diſcovery of it. The Apoſtle tells us, 1 Tim. 1.15. This is a faithful ſaying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Chriſt Jeſus came into the world to ſave ſinners. 'Tis no fiction or idle report, but that which is true and certain; and what ſinners have the higheſt reaſon to buſy themſelves about, and be deeply concerned for. The report of it is juſtly acceptable and ſhould be welcome to periſhing ſinners. Had the deliverance been a great deal leſs then it is, it had been worthy of acceptance: had it been only a reprieve from Hell for ſome Hundreds of Years, or a releaſe from it after ſo many Years enduring the torment and miſery of it: this had been worthy of acceptance. Men are willing to p. 105take a great deal of pains for a few Years comfort. If it had been only ſome mitigation of the Curſe that Chriſt had obtained for us, much more if there had been a total releaſe and diſcharge from the ſufferings of it, tho' there had been no future happineſs ever to have been expected; if ſinful Man might have been annihilated, & made uncapable of ſin or miſery, this conſidering what an evil ſin is, and what dreadful and aſtoniſhing miſeries it brings with it, had been worthy of our thankful acceptance. But when far beyond theſe God is pleaſed to provide a Salvation, whereby we may have not a partial but a full deliverance from all the effects of Sin, and be made partakers of peace and friendſhip with God, to enjoy all needful Spiritual bleſſings, and to be ſharers with Angels in the everlaſting fruition of God in Heavenly Glory! This ought to be moſt earneſtly ſought after by all that have the offer of it made unto them. Now to urge this matter.

1. Conſider, THE abſolute neceſſity of complying with the terms of the Goſpel, and being intereſted in the Salvation that it offers. Men will take a pretty deal of pains to procure the conveniences of Life: but univerſal reaſon acknowledges it to be wiſdom to take care of things that are neceſſary, eſpecially what p. 106is abſolutely ſo, that they may have Bread to eat and Raiment to put on. Men uſually ſay, they muſt have theſe, and will ſtick at nothing in pinching neceſſities to obtain them. And can theſe be more neceſſary then the Bread of Life, or the Garments of Salvation? What ſhall become of you if Chriſt ben't a Saviour to you? God han't left Men to have their choice of ſeveral ways whereby they may be accepted, juſtified and ſaved: but he hath limited it to this; if you don't obtain Salvation upon the terms of the Goſpel there's no hope of being ſaved at all. There never were but two ways propoſed to Man by which he might obtain Eternal Life, either by Innocence and ſinleſs Obedience; or by the Righteouſneſs of Jeſus Chriſt: either by the works of the Law, or the Grace of Chriſt appearing in the Goſpel. The Firſt of theſe is become impoſſible to Man in his now fallen eſtate: none that underſtand themſelves or the Law, can pretend to put in any plea for life upon the terms of the Firſt Covenant. The whole world is become guilty before God, Rom. 3.19. and are obnoxious to the curſe and condemnation of a broken Law. By the works of the law ſhall no fleſh be juſtified, Gal. 2.16. None of the race of ſinful Man, how blameleſly, ſoberly, conſcienciouſly ſoever they have liv'd, have been able to put in p. 107any plea for life, that might be accepted before God. It is the righteouſneſs of Chriſt alone that can profit a guilty creature to procure abſolution, and acceptance for him before God; this only can endure the trial of God's Tribunal. This the Apoſtle priz'd as his invaluable treaſure, in compariſon wherewith he accounted all his own, to be but droſs and dung, Phil. 3.9. God never juſtified any of the ſinful Children of Men upon any other account; nor doth he give the leaſt encouragement that he ever will. In vain the… are the hopes of life that any ſinners cheriſh, if the Salvation that the Goſpel offers be neglected, and the terms of it diſaccepted.

2. Conſider, THE compleatneſs of the Salvation that the Goſpel offers, ſuch as is moſt ſuitable to your neceſſities. There were many hindrances in the way of Man's Salvation, God was offended and muſt be ſatisfied; the Law was broken and muſt be vindicated; Satan had uſurp'd a power over ſinful Man as a Priſoner and Captive to him: The World had got poſſeſſion of his heart and affections: Theſe muſt be overcome. But the Wiſdom and Love of God hath graciouſly conſulted Man's neceſſity, and provided a moſt ſuitable and compleat remedy. Concerning the Lord Jeſus Chriſt it is ſaid, that p. 108He is able to ſave to the uttermoſt all that come unto God by him, Heb. 7.25. to the uttermoſt of our wants, and the uttermoſt of our deſires. Offended Juſtice was fully ſatisfied by what Chriſt ſuffered, and the authority of the Law was maintained; and the Holineſs and Wiſdom of God in eſtabliſhing of it, diſplayed in the Obedience and Death of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; ſo that they put in no bar in the way of the Salvation of a Believer: and Chriſt by his Merit ſatisfies Juſtice, and vindicates the Law, ſo by his power he reſcues from the hand of Satan, the power of Sin, and the Snares of the World. He hath triumph'd over all the powers of Darkneſs: he holds a bridle of reſtraint upon their rage and malice, he takes the prey out of the hand of the mighty, and reſcues the lawful Captive whenever he pleaſeth: he encourages Believers with this aſſurance, Rom. 16.20. The God of peace ſhall bruiſe Satan under your feet ſhortly. And comforts them againſt the ſnares of the World with this encouragement, Joh. 26.33. Be of good cheer, I have overcome the World. There is in Chriſt Jeſus not only a fulneſs of Merit, but an overflowing fulneſs of the Spirit, to ſanctify and preſerve to a ſtate of Heavenly Glory, as well as to purchaſe it for us. Surely ſuch a Saviour ſhould be highly acceptable to your Souls, and moſt thankfully embraced.

p. 1093. THE clearneſs of the revelation of Goſpel Light that you enjoy, ſhould be an argument to get the underſtanding of it, and a ſpecial intereſt in the bleſſings that it offers. God Was pleas'd to inſtruct the Church of Iſrael in the Doctrine of Salvation by Jeſus Chriſt, by many Types & Ceremonies which were ſhadows of good things to come. Their light was glorious in compariſon with the ſtate of the Pagan World, but obſcure in compariſon with the New-Teſtament diſpenſation. As the Apoſtle at large ſhews, 2 Cor. 3.7, &c. Now Old Teſtament Prophecies are interpreted in their accompliſhment. Types unveil…d in their Antitype. Things that were dark are now made plain. Now light hath broken forth with great evidence and authority, ſo that it is ſaid, Light and Immortality are brought to light by the Goſpel, 2 Tim. 1.19. On this account our Saviour ſaith to his Diſciples, Mat. 13.16, 17. Bleſſed are your eyes for they ſee, and your ears for they hear. For verily I ſay unto you that many prophets and righteous men have deſired to ſee theſe things which ye ſee, and have not ſeen them, and to hear theſe things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Now what can you reaſonably think is the expectation of God in this diſpenſation? Surely not that you ſhould turn it into wantonneſs; that you ſhould indulge ſin or cheriſh a ſpirit of p. 110preſumption: but that it be diligently and thankfully improv'd, that you may be led into the underſtanding of the Glory of Chriſt in his Natures, Perſon, and Offices: might have right apprehenſions of the riches of divine Grace and Love: might have your deſires after this Salvation ſuitably enflam'd and directed: that after ſuch wonderful Grace hath appeared, you might not periſh in your ſins.

4. GOD graciouſly tenders this Salvation to you, and is ſtill perſwading your acceptance of it. There is a ſpecial Providence of God directing the diſpenſation of the Goſpel, both as to the times and places where it ſhall be afforded. The Apoſtles Journeys were ordered by the Spirit, as you may ſee, Acts 8.26, — Chap. 16.7. Now by the gracious deſignation and choices of Providences it is brought and laid before you. It may be ſaid to you as was ſometime to them, Act. 13.26. To you is the word of this Salvation ſent. You are often acknowledging it as a fruit of ſpecial Mercy, that God hath brought it to you; that your time is a time of Light and Grace. An accepted time and a day of Salvation! And great reaſon there is to acknowledge the diſtinguiſhing Grace of God in this matter toward you: when ſo many are to be found in the World covered with ignorance and p. 111barbariſm, and what Superſtitions and Hereſies prevail even in Chriſtianized parts of the World. But eſpecially the condeſcention of God is aſtoniſhing, that he hath not contented himſelf barely to reveal it, but to preſs and urge your acceptance of it, with the moſt proper and forcible Arguments. Yea to direct his Ambaſſadors to entreat Sinners to accept the offer that is made; as in that wonderful expreſſion, 2 Cor. 5.20. As though God did beſeech you by us, we pray you in Chriſts ſtead he ye reconciled to God. The great and glorious God who neither wants the friendſhip or ſervice of any of his Creatures is pleas'd to become a ſuitor for them, to uſe the moſt melting arguments with them, to purſue their own happineſs; by accepting the Grace provided in Chriſt. Now let your own Judgment and Conſciences determine whether it ben't a moſt becoming and reaſonable thing, that you ſhould put a due value upon the offer! that you mayn't be guilty of receiving the Grace of God in vain; and ill requiting of ſuch great and aſtoniſhing Mercy. God doth not offer it to you out of neceſſity, but out of choice and by way of trial. So that both his Mercy and your own Intereſt ſhould oblige you to accept of it. If you ſlight God's offers, he can find thoſe that will be glad of them. As the p. 112Apoſtle ſaid to them, Acts 28.28. The Salvation of God is ſent unto the Gentiles, and they will hear it. And eſpecially ſhould this Argument prevail, conſidering how long this offer hath been neglected: how often Goſpel offers have been repeated without ſucceſs. How long the arms of Mercy have been ſtretched out in vain to you: how many Calls have been refuſed: how ill you have requited the Lord for his Mercy. Shall it ſtill be ſo? Can you find in your hearts to tire out Divine Patience, to trample upon Divine Mercy, and to refuſe your own happineſs, to hearken to the inſnaring deluſions of the grand Enemy of your Souls, notwithſtanding all the care God hath taken to promote the Salvation of them? Who can expreſs the ſin and folly of refuſing Salvation thus graciouſly provided and ſo freely offered and brought to your doors? It was this gave occaſion to that paſſionate lamentation of Chriſt over Jeruſalem, becauſe they knew not the time of their viſitation, Luk. 19.42.

5. YOUR neglect of Salvation will be very ſinful and inexcuſable. The ſinfulneſs of it is manifeſt in its contrariety to the expreſs declaration of the Divine Will diſcovering your duty; and its aggravated by the clearneſs of Light and fulneſs of Grace manifeſted p. 113in the Goſpel. What more can be deſired to perſwade and convince the judgment and conſciences of Men of the truth of the Goſpel, and of the ſincerity of God in the offer of it, than what God hath done? And how inexcuſable then will be your ſin if you neglect it? You can't pretend you did not know of it, or that Salvation was to be expected in any other way, or that there wanted ſufficient aſſurance of the truth of the Goſpel; or that you had not a warrant to look for an intereſt in the bleſſings of it. Much leſs will you be able to plead that you had buſineſs of greater weight and neceſſity to buſy your time and thoughts about: that you had no leiſure to apply your ſelf to it. Every mouth will be ſtop'd in the great Trial. But Goſpel Sinners will be moſt of all inexcuſable and ſelf-condemned. It is certain that if you can't ſatisfy your Conſciences now, you will be much leſs able to clear your ſelves before God hereafter.