CHRIST

TheWay,theTruthandtheLife

BythelateRev.JohnBrown,

MinisteroftheGospelatWamphray

"Jesussaithuntohim,Iamtheway,andthetruth,andthelife:nomancomethuntotheFather,butbyme."—JOHNXIV.6.

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Dedication

TheAuthortotheReader

Recommendation

CHAPTER I. Introduction, with some general observations from thecohesion.

CHAPTERII.Ofthewordsthemselvesingeneral

CHAPTERIII.HowChrististheWayingeneral."IamtheWay."

CHAPTERIV.HowChristismadeuseofforJustificationasaWay.

CHAPTER V. How Christ is to be made use of, as the Way, forsanctificationingeneral.

CHAPTERVI.HowChrististobemadeuseof,inreferencetothekillingandcrucifyingoftheOldMan.

CHAPTERVII.HowChrististobemadeuseof,inreferencetogrowingingrace.

CHAPTER VIII. How tomake use of Christ for taking the guilt of ourdailyout-breakingsaway.

CHAPTER IX.How tomake use of Christ for cleansing of us from outdailyspots.

CHAPTERX.Somegeneralsproposed.

CHAPTER XI. More particularly in what respect Christ is called theTruth.

CHAPTERXII. Somegeneral uses from this useful truth, thatChrist istheTruth.

CHAPTERXIII.How tomakeuseofChrist as theTruth, for growth inknowledge.

CHAPTERXIV.HowtomakeuseofChrist,asTruth, forcomfort,whentruthisoppressedandbornedown.

CHAPTER XV.How to make use of Christ for steadfastness, in a timewhentruthisoppressedandbornedown.

CHAPTER XVI. How to make use of Christ as the Truth, when errorprevaileth,andthespiritoferrorcarriethmanyaway.

CHAPTERXVII.HowtomakeuseofChristastheTruth,thatwemaygetourcaseandconditioncleareduptous.

CHAPTERXVIII.HowweshallmakeuseofChristastheTruth,thatwemaywintorightandsuitablethoughtsofGod.

CHAPTERXIX."AndtheLife."HowChrististheLife.

CHAPTERXX.Somegeneraluses.

CHAPTERXXI.HowtomakeuseofChristastheLife,whenthebelieverissositten-upinthewaysofGod,thathecandonothing.

CHAPTERXXII.HowChrist istobemadeuseofasourLife, incaseofheartlessnessandfaintingthroughdiscouragements.

CHAPTERXXIII.HowtomakeuseofChristastheLife,whenthesoulisdeadastoduty.

CHAPTERXXIV.HowshallthesoulmakeuseofChrist,astheLife,whichisundertheprevailingpowerofunbeliefandinfidelity.

CHAPTERXXVHowChristismadeuseofastheLife,byonethatissodeadand senseless, ashe cannotknowwhat to judgeofhimself, orhisowncase,exceptwhatisnaught..

CHAPTER XXVI. How shall onemake use of Christ as the Life, whenwrestlingwithanangryGodbecauseofsin?

CHAPTERXXVII.HowisChrist,astheLife,tobeappliedbyasoulthatmissethGod'sfavourandcountenance.

CHAPTERXXVIII.NomancomethtotheFatherbutbyme.

CHAPTER XXIX. How should we make use of Christ, in going to theFather,inprayer,andotheractsofworship?

DEDICATION.

TO THE RIGHTHONOURABLE ANDRELIGIOUS LADY, THE LADYSTRATHNAVER.

MADAM,

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, in whom all thebuildingfitlyframedtogether,growethuntoanholytempleintheLord;asitoughttobetheprincipalconcernofallwhohavenotsittendownonthis side of Jordan to satisfy their souls (once created for, and in theirown nature requiring, in order to satisfaction, spiritual, immortal, andincorruptible substance,)with husks prepared for beasts, to be built inanduponthiscorner-stone,foranhabitationofGod,throughtheSpirit;soitoughttobethemaindesignandworkofsuchaswouldbeapprovenofGodasfaithfullabourersandco-workerswithGod,tobefollowingtheexampleofhimwhodeterminednot toknowanythingamong thosehewrote unto, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. O! this noble, heart-ravishing, soul-satisfying mysterious theme, Jesus Christ crucified, theshortcompendof thatuncontrovertiblygreatmysteryofgodliness,Godmanifestintheflesh,justifiedinthespirit,seenofangels,preacheduntotheGentiles,believedonintheworld,receivedupintoglory,whereinarethingstheangelsdesiretolookunto,orwithvehementdesirebend,asitwere, theirnecks,andbowdown theirheads to lookandpeep into, (asthewordused,IPet. i.12, importeth) isasubjectforangelicalheadstopryinto,forthemostindefatigableandindustriousspiritstobeoccupiedabout.Thesearchinginto,andstudyingofthisonetruth,inreferencetoaclosing with it as our life, is an infallible mark of a soul divinelyenlightened,andenduedwithspiritualandheavenlywisdom;forthoughitbeuntotheJewsastumbling-block,andtotheGreeksfoolishness,yetuntothemwhoarecalled,itisChristthepowerofGod,andthewisdomof God, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and theweakness ofGod is stronger thanmen.Owhat depths of themanifoldwisdomofGodarethereinthismystery!Themoreitispreached,known,and believed aright, the more it is understood to be beyond

understanding,andtobewhatitis—amystery.Dideveranypreacherorbeliever get a broad look of this boundless ocean, wherein infinitewisdom, love that passeth all understanding, grace without alldimensions, justice that is admirable and tremendous, and God in hisglorious properties, condescensions, high and noble designs, and in allhis perfections and virtues, flow over all banks; or were they everadmitted to aprospecthereof in the faceof JesusChrist, andwerenotmadetocryout,Othedepthandheight, thebreadthand length!Otheinconceivable, and incomprehensible boundlessness of all infinitelytranscendentperfections!Dideveranywithseriousdiligence,asknowingtheir life lay in it, study this mysterious theme, and were not in fullconvictionof soul,made to say, themore theypromoved in this study,andthemore theydescended in theirdivings into thisdepth,or soaredupward in theirmounting speculations in thisheight, they found it themoreanunsearchablemystery!Thestudyofotherthemes(which,alas!manywho think it below them tobehappy, are toomuchoccupied in)when it hathwasted the spirits,wearied themind,worn the body, andrarifiedthebraintothenextdegreeuntoadistraction,whatsatisfactioncan it give as to what is attained, or encouragement as to futureattainments?Andwhen,astoboththese,somethingishad,andthepoorsoulpuffedupwithanairyandfancifulapprehensionofhavingobtainedsomegreatthing,butintruthagreatnothing,oranothingpregnantwithvanity and vexation of spirit, foolish twins causing no gladness to thefather,"forhethatincreasethknowledgeincreasethsorrow,"Eccles.i.18.Whatpeacecanallyield toasoul reflectingonpostingaway time,nownear the last point, and looking forward to endless eternity? Oh thethoughtsof timewastedwith,andfairopportunitiesofgood lostby thevehement pursuings and huntings after shadows and vanities, willtorment the soul by assaulting it with piercing convictions ofmadnessand folly, in forsaking all to overtake nothing; with dreadful and soul-terrifying discourses of the saddest of disappointments, and with thehorror of an everlasting and irrecoverable loss. And what hath thelaboriousspiritthenreapedofallthetravailofhissoul,whenhehathlostit?But,ontheotherhand,Owhatcalmnessofmind,serenityofsoul,andpeace of conscience, because of the peace of God which passeth allunderstanding, will that poor soul look back, when standing on theborderofeternity,onthebygonedaysorhoursitspentinseekingafter,

praying and using all appointed means for some saving acquaintancewith, and interest in this only soul up-making, and soul-satisfyingmystery; and upon its yielding up itself, through the efficaciousoperations of the Spirit of grace, wholly, without disputing, unto thepowerfulworkingsofthismysterywithin;andinbecomingcrucifiedwithChrist,andlivingthroughacrucifiedChrist'slivinginit,byhisSpiritandpower.Andwithwhatrejoicingofheart,andglorioussingingofsoul,willit look forward to eternity, and its everlasting abode in the preparedmansions, remembering that there its begun studywill be everlastinglycontinued, its capacity tounderstand thatunsearchablemysterywill beinconceivablygreater;andthespiritual,heavenlyandgloriousjoy,whichit will have in that practical reading its divinity without book ofordinances,willbeitslifeandfelicityforever?Andwhatpeaceandjoyinthe Holy Ghost, what inward inexpressible quiet and contentment ofmindwillthesoulenjoyindwellingonthesethoughts,whenitshallhavewithal the inward and well-grounded persuasion of its right throughChrist,tothefullpossessionofthatallwhichnowitcannotconceive,letbecomprehend;theforetasteswhereoffillethitwithjoyunspeakableandfullofglory,andthehopeofshortlylandingthere,whereitshallseeandenjoy, and wonder and praise, and rest in this endless and felicitatingwork,makingit to singwhilepassing through thevalleyandshadowofdeath?Oifthiswerebelieved!Othatwewerenotdrunktoadistractionandmadness,with theadulterous-loveof vainandairy speculations, tothepostponing,ifnotutterneglecting,ofthismainandonlyup-makingwork, of getting real acquaintancewith, andabegunpossession of thismysteryinoursouls,Christ,thegrandmystery,formedwithinus,livingandworkingwithinusbyhisSpirit,andworkingusupintoaconformityunto,andanheart-closingwithGodmanifestedintheflesh,thatwemayfindinexperience,oratleastintruthandreality,haveatruetransumptof thatgospelmystery inour souls!Oh,whenshallwe takepleasure inpursuing after this happiness that will not flee from us, but is ratherpursuing us! when shall we receive with joy and triumph, this King ofglory that is courtingusdaily, and is seeking access and entry intooursouls! Oh, why cry we not out in the height of the passion of spirituallonginganddesire,OcomeLordJesus,Kingofglory,withthineownkey,andopenthedoor,andenlargeanddilatethechambersofthesoul,thatthou may enter and be entertained as the King of glory, with all thy

glorious retinue, to the ennobling of my soul, and satisfying of all thedesiresofthatimmortalspark?Whydowenotcovetafterthisknowledgewhichhatha trueand firmconnexionwithall thebestand trulydivinegifts.Ohappysoulthatiswastedandworntoashadow,ifthatcouldbe,in this studyandexercise,whichat lengthwill enliven, and, as itwere,bring inanewheavenlyandspiritual soul into the soul, so that itshalllook no more like a dead dis-spirited thing out of its native soil andelement,butasafree,elevated,andspiritualizedspirit,expatiatingitselfandflyingabroadintheopenairofitsownelementandcountry.Ohappyday,Ohappyhourthatisreallyandeffectuallyspentinthisemployment!Whatwouldsouls,swimminginthisoceanofpleasuresanddelightscarefor? Yea, with what abhorrency would they look upon the bewitchingallurements of the purest kind of carnal delights, which flow from themind's satisfaction in feeding on the poor apprehensions, andgroundlessly expected comprehensions of objects, suited to its naturalgeniusandcapacity?Owhatamorehyperbolicalexceedingandglorioussatisfactionhatha soul in itsverypursuingsafter (when itmissethandcannot reach) thatwhich is trulydesirable!Howdoth the least glimpsethroughthesmallestcranie,ofthisgloriousandglorifyingknowledgeofGodinChrist,apprehendedbyfaith,raiseupthesoultothatpitchofjoyand satisfaction which the knowledge of natural things, in its purestperfection, shall never be able to cause; and to what a surmountingmeasureofthisjoyandcontentationwilltheexperiencingandfeeling,byspiritual sense, the sweet and relish of this captivating, andtranscendentlyexcellentknowledgeraisethesoulunto?Omustnotthisbetheverysuburbsofheaventothesoul!WhenthesoulthusseethandapprehendethGodinChrist,andthatasitsownGodthroughChrist,(foras all saving knowledge draweth out the soul unto an embracing andclosingwiththeobject,soitbringethintheobjecttothemakingupofthereciprocalunionandin-being)itcannotbutadmirewithexultation,andexult with admiration, at that condescendence of free grace that hathmade it, in anymeasure, capable of this begun glory, and will furthermakeitmeet,bythisbegunglory, tobeapartakerof the inheritanceofthe saints in light. And what will a soul that hath tasted of the puredelightsof thisriverofgospelmanifestations,andhathseen,withsoul-ravishing delights, in some measure, the manifold wisdom of Godwrapped up therein; and the complete and perfect symmetry of all the

parts of that noble contexture, and also the pure design of thatcontrivancetoabaseman,andtoextoltherichesofthefreegraceofGod,thatthesinner,whenpossessedofalldesignedforhimandeffectuatedinhim thereby,mayknowwhoalone shouldwear the crownandhave alltheglory;what,Isay,willsuchasoulseeinanothergospel(calculatedtothemeridianofthenatural,crooked,andcorrupttemperofproudmen,who is soonmade vain of nothing,which, instead of bringing a sinner,fallen from God through pride, back again to the enjoyment of him,through a Mediator, doth but foster that innate plague and rebellion,which and procured his first excommunication from the favour, andbanishmentoutof theparadiseofGod,) thatshallattract itsheart to it,andmoveittoacompliancewithit?WhenthepoorsinnerthathathbeenmadetopantafteraSaviour,andhathbeenpursuedtotheveryportsofthecityofrefugebytheavengerofblood,thejusticeofGod,hathtastedand seen how good God is, and felt the sweetness of free love in acrucifiedChrist,andseenthebeautyandgloryofthemysteryofhisfreegrace, suitably answering and overcoming the mystery of its sin andmisery;Owhatacomplacencyhathhetherein,andinthewayofgospelsalvation,whereinfreegraceisseentooverflowallbanks,totheeternalpraiseoftheGodofallgrace.Howsaltlessandunsavourywill themostcunningly-devisedandpatched-togethermodeofsalvationbe,thatmen,studyingtheperversionofthegospel,andseekingtheruinofsoulswithalltheirskill,industry,andlearning,aresettingoffwithforcedrhetoric,and the artifice of words of man's wisdom, and with the plausibleadvantagesof apretended sanctity, and of strong grounds andmotivesunto diligence and painfulness, to a very denying and renouncingChristianliberty,whenonceitisobserved,howitentrenchethupon,anddarkenethlustre,ordiminisheththegloryoffreegrace,andhaththeleasttendencytothesettingofthecrownonthecreature'shead,inwholeorinpart? The least perception, that hereby the sinner's song, "ascribingblessing, honour, glory, and power unto him that was slain, and hathredeemed them toGodbyhis blood, out of every kindred, and tongue,andpeople,andnation;andhathmadethem,untotheirGod,kingsandpriests,"shallbemarred,willbeenoughtorenderthatdevicedetestable,andconvincethesoul,thatitisnotthegospelofthegraceofGodandofChrist, but rather themystery of iniquity.What a peculiar savourinessdoth thehumbledbeliever find in thedoctrineof the true gospel-grace,

andthemorethathebetherebymadenothing,andChristmadeall;thathe in his highest attainments be debased, and Christ exalted; that hismost lovelypeacock feathersbe laid,and thecrown flourishonChrist'shead;thathebelaidflat,withoutonefoottostandupon,andChristtheonlysupporterandcarrierofhimtoglory;thathebeasdeadwithoutlife,and Christ live in him, the more lovely, the more beautiful, the moredesirableandacceptable is ituntohim.Owhatacomplacencyhaththegracedsoulinthatcontrivanceofinfinitewisdom,whereinthemysteryofthegraceofGodissodisplayed,thatnothingappearethfromthelowestfoundation-stone to the uppermost cope-stone but grace, grace, freegracemaking up all thematerials, and free gracewith infinitewisdomcementingall?Thegracious soul canbewarmundernoother coveringbut what is made of that web, wherein grace, and only grace, is bothwooft and warp; and the reason ismanifest, for such an one hath theclearestsightanddiscoveryofhisowncondition,andseeththatnothingsuitethhimandhiscasebut freegrace;nothingcanmakeuphiswantsbutfreegrace;nothingcancoverhisdeformitiesbutfreegrace;nothingcanhelphisweaknesses,shortcomings,faintings,sins,andmiscarriagesbutfreegrace.Thereforeisfreegraceallhissalvationandallhisdesire.Itishisglorytobefreegrace'sdebtorforevermore;thecrownofglorywillhaveafarmoreexceedingandeternalweight,andbeofanhyperbolicallyhyperbolicandeternalweight,andyeteasilycarriedandworn,whenheseethhowfreegraceandlovehathlinedit,andfreegraceandfree lovesetsitonandkeepsitonforever; thismakestheglorifiedsaintwear itwith ease, by casting it down at the feet of the gracious and lovingpurchaser and bestower.His exaltation is the saint's glory, and by freegrace, thesaintsreceivingandholdingallof freegrace, isheexalted.Owhatagloryisittothesaint,tosetthecrownofgloriousfreegracewithhisownhandsontheheadofsuchaSaviour,andtosay,"Notuntome,notuntome,butunto thee, evenunto theealone,be theglory for everand ever." With what delight, satisfaction, and complacency will theglorifiedsaint,uponthisaccount,singtheredeemedandransomedtheirsong? And if the result and effect of free grace will give such a sweetsoundthere,andmaketheglorified'sheaven, insomerespects,anotherthing,oratleast, insomerespect,amoreexcellentheaventhanAdam'sheavenwouldhavebeen; forAdamcouldnothavesungthesongof theredeemed;Adam'sheavenwouldnothavebeenthepurchaseoftheblood

ofGod;norwouldAdamhavesittenwithChristRedeemeronhisthrone;norwouldtherehavebeeninhisheavensuchrichhangingsoffreegrace,norsuchmansionspreparedbythatgraciousandlovinghusband,Christ,whowillcomeandbringhisboughtbridehomewithhim.Seeing,Isay,heaven, even upon the account of free grace, will have such a special,lovely,desirable,andgloriouslustre,Obowshouldgracebeprizedbyusnow!HowshouldthegospelofthegraceofGodbeprizedbyus!Whatanantipathytoglory,asnowpreparedanddressedupforsinfulman,musttheyshew,whosewholewitsandpartsarebusiedtodarkenthegloryofthatgrace,whichGodwouldhaveshininginthegospel;andwhoareatsomuchpains and labour todressupanother gospel, (though the apostlehath told us, Gal. i. 7, that there is not another,) wherein gospel-gracemuststandby,andlaw-gracetakethethrone,thatsomanmaysacrificetohisownnet,andburnincensetohisowndrag,andmay,atmost,begrace'sdebtorinpart;andyetnowaymaythesavedmanaccounthimselfmoregrace'sdebtor,thanthemanwaswhowilfullydestroyedhimselfinnot performing of the conditions; for grace, as the new gospellers, orrather gospel-spillers mean and say, did equally to both frame theconditions,make known to the contrivance, and tender the conditionalpeaceand salvation.But as to thedifferencebetwixtPaul andJudas, itwas Paul that made himself to differ, and not the free grace of GoddeterminingtheheartofPaulbygracetoaclosingwithandacceptingofthebargain.Itwasnotgracethatwroughtinhimbothtowillandtodo.Itwashe,andnot thegraceofGod inhim;what ismorecontradictory tothegospelofthegraceofGod?Andyetvainmanwillnotcondescendtothe free grace ofGod.PelagianismandArminianismneedethnot put amantomuchstudy,andtothereadingofmanybooks,totheenditmaybe learned, (though the patrons hereof labour hot in the very fires, tomake their notions hang together, and to give them such a lustre ofunsanctifiedandcorruptreason,asmaybetakingwithsuchasknownoother conduct in the matters of God,) for naturally we all are bornPelagiansandArminians.ThesetenetsaredeeplyengravenintheheartofeverysonoffallenAdam.WhatseriousservantofGodfindethnotthis,inhisdealingwithsouls,whomheis labouringtobring intothewayofthegospel?Yea,whatChristianisthere,whohathacquaintancewithhisownheart,andisobserving itsbiasses,andcorrupt inclinations, that isnotmade to cry out, Owretchedman that I am!who shall deliverme

from these dregs of Pelagianism, Arminianism, and Jesuitism, which Ifind yet withinmy soul? Hence, it may seem no wonderful or strangething (though,after somuchclear light, itmaybeastonishing to think,thatnow,inthisage,somanyaresoopenlyandavowedlyappearingforthis dangerous and deadly error,) to us, to hear and see this infectionspreading and gaining ground so fast, there needeth few arguments ormotives to work up carnal hearts to an embracing thereof, and to acheerfulacquiescingtherein; little labourwillmakeasparkof fireworkupon gunpowder. And, methinks, if nothing else will, this one thingshouldconvinceusalloftheerrorofthisway,thatnaturesoquicklyandreadilycomplieththerewith.Forwho,thathathaneyeupon,orregardofsuch things, seeth not what a world of carnal reasonings, objections,prejudices, and scruples, natural men have in readiness against thegospel of Christ; and with what satisfaction, peace, and delight theyreasonandpleadthemselvesoutoftheveryreachoffreegrace;andwhatworkthereistogetapoorsoul,inanymeasurewakenedandconvincedofitslostcondition,wroughtuptoacompliancewiththegospel-wayofsalvation?Howmanyotherdesigns,projects, andessaysdoth it follow,with a piece of natural vehemency and seriousness, without wearying,wereiteventothewastingofitsbodyandspirits,letbeitssubstanceandriches,beforeitbebroughttoaclosingwithacrucifiedMediator,andtoan accounting of all its former workings, attainments, and painfullabourings and gain, as loss for Christ, and for the excellency of theknowledgeofChrist,andasdungthatitmaywinChrist,andbefoundinhim,nothavingitsownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,therighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith,Phil.iii.7-9.Andmayitnotseemstrange,thatnow,aftersomanyhavefound, through the grace of God, the sweet experience of the graciousworkingsofthegospel-graceofGodupontheirhearts,andsoareincase,as having this witness within them, to give verdict against thoseassertions,yea,more,andmanymore thanwere inseveralagesbefore;yetSatanshouldbecomesoboldastoventthesedesperateopinions,sodiametrically opposite to the grace of God declared in the gospel, andengraven in the hearts of many hundreds by the finger of God,confirming, in the most undoubted manner, the truth of the gospeldoctrines.Thiswouldseemtosay,thattherearesuchclearsunshinedaysofthegospel,andoftheSonofMana-coming(andwhocantellhowsoon

this night shall be at an end?) that all these doctrines of nature shallreceiveamoreconspicuousandshamefuldash than theyhave receivedfor thesemany ages.HithertilwhenSatan raisedup and sent forth hisqualified instruments for this desperate work, God always preparedcarpenterstofrightthesehorns,andthusgospeltruthcameforth,asgoldoutofafurnace,moreclearandshining:Andwhocantellbuttheremaybe a dispensation of the pure grace of God, in opposition to thesepervertingwaysofSatan,yettocome,that,astothemeasureoflightandpower,shallexcelwhateverhathbeensince theapostles'days.Evenso,come,LordJesus.However,Madam,thegraceofGodwillbewhatitis,toallthechosenandransomedones,theywillfindinit,whichwillmakewhatever cometh in competition therewith or would darken it,contemptibleintheireyes:Andhappythey,ofwhominthisdaywhereindarkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the people, it may besaid,theLordhatharisenuponthem,andhisgloryhathbeenseenuponthem: For whatever others, whose understanding is yet darkened, andtheyalienatedfromthelifeofGodthroughtheignorancethatisinthem,becauseoftheblindnessoftheirhearts,imagineofthegospel-grace,andhowever theydiscernnothing of theheavenly and spiritual glory of thegraceofGod;yetthey,beingdeliveredorcastintotheformandmouldofthe doctrine of the gospel which they have obeyed from the heart,throughthepowerfulandirresistibleefficacyofthemightygraceofGod,have seen such an alluring excellency in that gracious contrivance ofinfinitewisdom, to set forth theunparallelablenessof thepuregraceofGod,andaredailyseeingmoreandmoreofthegraciousnessandwisdomof that heavenly invention, in its adequate suitableness to all theirnecessities, that as they cannot but admire and commend the riches ofthatgracethatinterlinetheverysentenceofthegospel,andthegreatnessofthatlovethathathmadesuchacompletelybroadplaistertocoveralltheirsoresandwounds;sothelongertheylive,andthemoretheydrinkof thispure fountainofheavenlynectar; and themore theirnecessitiespress them to a taking on of new obligations, because of new suppliesfromthisoceanofgrace,themoretheyaremadetoadmirethewisdomandgoodnessof theAuthor;andthemore theyaremadeto fall in lovewith to delight, and lose themselves in the thoughts of thisincomprehensiblegraceofGod;yea,andtolongtobethere,wheretheyshallbe inbettercase tocontemplate,andhavemorewit towonderat,

andbetterdexterity toprize, and a strongerhead tomuseupon, andamoreenlargedhearttopraiseforthisboundlessandendlesstreasureofthe grace of God, with which they are enriched, through Jesus Christ.Sure,ifwebenotthusenamouredandravishedwithit,itisbecauseweareyet standingwithout,or,atmost,upon the thresholdandborderofthis grace; were we once got within the jurisdiction of grace, and hadyielded up ourselves unto the power thereof, and were living andbreathing in thisair,O!howsweeta lifemightwehave!Whatakindlyelement would grace be to us! As sin had reigned unto death, even sograce should reign, through righteousness unto eternal life, by JesusChrist our Lord, Rom. v. 21. Grace reigning within us throughrighteousness,would frameand fitour souls for thateternal life that isinsured to all who come once under the commanding, enlivening,strengthening,confirming,corroborating,andperfectingpowerofgrace.And seeking grace for grace, and so living, and walking, and spendingupon grace's costs and charges; O how lively, and thriving proficientsmightwebe!Themorewespendofgrace(ifitcouldbespent)therichershouldwebeingrace.Owhatanenrichingtrademustitbetotradewithfreegrace,wherethereisnoloss,andallisgain,thestock,andgain,andall is insured; yea, more, labouring in grace's field would bring us inIsaac'sblessinganhundred-fold.But,alas!itisonethingtotalkofgrace,butafarotherthingtotradewithgrace.Whenwearesogreatstrangersuntothelifeofgrace,throughnotbreathingintheairofgrace,howcanthenameoftheLordJesusbeglorifiedinus,andweinhim,accordingtothegraceofourGod,andtheLordJesusChrist,Thess.i.12.Considerwe,whatanaffrontandindignityitisuntotheLorddispensatorofgrace,thatwe look so lean and ill-favoured, as if there were not enough of thefatteningbreadofthegraceofGodinourFather'shouse,orasifthegreatSteward,whoisfullofgraceandtruth,wereunwillingtobestowituponus,orgrudgedusofourallowance,whenthefaultisinourselves;wewillnot follow the course that wise grace and gracious wisdom hathprescribed;wewillnotopenourmouthwide,thathemightfillus;norgotohimwithournarrowedorclosedmouths,thatgracemightmakewayforgrace,andwidenthemouthforreceivingofmoregrace;butliebyinour leanness andweakness.And, alas!we love toowell to be so.Obutgracebeillwaredonuswhocarrysounworthilywithitaswedo;yetitiswellwith thegracious soul thathe isundergrace's tutory and care; for

gracewillcareforhimwhenhecarethnotmuchforit,noryetseethwellto his own welfare; grace can and will prevent, yea, must prevent,afterward,aswellasatthefirst;thatgracemaybegrace,andappeartobegrace,andcontinueunchangeablytobegrace,andsofreegrace.Wellis it with the believer, whom grace has once taken by the heart andbroughtwithinthebondofthecovenantofgrace;itsdeadliestconditionis not desperate.When corruption prevaileth to such a height, that themanisgivenoverfordead,therebeingnosense,nomotion,nowarmth,nobreathalmosttobeobserved,yetgrace,whenviolentlyconstrainedbythatstrongdistemper,toretiretoasecretcornerofthesoul,andtheretolurkand liequiet,willyetat length, through thereceiving influencesofgrace promised in the covenant, and granted in the Lord's good time,comeoutofitsprison,takethefields,andrecovertheempireofthesoul;andthenthedryandwitheredstocks,whentheGodofallgracewillbeasdew unto Israel, shall blossom and grow as the lily, and cast forth hisroots asLebanon;hisbranches shall spread, andhisbeauty shall be asthe olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon. It is a happy thing either forchurchorparticularsoultobeplantedingrace'ssappysoil,theylieopento thewarmbeams of the Sun ofRighteousness; and thewinter blastsmaybesharpandlong;cloudsmayintercepttheheat,andnippingfrostsmay cause a sad decay, and all the sapmay return and lie, as it were,dormant in the root; yet thewinterwill pass, the rainwill be over andgone,andtheflowerswillappearontheearth;thetimeofsingingofbirdswillcome,andthevoiceoftheturtlewillbeheardintheland;thenshalleventhewildernessandsolitaryplacebeglad,andthedesertshallrejoiceand blossom as the rose, it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice evenwith joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, theexcellencyofCarmelandSharon,theyshallseethegloryoftheLord,andthe excellencyof ourGod.Wewonder that 'tis not always hot summerdays,aflourishingandfruitfulseason,withsoulsandwithchurches.Butknow we the thoughts of the Lord; see we to the bottom of the deepcontrivanceofinfinitewisdom?Knowwetheusefulness,yea,necessityoflongwinter nights, stormy blasts, rain, hail, snow, and frost? Considerwe,thatourstateandcondition,whilehere,callethforthosevicissitudes,andrequireththeblowingof thenorthaswellasof thesouthwinds?Ifweconsidered,howgracehadorderedall things forourbest,andmostforthegloryandexaltationofgrace,wewouldsitdownandsingunder

the saddest of dispensations, and living by faith and hope, we wouldrejoice intheconfidentexpectationofagraciousoutgate; foras longasgracepredomineth(andthatwillbeuntilglory taketheempire)allwillrun in the channel of grace; and thoughnow sense (which isoft faith'sunfaithfulfriend)willbealwayssuggestingfalsetalesofGod,andofhisgrace unto unbelief, and raising thereby discontents, doubts, fears,jealousies,andmanydistempersinthesoul,toitsprejudiceandhurt,yetinend,graceshallbeseentobegrace;andthefaithfulshallgetsuchafullsightof thismanifoldgrace,asordering, tempering, timing,shortening,or continuing, of all the sad and dismal days and seasons that havepassed over their own or theirmother's head, that they shall see, thatgrace did order all, yea, every circumstance of all the various tossings,changes,upsanddowns,thattheydidmeetwith.AndOwhatasatisfyingsightwillthatbe,whenthegeneralassemblyandchurchofthefirst-born,which are in-rolled in Heaven, and every individual saint, shall cometogether,andtakeaviewofalltheirexperience,theresultofwhichshallbe,gracebegan,gracecarriedon,andgracehathperfectedall,gracewasatthebottomofall?Whatshoutings,grace,graceunto it,willbethere;when the head-stone shall be brought forth? What soul-satisfyingcomplacencyin,andadmirationatallthatispast,willaback-lookthereatyield,wheneveryoneshallbemadetosay,gracehathdoneallwell,notapinofalltheworkofgraceinandaboutmemighthavebeenwanted;nowIsee,thattheworkofGodisperfect,gracewasgloriousgrace,andwisegrace, whatever I thought of it then. O what a fool have I been, inquarrelling at, and in not being fully satisfied with all that grace wasdoingwithme?Ohowlittleisthisbelievednow?

Inconscience,madam,thatyourladyship(tomenowaysknown,butbyasavoury report) shall accept of this bold address, I recommend yourladyship,myverynoblelordyourhusband,andoffspring,tothewordofhisgrace,andsubscribemyself,

MADAM,

Yourandtheirservant

inthegospelandthegraceofGod.

JOHNBROWN.

THEAUTHORTOTHEREADER.

CHRISTIANREADER,—Aftertheforegoingaddress,Ineednotputtheetomuchmore trouble: only I shall say, that hemust needs be a greatstranger in our Israel, or sadly smitten with that epidemic plague ofindifferency, which hath infected many of this generation, to abenumbingofthem,andrenderingtheminsensibleandunconcernedinthemattersofGod,andoftheirownsouls,andsunkdeepinthegulfofdreadful inconsideration, who seeth not, or taketh no notice of, nor istroubled at the manifest and terrible appearances of the inexpressiblygreathazard,ourall,asChristiansinthislife,isthisdayexposedinto.Imean the mystery of the gospel of the grace of God, wherein theexceedingrichesofhisgrace,inhiskindnesstowardsus,throughChristJesus,hathbeenshown.Wehaveenjoyedforaconsiderabletime,aclearandpowerfuldispensationhereof,ingreatpurityandplenty;but,alas!isitnotmanifesttoall,thatwillnotwilfullyshuttheireyes,thatthismercyand goodness of God hath been wickedly abused, and the pureadministration of his grace and love perfidiously sinned away, by thisapostategeneration.Areourspotsthisdaythespotsofhischildren?AretheirfruitsanswerabletotheLord'spainsandlabouraboutus,tobeseeneven amongst the greatest of professors? Is there that gospel holiness,tenderness, watchfulness, growing in grace, and in the knowledge ofJesus Christ, that growing up in Christ, in all things that heavenlymindedness, that fellowship with the Father and with his Son ChristJesus,andthatconversationinheaven,thatthedispensationofgrace,wehavebeenfavouredwithbeyondmany,andhavebeenlonglivingunder,did call for at our hands? Alas! our grapes are but wild and stinking.Wherefore(andwhocanthinkitstrange,ifitbeso?)theLordseemethtobe about to contend with us, by covering our horizon with Egyptiandarkness;manywhowould not receive the love of the truth, that theymight be saved, being already given up to strong delusion, that theyshould believe a lie, and many more in hazard to be drawn aside tocrooked paths, bymen of corruptminds, who have been, and are still

busytoventandspreadabroad,withnolittlepetulancyandconfidence,damnable doctrines, to the perverting of the doctrine of the gospel ofJesus Christ, and to the subverting and overturning of the veryfoundationsofourhopeandassurance;and that insuchaway,andbysuchmeansandstratagems,asseemtohavewrathwrittenupontheminlegibleletters;forthemoreplausibleandtakingacorruptdoctrinebe,itisthemoredangerousandjudgment-like,andmorearetherebyinhazardtobedeludedanddrawnaway.

Nay(whichisyetmoreterribleanddreadful) it is tobefeared, thatthejealous God, in his holy and righteous judgment, hath given aprovidential commission (to speak to) unto the seducing spirit, topersuadeandprevail;forisnotthistheclearlanguageofthepresentholyandrighteousdispensationsofGod,andof thestupendously indifferentframeanddispositionofthegeneralityofmen,calledChristians,notonlyprovokingGodtospuethemoutofhismouth,butadisposingthemalsounto a receiving of whatsoever men, lying in wait to deceive, shallproposeandobtrude?

Alas!thecloudsarenotnowa-gathering,butourhorizoniscoveredoverwith blackness, and great drops are a-falling, that presage a terribleoverflowingdelugeoferror,andapostacyfromthetruthandprofessionof the gospel of Jesus Christ, to be at hand, if the Lord wonderfullypreventitnot.Andbehold(Owonderful!)thegeneralityofprofessorsaresleeping in security, apprehending no danger. Satan is more cunningnow,thantodrivementoPoperybyrageandcruelty,(andyetwhathemay be permitted to do after thismanner,who can tell?) or by openlypleadinginhisemissaries,forthisabomination,(andyeteventhusishealready prevailing with not a few) or to send forth his agents forArminianismandSocinianism(thougheventhiswaytoo,heistoomuchprevailing.) But hismainwork now seemeth to be, to bring in anothergospel, (and yet there is not another) or rather an antievangelic andantichristiandelusorydream,overturningatoncethewholegospelofourLord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and for this end he employeth theQuakers,ontheonehand,menofdesperateandantievangelicprinciples,theverysinkofallabominations,oldandlate,(asIshallshow,iftheLordwillcontinuehealthandstrength,inanexaminationoftheirdoctrineand

principles,latelyemittedbyoneRobertBarcley)and,ontheotherhand,men,(ormoralists,ifyouwillcallthemso)pleadingfor,andcryingupanantievangelicholiness,amereshadowwithoutsubstanceorreality;andthat in place of Christ himself; and in order to the carrying on of thisdesperatedesign, theolddragonisemployingmenofseemingdifferentprinciplesandways,whom,though their facesseemto look tocontraryairths,yetheholdethnotwithstandingfasttiedbytheirtails(asSamson'sfoxes were) that thereby, if the Lord permit it, he may, by the fire ofenmitytothepuregospelofthegraceofGod,burningintheirtails,causea conflagration of that truth, wherein lyeth all our hope: For this newmodel of religion, thatmany are so busied about, is such as Pelagians,Arminians,Papists,Socinians,Quakers,yeaTurks,andmoralheathens;yea,andallwhoareenemiesto,andnotreconcilablewiththetruegraceofGodheldforthinthegospel,willwillinglyadmitof,andharmoniouslyagree in:Awaywhich complyeth sowellwith proud self, andwith thecorruptnatureofman, that it is littlewonder, if it havemany abettorsandadmirers.Ishallsaynomoreofthis;butonlyinfer,

Thatsuretheconsiderationofthisshouldmoveall,inwhomisanythingofthezealofGod,andlovetosouls,theirownandothers', toappear inthe defence of the gospel of our salvation, by all means incumbent tothem,andpossible for them; for if this citadel and stronghold,whereinourall,andtheallofpureandtruereligion, lyeth,beblownup,wearegone; and indeed no less is intended by this antichristian andantievangelicenemy,thantheuttersubversionoftrueChristianreligion.Who would not then be hereby alarmed, and upon their guard, whenmattersareatthispass?Shouldnotall,whohaveanylovetotheirownsouls, any zeal for the glory ofChrist, anointed of theFather to be ourprophet,priest,andking;mydesiretoseethecrownflourishinguponhishead, and to have the gospel preserved pure and uncorrupted, bepleadingwithGodbyprayer, inthebehalfofhisSon'skingdom,crown,and glory; and wrestling with him till he were pleased to dispel theseclouds, and prevent this black day: especially should they not belabouringtobeacquainted,intruthandreality,withthegospelofJesusChrist,thathavingthemysterioustruthsthereofimprintedontheirsouls,andtheirheartscastintoitsmould,theymaybepreservedfromthehurtofthisdeadlypoison;forthis,withaconstantdependenceupon,anduse-

makingofChristinallhisoffices,willprovethebestpreservativeagainstthisinfection.

Thepersuasionwhereofdidinducemetopublishthefollowingheadsofsomesermons,aftertheyhavebeentranslatedintoDutch,andpublishedhere:KnowingthattheymightbeofnolessusetothepeopleofGodinBritainandIreland.Iknownotamoreeffectualmeantounstablesoulsfrom siding with and embracing every new notion; and from beingcarried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, andcunningcraftiness,wherebytheylyeinwaittodeceive;thantoputthemupontherealexerciseofgospelgodliness,andtothedailypracticeofthemainandfundamentalgospelwork,oflivingbyfaithinJesusChrist,andof growing up into him, in all things,who is the head, fromwhom thewholebodyfitlyjoinedtogetherandcompacted,bythatwhicheveryjointsupplieth,accordingtotheeffectualworkinginthemeasureofeverypart,makethincreaseofthebody,untotheedifyingofitselfinlove.Such,Iamsure,ashavethus learnedthetruth,as it is inJesus,andarepractisingthe same accordingly, will have an antidote within them against thestrongestpoisonoftheseseducers,andarealanswerto,andconfutationof, all their subtile sophisms. The soul exercising itself into gospelgodliness, will find work enough to take it wholly up; and find such asolidgroundtostandupon;andseesuchasatisfyingfulness,answeringall its necessities andwants, and such a sure heart-quieting ground ofpeace, hope, and consolation in Jesus Christ, as that it will have noleisure, and small temptation to listen to seducing perverters, and noinclinationtoseekafteremptycisterns.

Iknowmuchmaybedesideratedinthisfollowingtreatise,andmanymayhave exceptions not without ground against it. Some may think itarrogancy, and too great confidence inme, to attempt the handling ofsuchamysteriousandnecessarypartofChristianpractice,whereinfew,(if any, so far as I know,) have gone before, in direct handling of thismatter,atleastinthismethodandorder,Imeanthatpartwhichisaboutsanctification. Othersmay be displeased with the mean and low style;withmymultiplyingparticulars,whichmighthavebeenbetterandmorehandsomely couched under fewer heads, and with my unnecessarycontractingof thewhole into suchanarrowbound,andother thingsof

that kind; for which, and many other failings of the like nature andimport,whichmaywithout any diligent search, be found in it, even byordinary and unprejudiced readers; I shall not industriously labour toapologize, knowing that my very apology in this case, will need anapology;onlyIshallsaythis, thatconsideringhowthesnare,whichthevigilant and active enemy of our salvation, the devil, was laying by anunholymorality,didnearlyconcernall,andespecially themeanest (forpartsandexperience)andlessfixedChristians,IthoughtadiscourseonsuchasubjectasI judgedmostnecessaryatall times,andespecially insuchadayofhazard,shouldbeframedtothecapacityofoneaswellasanother; the most understanding can receive benefit, by that which iscalculated to the capacity of children, when these can reap littleedification by what is suited to the palate of those; and the lessexperienced, or such as are of lowerunderstanding,will be less abletodrawageneraltoaparticular;ortoimproveandsofullytocomprehendoneparticulartouched,astobeabletherebytounderstandandtakeinalike particular not mentioned; than such as have their senses moreexercised,andaretherebyincasetomakeabetterimprovementofwhatisbutcompendiouslydeclared,whenthosemusthavethebreadbrokentotheirhand,ortheyshallreceivebutsmalledificationthereby;andyet,I suppose, the judicious will observe some variety, smaller or greater,evenwhereparticulars seemtobe,at the firstview,mostunnecessarilymultiplied.Iknow,andwillinglygrant,(for it isobviousenough)that adiscourse of this subject and matter, might have required a far largervolume;butthenhowshouldsuchhaveprofitedthereby,whompovertymightpossiblyhavescaredfrombuying;orthenecessaryaffairsoftheirordinarycallingswouldhavekeepedfromadiligentperusalofit?AndIthoughtthatneitheroftheseshouldhavebeenoverlookedinthisspecialorgeneraldesignwhichIhadbeforemyeyes.

Onething,asmyanswertoall,Ishallbutadd;ifherebyotherswhomtheLord hathmore enabled with all necessaries for such a work, shall beherebyeitherinstigatedorencouragedtowriteuponthissubject,(Imeanmainly the last part thereof, touching the use-making of Christ insanctification;forblessedbetheLord,manyhavebeenemployedoftheLordtospeaksoundlyandedifyinglyuntotheuse-makingofChristastorighteousness and justification,) a full, plain, edifying and satisfying

discoveryofthisnecessaryandimportanttruth,viz.ChristmadeofGodtouswisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption.Andwithal,point out plainly and particularly the way how believers in all theirparticular and various exigencies may and should so make use of andapply thatall fulnesswhich is treasuredup in theHead, forthebenefitandadvantageofthemembersofthemysticalbody,astheymaynotonlytheoretically see, but practically also experience this truth, that in himtheyarecomplete;andsotheymaybehelpedtounderstandhowthroughthe necessary and constant use-making of him, as all in all, they maygrow up in him in all things. If this be, I say, done by any to betterpurpose, I shall think thismyadventurenotaltogether fruitless,and inpartatleastexcusable.

Asforthee,OChristian,whoseinstruction,edification,andconfirmationinthefaithofourLordJesusChrist,thefaithwhichwasoncedelivereduntothesaints,Imainlyintendedinthisundertaking,Ihaveafewthingstoadd:

Know then, that there are certainmen (as the Apostle Jude speaketh)crept in unawares, who were of old ordained to this condemnation,ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, anddenying theonlyLordGod,andourLordJesusChrist; for in these lastdaysweseethattheseperiloustimesarecome,(ofwhichPauladvertisedTimothy,2Tim.iii.1,&c.)whereinmenshallbeloversoftheirownselves,covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, falseaccusers,(ormakebates) incontinent, fierce,despisersof thosethataregood,traitors,heady,high-minded,loversofpleasuremorethanloversofGod,havingtheformofgodliness,butdenyingthepowerthereof—forofthissortaretheywhichcreepintohouses,andleadcaptivesillywomen,ladenwithsins,ledawaywithdiverslusts,everlearning,andneverabletocometotheknowledgeofthetruth.Andbecauseitisso,heexhortethto give diligence to make your calling and election sure, by giving alldiligence to add to faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and to knowledgetemperance,andtotemperancepatience,andtopatiencegodliness,andtogodlinessbrotherlykindness,andtobrotherlykindnesscharity, for ifyedothesethings,yeshallneverfall.AstheApostlePeterassurethus,2

Peter i.5,6,7-10.For it is theelectwhoaresecuredfromfullandfinaldefectionandapostacy,Matth.xxiv.24.Markxii.22.Rom.xi.5,6;ix.11;viii. 33.Matth. xxiv. 31.Mark xiii. 27. And the promise of salvation ismadetosuchasshallenduretotheend.Thecrownisfortheovercomers,andsuchasarefaithfultothedeath,Matth.x.22;xxiv.13.Markxiii.13.Rev.ii.10,11,17,26,27,28;iii.5,12,21.Allwhich,andthelike,aresetdown, that hereby his people might be rationally moved to a constantseriousness, in the working out of their own salvation, in fear andtrembling; and the forewarnings given of the great difficulty of thereaching theendofour faith, the salvationof our souls, because of themanyactive,vigilant,indefatigable,subtile,andinsinuatingadversaries,whobygoodwordsand fair speeches,will readilydeceive theheartsofthesimple,andtoawakenthemorehispeopletobesoberandvigilant,because their adversary the devil (who acteth and moveth his underagents,intheirseveralmodes,methodsandmotions,soashemaybest,according to the various tempers, present dispositions, advantages ordisadvantages of such as he intendeth to seduce, which he carefullystudieth,andplyethforthisend,obtainhisdesignedend,theirruinanddestruction) as a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he maydevour. And this calleth them to haste out their slumber and security,whowillbeloathtomisshisopportunity,surprisethemtotheirgreatlossanddisadvantage.

Itis,beloved,hightimenowtoawake,tolookaboutus,toconsiderwhereweare,uponwhatgroundwestand,whethertheenemyorwehavetheadvantage,howandinwhatposturewearetorencounterwithdeceiversthat seek to cheat us out of all our souls, and of the Lord ourRighteousness,anddrawusoffthepathsoflife,thatwhenwecometodie(besidetheunspeakablygreatlosswewouldtherebybeat,evenhere,inmissing the comfortable accesses to God through Jesus Christ theinflowingsofgraceandstrengthforspiritualdutythroughtheLordourstrength;thesweetcommunicationsofpeaceandjoyintheHolyGhost,thesheddingabroadoftheloveofGodinourheartsbytheHolyGhost,whichisgivenuntous,andthefullassuranceofhopethroughtheLordJesusourhope)wemightbefrustratedofallourexpectations;andfind,that all that which men made us grip to, lay hold on, and lean unto,insteadofChrist,wasbutamereshadow,andalieinourrighthand,to

theunexpressiblegrief,vexation,andsorrowofsoulwhenallshouldendinadreadfulandhorribledisappointment.

Butletusnotthinkthatourpurposes,firm-likeresolutionstoadheretothe truth,andourpresentabhorrenceat,anddetestationof errorsnowbroached, to the overturning the very foundations of true Christianity,willsufficientlyguardusfrom,andmakeusproofagainsttheshotsandassaults of these crafty seducers. Nor think, that our learning andknowledge in the theory of the truth; nor our abilities to rencountersophisters,willsecureusfromafall;letusnotthinkthattheenemiesarecontemptible, and thereforewe need be the less anxious, nor yet thinkthatformerexperiencesandthrough-bearings,inthelikecases,willbeapillow,wherebywemaynow lay ourselves down to sleep. Ifwe do,weshall certainly deceive ourselves, if all our strength and standing be inourselves,andthroughourselves;andifthisbethegroundofourhope,therighteousLordinhisholyjustice,maygiveusuptobeaprey.Peter'sinstance should never be forgotten by us; and such as tempt the Lordhavenogroundtoexpecthislastissue.

Our strengthmustbe inChrist: to the rockof agesmustwe fly: toourchambers inhimmustwe retire, and theremustwehideourselves:onChrist's lee-side canweonly ride safe, andbe free of the hazard of thestorm.Tohimthereforemustourrecoursebedaily,bynewandfreshactsoffaithinandthroughhimandhisinfluences,communicatedaccordingtothetenorofthecovenantofgrace,throughfaitheyeingthepromiser,thepromise,withthepricepurchasing,andsodrawingandsuckinglight,direction, strength, stability, and what our present exigent calleth for,mustwethinktostand.Andhappytheywho,conscioustothemselvesoftheir own weakness, and convinced of the insufficiency of all thingswithin them, in godly fear hide themselves under the wings of theAlmighty, and get in into this stronghold, resolving there to abide, andthere to be secured fromall their adversaries,withinorwithout.Thesehumblefearersmayexpectasafeandnobleoutgate;whenmorestrong-like and more confident adventurers shall (being left to themselves,because trusting in themselves), shamefully fall, andbe triumphedoverbytheenemy,tothegriefofthegodly,andforasnaretoothers.

The best way then, to keep the faith of Christ, which many are now

seeking to shake and to loose us from, is to be exercising the faith ofChrist.The seriousanduprightpractisingof thegospel is theonlybestmeantokeeptheefirmintheprofessionofthegospel,whenthegospelwith thee is not a few fine notions in the brain; but is heavenly andnecessary truth sunk into the heart, and living and acting there; itwillkeep thee, and thouwilt own itmore firmlyand steadfastly in adayoftrial.ThywalkinginChrist,andworkingandliving,byhimlivinginthee,willsoroottheeinthegospeltruth,thatenemieswillpullinvain,whenseeking tooverthrow thee.Thegospelof thegraceofGod receivedandentertained in thysoul in love,andconstantsuitable improvement,willfortify thee, and secure itself in thee, so that vehement blasts shall butcontributetoitsmorefixedabode,andmorefruitfulactingsinthee.Liveupthentothegospel,andsobesureof it,andbesafe in it. Imean, letChristliveintheeasthyall,andcastallthycareandcumberonhim;layallthydifficultiesbeforehim;leanallthyweightuponhim;drawallthynecessitiesoutofhim:andundertakeallthydutiesinhim;bestronginhim,andinthepowerofhismight;lethimbethycounsellor,conductor,leader,teacher,captain,commander,light,life,strength,andall,soshallthou stand and have cause to glory, even in thine infirmities, for thoushalt find the power of Christ resting upon thee, and thou shalt havecause to say, therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, innecessities, inpersecution,indistressesforChrist'ssake;forwhenIamweak,thenamIstrong.Rememberthatgreatword,Phil.iv.13,"IcandoallthingsthroughChrist,whichstrengthenethme."

Ithathbeentheusualandordinaryquestionofbelievers,Howshallwemake use of Christ for sanctification? To this great and importantquestion, I, (though themeanest andmostunfit for suchawork, of allthatGodhathsenttofeedhisflock)haveadventuredorendeavouredatleast,togivesuchastrulydesiretocleansethemselvesfromallfilthinessof the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, somesatisfaction herein, laying before them some plain directions framed totheir capacities, and suited to some of their most ordinary and usualcauses; some whereof are more comprehensive, and others moreparticular,maybelookeduponasexemplaryinstances,servingforothercasesofthelikenature;forhardlycouldeveryparticularcircumstantiatecase be particularly spoken to, and some might judge that to be

superfluous, if thou, in the light and strength of Christ, shalt reallypractisewhatisherepointedforth,Imaybeconfidenttosay,thylabourshallnotbeinvainintheLord,andthoushaltattainuntoanothersortofholiness than that which proud pretenders boast of, and shalt be farwithout the reach of that snare, which unstable souls are too readilyentangledwith. Imean, theplausiblepretensionofmore thanordinarysanctity which yet is but forced, feigned, constrained, mostly external,andframedtocauseadmirationinbeholders,whomtheyintendtomakeapreyof.Thisshallbenotemptationtothee,whobyexperiencefindethamore safe, satisfying, full, free, easy, pleasant and heartsome way ofmortifyinglusts,growingingrace,andintheknowledgeofJesusChrist,and so perfecting holiness, by running immediately to Christ, and bylivinginanduponhim,whoismadeofGodtous,wisdom,righteousness,sanctificationandredemption.ThattheLordmayblessthesametothee,forthisend,shallbe,andisthedesireandprayerofhimwhois,

Thyservantintheworkofthegospel,

JOHNBROWN.

RECOMMENDATION.

CHRISTIANREADER,

Ifthouanswerthisdesignation,andartreallyapartakeroftheunction,which is thehigh importof thatblessedandgloriousnamecalleduponthee,thineeyemustaffectthyheart,andasoulswelledwithgodlysorrowmustatlastburstandbleedforthataweepingeye,whilethoulooksuponmostofthislicentiousandloathsomegeneration,arrivedatthatheightofprodigiousprofanityastogloryintheirshame,andboastofbearingthebadgeandblackmarkofdamnation.But,besidesthisswarmwhosavageit to hell, and make such haste hither, as they foam themselves intoeverlastingflames,carrying,undertheshapeandvisageofmen,asdevilsindisguise;thefaceofthechurchiscoveredwithascumofsuch,whoaresoimmersedintheconcernsofthislife,andaresointenseinthepursuitofthepleasures,gain,andhonoursthereof,astheirwaydothmanifestlywitness them to be sunk into the deep oblivion of God, and desperateinconsideration of their precious and immortal souls. But in the thirdplace,besidesthesewhoarehurriedintosuchadistractionwiththecaresof this life, that they, asnaturalbrutebeastsmade tobedestroyed, areneveratleisuretoconsidereitherthenatureandnecessityoftheirnoblesouls, or to converse with the notion of a Deity. Thoumay perceive acompanyofself-deceivingspeculatists,whomakebroadthephylacteriesof their garments, and boast of somehigh attainments in religion; yea,wouldhaveotherslookuponthemasarrivedattheveryporchofheaven,andadvancedtoahighpitchofproficiencyinthewaysofGod,becausetheycandiscoursealittleofthemysteriesofsalvation,andwithouteverdiving farther into the depth and true nature of religion, dreamthemselvesintoaconsiderationofbeingsaints,andconcludethemselvescandidatesforglory.

This is that heart-moving object which presents itself to thy eye andobservation this day. This is that deplorable posture, wherein thoumayestperceivemostmenat theverypointofperishingeternally,who

are within the pale of the visible church, some dancing themselvesheadlong inallhaste into the lakeof fireandbrimstone,somesomuchconcernedinthingswhichhavenoconnexionwiththeirhappiness,astodropunconcernedlyintothepit,outofwhichthereisnoredemption;andothersdreamingthemselvesintoendlessperdition:andallofthemuniteinaderidingat,ordespisingthemeansused,andessaysmade,inordertotheirrecovery.

Butifhisservants,infollowingtheirworkclosely,seemtohavegainedalittle ground upon men, and almost persuaded them to be Christians,Satan, to the end he may make all miscarry, and counterwork theseworkerstogetherwithGod,andpoisonpoorsoulsbyaperversionofthegospel,beyond thepowerofanantidote,hath raisedup, instigatedandsetonworkaraceofproudrationalists, for theyarewiser thantoclassthemselvesamongstthosepoorfools, thosebasethings, thosenothings,towhomChristismadeallthings,towhomChristismadewisdomthathemay be righteousness, sanctification, and redemption to them; nay,they must be wise men after the flesh, wise above what is written. AcrucifiedChristisreallyuntothemfoolishnessandweakness,thoughthepowerofGodandthewisdomofGod:theywillneedsgotoworkanotherway;theywillneedsgloryinhispresence,andhaveaheavenoftheirownband-wind.Omysoul,enternotintotheirsecrets!and,OsweetJesus,letthynamebetome,TheLordmyrighteousness;thouhastwonit,—wearit; and gather not my soul with such whomakemention of any otherrighteousness but of thine only! to bring in another gospel amongst usthan the gospel of the grace of God. As they determine to know someotherthingthanChristandhimcrucified;sowiththeenticingwordsofman'swisdomtheybewitchmenintoadisobediencetothetruth,settingsomewhatelsebeforethemthanacrucifiedChrist;andthistheydo,thattheymayremovemenfromthosewhocallthemintothegraceofChrist,untoanothergospel.AChrist, it is true; they speakof;but it isnot theChrist of God, for all they drive at (O cursed and truly antichristiandesign!)is,thathemayprofitthemnothing,whiletheymodelallreligionaccording to this novel project of theirmagnifiedmorality. This is thatwhich gives both life and lustre to that imagewhich they adore, to theDagonafterwhomtheywouldhavetheworldwonderandworship.

That there is such a moralizing or muddizing, if I may be for onceadmittedtocoinanewwordtogivethesementheirdue,ofChristianitynowintroducedandcominginfashion,manyofthelatepiecesinrequestdoevince.NowthatChristianityshouldmoralizemenaboveallthings,Ibothgiveandgrant;forhewhoispartakerofthedivinenature,andhathobtainedpreciousfaith,mustaddvirtuetohisfaith.Butthatitshouldbeonly conceived and conceited as an elevation of nature to amore clearlight,inthematterofmorality,whereinourLordisonlyrespectedasanheavenly teacher and perfect pattern proposed for imitation, is but aproud,pleasingfancyofself-conceited,darkened,anddeludeddreamers,robbing God of the glory of his mercy and goodness; our Lord JesusChristofthegloryofhisgraceandmerit.Thespiritoftheefficacyofhisglorious andmighty operations; and themselves and their pilgrimages,whogivethemthehandasguides,ofthecomfortandfruitofall.

It cannot escape thy observation, howbusy Satan is this day, upon theonehand,tokeepmen,underthecallofthegospeltogivealldiligencetomake their calling and election sure, idle all the day, so that nopersuasioncan induce them toengage seriously to fall aboutaworkingouttheirownsalvationinfearandtrembling;and,ontheother,equallydiligentand industrious todivertmen fromtrusting in thenameof theLord,andstayingupontheirGod;settingthemonworktogoandgatherfuel, andkindlea fire, and compass themselves aboutwith sparks, thattheymaywalk in the lightof theirownfire,and in thesparks that theyhave kindled, knowingwell that they shall thiswaymost certainly losetheir toil and travel, and have no other reward at his hand of all theirlabour,buttoliedownineverlastingsorrow,whilethestout-heartedandfarfromrighteousnessandsalvation,shallgettheirsoulforaprey,andbemadetorejoice inhissalvation,andblesshimwhohathmadethemmeettobepartakersoftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight.

I am neither the fit person for so great an undertaking, nor do theselimits,withinwhichImustboundmyself,permitmetoexpatiateinmanynotionsaboutthenatureofthisexcellentandpreciousthing,truegospelholiness.Oh! if, in theentry, I couldonmyownbehalfandothers, soboutmyalas! from thebottomofmy soul, because, bewhat itwill, it issomeotherthingthanmentake it tobe.Fewhabituate themselves toa

thinking upon it, in its high nature, and soul enriching advantages, tilltheirheartsreceivesuitableimpressionsofit,andtheirlivesbetheverytransumptofthelawofGodwrittenintheirheart;thething,alas!islostinanoiseofwords,andheapofnotionsaboutit;neither is itawonderthatmenfallintomistakesaboutit,sinceitisonlytheheartpossessedofitthatiscapabletounderstandandperceiveitstrueexcellency.Butifitbeaskedwhat it is;wesay, itmaybeshortly takenup,as theelevationand raising up of a poor mortal unto a conformity with God. As aparticipationofthedivinenature,orastheveryimageofGodstampedonthesoul,impressedonthethoughtsandaffections,andexpressedinthelifeandconversation;sothatthemaninwhomChristisformed,andinwhom he dwells, lives, and walks, hath while upon the earth, aconversationinheaven;notonlyinoppositiontothosemany,whoseendis destruction, whose god is their belly, whose glory is in their shame,who mind earthly things; but also to those pretenders unto andpersonaters of religion, who have confidence in the flesh, andworshipGodwith theirownspirit,which in themattersofGod is fleshandnotspirit, andhave somewhatelse to rejoice in than inChrist Jesus, andabeingfoundinhim,nothavingtheirownrighteousness.

True gospel holiness, then, consists in some similitude and likeness toGod,andfellowshipwithhimfoundeduponthatlikeness.ThereissuchanimpressionofGod,hisgloriousattributes,hisinfinitepower,majesty,mercy,justice,wisdom,holiness,andgrace,&c.,assetshimupallalonein the soul without any competition, and produceth those realapprehensions of him, that he is alone excellent andmatchless.O howpreferabledothbeappear,whenindeedseen,toallthings!Andhowdoththis light of his infinite gloriousness, shining into the soul, darken andobscuretoaninvisiblenessallotherexcellencies,evenastherisingofthesunmakesallthelesserlightstodisappear.Alas!howisGodunknowninhis glorious being and attributes!When once the Lord enters the soul,andshines intotheheart, it is liketherisingof thesunatmidnight:allthesethingswhichformerlypretendedtosomeloveliness,anddiddazzlewiththeirlustre,areeternallydarkened.Now,allnaturalperfections,andmoralvirtues,intheirflowerandperfections,areatbestlookeduponasaliquidnihil.What thingswere formerly accounted gain and godliness,arenowcountedlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChristJesus

theLord,and thesoul cannotonly suffer the lossof themallwithoutasob,butbe satisfied to throw themawayasdung, that itmaywinhim,andbefoundinhim.Now,thewonderofaDeity,inhisgreatness,power,andgrace,swallowsupthesoulinsweetadmiration.Ohowdothitloveto lose itself in findingherewhat it cannot fathom?And then it beginstrulytoseethegreatnessandevilofsin; thenit is lookeduponwithoutthecoveringofpleasureorprofit,andloathedastheleprosyofhell.Nowthe man is truly like God in the knowledge of good and evil, in theknowledgeof thatone infinitegood,God;and in theknowledgeof thatonealmostinfiniteevil,sin.Thisisthefirstpointoflikenesstohim,tobeconformedtohiminourunderstanding, thatasheknowshimself tobethe only self-being and fountain-good, and all created things in theirflower and perfection,with all their real or fancied conveniences beingcomparedwithhim,butasthedropofabucket,ornothing;yea,lessthannothing,vanity(which isnothingblownup,by the forceor forgeryofavainlyworkingimagination,totheconsistenceofanappearance),soforasoul to know indeed and believe in the heart, that there is nothingdeservesthenameofgoodbesidesGod,tohavethesamesuperlativeandtranscendentthoughtsofthatgreatandgloriousself-beingGod,andthesamediminishinganddebasingthoughtsofallthingsandbeingsbesideshim.AndthatastheLordseethnoevilinthecreationbutsin,andhatesthatwith a perfect hatred, as contrary to his holywill; so for a soul toaggravatesininitsownsighttoaninfinitenessofevil,atleasttillitseeitonlyshortof infiniteness in this respect, that it canbe swallowedupofinfinitemercy.Butwhencehath the soul all this light? It owes all this,andownsitselfasdebtorforittohim,whoopenstheeyesoftheblind.Itishewhocommandsthe lighttoshineoutofdarkness,whohathmadethese blessed discoveries, and hath given the poor benighted soul, thelight of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ.These irradiations are from the Spirit's illumination; 'tis the Spirit ofwisdom and revelation that hathmade day-light in the darkened soul.The man who had the heart of a beast, as to any saving or solidknowledge of God or himself, hath now got an understanding to knowhimthatistrue.NowisChristbecomethepoorman'swisdom,heisnowrenewedinknowledgeaftertheimageofhimthatcreatedhim;hemightwellbabbleofspiritualthings,buttillnowheunderstoodnothingofthebeauty and excellency of God and hisways; nay, he knew notwhat he

knew, he was ignorant as a beast of the life and lustre of those thingswhichheknew in the letter;nothingseemedmoredespicabletohimintheworld,thantruegodliness;butnowhejudgethotherwise,becausehehath the mind of Christ. The things which in his darkness he didundervalueastriflestobemockedat,henowcanonlymindandadmire,sincehebecameachildoflight;nowbeingdeliveredfromthatblindnessand brutishness of spirit, which possesseth the world, (and possessedhimselftillhewastransformedbytherenewingofhismind)whoesteembasely of spiritual things, and set them at nought, he prizeth as aloneprecious. The world wonders what pleasure or content can be in theservice of God, because they see not by tasting how good he is; to bepryingintoandporinguponinvisiblethings,istothemvisiblemadness,buttotheenlightenedmind,thethingsthatarenotseenareonlyworthseeing,andwhiletheyappearnottobe,theyonlyare;whereasthethingsthat are seen appear but to be, and are not. Though the surpassingsweetness of spiritual things should be spoke of to them, who cannotfavourthethingsofGod,insuchamannerasthegloriouslightofthemdid surroundmen; yet they can perceive no such thing; all is to themcunningly devised fables; let be spoke what will, they see no form, nocomeliness,nobeauty in thisgloriousobject—God inChrist reconcilingsinnerstohimself.Alas!themindisblinded;thedungeoniswithin;andtillChristopentheeyes,aswellasrevealhislight,thesoulabidesin itsblindness,andisburiedinmidnightdarkness;butwhentheSpiritofGodopenstheman'seyes,andheistranslatedbyanactofomnipotencyoutofthekingdomofdarknessintothekingdomofhisdearSon,whichisakingdomofmarvellouslight,Owhatmatchlessbeautydothhenowseeinthesethings,whichappeareddespicableanddarknothingstohim,tillhegot the unction, the eye-salve, which teacheth all things. Now he sees(what none without the Spirit can see) the things which God hathpreparedforthemthat lovehim,andarefreelygiventhemofGod;andthese,thoughseenatadistance,reflectsuchraysofbeautyintohissoul,thathebeholdsandisravished,heseesandisswallowedupinwonder.

Butthen,inthenextplace,thisisnotaspiritlessinefficaciousspeculationaboutthesethings,toknownoevilbutsinandseparationfromGod,andnoblessednessbut in the fruitionofhim; it isnot suchaknowledgeofthemasdothnotprinciplemotion topursueafter them.This Igrant is

partoftheimageofGod,whentheSunofRighteousness,byarisingupontheman,hathmadeday-lightinhissoul,andbythesedivinediscoverieshathtaughthimtomakethetrueparallelbetwixtthingsthatdiffer,andtoputajustvalueuponthemaccordingtotheirintrinsicworth.Butthisdivineilluminationdothnotconsistinamerenotionofsuchthingsinthehead, nor doth it subsist in enlightening the mind; but in such animpression ofGod upon the soul, as transforms and changes the heartinto his likeness by love.' Knowledge is but one line, one draught orlineamentofthesoul'slikenesstohim;thatalonedothnotmakeuptheimage, but knowledge rooted in the heart, and engraven on the soul,hining and shewing itself forth in a gospel-adorning conversation, thatmakesa comelyproportion;when the samehand that touched the eye,andturned theman fromdarkness to light, andgaveanheart toknowhim,thatheistheLord,thatdothalsocircumcisetheman'shearttolovetheLordhisGod,withallhisheart,andwithallhissoul,andwithallhismind;andthislovemanifestingitsliveliness,initsconstrainingpowertolivetohimandforhim.Lightwithout,heat isbutwildfire;but light inthe mind, begetting heat in the heart, making it burn Godward,Christward,andheavenward; light in theunderstanding, settingon fireand inflaming the affections, and these shining out in a heavenlyconversation, makes up the lively image of God, both in feature andstature, both in proportion and colour. Faith begins this image, anddraws the lineaments; and love bringing forth obedience finishes, andgivesitthelivelylustre.TheburningsofloveinobediencetoGodisthatwhich illuminates thewhole,andmakesaman look indeed likehim, towhoseimageheispredestinatetobeconform,andthenmakeshim,whoisravishedwiththecharmsofthatbeauty,say,asinamannerovercomethereby,"howfairisthylove,mysister,myspouse?Howmuchbetteristhylovethanwine,andthesmellofthineointmentsthanallspices?"Butconsider,thatasthesebeams,whichirradiatethesoul,arefromtheSpiritofChrist,sothatspiritualheatandwarmthcomeoutofthesameairth,andproceed from the same author, for our fire burns as he blows, ourlamp shines as he snuffs and furnisheth oil.Men therefore should notindulgethemselvesinthisdelusion,tothink,thatthatwhichwillpassforpure religion and undefiled before God, consists either in an outwardblamelessconversation,orinputtingonandwearinganexternalgarbofprofession. No, as the top of it reacheth higher, so the root of it lies

deeper;itisrootedintheheart,thisseedbeingsowninanhonestheart(ormaking theheart honest inwhich it is sown) takes root downward,andbringsforthfruitupward,astreesthatgrowasfarundergroundasabove, so these trees of righteousness, the planting of theLord thathemaybeglorified,growasfarandasfastundergroundasabove;godlinessgrowsasfardownwardsinself-emptying,self-denial,andself-abasing,inhungering and thirsting after more of righteousness, in the secretengagementsofthehearttoGodinChrist,intheseburstingsofheartandbleedingofsoul, towhichGodaloneiswitness,becauseofshortcominginholiness,becauseofabodyofdeathwithin,andbecauseofthatlawinthememberswarringagainstthelawofthemind,andbringingoftenintocaptivitytothelawofsin,asitgrowsupwardinaprofession.AndthisisthatpurereligionandundefiledbeforeGod,whichisbothmostpleasanttohim,andprofitabletothesoul.

But tomake thedifferencebetwixtdeadmorality, in itsbestdress, andtrue godliness,more clear and obvious, that loveliness of the onemayengagemen into a loathing of the other, this dead carion and stinkingcarcaseofrottenmorality,whichstillstinks inthenostrilsofGod,evenwhenembalmedwith themostcostlyointmentsof itsmiserablymisledpatrons, we say, that true godliness, which in quality and kind differsfromthismuchpleadedforandapplaudedmorality,ablackheathenbyamongrelkindofChristiansbaptisedoflatewiththenameofChristianity,and brought into the temple of the Lord, concerning which he hathcommanded that it should never in that shape, and for that end it isintroduced,enterintohiscongregation;andthebringersfortheirpainsare like to seclude themselves for ever from his presence. It respectsJesusChrist,1st,asitsprinciple;2d,asitspattern;3d,as itsaltar;and,4th,asitsend.

1.Isay,trueholiness,initsbeingandoperation,respectsJesusChristasitsprinciple;"Ilive,"saidthatshiningsaint,"yetnotI,butChristlivethinme."As thatwhich gives religion its first being, is the religation of thesoultoGod;sothatwhichgivesitmotion,anddrawsforththatlifeintoaction,isthesameGod'sworkingalltheirworksinthemandforthem,sothat in all they do, they are workers together with God; every act ofholinessisanactofthesoulmadealiveuntoGodthroughJesusChrist,

and quickened to each action by the supervenience of new life andinfluence;therefore,saysChrist,withoutmeyecandonothing;itisnot,beingoutofmeyecandonothing,forhespokeit tothosewhowere inhim,but,ifyeleavemeoutindoing,allyedowillbenothing.'TisJesusChristwhogives lifeandlegs,so thatourrunningsareaccordingtohisdrawings. "My soul followeth hard after thee," said that holyman; butwhenceisallthislifeandvigour?"Thyrighthandupholdethme,"Oh!itis the upholdings and helpings of this right hand, enlarging theman'sheart, thatmakesa running in thewaysofhis commandments; it ishewho,whilethesaintsworkouttheworkoftheirownsalvation,workethinthembothtowillandtodo.Itishewhogivethpowertothefaint,andwho, to them thathavenomight, encreaseth strength, so that thepoorlifeless, languishing lie-by ismade tomountupwith eagles'wings, andsurmount all these difficulties, with a holy facility, which were simplyinsuperable, and pure impossibilities. Now theman runs and doth notweary,becauseChrist draws; andhewalks anddothnot faint, becauseChrist,inwhomdwellsthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily,dwellsinhim,andwalksinhim,anddwellsinhimforthatveryend,thathemayhaveacompletenessandcompetencyofstrength forduty.Allgrace ismadetoabounduntohim,thathealwayshavingallsufficiencyinallthings,mayabounduntoeverygoodwork.Heisableofhimselftodonothing,no,nottothinkanythingasheought,buthehathasufficiencyofGod,wherebyhe is thoroughly furnisheduntoeverygoodwork; so thathemaysay, Iamableforallthings:itismorethan"Iamabletodoallthings,"asweread it; its just import is, "I amable todo all things, and to endure allthings;" and that which keeps it from vain boasting, is what is added,"through Christ which strengthened me," or putting power in me, orratherimpoweringme,whichisbyasupervenientactdrawingforthlifeintoa livelinessofexercise,according to thepresentexigent.There is apowerinasaint,becauseChristisinhim,thatoverpowersallthepowersofdarknesswithout,andallthepowerofindwellingcorruptionwithin,sothatwhenthepoorweakcreatureisreadytodespond;withinsightofhisduty, and say, because of difficulty, what is my strength that I shouldhope?Christsaith,despondnot,mygrace issufficient for thee,andmypower shall restupon thee, toa reviving thee, and raising theeup,andputting thee in case to say, when I am weak, then I am strong; hisstrength,who impowersme, ismadeperfect inmyweakness, so that I

willgloryinmyinfirmities,andbegladinbeinggrace'sdebtor.Butwhatpower is that,which raiseth thedead sinner, and carries the soul in itsactingssofarwithouttheline,andabovethesphereofallnaturalactivity,whenstretchedtoitsutmost?O,it isanexceedinggreatpowerwhichisto them-ward who believe, that must make all things, how difficultsoever,easy,whenheworks in themtowillandtodo,according to theworking of his mighty power, (or as it is upon the margin, and moreemphatic,ofthemightofhispower,)whichhewroughtinChrist,whenheraisedhimfromthedead,andsethimathisownrighthand,&c.;hethatraiseduptheLordJesusfromthedead,raisethupbelieversalsobyJesus;andbeingraisedandrevivedbyhim,towalkinnewnessoflife,thelife of Jesus, in its communications of strength, is manifest in theirmortalflesh,accordingtothatofthesameapostle;"thelifethatIliveintheflesh,"saithhe,"IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod."FaithbringsinChristinmysoul,andChristbeingmylife,carriesoutmysoulinalltheacts of obedience, wherein, though I be the formal agent, yet theefficiencyandthepower,bywhichIoperate, is fromhim;so that Icangivenobetteraccountofitthanthis,—I—notI.Butwhothen,ifnotyou?ThegraceofGod,saithhe,whichwaswithme.But thismystery toourbold,becauseblindmoralists,ofanindwellingChristworkingmightilyinthe soul, isplainmadness andmelancholy;howeverweunderstandhisknowledgeinthemysteryofChrist,whosaid,"ThelifeIliveintheflesh,"&c.; and from what we understand of his knowledge in that mystery,which he had by revelation,we understand ourmoralists to bemen ofcorruptminds,whoconcerningthefaithhathmadeshipwreck;butwhatisthat,"ThelifeIliveintheflesh,"&c.Theimportofitseemstobethis,ifnotmore,—whileIhaveinmeasoulanimatingmybody,astheprincipleofallmyvitalandnaturalactions,IhaveJesusChristanimatingmysoul,and by the impulse and communicate virtue and strength of anindwelling Christ, I am made to run the ways of his commandments,wherein I take so great delight, that I am found of no duty as of myenemy.

2.ThegospelholinessrespectsJesusChristasitspattern.Itproposethnolowerpattern for imitation than tobeconformtohis image, (he that isbegottenagain intoa livelyhope,by theresurrectionofChrist fromthedead,girdsuptheloinsofhismind,whicharetheaffectionsofhissoul,

lestbyfallingflatupontheearth,hebehinderedinrunningtheracesetbefore him, as looking to the forerunner his pattern,) in this girdle ofhope, that hemaybe "holy in allmanner of conversation," keepinghiseyeuponthepreceptandpattern,thathispracticemaybeconform.Itiswritten,saithhe,"beyeholy,forIamholy;"thehopeofseeingGod,andbeingeverwithhim,imposethanecessityuponhimwhohathit,tolooknolowerthanathim,whoisgloriousinholiness;andthereforeheissaidtopurifyhimselfevenasheispure;andknowingthatthisistheendoftheirbeingquickenedtogetherwithChrist,thattheymaywalkevenashewalked,theyintheirworkingandwalkingaimatnolessthantobelikehim;andthereforeneversitdownuponanyattainedmeasure,asiftheywerealreadyperfect.ThespotlesspurityofGodexpressedinhislaws,isthat whereto they study assimilation; therefore they are still in motiontowards this mark, and are changed from one of glorious grace intoanother,intothesameimage,evenasbytheSpiritoftheLord,whonevergivesoverhisputtingthemtocleansefromallfilthinessofthefleshandofthespirit,tillthatbetrueinthetruestsense,"Thouartallfair,mylove,thereisnospotinthee."Andknowingthatperfectfruitionofhimcannotbe without the perfect conformity to him, herein do they exercisethemselvestogrowingrace,andtobestilladvancingtowardssomemorelikeness tohis image, forgettingall theirattainments,as things thatarebehind,andby theirTeachings forthunto thatwhich isbefore,make itevident that theymake every begun degree of grace and conformity toGod, a prevenient capacity for a new degree which yet they have notattained. I know our moralists look upon themselves as matchless, intalkingof followinghisstepsashehath leftusanexample; in this theymakea flourishingwith flanting effrontery, but for all their boastingofwisdom,suchapoorsimplemanasI,ammadetowonderattheirfolly,whoproposing,astheysay,thepurityofChristastheirpattern,arenoteven thence convinced, that inorder to a conformity thereto, there is asimple andabsolutenecessity of themightyoperationsof that Spirit ofGod,wherebythisendcanbereached;butwhiletheyfloutattheSpirit'sworking as amelancholy fancy,whereby the soul is garnishedwith thebeautyofholiness,andmadeanhabitationforGod,Idoubtnottosayofthese great sayers, that they understand neither what they say, norwhereoftheyaffirm;nay,dothnotthetalkingoftheone,notonlywithoutseeingthenecessityoftheother,butspeakingagainstit,sayintheheart

ofeveryone,whohathnottheheartofabeast,thattheyhaveneveryetgotasightoftheholinessofthatpattern,noroftheirownpollutionsandimpotency;foriftheyhad,theywouldgivethemselvesuptoJesusChristtobewashedbyhim,withoutwhichtheycanhavenopartwithhim.Otherewillbeavastdifference,at the latterday,betwixt themwhohavegiven their black souls to Jesus to bleach, when he shall present themwithoutspot,notonlyclothedwithwroughtgold,butallgloriouswithin,and thosewho have never dipped, yea,who have despised to dip theirdefiled souls in any other fountain, save in the impure puddle of theirownperformances.Thiswillmakethemloathsomeinhissight,andcausehissoulabhorthosewhohavedonethisdespiteuntotheSpiritofgrace,astoslightthatblessedfountain,openedforsinandforuncleanness,letthem pretend as high as they will, to look to him as a pattern; while,becausetheplague-soreisgoneupintheireye,theylooknottohimasaprice,nor to thegraceofJesusChrist, as thatwhich canonlyprincipleanyacceptableperformanceofduty,hewillplungethemintheditch,andit will cost them their souls, for rejecting the counsel of God againstthemselves, innotmakinguseofhimwhocamebywateraswell asbyblood.

3.Thisgospelholiness respectsChristas thealtar. It is inhim,andforhim,thathissouliswellpleasedwithourperformance—thisisthealtaruponwhichthoumustlaythygift,andleaveit,withoutwhichthylabouris lost, and whatsoever thou dost is loathed, as a corrupt thing. Asbelieversdrawalltheirstrengthfromhim,sotheyexpectacceptanceonlythroughhim,andforhim.Theydonotlookforit,butintheBeloved;theydarenotdrawneartoGodinduty,butbyhim.Thisisthenewandlivingwaywhichisconsecrateforthem;andifsuch,whooffertocometoGod,donotenter inhereat, insteadofbeingadmitted toa familiar conversewith God, they shall find him a consuming fire.When the saints havegreatest liberty in prayer, and so of all other performances,when theirheartsaremostliftedupinthewaysoftheLord,theyabhoratthinkingtheirprayercananyotherwaysbesetforthbeforehimasincense,ortheliftingupoftheirhandsastheeveningsacrifice,butaspresentedbythegreatintercessor,andperfumedbythemeritofhisoblation.Iftheycouldweepout themarrowof theirbones,and themoistureof theirbody, inmourningoversin;yettheydurstnotthinkofhavingwhatcomesfromso

impure a spring, and runs through so polluted a channel, presented toGod,butbyJesusChrist,inordertoacceptation;for,astheylooktotheexalted Saviour, to get their repentance from him, so when by thepouringsoutuponthemof thespiritofgraceandsupplication,hehathmadethempourouttheirheartsbeforehim,andhathmeltedthemintotrue tenderness, so that theirmourning is a greatmourning, they carryback these tears to be washen and bathed in his blood, as knowingwithoutthisofhowlittleworthandvaluewithGodtheirsaltwateris;butwhen they are thuswashedhe puts them in his bottle, and then poursthemoutagaintotheminthewineofstrongconsolation.Thusaretheymade glad in his house of prayer, and their sighs and groans come upwithacceptanceuponhisaltar.Oblessedaltar, that sanctifies thegold!thisisthataltar,wheretothemockingmoralisthathnoright.ItisbyhimthatthepoorbelieveroffersuphissacrificetoGodcontinually;whateverhe doth inword or deed, he desires to do all in the name of the LordJesus.Asheknows,he lives tomake intercession,and toappear in thepresenceofGodforhispoorpeople,bothtoprocureinfluencesforduty,andpleadforacceptation:sohedependsuponhimforboth,asknowinghecanneverotherwayshearnorhaveitsaiduntohim,"welldonethougoodandfaithfulservant."Itmaybehecandolittle,hehathbutamitetooffer;butheputs it in theMediator'shand tobepresented toGod.Hehathnotgold,norsilver,norpurpletobring;hecandonogreatthings;he hath but goats' hair or rams' skins, but he gives them the righttincture, he makes them red in the blood of Christ, and so they are abeautifulincarnation.

But let us, on the other hand, take a short view of what ourmoralistssubstituteinitsplace,asintheiraccount,bothmorebeautifulintheeye,andmorebeneficial to the soulsofmen,wherein I intend tobebrief. Imight comprehend the account to be given shortly, and give it mostexactly, yet truly in these fewwords. As themost undoubted deviationfrom,andperfectoppositionuntothewholecontrivanceofsalvation,andthe conveyance of it into the souls of men, as revealed in this gospelwhichbringslifeandimmortalitytolight,thatfightersagainstthegraceofGodin itsvalueandvirtuecanforge,stretchingtheirblindreasontotheoverthrowof truereligion,andruinof thesoulsofmen.For tothisheightthesemastersofreasonhave,intheirblindrage,risenupagainst

theLordandagainsthisanointed;thisisthedreadfulperiodofthatpath,whereinwearepersuadedtowalk,yeahectored, ifwewouldnot forfeitthereputeofmenbythesegrandsophies,whoarrogatetothemselvesthenameand thingofknowledge,as ifwisdomwere todiewith them.Thedeepmysteries of salvation, which angels desire to look into, and onlysatisfy themselves with admiration at, must appear as respondents attheirbar; and if theydecline the judge and court, as incompetent, theyflee out and flout at subjecting this blind mole, man's reason, to therevelation of faith in amystery. Themanifoldwisdom ofGod, and themanifoldgraceofGod,musteithercondescendto theirunfoldings,andbe content to speak in their dialect, or else these wits, these Atheniandictators,willgivethedeepthingsofGod,becausebeyondtheirdivings,thesameentertainmentwhichthatgreatgospelpreacher,Paul,metwithfrom men of the same mould, kidney, and complexion, because hepreachedunto themJesus,Whatwould the babbler say, said they. TheSpirit of wisdom and revelation they know not, they have not, theyacknowledge not; nay, they despise him in his saving and soul-ascertaining illuminations; and the workings of that mighty power tothem-wardwhobelieve, is to themenof thisnewmould (because theyhave not found it) an insufferable fancy, to be explodedwith a disdainand indignation, which discovers what spirit actuates them in thisopposition.

But I would recommend to you, who can neither purchase nor perusewhatismorevoluminous(howworthysoever)theseriousperusal,asofthewholeofthatsavouryandgrace-breathingpeace,thefulfillingoftheScriptures; so therein that short but sweet digression, against black-mouthedParker,whereinthegraciousauthortakesouthisownsoul,andsetsbefore thineeye, the imageofGod impressedthereon; forwhilehedeals with that desperado by clear and convincing reason, flowingnatively from the pure fountain of divine revelation, he hath theadvantage of most men, and writers too, in silencing that proudblasphemerofthegoodwaysofGod,withargumentstakenfromwhathehathfoundacteduponhisownsoul.AndlikewiseIwouldrecommend,asa sovereign antidote against this poison, the diligent perusing andponderingofwhat is shortly hinted against the hellish belchings of thesame unhallowed author (in the Preface to that piece of great Mr.

Durham, upon the Commands) by a disciple, who, besides his naturalacuteness and sub-actness of judgment in the depth of the gospelmysteries, isknown,byallwhoknowhim(andformyself,Iknownonenowalivehisequal)tohavemostfrequentaccesstoleanhisheadonhisMaster's bosom, and so in best case to tell his fellow-disciples andbrethren, what is breathed into his own soul, while he lives in theseembraces,andunderthesheddingsabroadofthatloveofGodinhissoul,which drew and did dictate these lines, against that flouter at all suchfruitions.NorcanIhereomittoobserve,how,whenthedevilraisedupParker, that monster, to bark and blaspheme, the Lord raised up aMerveiltofighthimathisownweapon,whodidsocudgelandquellthatboasting bravo, as I know not if he be dead of his wound, but for anythingIknow,hehathlaidhisspeech.

Itwasnottheauthor'sdesigninthispiece,(levelledonlyatthismark,toteach thee how tomake use of the strength and grace that is in ChristJesus,andfindthepromisedeaseinperformanceofduties;inhandlingofwhichargument,hehathbeenremarkablyassisted,andthoucanstnotreadwithattention,butthoumustbearhimwitness,andblesstheLordonhisbehalf,thathehathhitthemarkatwhichheaimed)toengageinaformaldebatewiththeseaudaciousmoralists,whowouldboastandbogleusoutofthegoodoldway,wherein,ifmenwalk,theymustfindresttotheirsouls.Yetifbythedoctrinehehathhereexplainedandpressed,astheonlywayoflife,theydonotfindwhatamortalwoundhehathgiventheirmorality, all the lovers of the truthwill see it; and itmay be, theLordsparinglife,andcontinuingthesamegraciousandgreatassistance,hehathhadinengagingwithmanyandgreatadversariestothetruthathomeandabroad,theymayseesomewhatfromhispen,whichmaymaketheloversofourLordJesusChrist insincerity,andoftheoperationsofhis Spirit, sing over these successors to Sisera,whowith their jumpingchariotsandrattlingwheels,assaultthetruth,athisfeettheybowed,theyfell, they lay down at his feet, they bowed, they fellwhere they bowed,there they fell down dead; so let all the enemies of thy truth perish,OLord!Howtomakethewholemoreusefulforthee,forwhoseadvantage'tis mainly intended, I leave to the author's own direction; only this Imustsay,hismethodandmould,whereinhecastshissweetmatter,andhiswayofhandling this so seasonable a subject, is so accommodate to

eachcase,andbroughthometotheconscience,anddowntothecapacityofthemeanestChristian,whichwashisaim,thatthefeeble,inthisday,mightbeasDavid;thathowbeitmanyworthymenhavenotonlyhinted,but enlarged upon the same matter, yet thou canst not but see someheart-endearing singularity in his way of improving and handling thisgreat gospel truth. Next, Imust tell thee, that as Imyself read it withmuchsatisfaction(though,alas!Idarenotsay,Ihavebyreadingreapedthedesignedadvantage), so that thoumayestbeblushed intoaperusalthereof,andprofitingthereby,Imustlikewisetellthee,Isay,ithathbeenturned intoDutch,andthat ithathnotonlymetwithgreatacceptationamongstalltheseriousandgodlyintheseparts,whohaveseenit,butismuch sought after; and they profess themselves singularly therebyedified,andseta-goingafterGod,byitsefficaciouspersuasiveness,withasingingalacrity; and if ithavenot the sameeffectupon theeandme,theyanditwillariseupagainstusinjudgment.

Up, therefore, Christians, and be doing: Listen to such a teacher,who,lestthoutireinthyrace,orturnback,teacheththeeacertainandsweetwayofsingularproficiencyandprogressinthewaysofGod.Itmaybe,itis not thywork, normine, to write both against these soul-murdering,however magnified, methods of taking men off Jesus Christ; but ourpenuryofpartsforthat,shouldfirstputustoseekplentyoftears,thatwemayweep, to seeourmaster sowoundedby thepiercingpensof thosewho, to patronise their mock religion, wrest the Scriptures, and withwickedhandswring thewordof theLord, till itweepblood: this, I say,shouldprovoketheeandmetoweepuponhim,tillheappear,andbeatthepensofsuchdeceiversoutoftheirhandbyablowofhis;2d,Itshouldprovokeustoknowthetruth,thatwemaycontendearnestlyforthefaithdelivered to the saints, and to have these contradicted truths soimpressed in their life upon our souls, that the pen of themost subtlepleaderforthisperversionofthegospelmayneitherdeletethese,norbeable to stagger us, but wemay, from the efficacious working of these,have thewitness in ourselves, and know themenwho teach otherwaysnottobeofGod;3d,Itshouldbeourambition,whentheallofreligioniscrieddown,andapaintedshadow,aputrid,howeverperfumed,nothingput in its place, tomake it appear, by our practice, that religion is anelevationofthesoulabovethesphereandactivityofdeadmorality;and

thatitisnolessorlowerprinciplethatactsus,thanChristdwellinginus,andwalking in us.How can the love of God, and of Christ, and of theSpiritbe inus, if theseperversepratersagainst thepowerof godliness,provokeusnottoemitapracticaldeclarationtotheworld,andextortatestimonytohis gracebyourway, from the enemies thereof? Improve,therefore, this his special help to that purpose, which in a mostseasonabletimeisbroughttothyhand.

Buttosumupallshortly,therearebutthreethingswhichmakereligionanheavyburden;1st,Theblindnessofthemind;andherethouarttaughttomake use of that eye-salve,whereby the eyes of the blind see out ofobscurity, and out of darkness; hewho formerly erred in spirit, by thelightheldforthintheselines,mayseeasurpassingbeautyinthewaysofGod;2d,Thataversionandunwillingnesswhichisinthemind,wherebythesweetandeasyyokeofhiscommandsisspurnedatasheavy;inorderto the removing thereof, and that thou mayest be among his willingpeople, here thou hast Christ held forth in his conquering beauty,displayinghisbannerofloveoversouls,sothatthoucanstnotlookuponhimasheldforth,butfaithwillbowthynecktotakeonhisyoke,becauseitseesitislinedwiththeloveofChrist,andthenthislovethatlinestheyoke,shedabroadintheheart,willconstraintoabearingof it;but,3d,Whenthespiritiswilling,thereremainsyetmuchweakness;lovekindledin the heart conquers themind into a compliance with his will, and acomplacencyinhiscommands,butitsgreateststrengthisoftentoweepoverawitheredhand.Nowthatthyhandswhichfalldownmaybemadestrong for labour, and thou mayest be girded with strength, and havegraceforgrace,yea,allgracetomaketheeabounduntoeverygoodwordandwork, the author leads thee up unto the full fountain of all gospelfurniture,andstrength;andteacheththeehowtomakeuseofChrist,asthy sufficiency, for working all thy works in thee and for thee. I say,therefore,againuntothee,takeheart,letnotthinehandsfalldown,essaynothingthouwouldhavewelldoneoreasilydone,inthineownstrength;but yet how difficult soever the duty be, approach it as having noconfidenceintheflesh,butwithaneyetothystock,thatrichstore-houseofallfurniture,anditshallbewiththeeasitwaswiththepriests,beforewhom Jordan recoiled, so soon as their foot entered within the brink;Godshallmakethydifficultiesevanish;andbytheillapsesoftheSpiritof

powerandmightfromJesusChristdependedupon,shall sostrengthenthee,thatthydutyismadeeasytoadmiration,andbecomesthedelightofthy soul.Pray for the continuanceof the life of the author,who, byhisassiduous working for Christ, hath been often near unto death, notregardinghis own life, to supply the lack of othermen's service, to theinterest andChurch ofGod; and let himbe comforted for this piece oftravelundertakenforthysoul'sinterest,byhearingthoudostimprove ittothyadvantage,forwhichitissoexactlycalculate:AndwithallIbegthyferventandearnestintercessionsforgrace,andmoregrace,tohimwhoisthypoor,yetsoul'swell-wisherandservant,forChrist'ssake,

R.M.W.

CHAPTERI.

THE INTRODUCTION, WITH SOME GENERALOBSERVATIONSFROMTHECOHESION.

JOHNXIV.6—JESUSSAITHUNTOTHEM,IAMTHEWAY,ANDTHETRUTH,ANDTHELIFE;NOMANCOMETHUNTOTHEFATHERBUTBYME.

Doubtless it is alwaysuseful, yea, necessary, for the children ofGod toknow the rightway ofmaking use of Christ, who ismade all things tothemwhichtheyneed,even"wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption,"1Cor.i.30.Butitisnevermorenecessaryforbelieverstobe clear and distinct in thismatter, thanwhen Satan, by allmeans, isseeking topervert therightwaysof theLord,and,onewayorother, tolead souls away, and draw them off Christ; knowing that, if he prevailhere,hehathgainedhispoint.Andthereforeheendeavourethnotonlytodarkenitbyerror,eithermoregrossormoresubtle,butalsotodarkenitby mistakes and prejudices: whence it cometh to pass, that not onlystrangersaremadetowanderoutoftheway,butoftentimesmanyofhisown people are walking in darkness of ignorance and mistakes, andremain lean throughwantof the real exerciseof the lifeof faith,whichwould make them fat and flourishing; because it would make them"strong in the Lord, and in the power of hismight, and to growup inChristinallthings."

The clearing up then of this truth cannot but bemost seasonable now,when Satan is prevailing with many, whom he cannot get tempted toloosenessandprofanity,tositdownuponsomethingwhichisnotChrist,andtorestuponsomethingwiththemselves,distinct fromhim,bothinthematterofjustificationandsanctification.Thissubtleadversaryisnowsetting somea-work, to cryup, bypreaching, speaking, and printing, away to heaven which is not Christ; a kind of morality, civility, andoutwardholiness,whereupon the soul is to rest. And this holiness, notwroughtandeffectuated through thestrengthofJesus,by faithsucking

lifeandfurniturefromhim;butthroughourownartandskill,whichineffect is nothing but an extract of refined Popery, Socinianism, andArminianism, devised and broached of purpose to draw the soul offChrist,thathemaystanduponhisownlegs,andwalkbyhisownpower,andthankhimself,atleastinpart,forthecrownatlength.

Further, through the great goodness of God, the true way of a soul'sjustificationisadmirablyclearedup;andmanyare,atleasttheoretically,acquaintedtherewith;andmanyalsopractically, tothequietingof theirwakened consciences, and stopping the mouth of their accusers, andobtainingofpeace,joy,andthelivelyhopeoftheeverlastingcrown;yetmany gracious souls profess their unacquaintednesswith the solid andthriving way of use-making of Christ for growth in grace and truesanctification.Thereforesomediscoveryofthetruthherecannotbutbeuseful,seasonable,yea,andacceptableuntothem.Ifhe,whoistheTruth,would give grace to understand, and to unfold this so necessary andalwaysadvantageousatruth,andwouldhelptowriteofandexplainthistruth by faith in himwho is here said to be the Truth, then shouldwehavecausetoblessandmagnifyhisname.Butifhe,becauseofsin,shallhide himself, and not let out these beams of light, whereby we mightdiscover light, we shall but darken counsel with words without ourknowledge, and leave the matter as unclear as ever. Therefore is itnecessary,therebebothinhimthatwriteth,andinsuchasread,asingledependenceonhim,who"isforaleader,"Isa.lv.5,andhathpromisedto"bringtheblindbyawaywhichtheyknownot,andtoleadtheminpathsthey had not known, and to make darkness light before them, andcrookedthingsstraight,"Isa.xlii.16,thatthusbyactingfaithonhimwemayfind,insofar,thetruthofthisverified,viz.thatheistheWay,theTruth,andtheLife.Now,forclearingupofthismatter,wewouldknow,thatourLordJesus, from thebeginningof this chapter, is layingdownsomegroundsof consolation, sufficient to comfort his disciples againstthesadnewsofhisdepartureanddeath;andtoencouragethemagainstthefearstheyhadofmucheviltobefallthemwhentheirLordandMastershouldbetakenfromthem;whichisasufficientproofofthetenderheartof Jesus, who alloweth all his followers strong consolation against allfears, hazards, troubles, and perplexities which they can meet with intheir way. He will not leave them comfortless, and therefore he layeth

down strong grounds of consolation to support their drooping andfaintinghearts;aslovingtoseehisfollowersalwaysrejoicingintheLord,andsinginginthewaysofZion:thattheworldmayseeandbeconvincedof a reality in Christianity, and of the preferableness of that life,notwithstanding of all the troubles that attend it, unto any other, howsweetanddesirablesoeveritmayappeartofleshandblood.

In prosecution ofwhich design, he told them, verse 4, that they "knewwhetherhewent,"andthewayalsowhichhewastotake,andbywhichhewastobringthemtotheFather,tothemansionspokenof,andsotolifeeternal.ButThomasrashlyandincredulously(astoousuallyhedid,chap.xi.16;xx.25,)ventethhimself,andlittlelessthancontradictethhisMaster,saying,verse5,"Weknownotwhitherthougoest,andhowcanweknowtheway?"whereinwehaveanemblemofmanyabeliever,whomayhavemoregraceandknowledgeofGodandofChristthantheywillbeabletosee,oracknowledgethattheyhave;whatthroughtemptations,inward distempers, sense of their many defects, and great ignorance,strongdesiresofhighmeasures,clearerdiscoveriesofthevastnessoftheobject,mistakesaboutthetruenatureofgrace,despisingthedayofsmallthings, and indistinctness as to the actings of grace, or want ofunderstanding and right uptaking of grace in its various outgoings andactingsundervariousnotions,andthelike.

Whereupon Christ, after his usualmanner, taketh occasion to clear upthatgroundofconsolationfurtheruntothem;andtoletthemseethetruewayofcomingtotheFather,thattherebytheymightbehelpedtoseethattheywerenotsuchstrangersuntothewayastheysupposed;andwithal,heamplifiethandlayethoutthepropertiesandexcellenciesofthisway,asbeingtheonlytrueandlivingway;andthatinsuchamanner,astheymightbothseethewaytobeperfect,full,safe,saving,andsatisfying;andalsolearntheirdutyofimprovingthiswayalways,andinallthings,untiltheycomehomeat lengthto theFather,saying,"Iamtheway,andthetruth,andthelife;nomancomethuntotheFatherbutbyme."

Christthensaying,thathenotonlyisthewaytotheFather,eventhetrueway,but thathe is so the trueway, as thathe is also truth itself in theabstract,andsothelivingway,thatheislifeitselfintheabstract,givethusgroundtoconsider,afterwhatmanneritisthatheistheTruthandthe

Life,aswellastheWay;andthat forclearingupanddiscoveringofhisbeing an absolutely perfect, transcendently excellent, incomparablypreferable and fully satisfying way, useful to believers in all cases, allexigents, all distresses, all difficulties, all trials, all temptations, alldoubts, all perplexities, and in all causes or occasions of distempers,fears,faintings,discouragements,&c.whichtheymaymeetwithintheirwaytoheaven.Andthiswillleadustoclearupthedutyofbelievers,ontheotherhand,and to showhow they should, inall their various casesanddifficulties,makeuse ofChrist as the only all-sufficientway to theFather,andastruthandlifeintheway,andsowewillbeledtospeakofChrist'sbeingtohispeopleallthatisrequisiteforthemhereintheway,whether for justification or sanctification; and howpeople are tomakeuse of him as being all, or, as being made of "God to us wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption,"1Cor.i.30.

Ere we come to the words in particular, we would look upon them ashavingrelationtoThomashiswords intheprecedingverse,whereinhedid little less thancontradictwhatChristhadsaid in the4thverse,andlearnseveralverycomfortablepointsofdoctrine,as,

I.ThatJesusChristisverytenderofhisfollowers,andwillnotcastthemoff,norupbraidthemforeveryescapewherebytheymayprovokehimtoangerandgrievehisSpirit;butgentlypassethbymanyof their failings,whenhefindeththeyarenotobstinateintheirmistake,norperverse intheirway.ForhowgentlyandmeeklydothheherepassoverThomashisunhandsome expression, finding that Thomas spake here, not out ofobstinacyandpertinaciousness,butoutofignoranceandamistake.Andthereasonis,because,1.Christknowethourinfirmityandweakness,andisofatenderheart,andthereforewillnot"breakthebruisedreed,"Isa.xlii.Wellknowethhethatroughanduntenderhandlingwouldcrushus,andbreakusallinpieces.And,2.Heisfullofbowelsofmercy,andcan"havecompassionon themthatareoutof theway,andcanbe touchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,"Heb.iv.15.v.2.

Whichtruth,asupontheonehand,itshouldencouragealltochoosehimfortheirleader,andgiveupthemselvesuntohim,whoissotenderofhisfollowers;so,upontheotherhand,itshouldrebukesuchasarereadytoentertainevilandhardthoughtsofhim,asifhewereanhardmaster,and

ill tobe followed,andputall fromentertaining the least thoughtofhisuntendernessandwantofcompassion.But,moreover,

II.We see, that weaknesses and corruptions breaking out in believers,when theyarehonestlyand ingenuously laidopenbefore theLord,willnotfearhimaway,butratherengagehimthemoretohelpandsuccour.MuchofThomashisweaknessandcorruptionappearedinwhathesaid;yetthesamebeinghonestlyandingenuouslylaidopentoChrist,notoutof a spirit of contradiction, but out of a desire to learn,Christ is so farfromthrustinghimaway,thatherathercondescendeththemore,outofloveandtenderness,toinstructhimbetter,andclearthewaymorefully.And that, because, 1.Heknowethourmould and fashion, how fecklessandfrailweare,andthatifheshoulddealwithusaccordingtoourfolly,weshouldquicklybedestroyed.2.Heisnotasaman,hasty,rash,proud;butgentle, loving, tender,and full of compassion.3. It ishisofficeandproper work to be an instructor to the ignorant, and a helper of ourinfirmitiesandweaknesses,aphysiciantobindupandcureoursoresandwounds.

Whowouldnot thenwillinglygiveupthemselves tosucha teacherthatwillnotthrustthemtothedoor,norgivethemuptothemselvesalways,when their corruptions would provoke him thereunto? And what amadness is this inmany, to stand a-back fromChrist, because of theirinfirmities;andtoscarathim,becauseoftheirweakness,whenthemorecorruptionwefindthemoreweshouldruntohim?anditissoonenoughtodepartfromChristwhenhethrustsusaway,andsaith,hewillhavenomoretodowithus;yea,hewillallowustostayafterwearethricethrustaway.Only, letus takeheed thatweapprovenotourselves inourevils,thatwehidethemnotasunwillingtopartwiththem,thatweobstinatelymaintain themnot, nor ourselves in them; but thatwe lie open beforehim,anddealwithhim,withhonesty,ingenuousness,andplainness.

III.Wesee, further,That ignorance ingenuouslyacknowledgedandlaidopen beforeChrist, puts the soul in a fairway to getmore instruction.Thomashavingcandidly,accordingashethought,inthesimplicityofhisheart,professedhisignorance,isinafairwaynowtogetinstruction.Forthis is Christ's work, to instruct the ignorant, to open the eyes of theblind.

Whythenarewesofoolishastoconcealourignorancefromhim,andtohideourcaseandconditionfromhim;andwhydothnotthiscommendChrist'sschooltoussomuchthemore?whydowenotcarryasingeniousscholars,reallydesiroustolearn?But,

IV.Wemaylearn,ThatourillconditionanddistempersputintoChrist'shandwillhaveremarkableout-gates,andanadvantageousissue;seeingChrist takethoccasionhere fromThomashis layingopenhis condition,notwithoutsomemixtureofcorruption,toclearupthetruthmorefullyand plainly than it was before; for hereby, 1. Christ giveth an opendeclarationofthegloryofhispower,mercy,goodness,wisdom,&c.2.Hehathoccasiontogiveaproofofhisdivineartandgloriousskillofhealingdiseasedsouls,andofmakingbrokenbonesstrongerthanevertheywere.3.Thusheeffectuallyaccomplishedhisnobledesigns,andperfectethhiswork, inawaytendingtoabaseman,bydiscoveringhis infirmitiesandfailings; and to glorify himself in his goodness and love. 4. Thus hetriumpheth more over Satan, and in a more remarkable and gloriousmannerdestroyethhisworks. 5.Thushedeclarethhowwonderfullyhecanmakeall thingsworktogetherforgoodtohischosenones that lovehimandfollowhim.6.Yea,thusheengagethsoulstowondermoreathisdivine wisdom and power; to despair less in time coming, when caseswouldseemhard;toacknowledgehisgreatandwonderfulgrace,andhisinfinitepowerandwisdom,thatcanbringlifeoutofdeath;andalsotobemoresensibleofthemercy,andthankfulforit.

O believer, whatmanner of joy is here! how happy art thou that hathgivenupthyself tohim!Thyworstconditioncanturntothyadvantage.Hecanmakethyignorance,ventedwithamixtureofcorruption,turntothe increase of thy knowledge. Bless him for this; and, with joy andsatisfaction,abidethouunderhistutoryandathisschool.Andwithal,benotdiscouraged,bethycaseofignoranceandcorruptionwhatitwill,layit before him with sincerity and singleness of heart, and then "thoumayest glory in thine infirmities, that the power of Christmay rest onthee,"2Cor.xii.9;forthoushaltsee,induetime,whatadvantageinfiniteloveandwisdomcanbringtothysoulthereby.

Maynotthisbeastrongmotivetoinducestrangerstogiveupthemselves

tohim,whowillsweetlytakeoccasion,attheirfailingsandshortcomings,tohelpthemforwardintheway?Andwhatexcusecantheyhavewhositthecallofthegospel,andsay,ineffect,theywillnotgotoChristbecausetheircaseisnotgood.AndOthatbelieverswerenotsometimesledawaywith this error of scaring at Christ, because of infirmities seen anddiscovered!

V.Itisremarkable,that,asthedisciplesdidofttimesventmuchoftheircarnal conceptions of the kingdom of Christ, as apprehending it to besome carnal, outward, pompous, stately, and, upon that account,desirablecondition;sotheremightbemuchofthiscarnalapprehensionlurking under this acknowledgment and question of Thomas; and theLord, who knew their thoughts, doth here wisely draw them off thosenotions,andsetsthemaboutanotherstudy,totellus,thatitisbestandmostusefulandprofitableforus,tobemuchtakenupinthestudyandsearchofnecessary fundamental truths, and,particularly,of theway totheFather.For,1.Hereisthesubstantialfoodofthesoul;othernotionsarebutvain,andoftentimestheymakethecaseofthesoulworse;butthestudy of this is always edifying. 2. The right understanding of this andotherfundamentaltruthswillnotpuffup,butkeepthesoulhumble,andwillmakethesoulactiveanddiligentinduty.3.Thefruitofthisstudyisprofitable and lasting. 4. And the right uptaking of these truths willdiscover the vanity of other sciences, falsely so called, and the folly ofspendingourtimeaboutotherthings.5.Therightunderstandingofthisfundamental will help us to understand other truths the better. 6. Amistakeinthis,andsuchlikefundamentals,ortheignoranceofthem,ismoredangerousthantheignoranceoformistakeinotherthings.

Oh! if thiswere teachingusall, inhumility, tobemuch in the study ofsuchfundamentalnecessarytruthsasthisis;andtoguardagainstapieceof vanity in affecting knowledge, the effect of which is nothing but apuffingofusupwithprideandconceit!

VI.Wemayhere takenoticeofwhatmayserve todiscoverThomashismistake, and what is the ground of Christ's assertion, verse 4, whichThomasdothlittlelessthancontradict,verse5,viz.thatsuchashadanyacquaintance with Christ did, according to the measure of theirknowledgeofhim,bothknowheavenand theway to it;whencewesee

thesetruths,

1.PersonsmayhavesomerealacquaintancewithChrist,andyetbe,foratime, very indistinct in their notions about him, and apprehensions ofhim. They may know Christ in some measure, and yet look uponthemselves as great strangers to the knowledge of heaven, and be oftcomplainingoftheirignoranceoftherightwaytoheaven.

2.WherethereistheleastmeasureoftrueacquaintancewithChrist,withlove to him, and a desire to knowmore of him, Christwill take noticethereof, though it be covered over with a heap of mistakes, andaccompanied with much ignorance, weakness, and indistinctness. Heseeth not asman seeth, which is good news to some that are weak inknowledge,andunable togiveanygoodaccountofanyknowledge theyhave;yetonethingtheycansay,thathewhoknowethallthings,knoweththattheylovehim.

3.VariousarethedispensationsofGod'sgraceuntohisown.Tosomehegivethagreater,toothersalessermeasureofknowledgeofthemysteriesofthekingdomofheaven;andtooneandthesameperson,moreatonetime thanatanother.Variousarehismanifestationsandout-lettingsofgraceandlove.Smallbeginningsmaycometomuchat length.Thomas,and the rest of the disciples, had but little clear and distinctapprehensionsofthewayofsalvationthroughJesusChrist;andyet,ereall was done, they attained to such ameasure of understanding in themysteriesofGod,asthatwearesaidtobe"builtuponthefoundationoftheapostles,JesusChristhimselfbeing thechief corner-stone,"Eph. ii.20.Thisshouldteachthebestmuchsobriety,andnotto judgeofallbythemselves;ortothink,thatGod'swaywiththemmustbeastandardorarulewherebytojudgeofalltherest;asifhiswayofdealingwereoneandthesamewithall.

4.TheknowledgeofChristisall.Knowhim,andweknowheavenandtheway to it; for upon this ground doth Christ make good what he said,touchingtheirknowingwhitherhewent,andtheway;andanswereththeobjectionthatThomasdidpropose,viz.becausehewastheway,&c.,andthey being acquaint with him, (which here is presupposed,) were notignorantoftheplacewhitherhewasgoing,norofthewayleadingthither.

The knowledge then of Jesus Christ is a true and full compend of allsaving knowledge.Hence it "is life eternal to know him," John xvii. 3."Theythatknowhim,knowtheFather,"Johnxiv.9.andviii. 19."Theythatseehim,seetheFatheralso,"Johnxiv.9."HeisintheFather,andthe Father in him," John xiv. 10, 11. and x. 38. and xvii. 21. And soknowinghimtheyknowheaven;forwhatisheavenelsebutthepresenceandgloriousmanifestationsoftheFather;forwhenChristspeaksofhisgoingtoheaven,hesaith,"HewasgoingtotheFather."Soknowinghim,theyknowtheway,bothhowChristwastogotoheavenasourcautioner,head,andattorney,andhowwemustfollow.

Letthenamanhaveneversomuchknowledge,andbeacquaintedwiththemysteriesofallartsandsciences,andwiththedepthsofnature,andintrigues of states, and all the theory of religion; if he be unacquaintedwithJesus,heknowethnothingasheoughttoknow.

Andupontheotherhand, letapoorsoul that ishonest,andhathsomeknowledgeof,andacquaintancewithhim,besatisfied,thoughitcannotdiscoursenordispute,norspeaktocasesofconscience,assomeothers;ifweknowhim,itmattersnotthoughwebeignorantofmanythings,andtherebybecomelessesteemedofbyothers.Hereisthetruetest,bywhichwemay take a right estimate of our own, or of others' knowledge. Thetrue rule to try knowledge by, is not fine notions, clear and distinctexpressions,butheart-acquaintancewithhim; "inwhomarehidall thetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge,"Col.ii.3.

O sad! thatwe are notmore taken up in this study,whichwould be acompendiouswayforustoknowall?Whyspendweourmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andourlabourforthatwhichwillnotprofitus?Whywasteweourtimeandspiritsinlearningthisscience,andthatart;when,alas!afterwe,withmuchlabourandtoil,haveattainedtotheyondmostpitchthere,weareneveronewhitthenearerheavenandhappiness?yea,itwerewell,ifwewerenotfurtheroff!Oh!ifwewerewiseatlength,andcouldthinkmoreofthisonethingnecessary;andcouldbestirreduptolearn more of him, and to make this the subject of all our study andlabour.

CHAPTERII.

OFTHEWORDSTHEMSELVESINGENERAL.

Wecomenowtothewordsthemselves,whereinChristassertsthatheis,1,"theway;"2,"thetruth;"3,"thelife;"and,4,"thatnomancomethtotheFatherbutbyhim."

Inthemwelearnthesetwothingsingeneral.

First, Themisery of wretchedman by nature. This cannot be in a fewwordsexpressed.

Thesewordswill point out those particulars thereof,whichwewill butmention.

1. That he is born an enemy to, and living at a distance fromGod, byvirtueofthecurseofthebrokencovenantoflifemadewithAdam.

2.ThatheneithercannorwillreturntoGod,ofhimself.Hiswayisnotinhimself;hehathneedofanothertobehisway.

3. That he is a blind, wandering creature, ready to by-ways and towander;yea,helovethtowander.Hegoethastrayassoonasheisborn,speakinglies.

4.Hecannotdiscernthetrueway,butisblindedwithprejudicethereat,andfullofmistakes.Heisnothingbutalumpoferror.

5.Heisdeadlegallyandreally:howcanhethencomehome?Howcanhewalkintheway,thoughitwerepointedouttohim?

6. He, even when he entereth into the way, is subject to so manyfaintings, swoonings,upsittings,&c. that excepthegetnewquickening,hemustliebythewayandperish.

Inaword,hismiseryissuchascannotbeexpressed;foraslittleasitisbelieved,andlaidtoheart;orseenandmournedfor,andlamented.

Now, for a ground to our following discourse, I would press the solid,thoroughandsensibleapprehensionofthis,withoutwhichtherewillbeno use-making or application of Christ; "for the whole need not thephysician,butthesick;"andChristis"notcometocalltherighteous,butsinnerstorepentance,"Matt.ix.12.Markii.17.Yea,believersthemselveswouldlivewithinthesightofthis,andnotforgettheirfrailty;forthoughtherebeachangewroughtinthem,yettheyarenotperfect,butwillhaveneedofChristastheway,thetruth,andthelife,tillhebringthemin,andsetthemdownuponthethrone,andcrownthemwiththecrownof life.And,Ohappythey,whomustnotwalkonfootwithoutthisguideleadingthembythehand,orrathercarryingtheminhisarms.LetallthemwhowouldmakeuseofChristrememberwhattheywere,andwhattheyare,andkeepthesenseoftheirfrailtyandmiseryfresh;thatseeingtheirneedofhim,theymaybeinbettercasetolookouttohimforhelpandsupply,andbemoredistinctintheirapplicationofhim.

The second general is, that Christ is a complete mediator, thoroughlyfurnishedforallournecessities.AreweatadistancefromtheFather?Heisawaytobringustogether.Arewewanderedoutoftheway?Heisthewaytous.Areweblindandignorant?Heisthetruth.Arewedead?Heisthelife.Concerningthisfulnessandcompletenessofhis,wewouldmarkthesethings:

1.Thatheisthoroughlyfurnishedwithallthingswestandinneedof;theway,thetruth,andthelife.Hehatheye-salve,clothing,goldtriedinthefire,&c."FortheSpiritoftheLordisuponhim,andhathanointedhim,"Isa.lxi.1.

2.Heissuitablyqualified,notonlyhavingafulness,andanall-fulness,sothat whatever we need is to be had in him, but also a suitable fulnessansweringourcasetothelife.Areweoutoftheway?Heistheway.Arewedead?Heislife,&c.

3.Heisrichlyqualifiedwiththissuitablegood.Hehathnotonly"wisdomandknowledge,"but"treasuresofit,"yea,"allthetreasures"thereof,Col.

ii.3.Thereisfulnessinhim;yea,"ithathpleasedtheFatherthatinhimshould all fulness dwell," Col. i. 19. Yea, "the fulness of the Godheaddwellethinhimbodily,"Col.ii.9.

4.Hencethisisanup-makingcompletenessandfulness;forwearesaidtobe"completeinhim,"Col.ii.10.Andheissaidto"beallinall,"Col.iv.11."Hefillethallinall,"Eph.i.23.

5.Itisalsoasatisfyingcompleteness.Theeyeisnotsatisfiedwithseeing,nor theearwithhearing.Theavariciousman isnot satisfiedwithgold,northeambitiousmanwithhonour;butstilltheyarecryingwiththelochleech,give,give!ButthemanwhogettethChrist isfull;hesittethdownand cryeth, enough, enough! And no wonder, for he hath all; he candesirenomore;hecanseeknomore;forwhatcanthemanwantthatiscompleteinhim?

6.There ishere thatwhichwillanswerall theobjectionsofa soul; andthesesometimesarenotfew.IftheysaytheycannotknowthewaytotheFather, then he is the truth to instruct and teach them that, and so toenter them into it. And if they say they cannot walk in that way, noradvanceinitonestep,butwillfaintandsitup,succumbandfallby;heanswereththatheisthelife,toputlifeandkeeplifeinthem,andtocausethemtowalk,byputtinganewprincipleoflifeinthem,andbreathingofnewonthatprinciple.

Othricehappytheywhohavefledtohimforrefuge!ItiseasyforthemtoanswerallobjectionsandcavilsofSatan,andofafalseheart.ItiseasyforthemtoputChristtoanswerall.And,ontheotherhand,whocantellthemiseryofsuchasarestrangerstoJesus?Howshalltheirwantsbemadeup?Howshalltheyanswerchallenges,accusations,temptations,doubts,fears,objections,anddiscouragements,castupintheirway?

Oh!shouldnotthisendearthewayofthegospeltous,andmakeChristpreciousuntous!Isitnotawonderthatsuchanall-sufficientmediator,who isable to save to theuttermostall that come toGod throughhim,shouldbesolittleregardedandsoughtunto;andthatthereshouldbesofewthatembracehim,andtakehimasheisofferedinthegospel.

How can this be answered in the day of accounts? What excuse canunbelievers now have? Is not all to be found in Christ that their casecallethfor?Ishenotacompletemediator,thoroughlyfurnishedwithallnecessaries? Is not the riches of his fulness written on all hisdispensations? The mouths, then, of unbelievers, must be for everstopped.

CHAPTERIII.

HOWCHRISTISTHEWAYINGENERAL,"IAMTHEWAY."

Wecomenowtospeakmoreparticularlytothewords;and,first,Ofhisbeingaway.Ourdesignbeingtopointatthewayofuse-makingofChristin all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way toheaven;andparticularlytopointoutthewayhowbelieversshouldmakeuseofChristinalltheirparticularexigencies;andsolivebyfaithinhim,walkinhim,growupinhim,advanceandmarchforwardtowardgloryinhim.ItwillnotbeamisstospeakofthisfulnessofChristinreferencetounbelievers,asoccasionoffereth,becausethiswillhelptocleartheother.

BeforewecanclearuphowanycanmakeuseofChrist,wemustspeaksomethingoftheirnecessityofhim,andofhisbeingfurnishedfitly,fully,richly,andsatisfyinglyfortheircase;andthiswillmakethewayofuse-makingofChristmoreplain.

WhileChristthensays,"IamtheWay,"hepointsoutthosethingstous:

1. That man is now estranged from the Lord, and in a wanderingcondition:HehathdepartedfromGod,heisrevoltedandgone."Theyareallgoneoutoftheway,"Rom.iii.12."Theygoastrayassoonastheyareborn,speakinglies,"Psal.lviii.3.

2.Nay,notonlyso,butwelovenaturallytowanderandtorunawayfromGod, as Jeremiah complaineth of that wicked people, Jer. xiv. 10.Naturally, with "the dromedary,we traverse ourways," Jer. ii. 23, andrunhitherandthither,butneverlooktowardshim.Nay,wearelikethosespokenof,Jobxxi.14."Wedesirenottheknowledgeofhisways,wewillhavenoneofhim,"Psalmlxxxi.11;nor"ofhisreproofs,"Prov.i.30.

Oh,howsadisthis!Andyethowisitmoresad,thatthisisnotbelieved,noronceconsidered.Andthatitisnotbelieved,ismanifest;for,

1.Howrareisittomeetwithpersonsthatarenotverywellpleasedandsatisfiedwiththemselvesandtheircondition?TheythanktheLorditwasaye well with them. They have no complaints. They see no wants nornecessities.Theywonderwhatmakesfolkcomplainoftheircondition,oftheirevilheart,oroftheirhazardanddanger.Theyunderstandnotthesematters.

2.Dowenotfindpeopleveryquietandatrest,thoughtheyremaininthecongregation of the dead, Prov. xxi. 16. They sleep in a sound skin,because they see no hazard. The thoughts of their condition neverbereavethemofonenight'srest:Nochallengeshavethey;allisatpeacewiththem,forthestrongmankeepsthehouse.

3.Howrare is it to findpeopleexercisedabout thismatter, andbusiedwith it in their thoughts, either while alone, or while in companywithothers;oronceseriouslythinkingandconsideringofit,yea,orsomuchassuspectingthematter?

4.Howrareisittoseeanysoulbrokeninheart,andhumbledbecauseofthis;who iswalkingunder this asundera load;whose soul isbleedingundertheconsiderationofthis!Isthereanymourningforthis?

5.Whereisthattobeheard,"Menandbrethren,whatshallwedotobesaved?"How shallwe enter into the rightway?Where is that good oldway, that we may walk in it? Few such questions and cases troublingconsciences;andnowonder,foradeepsleepisuponthem.

6. How cometh it then, that the pointing forth of the way is so littlehearkenedunto?Surewerethisnaturalconditionperceived,a reportofthesureandsafewaywouldbemuchmorewelcomethanitis:Christbyhismessengerswouldnotbeputtocrysoofteninvain,"Thisistheway,turninhither."

Hereisenoughtoconvinceofthisignoranceandinsensibleness;butitishisSpirit,which"convinceththeworldofsin,"Johnxvi. thatmustbearhomethisconviction.

Secondly, It pointeth out to us this, that "the way of man is not in

himself,"Jer.x.23,thatis,thatnothing,hecandocanorwillproveawaytohimtotheFather:ForChrististheWay,asexcludingallothermeansandways.Andthatmancandonothingtohelphimself intotheway, isclear;for,

1."Hiswayisdarkness,"Prov.iv.14.Heknowethnobetter,heissatisfiedtherewith;therehesleepethandresteth.

2.Hecannotnordothnotdesiretoreturn.Hehatethtobereformed.

3. Yea, he thinketh himself safe; no man can convince him of thecontrary:Thewayheisin"seemethrighttohim,thoughtheendthereofbedeath;"Prov.xiv.12,andxvi.25.

4.Everymanhathhisownparticularwaytowhichheturneth,Isaiahliii,6;someonethingorotherthatheispleasedwith,andthathethinkswillabundantly carry him through, and there resteth he; and what theseordinarilyare,weshallhearpresently.

5.Inthishisway,whichyetisafalseway,"hetrusteth,"Hoseax.13,heleanethuponit, littleknowingthatitwillfailhimatlength,andthatheandhishopeandconfidenceshallperish.

Isitnotstrangethentoseemenandwomen"gadingabouttoseektheirway,"asitissaid,Jer.ii.36.asiftheycouldfinditout;orasiftheycouldof themselves fall upon the way. What a lamentable sight is it, to seepeople"wearyingthemselveswithverylies,"Ezek.xxiv.12;"andweariedinthemultitudeoftheirowncounsels,"Isaiahxlvii.15.

Butwhatarethosefalseandlyingwayswhichmenwearythemselvesin,andallinvain;andwhichtheychuseandtrustunto,andyetarenotthewaywhichwillprovesafeandsure?

Ans. Itwillnotbeeasy toreckonthemallup,weshallnamesomethatareprincipalandmostordinary;suchas,

1.Goodpurposesandresolutions,withwhichmanydeceivethemselves,supposing that tobeallwhich is required:And,alas!all theirpurposesare like to Ephraim's goodness,—like the early cloud andmorning dew

that soon evanisheth; their purposes are soon broken off, and soondisappointed,becausemadewithoutcounsel,Prov.xv.22.Manyfoolishlyresthere, that theyhave a goodmind todobetter, and to amend theirways,andtheypurposeaftersuchatimeorsuchtime,theyshallbeginanewmanneroflife;buttheirpurposesnevercometoanyeffect,andsoatlengththeyandtheirpurposesbothperish.

2. Some convictions and inward challenges. The word now and thenpierceththemsofar,andsoreandsharpdispensationsfromtheLordsofaraffecttheirheart,thattheyseeitisnotwellwiththem;andtheyaremade, with Saul, to cry out, "I have sinned," 1 Sam. xv. 24, and theyadvance no further; those convictions either die out again, or work nofurtherchange:And,poorsouls,theythink,becauseatsuchasermon,orsuch a communion, they had some such convictions and sharpchallenges, therefore they imagine all is well with them; when a Judasmayhaveconvictions,sharperthanevertheyhad,andaFelix,Actsxxiv.25.

3. Convictions followed with some sort of amendment. Some maydreadfullydeceivethemselveswiththis,andconcludethatallisrightwiththem,andthatthewaytheyareinissafeandsure;becausetheyhavehadconvictions, which have been so effectual as to cause them to amendmanythings,andbecome,astomanythings,changedmenandwomen,when,alas,theirwayisbutawayofdarknessstill; it isnotChrist;theyhave never come to him. Herod hearing John Baptist, had his ownconvictionsandamendments;for"hedidmanythings,"Markvi.20.

4. Many rest upon their outward civility and morality, or negativeholiness. They cannot be challenged for gross faults, and that is all thewaytheyhavetorestin:Alas!couldnotawickedPhariseesayasmuchasthey,viz."Thathewasnoextortioner,unjustperson,oranadulterer,norsuchasthepublicanwas,"Lukexviii.11.Howmanyheathens,astothis,shall outstrip such as profess themselvesChristians? and yet they livedand died strangers to the right way to happiness. See what that pooryoungmansaid,Lukexviii.21.

5.Somemaywintomorethancivility,andattainuntoakindofoutwardholiness, and outward performance of the duties of religion, such as

hearing,reading,prayer,communicating,andrestthere,andyetperish:Forthatisbuttheirownway,itisnottherightway.Hadnotthefoolishvirginslamps?anddidtheynotwaitwiththerest,Matth.xxv.;andwillnotmanysay,inthatday,"Wehaveeatenanddrunkeninthypresence,and thou hast taught in our streets:" to whom Christ shall answer, "Iknownotwhence youare,depart fromme, all yeworkers of iniquity?"Luke xiii. 26, 27. Were not the Jews much in duties and outwardordinances? and yet seehow theLord rejected themall, Isaiah i. 11-15,andlxvi.3.

6.Muchknowledgedothdeceivemany.Theythinkbecausetheycantalkofreligion,speaktocasesofconscience,handleplacesofScripture,andthe like, that therefore all is right with them; when alas, that is but aslippery ground to stand upon. The Pharisees sat in Moses' seat, andtaughtsometimessounddoctrine;andyetwereheart-enemies toJesus,Matth.xxiii.Andwillnotmanythinktopleadthemselvesintoheaven,bysaying,thatthey"haveprophesiedinhisname,"Matth.vii.22.Thereis"a knowledge that puffeth up," 1 Cor. xiii. 2. Some there are whoseknowledge seemeth to be operative and practical, and not merelyspeculative. Somemay "escape the pollutions of theworld through theknowledgeoftheLordandSaviourJesusChrist,"andyetagainbecomeentangled thereinandovercome; so that "their latter end isworse thanthebeginning;"see2Peterii.20,21,22.Knowledge,Igrant,isgood,butitisnotChrist,andsoitisnotthewaytotheFather;andmany,alas!leantoit,andaredeceivedatlast.

7. A kind of seeming seriousness in the performance of duties, and inseeking of God, deceiveth many. They think, because they are notconscious to their own dissembling, but they look upon themselves asearnestinwhattheydo,thatthereforealliswell.SayethnotChrist,thatnot "every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom ofGod?"Matth.vii.21;thatis,noteveryonethatreneweththeirsuits,andingeminateththeirdesires, cry, andcryoveragain, and, as itwere,willnotgiveitover;andyettheycomeshortoftheirexpectation.Didnotthefoolish virgins seem earnest and serious, when they continued waitingwiththerest,andatlengthcried"Lord,Lord,openuntous;"andyettheyarekeptat thedoor.Manyconsidernot that there isa secretandclose

hypocrisy, that somemaybeunder andnot know it, aswell as a grosshypocrisy and dissimulation, which may be easily observed; "Will notmanyseektoenterinthatshallnotbeable?"Matth.vii.13.Lukexiii.24.

8.Manydeceive themselveswith this, that they are lookedonbyothergodly,discerningpersonsandministers,asgoodseriousChristians,andthat they carry so handsomely and so fair, that no man can judgeotherwaysofthem,thanthattheyaregoodseriousseekersofGod.But,alas! theday iscomingwhichwilldiscovermany things, andmanyonewill be deceived both of themselves and of others. "Not he whocommendethhimself is approved, butwhomGod approveth," 2Cor. x.18.Therefore,PaulexhortsTimothy,"tostudytoshowhimselfapproveduntoGod,"2Tim. ii. 15.Men lookonly on the outside, and cannot seeinto theheart;butGodsearcheth theheart; and it is aneasymatter todeceivemen,butGodwillnotbedeceived.

9.Somemaysupposethemselvesinasafeandsureway,iftheyoutstripothers in religious duties, and bemuch in extraordinary duties, when,alas! forall that, theheartmayberotten. "ThePharisee fasted twice a-week,"Lukexviii.12,andyetwasbutanenemytoChrist.Ohowdeceitfulistheheartofman!

10. Inward peace and quietness of conscience may deceive some; andtheymay suppose that all is right with them; because they do nothingover the belly of their conscience. Their heart doth not accuse themoffalsehoodanddissimulationintheirwaywithGodorman,buttheydoallthingsaccordingtotheirlight.Nodoubtthatyoungman(Lukexviii.21,)spokeaccordingtohisjudgmentandlight,whenhesaid,"AllthesethingshaveIkeptfrommyyouth."AndPaulsaithofhimself(Actsxxiii.1,)"thathe had lived in all good conscience before God till that very day;"meaning, that even while he was a Pharisee unconverted, he had nottortured his conscience, nor done anything directly against it, but hadalwayswalkedaccordingtohislight.SeeActsxxvi.9.

11. A way of zeal may deceive many who may think their caseunquestionable, because they are zealous for their way, and, as theythink, their zeal is pure for God.Was not Paul, while a Pharisee, veryzealous,when,outofzealtohisway,hepersecutedthechurch,Philip.iii.

6.SeemyzealfortheLord,couldIthussay,2Kingsx.16;andtheJewshadazealofGod,butnotaccordingtoknowledge,Rom.x.2;andChristtells us, that such as should persecute the Apostles unto death, wouldthinktheydidGodgoodservice,Johnxvi.2.

12.Somealsomayputitbeyondquestion,thattheyareintherightway,becausetheyaremorestrictinalltheirwaysthanothers,andwillnotsomuch as keep fellowship or company with them; saying, with those,(Isaiah lxv. 5) "Standby, I amholier than thou, comenotnear tome,"whoyetarebutasmokeinGod'snose,andafirethatburnethalltheday.

13. Some may rest on, and deceive themselves with their greatattainments,andmorethanordinaryexperiences,when,alas!weseetowhataheightsomemaycome,andyetprovenothing.Letsuchsoulsreadwith trembling thatwordofPaul,Heb.vi4,5,wherewesee somemaycometobeenlightened,totasteoftheheavenlygift,tobemadepartakersoftheHolyGhost,totastethegoodwordofGod,andthepowersoftheworld to come, and yet prove cast-aways; taking these expressions aspointingforthsomethingdistinctfromrealgrace.

Many such false ways, wherein men please themselves, might bementioned;bytheseeveryonemayseecauseofsearchingandtryingoverandoveragain.Itisadreadfulthingtobedeceivedhere,anditisbesttoput it toa trial,whenthere isapossibilityofgettingthematterhelped.AndmanymayfearandtremblewhentheyseetheyarenotyetcomethelengthofmanysuchassitdownwithoutChrist,andlosealltheirlabour.Oh, if this could put people to a serious examination and trial ofthemselves, andof thenatureof thatwaywherein theyare, and rest atpresent!

Thirdly,Wemighthereobserve,thatthistrueandlivingwayisbutoneforall.There isbut "oneMediatorbetweenGodandman," 1Tim. ii. 5.OneMediatorforbothOldandNewTestament,theseedofthewoman.Howbeit theLord'sdispensationswithhispeople, in thatoneway,maybevarious,ashiswaywithhispeopleunderthelawisdifferentfromhisway with his people under the gospel; and his dispensations withindividualbelievers,whetherunderthelaworunderthegospel,isnotthesameinallthings.

And this should teachus to relinquishourownways, and to enter intothis oneonlyway; and it shouldmove suchas are in thisway to studyunity and agreement among themselves; and yet not infer or suppose,that God's way with themmust be in all things alike. Yea, though theLord'swaywith thembe different fromhiswaywith others, andmoredark,disconsolate,andbitter,yetletthembequietandsilentbeforetheLord,andacknowledgehisgoodnessthathathbroughtthemintotheoneonlyway,JesusChrist,andkeepeththemthere.

But, fourthly, Themain thing here, and which is obvious, is this, thatJesusChrististhewaytotheFather,theoneandonlyway,thesovereignandexcellentway,andhealoneistheway.Thereisnotanother."Neitheristheresalvationinanyother;forthereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmen,wherebywemustbesaved,"Actsiv.12.

Forclearingofthis,weshallspeakalittletothosefourthings,andshew,

1.Whatisourcase,andwhatneedwehaveofaway.

2.HowChristanswereththisourcaseandnecessity,andisafitwayforus.

3.Howhealoneistheway,andanswereththisourcase.

4.Whataretherareadvantagesandspecialitiesofthisway.

Andthiswillmakewayforourclearingup,howChristismadeuseofasawaybypoorsinners.

For the first of these, our present case and necessity, something wasspokentoitbefore;weshallreduceallthosetotwoheads.Thefirstis,ourstateofguilt,andseparationfromGodbecauseofsinandguilt;thenextis,ourstateofwickednessandenmityagainstGod.

Astothefirst,wemaytakenoticeofthosethings:

1.Thatsin,originalandactual,hathseparatedusfromGod,andcastusoutofhisfavour,andoutofthatstationoffavourandfriendshipwhichoncewewereadvancedtoinAdam.

2.ThatweareunderGod'scurseandwrath,andexcommunicatedfromthepresenceoftheLord,byasad,yetjust,sentenceaccordingtolaw,andsoareunderdeath.

Astothenextthing,wemaytakenoticeofthoseparticulars:

1.Thatweareimpureandpollutedwithsinanddailyiniquity.

2. That we are ignorant of the right way of returning into favour withGod,seekingouttoourselvesmanyinventions.

3.Thatweareimpotentforanygoodworkorcommandedduty.

Thatnotonlyso,butweareunwillingtodoanythingthatisgood,ortoenterintothewaywhenpointedoutuntous;yea,weareenemiestoGodbywickedworks,andhaveaninnatehatredtoallhisways.

5.Wedesirenot to be out of the conditionwhereintowe are; therewelovetolieandsleep,anddesirenottoberouseduporawakened.

6.WeareunderthepowerandcommandofSatan,wholeadethusoutoftheway,yea,anddrivethusforwardinthewrongway,toourperdition.

Thesethingsareplainandundeniable,andneednofurtherconfirmation;though,alas!itislittlebelievedorlaidtoheartbymany.

Forthesecond,howChristanswereththisourcaseandnecessity.Heisawaytoustohelpusoutofboththese,bothoutofourstateofguiltandseparation,andoutofourstateofwickednessandenmity.

And,first,hehelpethusoutofourstateofguiltandseparation:

1.Bytakingawayourguiltandsin;"beingmadesinforus,whoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim,"2Cor.v.21.HehathfilledthegreatgapbetwixtGodandus,withhisbody,andhathmadeofit,asitwere,abridge,bywhichtheymaygoovertotheFather:"WeenternowintotheholiestbythebloodofJesus,byanewandlivingway,whichhehathconsecratedforus,throughtheveil,thatistosay,hisflesh,"Heb.x.19,20;"wearenowbroughtnearbyhisblood,"Eph.ii.13,

so that throughhimwe are restored again to friendshipwithGod, andmade one with him; for Christ the Mediator hath "made both one,reconcilingJewsandGentilesbothuntoGod,inonebody,bythecross,havingslaintheenmity,"Eph.ii.16.

2.Bytakingawaythecurseandwraththatwasduetous,being"madeacurse forus,"Gal iii. 13. So thathe is becomeourpeace, and "throughhim we have access by one spirit unto the Father, and are no morestrangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizenswith the saints, and of thehouseholdofGod,"Eph.ii.14,18,19."Heissetforthtobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood,"Rom.iii.25.1Johnii.2,andiv.10."Byhimhavewenowreceivedatonement,"Rom.v.11.

Next,hehelpethusoutofourstateofwickednessandenmity,

1. By taking away our impurity and uncleanness, "by washing us andcleansingus in his blood,"Ezek. xvi. 6-9.Col. i. 22, "having purchasedgrace forus,"Eph.v. 1,3, "weareblessedwithall spiritualblessings inhim." He applieth his merits, and layeth the foundation of grace andholiness in the soul, and carrieth on the work of mortification andvivification;andsokilling theoldmanbyhisSpirit,bothmeritoriouslyand efficiently, he cleanseth and washeth. Hence, we are said to bebaptised with him in his death, and buried with him by baptism intodeath, that we should walk in newness of life. And so our old man iscrucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, thathenceforthwe shouldnot serve sin,Rom. vi. 3, 4, 6.And for our dailyinfirmities and escapes, whereby we pollute ourselves, his blood "is afountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants ofJerusalemforsinandforuncleanness,"Zech.xiii.1;andtothisfountainhebringethby the spirit of repentance,whichhe, as an exaltedprince,bestoweth,Acts. v.31, andby faith.So 1John ii. 1, "if anymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,"&c.

2.As forour ignoranceandblindness,he taketh thataway,beinggivenforalighttotheGentiles,Isa.xlii.6,andxlix.6.Lukeii.32.Heissenttoopentheblindeyes,Isa.xlii.7;tobringouttheprisonersfromtheirdarkprisons,Isa.xlii.7,andlxi.1.Yea,heisanointedforthisend,sothatsuchaswalkindarknessseeagreatlight,andtheythatdwellinthelandofthe

shadowofdeath,uponthemthelighthathshined,Isa.ix.2.Matth.iv.15;andhehatheye-salvetogive,Rev.iii.18.

3.Heisqualifiedfortakingawayourimpotency,sothatthroughhimwecandoallthings,Philip,iv.13;"whenweareweak,wearestronginhimwhoisourstrength,andlivethinus,"2Cor.xii.10.Gal.ii.20.Hence,"heworkethinusbothtowillandtodoofhisowngoodpleasure,"Philip.ii.13.

4.Healsotakethawayournaturalaverseness,unwillingness,wickedness,and hatred of his ways, making his people "willing in the day of hispower,"Psal.cx.Sohetakethaway"theenmitythatisinus,"Col.ii.20,and reconcileth us to God and to his ways, that our hearts do sweetlycomplywiththem,andwebecomemostwillingandgladtowalkinthem,yea,and"torunthewayofhiscommandmentsthroughhisenlargingofourhearts,"Psal.cxix.22.

5.Helikewisetakethawaythatdesireandwillingness,whichwehave,toliestillinournaturalcondition,byconvincingusofthedreadfulhazardthereof,throughthespiritofconviction,wherebyheconvinceththeworldofit,Johnxvi.8,andcircumciseththeirearstohear,andmakeththemwillingtohearkentothecounselofGod.

6.AsforthepoweranddominionofSatan,hebreakeththat,by"leadingcaptivity captive," Eph. iv. 8; Psal. lxviii. 18; "and spoiling thestrongman's house; for he is come to destroy theworks of thedevil," 1Johniii.8;"andhespoilethprincipalitiesandpowers,"Col. ii.15.Thus,asacaptainofsalvation,heleadeththemoutasaconqueror;havingpaidtheprice,hedeliverethalsobypowerandauthorityfromthehandofthisjailor.

Andthusweseehowheanswerethourcaseandnecessity,andisafitwayfor us; and though this be not questioned, yet little is it believed andconsidered,andlessputinpractice.

Andasforthethirdparticular,thathealoneisthisway,andanswerethourcaseherein, itneedethnotbemuchspoken to, since it is clear andmanifest, confirmed by the experience of all generations, and the

disappointments of fools who have been seeking other ways. Angels inheaven cannot do our business, they cannot satisfy justice for us, norhavetheyanypoweroverourhearttoturnitastheywill;nay, theyarenotacquaintedwithoursecret thoughts, thatcabinet iskeptclose fromthem,andreservedas thepeculiarprivilegeofGodalone.Thebloodofbulls and of goats cannot do it; for the apostle tells us, that it isimpossibleforthattotakeawaysin,Heb.x.4.Thatbloodshedaccordingto the law did cleanse ceremonially, but it is only the blood of Jesus,typifiedbythat,whichcleansethreally;sothatwearesanctifiedthroughtheofferingofthebodyofJesusChristonceforall,Heb.x.10.Nopainsor labour of ours can avail here. The Lord will not be pleased withthousandsoframs,orwithtenthousandsofriversofoil."Hewillnottakeourfirst-bornforourtransgression,northesonofourbodyforthesinofour soul," Micah vi. 7. Ordinance and means will not do it, nor anyinventionofourown:"nomancanbyanymeansredeemhisbrother,orgivetoGodaransomforhim;fortheredemptionofthesoulisprecious,anditceasethforever,"Psal.xlix.7,8.Healonehathlaiddowntheprice;alloursufferings,prayers, tears, labours,penances,andthe like,signifynothinghere;theycannotsatisfyjusticeforonesin.

Asto the fourthparticular,viz., thesingularityof thisway, thosethingsmakeitmanifestandapparent:

1.This is suchawayascandiscover itself,andmake itselfknownuntotheerringtraveller.ChristJesusissuchawayascansaytothewanderingsoul,"thisistheway,walkyeinit,"Isa.xxx.25.Nowaycandothis.Thisiscomfortable.

2. Thisway can not only discover itself to thewandering traveller, butalso it canbring folk into it. Christ canbring soulsuntohimself,whenthey are running on in their wandering condition. He can move theirheartstoturnintotherightway,putgraceintheirsoulforthisend,beginresolutions in them,andsow the seedof faith; and so stay their coursewhich they were violently pursuing, and make them look about andconsider what they are doing. As the former was good news to poor,blind,andwitlesscreatures thatwerewanderingandknewnotwhithertheyweregoing;sothis isgoodnewstopoorsoulsthat findtheirheartincliningtowander,andlovingtogoastray.

3.Thiswaycancauseuswalkinit.Ifweberebelliousandobstinate,hecancommandwithauthority;forheisgivenforaleaderandcommander,Isa. lv. 4.How sweet should this be to the soul that isweightedwith astubborn, untractable, and unpersuadable heart, that he, as a king,governor,andcommander, canwithauthoritydrawordrive,andcauseusfollowandrun?

4.Thiswayistruth,aswellastheway;sothatthesoulthatonceenterethinhereissafeforever;nowanderinghere."Thewayfaringmen,thoughfools,shallnoterrinthisway,"Isa.xxxv.8."Hewillbringtheblindbyaway that they knew not, and lead them in paths that they have notknown; he will make darkness light before them, and crooked thingsstraight; those thingswillhedounto them,andnot forsake them," Isa.xlii.16.

5.Thiswayisalsolife,andsocanrevivethefaintandwearytraveller."Hegivethpowertothefaint,andtothemthathavenomightheincreasethstrength;yea,herenewstheirstrength,andmakesthemmountupwithwingsaseagles,andrunandnotbeweary,andwalkandnotbe faint,"Isa.xl.29,31;"andsohegivethlegstothetraveller,yea,hecarrieththelambs in his bosom," Isa. xl. 11. Oh! who would not walk in this way?what candiscourage theman thatwalketh here?what can he fear?Nowaycanquickenandrefresh thewearyman.Thiswaycando it;yea, itcan quicken one that is as dead, and cause him march on with freshalacrityandvigour.

6.Fromalltheseitfolloweth,thatthiswayisamostpleasant,heartsome,desirableandcomfortableway.Themanissafehere,andhemay"singinthewaysoftheLord,"Psalmcxxxviii.5."Forwisdom'swaysarewaysofpleasantness,andallherpathsarepeace,"Prov.iii.17.Heisawaythatisfood,physic,cordials,andallthatthepoortravellerstandethinneedoftillhecomehence.

Fromallwhich,erewecometoparticulars,weshallingeneralpointoutthoseduties,whichnativelyresultthence,bywayofuse.

1.Owhatcause is therehere forallofus to fallawondering,both that

Godshouldeverhavecondescendedtohaveappointedawayhowsinnersandrebels,thathadwickedlydepartedfromhim,anddeservedtobecastoutofhispresenceandfavourforever,mightcomebackagain,andenjoyhappinessandfelicityinthefriendshipandfavourofthatGodthatcouldhavegotthegloryofhisjusticeinourdestruction,andstoodinnoneedofus,orofanythingwecoulddo:asalso,thatheappointedsuchaway,thatJesusChristhisonlySon,should,tospeakso,lieasabridgebetwixtGod and sinful rebels, and as a highway, that theymight return to thegreatGoduponhim.LetallthecreationofGodwonderatthiswonderfulcondescendingloveofGod,thatappointedsuchaway;andofChrist,thatwascontenttoloutsolowastobecomethiswaytous,thisnewandlivingway; and that for this end he should have taken on flesh, and becomeEmmanuel,Godwithus,andtabernacledwithus,thatthroughthisvailofhis flesh,hemight consecrateaway tous.Let angelswonderat thiscondescendency.

2.Hencewemayseegroundofbeingconvincedofthosethings:(1.)Thatnaturallyweareoutof theway topeaceand favourwithGod, and in away that leadeth todeath,andso thatourmiseryandwretchedness,solong as it is so, cannot be expressed. (2.) That we can do nothing forourselves; set all our wits a-work, we cannot fall upon a way that willbringushome.(3.)Thatitismadnessforustoseekoutanotherway,andtovexourselves invain, toruntothisandtothatmeanor inventionofourown,andbefoundfoolsintheend.(4.)Thatourmadnessissomuchthe greater in this, that we will turn to our ownways that will fail us,whenthere is such anoble and excellent, and everyway satisfyingwaypreparedtoourhand.(5.)Thatourwickednessissodesperate,thatthewaywhich ispointedout tousdothnotpleaseus,and thatwewillnotenterintoit,norwalkinit.(6.)Thatthisway,whichisalsothetruthandthelife,isonlyworththeembracing,andisonlysafeandsure;weshouldbeconvincedandpersuadedoftheworth,sufficiency,anddesirablenessofthisway.Reason,withordinarylightfromtheword,mayteachthesethings;butgracecanonlycarrythemintotheheart,andmakethemtakerootingthere.

3.Wemayreadhereourobligationtothoseparticulars:(1.)Toturnourbackuponallother falseanddeceitfulways,andnot rest there.(2.)To

enterintothisway,though"thegatebenarrowandstrait,"Mattvii.13.Lukexiii.24,yet"tostrivetoenterin."(3.)Toresolvetoabideinthatwayas acquiescing in it, resting satisfied with it, and thus to be "rooted inhim,"Col.ii.7,and"todwellinhim,"1Johniii.24,and"toliveinhim,"or"throughhim,"1Johniv.9.(4.)To"walkinthisway,"Col.ii.6.thatis,tomake constant use of him, and tomake progress in the way in andthrough him; to go from strength to strength in him, drawing all ourfurniturefromhim,byfaith,accordingtothecovenant;andthatthesoulshouldguardagainst,1.steppingasideoutofthisgoodandpleasantway;2.backsliding;3.sittingup,andfaintingbytheway.

Inaword,thispointethoutourduty,tomakeuseofChristasourwaytotheFather,andonlyofChrist;andthisleadsustotheparticularsweshallspeakalittleto.

Thereare twomain thingswhichstand inourway,andhinderus fromapproachingtotheFather.1.Unrighteousnessandguilt,wherebywearelegally banished, because of the broken covenant, and the righteoussentence of God according to that covenant. And, 2. Wickedness,impurity, andunholiness,which is, as a physical bar, lying in ourway;becausenothingthatisuncleancandwellandabidewithhim,whoisofpurereyesthanhecanbehold iniquity;andnothingthat isuncleancanenterintherewhereheis.Sothentheremustbeanuse-makingofChrist,as a way through both these impediments; we need justification andpardon for theone,andsanctificationandcleansing for theother.NowChristbeingthewaytotheFather,bothastojustification,intakingawaytheenmity,inchangingourstate,andremovingourunrighteousnessandguilt, whereby we were lying under the sentence of the law, adjudgingsuch sinners aswe are to hell; and as to sanctification, in cleansing usfromallourpollutions,renewingoursouls,washingawayourspotsanddefilements,&c.Hemustbemadeuseofinreferencetoboth.

In speaking to the first,we shallbe the shorter,because throughGod'sgreatmercy, the gospel's pure way of justification by faith in Christ isrichlyandabundantlyclearedupbymanyworthyauthors,oflate,bothasconcerningthetheoreticalandpracticalpart.

CHAPTERIV.

HOW CHRIST IS MADE USE OF FOR JUSTIFICATION AS AWAY.

What Christ hath done to purchase, procure, and bring about ourjustificationbeforeGod, ismentionedalready,viz.Thathestood in theroomofsinners,engagingforthemastheircautioner,undertaking,andat lengthpayingdown the ransom;becoming sin, or a sacrifice for sin,and a curse for them, and so laying down his life a ransom to satisfydivinejustice;andthishehathmadeknowninthegospel,callingsinnerstoanacceptingofhimastheironlyMediator,andtoarestinguponhimfor life and salvation; and withal, working up such, as belong to theelectionofgrace,toanactualclosingwithhimupontheconditionsofthecovenant,andtoanacceptingofhim,believinginhim,andrestinguponhim,assatisfiedwith,andacquiescinginthatsovereignwayofsalvationandjustificationthroughacrucifiedMediator.

Now,forsuchaswouldmakeuseofChristasthewaytotheFatherinthepoint of justification, those things are requisite; towhichwe shall onlypremise this word of caution, That we judge not the want of theserequisites a ground to exempt any, that heareth the gospel, from theobligationtobelieveandrestuponChristasheisofferedinthegospel.

1.Theremustbeaconvictionofsinandmisery.Aconvictionoforiginalguilt,wherebywearebanishedoutofGod'spresenceandfavour,andareinastateofenmityanddeath,arecomeshortofthegloryofGod,Rom.iii. 23; becoming dead or under the sentence of death, through theoffence of one, Rom. v. 15; being made sinners by one man'sdisobedience,verse19,andthereforeunderthereigningpowerofdeath,verse 17, and under that judgment that came upon all men tocondemnation,verse18.Andoforiginalinnatewickedness,wherebytheheartisfilledwithenmityagainstGod,andisahaterofhimandallhis

ways, standing in full opposition tohimand tohis holy laws; loving tocontradictandresisthiminallhisactings;despisingandundervaluingallhiscondescensionsof love;obstinately refusinghisgoodnessandoffersofmercy;andperemptorilypersistinginrebellionandheart-opposition;notonlynotacceptinghiskindnessandoffersofmercy,butcontemningthem, trampling them under foot as embittered against him. As also,theremustbeaconvictionofouractualtransgressions,wherebywehavecorrupted our ways yet more, run farther away from God, brought onmore wrath upon our souls, according to that sentence of the law,"Cursediseveryonethatabidethnotinallthingsthatarewritteninthelawtodothem,"Deut.xxvii.26.Gal.iii.10.Whatwaythisconvictionisbegunandcarriedon in thesoul,and towhatmeasure itmust come, Icannotnowstand to explain;only, in short, know,Thatuponwhateveroccasionitbebegun,whetherbyawordcarriedhometotheheartbythefinger of God, or by some sharp and crossing dispensation, fear ofapproaching death, some heinous out-breaking, or the like, it is a realthing, a heart-reaching conviction, not general and notional, butparticular, plain, andpinching, affecting theheartwith fear and terror,makingthesoulseriouslyandreallytomindthismatter,tobetakenupwith the thoughts of it, and anxiously and earnestly to cry out, "WhatshallIdotobesaved?"andfinally,willmakethesoulwillingtohearkenandhearwhathopesofmercythereisinthegospel,andtoembracetheway of salvation which is there laid down. And the reason of this is,becauseChristhimselftellsus,"Thewholeneedethnotthephysician,butthesick,"Matt.ix.12."Heisnotcometocalltherighteous,"thatis,suchasarerighteousintheirowneyes,"butsinners,"thatis,suchasarenownomorewholeat theheart,as seeingnoevil,nohazardordanger,butprickedandpiercedwiththesenseoftheirlostcondition,beingundertheheavywrathandvengeanceofthegreatGod,becauseofsin;andseeingtheir own vileness, cursedness, wickedness and desperate madness.Because naturallywe hateGod andChrist, John xv. 23-25, and have astrong and natural antipathy at the way of salvation through Jesus,therefore nothing but strong and inevitable necessitywill drive us to acompliancewiththisgospeldeviceoflove.

2.Theremustbesomemeasureofhumiliation.Underthisconvictionthemanisboweddown,andmademutebeforeGod;nomoreboastingofhis

goodness and of his happy condition; no high or great thoughts of hisrighteousness;forallarelookedonnowas"filthyrags,"Isa.lxv.6."Whatthingswereasgainbeforetothesoul,mustnowbecountedloss,yea,andasdung,"Philip,iii.7,8.Themanmustbecastdowninhimself,andfarfromhighandconceitythoughtsofhimself,orofanythingheeverdidorcan do. "For the Lord resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to thehumble,"Jamesiv.6;1Pet.v.5."Hereviveththespiritofthehumble,"Isa. lvii. 15. "He that humblethhimself shall be exalted,"Matt. xviii. 4,andxxiii.12;Lukexiv.11,andxviii.14.

3. There must be a despairing of getting help or relief out of thiscondition, by ourselves, or any thing we can do; a conviction of theunprofitablenessofallthingsunderthesunforourrelief.Noexpectationofhelpfromoursupposedgoodheart,goodpurposes,gooddeeds,worksofcharity,manyprayers,commendationsofothers, soberandharmlesswalking,oranythingelsewithinusorwithoutusthatisnotChrist.For,so long as we have the least hope or expectation of doing our ownbusinesswithoutChrist,wewillnotcometohim.Ourhearthangethsoafter theoldwayof salvation throughworks, thatwe cannot endure tohear of any other, nor can we yield to any other. Could we but haveheavenbythewayofworks,wewouldsparenopains,nocost,nolabour,noexpenses;nay,wewouldputourselvestomuchpainandtormentbywhippings,cuttings,fastings,watchings,andthelike;wewouldspareourfirst-born;nay,wewoulddigourgravesinarockwithournails,andcutour own days, could we but get heaven by this means; such is ourantipathy at the way of salvation through a crucified Christ, that wewouldchooseanywaybutthat,costwhatitwould;therefore,beforewecan heartily closewith Christ and accept of him,wemust be put fromthoserefugesoflies,andseethatthereisnothingbutadisappointmentwritten on them all, that all our prayers, fastings, cries, duties,reformations,sufferings,goodwishes,gooddeeds,&c.arenothinginhiseyes,butsomanyprovocationstotheeyesofhisjealousy,andso,furthercausesofourmisery.

4.Theremustbearational,deliberate,andresoluterelinquishingofallthose things inourselves,onwhichourheart isreadytodote.Themanbeingconvincedofthevanityofallthingsbywhichhehathbeenhoping

forsalvation,mustnowpurposetolosehisgripsofthem,toturnhisbackuponthem, toquit themwithpurposeofheart,and tosay to them,getyouhence,asIsa.xxx.22.Thisistodenyourselves,whichwemustdoerewe become his disciples, Matt. xvi. 24. This is to forsake our father'shouse,Psalmxlv. 10, and topluckoutour right eye, and to cutoff ourrightarm,Matth.v.29,30.Thisabandoningofallourfalsepropesandsubterfugesmustbe resolute,over thebellyofmuchoppositionwithin,from the carnal and natural inclinations of the heart; and of muchopposition without, from Satan's ensnaring suggestions and deceitfultemptations: Itmust be a real, rational act of the soul, upon solid andthorough conviction of their unprofitableness, yea, of theirdangerousnessanddestructiveness.

5.Theremustbesomeknowledgeof thenatureof thegospelcovenant,andofthewaywhichnowGodhathchosenwherebytoglorifyhisgraceinthesalvationofpoorsinners.ThatGod,Father,Son,andHolyGhostthoughtgood,forthegloryoffreegraceandwisdom,inawayofjusticeandmercy,tosendJesusChristtoassumeman'snature,andsobecomeGod andman in twodistinct natures, and one person, for ever; and tobecomeunderthelaw,toundergothecursethereof,andtodiethecurseddeath of the cross, to satisfy justice, and pay the ransom for theredemption of the elect. Inwhich undertaking our Lordwas a servant,Isa.xlii.1,andxlix.6,andlii.13,andliii.11.Zech.iii.8.Matt.xii.18;andhad furniture fromGod forallhisundertaking, Isa.xlii. 1, and lxi. 1,2.Matt.xii.18;andhadapromiseofseeinghisseed,andofprolonginghisdays, &c. Isa. xliii. 10, 11. Thus there was a covenant of redemptionbetwixt God and the Mediator; and the Mediator undertaking, wasobligedtoperformallthatheundertook,andaccordinglydidso.For,astheLordlaidonhim,orcausedtomeettogetheronhim,"theiniquityofus all," Isa. liii. 6, so in due time "he bare our griefs, and carried oursorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for ouriniquities, the chastisementofourpeacewasuponhim.Hewas cut offout of the land of the living, and stricken for the transgression of hispeople;hemadehissoulanofferingforsin,andbaretheiniquitiesofhispeople. Pouring out his soul unto death he bare the sin of many, andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors,"Isa.liii.4,5,10,11,12.So"thatwhat the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God

sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, for sin (or by asacrifice for sin) condemned sin in the flesh," Rom. viii. 3, "that therighteousnessofthelawmightbefulfilledinus,"verse4.Thus"hemadehimsin(orasacrificeforsin)thatwemightbecomerighteous,"2Cor.v.20;and"hewasonceofferedtobearthesinsofmany,"Heb.ix.28;and"he, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God,"verse14,and"hisownselfbareoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree,"1Pet. ii. 24. Theremust, I say, be someknowledge of, and acquaintancewiththisgreatmysteryof thegospel,wherein isdeclared"themanifoldwisdomofGod,"Eph.iii.10,andwiththenobledesignofGod,insendinghis Son, after this manner, to die the death, that condemned sinnersmightlive,andreturntothebosomofGod;asredeemed"notwithgoldorsilver,orcorruptiblethingsbutwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,asofa lamb without blemish and without spot," 1 Pet. i. 18. And being "soredeemedbyblood, tobecomekingsandpriestsuntoGod," 1Pet. ii.2.Rev.v.9,10.Themanmustnotbeignorantofthis,elseallwillbeinvain.Idonotdeterminehowdistinctandfullthisknowledgemustbe;butsuretheremust be somuchknowledge of it, aswill give the soul groundofhope,and, inexpectationofsalvationbythisway,cause it turnitsbackuponallotherways,andaccountitselfhappyifitcouldoncewinhere.

6. There must be a persuasion of the sufficiency, completeness andsatisfactoriness of theway of salvation through this crucifiedMediator,else the soulwill not be induced to leave its other courses, and betakeitselftothisalone.Hemustbesurethatsalvationisonlytobehadthisway,andthatundoubtedlyitwillbehadthisway,thatsowithconfidencehemaycasthimselfoveronthisway,andsweetlysingofanobleoutgate.Andthereforehemustbelieve, thatChrist is reallyGodaswellasman,andatruemanaswellasGod;thatheisfullyfurnishedfortheworkofredemption,havingtheSpiritgiventohimwithoutmeasure;andenduedfully and richlywithall qualifications fitting for all ournecessities, andenablinghimto"savetotheuttermostall thatcomeuntoGodbyhim,"Heb. vii. 25; that "he ismadeofGod touswisdom, righteousness, andsanctification,"1Cor.i.30;that"allpowerinheavenandinearthisgivenuntohim,"Matt. xxviii. 18; that "all thingsareputunderhis feet;" andthat"heisgiventobeHeadoverallthingstothechurch,"Eph.i.22;that"in him dwelleth all fulness," Col. i. 19; that "in him are hid all the

treasuresofwisdomandknowledge,"Col.ii.3;yea,"thatinhimdwellethall thefulnessof theGodheadbodily;"sothatweare"complete inhim,whoistheheadofallprincipalityandpower,"verses9,10.

7. The soul must know that he is not only an able and all-sufficientMediator,butthatalsoheiswillingandreadytoredeemandsaveallthatwill come.Forall theprecedingparticularswillbut increasehis sorrowandtormenthimmore,solongashesupposeth,throughignoranceandthe suggestion of Satan, that he hath no part in that redemption, noaccesstoit,nogroundofhopeofsalvationbyit.Thereforeitisnecessarythatthesoulconceivenotonlyapossibility,butalsoaprobabilityofhelpthis way, and that the dispensation of the gospel of grace, and thepromulgationandoffer of these goodnews tohim, speakout somuch,that the patience of God waiting long, and his goodness renewing theoffers, confirmeth this; thathis seriouspressing,his strongmotives, onthe one hand, and his sharp threatenings on the other; his reiteratedcommands,hisingeminatedobtestations;hisexpressedsorrowandgriefoversuchaswouldnotcometohim;hisupbraidingandobjurationsofsuch as do obstinately refuse, and the like, put his willingness to savesuch as will come to him out of all question. Yea, his obviating ofobjections, and taking all excuses out of theirmouth,maketh the caseplainandmanifest,sothatsuchaswillnotcomeareleftwithoutexcuse,andhavenoimpedimentlyinginthewaybuttheirownunwillingness.

8.Themanmustknowuponwhat termsandconditionsChristofferethhimselfinthegospel,viz.uponconditionofacceptingofhim,believinginhim, and resting upon him; and that no other way we can be madepartakersofthegoodthingspurchasedbyChrist,butbyacceptingofhimas he is offered in the gospel, that is to say, freely, "without price ormoney,"Isa.lv.1,absolutelywithoutreservation,wholly,andforallends,&c.For, till thisbeknown, therewillbenoclosingwithChrist;and tilltherebeaclosingwithChrist,thereisnoadvantagetobehadbyhim.Thesoulmustbemarriedtohimasanhusband,fixedtohimasthebranchestothetree,unitedtohimasthememberstothehead,becomeonewithhim,"onespirit,"1Cor.vi.17.SeeJohnxv.5.Eph.v.30.Thesoulmustclosewithhim for all things, adhere tohimuponall hazards, takehimandthesharpestcross that followethhim.Now,Isay, thesoulmustbe

acquainted with these conditions; for it must act deliberately andrationally here. Covenanting with Christ is a grave business, andrequirethdeliberation,posednessofsoul,rationalresolution,fullpurposeof heart, and satisfaction of soul, and therefore the man must beacquaintedwiththeconditionsofthenewcovenant.

9.Theremustbeasatisfactionwiththetermsofthegospel,andtheheartmustactually closewithChristashe isoffered in thegospel.Theheartmustopentohim,andtakehimin,Rev.iii.20.Thesoulmustembraceand receive him, John i. 12. The man must take him as his Lord andMaster, King, Priest, and Prophet; must give up himself to him as hisleaderandcommander,andresolvetofollowhiminallthings,andthusclose a bargain with him; for, till this be done, there is no union withChrist,and,tilltherebeanunionwithChrist,thereisnopartakingofthefruitsofhisredemptionastojustification,nopardon,noacceptance,noaccess to the favour of God, nor peace nor joy in the Holy Ghost, nogettingof the conscience sprinkled,norno intimationof loveor favourfromGod,&c.

10.Theremustbea leaningtoandrestinguponhimandonhisperfectsacrifice.Thesoulmustsitdownhereassatisfied,andacquiesce inthiscompletemediationofhis.Thisistobelieveonhim,torestonhim,Johniii.18.1Pet.ii.6,asanall-sufficienthelp.Thisistocasttheburdenofabrokencovenant,ofaguiltyconscience,ofdeservedwrath,ofthecurseofthelaw,&c.uponhim,thathemaybearawaythoseevilsfromus.ThisistoputontheLordJesus(inpart),Rom.xiii.14;tocoverourselveswithhisrighteousnessfromthefaceofjustice,tostandinthisarmourofproofagainst the accusationsof law,Satan, andanevil conscience.This is tofleetohimasourcityofrefuge,thatwemaybesafefromtheavengerofblood.ThisistomakehimourrefugefromthestormofGod'sanger,anda shadow from theheatofhiswrath, Isa. xxv.4, and "ourhiding-placefromthewind,andacovertfromthetempest,"andasthe"shadowofagreatrockinawearyland,"Isa.xxxii.2.Whenwehideourselvesinhimasthecompletecautionerthathathfullysatisfiedjustice,and"desiretobefoundinhimalone,nothavingourownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist,therighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith,"Phil.iii.9.Thisistolayourhandontheheadofthe

sacrifice,whenwereston this sacrifice,andexpect salvation through italone.ThisistocastourselvesinChrist'sarms,asperemptorilyresolvingto go no other way to the Father, and to plead no other righteousnessbefore God's bar but Christ's; that is faith, yea, the lively acting ofjustifyingfaith.

ThusthenisChristmadeuseofasthewaytotheFather,inthepointofjustification,when the poor awakened sinner, convinced of his sin andmisery, of his own inability to help himself, of the insufficiency of allmeansbesideChrist,ofChrist'sall-sufficiency,readiness,andwillingnesstohelp,oftheequityandreasonablenessoftheconditionsonwhichheisoffered,andlifethroughhim,isnowcontentandfullysatisfiedwiththisway,actuallyrenouncingallotherwayswhatsoever,anddothwithheartand hand embrace Jesus Christ, and take him as he is offered in thegospel, tomakeuseofhimforall things, toJeantohim,andrestuponhiminallhazards,andparticularly,torefugeitselfunderhiswings,andtorest therewithcomplacency, satisfaction,anddelight, andhide itselffromthewrathofGodandallaccusations.

Yetitshouldbeknown,thatthisactoffaith,wherebythesoulgoethouttoChrist,andacceptethofandleanethtohim,isnotalikeinall.

1. In some itmaybemore lively, strongandactive, like the centurion'sfaith,thatcouldarguesyllogistically,Matt.viii.8,&c,whichChristlookeduponasagreatfaith,agreaterwhereofhehadnotfound,nonotinIsrael,verse10;andlikethefaithofthewomanofCanaan,Matt.xv.21,&c,thatwould take no naysay, but of seeming refusals did make arguments,whichChristcommendethasagreatfaith,verse28.Butinothersitmaybemoreweakandfainting,notabletoreasonarightforitsowncomfortandstrength,asMatt,vi.30,butismixedwithmuchfear,asMatt.viii.26,yea,andwithmuchfaithfulness,sothatthesoulmustcry,"Lord,helpmyunbelief!"Markix.24.

2. In some the acts and actings of this faith may be more clear anddiscernible,bothbythemselves,andbyspiritualonlookers;inothers,socovered over with a heap of doubts, unbelief, jealousy, and othercorruption,thattheactingsofitcanhardly,ornotatall,beperceivedbythemselves or others; so that nothing shall be heard but complaints,

fears,doubtings,andobjections.

3.Insome,thisfaithmayhavestrongandperceptibleactings,wrestlingthroughmuchdiscouragementandopposition,andmanydifficulties;asin the woman of Canaan,Matt. xv.; running through with peremptoryresoluteness,saying,withJob,chap.xiii.15,"Thoughheslayme,yetwillItrustinhim;"andthustakingthekingdomofheavenwithviolence.Inothers it may be so weak, that the least opposition or discouragementmaybesufficienttomakethesoulgiveoverhope,andalmostdespairofovercomingandwinningthrough,andbeasabruisedreedorasmokingflax.

4. In some, though it appear not strong and violent or wilful (in amanner) in itsactings,yet itmaybe firm, fixed,andresolute instayinguponhim,Isa.xxvi.3,4,andtrustinginhim,Psalmcxxv.1,resolvingtohingthere,andifitperish,itperisheth;inothersweakandbashful.

5. In some it may be yet weaker, going out in strong and vehementhungerings,Matt.v.6.Themandarenotsay,thathedothbelieveorthathedothadheretoChristandstayuponhim;yethedaresay,helongethfor him, and panteth after him, as ever "the hart doth after thewater-brooks,"Psalmxlii.1,2;hehungerethandthirstethforhim,andcannotbesatisfiedwithanythingwithouthim.

6.Insome, itmaybesoweak, thatthesoulcanonlyperceivetheheartlookingoutafterhim;upon littlemoregroundthanamaybe it shallbehelped,Isa.xlv.22.Theylooktohimforsalvation,beingconvincedthatthereisnootherway;andresolvedtofollownootherway,theyresolvetolieathisdoor,waitingandlookingforasightoftheking'sface,andtoliewaitingtilltheydie,ifnobettermaybe.

7.Insome,itmaybesoweak,thatnothingmorecanbeperceivedbutasatisfactionwiththetermsofthecovenant,awillingnesstoacceptofthebargain,andanheartconsentingthereunto,thoughtheydarenotsaythatthey actually close therewith, yea, nor dare say that they shall bewelcome,Rev.xxii.17.

8.Insome,itmaybesoweakandlow,thattheycannotsaythattheyhave

anyrighthungerordesireafterhim,northattheirheartdothrightlyandreallyconsenttothecovenantofgrace;yettheywouldfainbeatit,andcryout,Oforawillingheart!Oforardentdesires!Oforarighthunger!and theyaredissatisfied,andcannotbereconciledwith theirhearts fornotdesiringmore,hungeringmore,consentingmore;sothat,iftheyhadthis,theywouldthinkthemselveshappyandup-made.Andthusweseetheirfaithissolow,thatitappearethinnothingmoremanifestly,thanintheircomplainingsofthewantofit.

Sothen,thepoorweakbelieverneedethnottobesofardiscouragedastodespairandgiveover thematterashopelessand lost; lethimhangon,dependandwait.Aweakfaithto-daymaybecomestrongerwithinashorttime.Hethatlaidthefoundationcanandwillfinishthebuilding,forallhisworksareperfect.Andaweakfaith,whentrue,willprovesaving,andlayholdonasavingstrongMediator.

Moreover,astotheactingoffaithonChrist'sdeathandsacrificeforthestoppingthemouthofconscience,law,Satan,andfortheopposingtothepursuing justice of God because of sin, it may sometimes be strong,distinct, clear, and resolute; at other times again be weak, mixed, oraccompaniedwithmuchfear,perplexity,doubting,anddistrust,becauseoftheirownseenunworthiness,manyfailings,doubtingsofthesincerityoftheirrepentance,andthelike.

This is a main business, and of great concernment, yet many are notmuch troubled about it, nor exercised at the heart hereabout, as theyought,deceivingthemselveswithfoolishimaginations:For,

1. They think they were believers all their days, they never doubted ofGod'sgraceandgood-will,theyhadalwaysagoodheartforGod,thoughtheyneverknewwhatawakenedconscience,orsenseofthewrathofGodmeant.

2.Ortheythink,becauseGodismerciful,hewillnotbesosevereas tostanduponallthosethingsthatministersrequire;forgettingthatheisajustGod,andaGodoftruth,thatwilldoaccordingtowhathehathsaid.

3.Ortheysupposeitisaneasymattertobelieve,andnotsuchadifficult

thingasitiscalled;notconsideringorbelieving,thatnolesspowerthanthatwhichraisedChristfromthedead,willworkuptheheartuntofaith.

4.Ortheyresolve,thattheywilldoitafterward,atsomemoreconvenientseason; not perceiving the cunning slight of Satan in this, norconsidering,thatfaithisnotintheirpower,butthegiftofGod;andthat,iftheylaynotholdonthecallofGod,buthardentheirheartintheirday,Godmayjudiciallyblindthem,sothatthesethingsshallbehidfromtheireyes;andsothatoccasion,theypretendtowaitfor,nevercome.

Oh!ifsuchwhomthismainlyconcerneth,couldbeinducedtoenterintothisway;considering,

1.Thatexcepttheyenter intothiswaytheycannotbesafe,thewrathofGod will pursue them, the avenger of blood will overtake them; nosalvationbuthere.

2.Thatinthiswayiscertainsalvation;thiswaywillinfalliblyleadtotheFather; forhekeepeth in theway, andbringeth safehome,Exod. xxiii.20.

3. 'Tistheoldpathandthegoodway,Jer.vi.16;all thesaintshavetheexperienceofthis,whoarealreadycometoglory.And,

4.Itisahighway,andawayofrighteousness,wherein,ifveryfoolswalk,theyshallnotwander,Isa.xxxv.8,9,andiftheweakwalkinit,theyshallnotfaint,Isa.xl.31.

5.Thatexceptthisbedone,thereisnoadvantagetobehadbyhim;hisdeathandallhissufferings,astothosepersonsthatwillnotbelieveandenterintohimasthewaytotheFather,areinvain.

6.Yea,suchaswillnotbelieveinhimsay,ineffect,eitherthatChristhathnotdiednorconsecratedawaythroughthevailofhis flesh;or, thatallthathehathdoneandsuffered isnotsufficient tobringa soulhome toGod;orthattheycandotheirownbusinesswithouthim,andthatitwasafoolishandvainthingforChristtodiethedeathforthatend;or,lastly,thattheycarenotforsalvation;theyareindifferentwhethertheyperish

orbesaved.

7.That,astothem,thewholegospelisinvain,alltheordinances,alltheadministrationofordinances,allthepainsofministers,areinvain.

8.That,astothem,allChrist'sintreaties,motives,allurements,patienceandlong-suffering,hisstandingatthedoorandknockingtillhislocksbewetwiththedew,&c.areinvain;yea,theyarecontemptuouslyrejected,despised,slighted,andundervalued.

9.That all the greatpromises areby such rejected asuntrue, or as notworthytheseekingorhaving;andthatallthethreatenings,ontheotherhand,arenottoberegardedorfeared.

10. In a word, that heaven and the fellowship of God is not worth theseeking,andthathellandthefellowshipofdevilsisnotworththefearing;or,thatthereisneitheraheavennorahell,andthatallarebutfictions;and that there isno such thing as thewrath ofGod against sinners, orthatitisnotmuchtobefeared.

Ifitbeasked,whatwarranthavepoorsinnerstolayholdonChrist,andgriptohim,asmadeofGodrighteousness?

Ianswer,1.ourabsolutenecessityofhimisagroundtopressustogoandseekhelpandrelief:weseewearegoneinourselves,andthereforeareweallowedtoseekoutforhelpelsewhere.

2. Christ's all-sufficient furniture, whereby he is a qualified Mediator,fittedwithallnecessariesforourcaseandcondition,havinglaiddownapricetothesatisfactionofjustice,isasufficientinvitationforustolooktowardhimforhelp,andtowaitatthatdoor.

3.HisbeingappointedoftheFathertobeMediatorofthecovenant,andparticularly, to lay down his life a ransom for sin; and Christ'sundertakingallhisoffices,andperformingallthedutiesthereof,conformtothecovenantofredemption,isastrongencouragementtopoorsinnerstocometohim,becausehecannotdenyhimself,andhewillbetruetohistrust.

4.TheFather'sofferingofhimtousinthegospel,andChrist'sinvitinguswho are weary and heavy laden; yea, calling and commanding such tocometohiminhisownandinhisFather'sname,underthepainofhisandhisFather'swrathandeverlastingdispleasure;exhortingfurther,andrequesting upon terms of love, pressing earnestly by many motives,sendingouthisambassadors tobeseech inhis steadpoor sinners tobereconciled,and to turn in tohim for life and salvation; yea,upbraidingsuchaswillnotcometohim.Alltheseareasufficientwarrantforapoornecessitoussinnertolayholdonhisoffer.

And,further,toencouragepoorsoulstocomeuntohim,allthingsaresowellorderedinthegospel,asthatnothingoccurreththatcanintheleastproveastumbling-blockorajustgroundofexcusefortheirforbearingtobelieveandtoacceptofhisoffers.Allobjectionspossibleareobviatedtosuchasarebutwilling;thewayiscastup,andallstonesofstumblingcastout of it; so that such as will not come can pretend no excuse. Theycannotobjectthegreatnessoftheirsins:forthegreatertheirsinsbetheyhave the greater need of one who is sent to take away sin, and whoseblood purgeth from all sin, 1 John i. 7.What great sinner did he everrefusethatcametohim,andwaswillingtobesavedbyhim?Isthereanyclause in all the gospel excluding great sinners? Nor need they objecttheir great unworthiness; for he doth all freely for the glory of his freegrace.Noneevergotanygoodofhimfortheirworth;fornomaneverhadanyworth.Norneed theyobject their long refusingand resistingmanycalls;forhewillmakesuchasarewillingwelcomeattheeleventhhour;himthatcomethhewill innocaseputaway,Johnvi.37.Norcan theyobject theirchangeableness, that theywillnot stand to thebargain, butbreakand returnwith thedog to the vomit; forChristhathengaged tobringall through that comeuntohim;hewill raise themup at the lastday,Johnvi.40;hewillpresentthemtohimselfholyandwithoutspotorwrinkle, or any such thing,Eph. v. The covenant is fully providedwithpromises to stop themouth of that objection. Nor can they object thedifficultyorimpossibilityofbelieving;forthatisChrist'sworkalso,he"istheauthorandfinisheroffaith,"Heb.xii.1.Cantheynotwithconfidencecastthemselvesuponhim;yetiftheycanhungerandthirstforhim,andlooktohim,hewillacceptofthat;"looktome,"sayshe,"andbesaved,"Isa.xlv.22.Iftheycannotlooktohim,norhungerandthirstforhim,yet

iftheybewilling,alliswell.AretheywillingthatChristsavetheminhisway,andthereforewillinglygivethemselvesovertohim,andarewillingandcontentthatChrist,byhisSpirit,workmorehungerinthem,andamore lively faith,andworkboth towill and todoaccording tohisowngoodpleasure,itiswell.

But it will be said, that the terms and conditions onwhich he offerethhimselfarehard.Answer—Igrantthetermsarehardtofleshandblood,andtoproudunmortifiednature;buttosuchasarewillingtobesaved,soasGodmaybemostglorified, the termsare easy,most rational andsatisfying:for,

1.Weare required to takehimonly forourMediator, and to join nonewith him, and tomix nothingwith him. Corrupt nature is averse fromthis,andwouldatleastmixsomethingofselfwithhim,andnotrestonChrist only: corrupt nature would not have the man wholly denyinghimself,andfollowingChristonly.Andhencemanylosethemselves,andlose all; because, with the Galatians, they would mix the law and thegospeltogether;dosomethingthemselvesforsatisfactionofjustice,andtakeChristfortherestthatremains.Now,theLordwillhavealltheglory,asgoodreasonis,andwillhavenonetosharewithhim;hewillgiveofhisglory tonone.And is not this rational and easy?What canbe objectedagainstthis?

2. We are required to take him wholly, that he may be a completeMediator tous; as aprophet to teach, as aking to subdueour lusts, tocauseustowalkinhisways,aswellasapriesttosatisfyjusticeforus,todieand intercede forus. Is itnot reason thatwe takehimasGodhathmadehimforus? Is thereany thing inhimtoberefused?And is thereany thing inhimwhichwehavenoneedof? Is therenotall the reasonthenintheworldforthis,thatwetakehimwholly?Andwhatstumbling-blockishere?

3.Wearerequiredtotakehimfreely,"withoutmoneyandwithoutprice,"Isa.lv.1,forhewillnotbeboughtanymannerofway;thatfreegracemaybe free grace, therefore he will give all freely. True enough it is,corruptionwouldbeatbuying, though ithavenothing to layout.Pridewillnotstooptoafreegift.Butcananysaythetermsarehard,whenallis

offeredfreely?

4. We are required to take them absolutely, without any reversion ofmental reservation. Some would willingly quit all but one or two luststheycannotthinktotwinwith;andtheywoulddenythemselvesinmanythings,buttheywouldstillmostwillinglykeepaback-dooropentosomebeloved lust or other. Andwho seeth notwhat double dealing is here?Andwhatreasoncanpleadforthisdoubledealing?Corruption,itistrue,will think this hard, but no man can rationally say that this is a justgroundofdiscouragementtoany,orasufficientgroundtowarrandthemto stay away from Christ, seeing they cannot be supposed sincerely todesireredemptionfromanysin,whowouldnotdesireredemptionfromevery sin. He who loveth any known lust, and would not willingly bedeliveredtherefrom,hathnorealhatredatanylust,assuch,nordesiretobesaved;foronesuchlustwouldbehisdeath.

5.Itisrequired,thatweacceptofhimreallyandcordially,withourheartandsoul,andnotbyamereexternalverbalprofession,Andistherenotallthereasonintheworldforthis?Heofferethhimselfreallytous,andshall we not be real in accepting of him? What, I pray, can be justlyexceptedagainstthis?or,whatrealdiscouragementcananygatherfromthis?

6.Wearetotakehimforallnecessaries,thatis,witharesolutiontomakeuse of him as our all-sufficient Mediator. And is not this mostreasonable?Oughtwenottotakehimforall theendsandpurposes forwhichGodhathappointedhim,andsethimforth,andofferedhimtous?What then can any suppose to lie here which should scar a soul fromlaying hold upon him? Nay, should not this be looked upon as a verygreat encouragement? And should we not bless the Lord, that hathprovidedsuchacompleteandall-sufficientMediator?

7.Weare to takehimandall thecrosses thatmayattendour takingorfollowing of him;wemust take up our cross, be it what it will that hethinkethgoodtoappointtous,andfollowhim,Matt.xvi.24.Markviii.34. "Forhe that takethnotuphiscross,and followethnotafterhim, isnotworthyofhim,"Matt.x.38.Iknowfleshandbloodwilltakethisforahardsaying;buttheythatconsider,thatChristwillbeartheheaviestend

ofthecross,yea,allofit,andsosupportthembyhisSpiritwhiletheyareunderit,thattheyshallhavenojustcausetocomplain;andhowhewillsuffer none to go his errand upon their own charges, but will be withthemwhen theygo through the fireandwater, Isa.xliii.2, so that theyshall sufferno loss,neither shall thewatersoverflow them,nor the firekindleuponthem;andthathewholosethhislifeforChrist'ssakeandthegospel's, shall save it, Mark viii. 35; yea, that they shall receive anhundred-fold for all their losses, Matt. xix. 29, and that even withpersecution,Markx.30,and, in theworld tocome,eternal life.They, Isay,who consider this,will see no discouragement here, nor ground ofcomplaint; nay, they will account it their glory to suffer any loss forChrist'ssake.

8.Henceitfolloweth,thatwearetotakehim,soastoavouchhimandhiscauseandinterestonallhazards,standtohistruth,andnotbeashamedofhiminadayoftrial.Confessionofhimmustbemadewiththemouth,aswiththeheartwemustbelieve,Rom.x.9.Letcorruptionspeakagainstthiswhatitwill,becauseitisalwaysdesiroustokeeptheskinwhole.Yetreasoncannotbutsaythatit isequitable,especiallyseeinghehathsaid,that"whosoeverconfessethhimbeforemen,hewillconfessthembeforehisFatherwhich is inheaven,"Matt.x.32.Andthat, "Ifwesufferwithhim, we shall also reign with him," 2 Tim. ii. 12. Is he our Lord andmaster,andshouldwenotownandavouchhim?Shouldwebeashamedofhimforanything,thatcanbefallus,uponthataccount?Whatmasterwouldnottakethatillathisservant'shands?

Hence,then,wesee,thatthereisnothinginalltheconditionsonwhichheofferethhimselftous,thatcangivetheleastground,inreason,whyapoorsoulshoulddrawback,andbeunwillingtoacceptofthisnobleoffer,orthinkthattheconditionsarehard.

But there is onemain objection, whichmay trouble some, and that is,they cannot believe; faith being the gift of God, itmust be wrought inthem;howthencantheygotoGodfor this,andmakeuseofChrist forthisend,thattheirsoulsmaybewroughtuptoabelievingandconsentingtothebargain,andheartyacceptingoftheoffer?

TothisIwouldsaythesethings:

1. It is true, that "faith is the gift ofGod,"Eph. ii. 8, and that it is "healonewhoworketh inus,both towilland todo,"Phil. i.29, "andnonecomethtotheSon,butwhomtheFatherdraweth,"Johnvi.44;anditisagreat matter, and no small advancement, to win to the real faith, andthrough conviction of this our impotency. For thereby the soul will bebrought to a greater measure of humiliation, and of despairing ofsalvation in itself, which is no small advantage unto a poor soul thatwouldbesaved.

2.Thoughfaithbenotinourpower,yetitisourduty.Ourimpotencytoperformourduty,dothnot looseourobligationtotheduty;sothatournot believing is our sin; and for this Godmay justly condemn us. HiswrathabidethonallwhobelievenotinhisSonJesus,andwillnotacceptoftheofferofsalvationthroughthecrucifiedMediator.Andthoughfaith,as all other acts of grace, be efficiently the work of the Spirit, yet it isformallyourwork:wedobelieve;butitistheSpiritthatworkethfaithinus.

3. The ordinary way of the Spirit's working faith in us, is by pressinghome the duty upon us, whereby we are brought to a despairing inourselves, and toa lookingout tohim,whosegracealone it is that canworkitinthesoul,forthatnecessaryhelpandbreathing,withoutwhichthesoulwillnotcome.

4.ChristJesushathpurchasedthisgraceoffaithtoalltheelect,asothergracesnecessarytotheirsalvation;anditispromisedandcovenantedtohim,"Thatheshallseehisseed,andshallseeofthetravailofhissoul,"Isa. liii. 10; and thatby theknowledgeofhim, that is, the rational andunderstandingactofthesoulgrippingtoandlayingholduponhim,asheisofferedin thegospel, "manyshallbe justified," Isa. liii. 10.Hencehesaith,"ThatallwhomtheFatherhathgiventohim,shallcomeuntohim,"Johnvi.37;andtheapostletellsus,"thatweareblessedwithallspiritualblessingsinhim,"Eph.i.3.

5.NotonlyhathChristpurchasedthisgraceoffaith,andallothergracesnecessary for thesalvationof theelect,butGodhathcommitted tohimthe administration and actual dispensation, and out-giving of all thosegraces, which the redeemed stand in need of. Hence "he is a prince

exaltedtogiverepentanceandforgivenessofsins,"Actsv.31."Allpowerinheavenandearthiscommitteduntohim,"Matt,xxviii.18,19.Henceheiscalled,"theauthorandfinisheroffaith,"Heb.xii.2;andhetellshisdisciples, Johnxiv. 13, 14, thatwhatever they shall ask inhisname, hewill do it. He is made a Prince and a Saviour, "having all judgmentcommitteduntohim,"Johnv.22;and"heisLordofall,"Actsx.36.Rom.xiv.9.

6.Hereuponthesinner,beingconvincedofhislostconditionthroughsinandmisery,ofanutterimpossibilityofhelpinghimselfoutofthatstateofdeath,ofChrist'sall-sufficiencyandwillingnesstosaveallthatwillcometo him, and of its own inability to believe or come to him for life andsalvation,ortolayholdon,andleantohismeritsandsatisfaction,andsodespairing in himself, is to look out to Jesus, the author of eternalsalvation,thefoundationandchiefcorner-stone,theauthorandfinisherof faith; I say, the sinner, being thus convinced, is thus to look out toJesus;notthatthatconvictionisanyproperqualificationprerequisiteasnecessary,eithertoprepare,dispose,andfitforfaith,orfarlesstomeritanymannerofway,orbringonfaith;butbecausethisisChrist'smethodtobringa soul to faithby this conviction, to thegloryofhis grace.ThesoulnaturallybeingaversefromChrist,andutterlyunwillingtoacceptofthatwayofsalvation,mustberedactedtothatstrait,thatitshallsee,thatit must either accept of this offer or die. As the whole needeth not aphysician, so Christ is come to save only that which is lost; and hismethod is to convince the world of sin, in the first place; and then ofrighteousness,Johnxvi.8,9.

7. This looking out to Jesus for faith, comprehendeth those things: (1.)The soul's acknowledgment of the necessity of faith, to the end itmaypartakeofChrist,andofhismerits.(2.)Thesoul'ssatisfactionwiththatwayofpartakingofChrist,byaclosingwithhim,andarestinguponhimbyfaith.(3.)Asenseandconvictionoftheunbeliefandstubbornnessofthe heart, or a seeing of its own impotency, yea, and unwillingness tobelieve.(4.)Apersuasion thatChrist canover-master the infidelityandwickednessoftheheart,andworkupthesouluntoawillingconsentuntothebargain.(5.)Ahope,orahalf-hope(tospeakso)thatChrist,whoiswillingtosaveallpoorsinnersthatcometohimforsalvation;andhath

said, thathewillputnoneawayinanycasethatcometh—willhavepityuponhimatlength.(6.)Aresolutiontolieathisdoor,tillhecomewithlife, tillhequicken,tillheunitethesoultohimself. (7.)A lyingopentothebreathingsofhisSpirit,byguardingagainsteverything(sofarastheycan) that may grieve or provoke him, and waiting on him in all theordinances, he hath appointed, for begetting faith; such as reading theScriptures,hearingtheword,conferencewithgodlypersons,andprayer,&c. (8.)Awaitingwithpatienceonhimwhoneversaid to thehouseofJacob,"seekmeinvain,"Isa.xlv.19;stillcryingandlookingtohimwhohath commanded the ends of the earth to look tohim; andwaiting forhimwhowaitethtobegracious,Isa.xxx.18,rememberingthattheyareallblessedthatwaitforhim;andthat"thereismuchgoodpreparedforthemthatwaitforhim,"Isa.lxiv.4.

8.Thesinnerwouldessaythisbelieving,andclosingwithChrist,andsetabout it,ashecan,seriously,heartily,andwillingly,yea,andresolutelyoverthebellyofmuchopposition,andmanydiscouragements,lookingtohimwhomusthelp,yea,andwork thewholework; forGodworketh inand with man as a rational creature. The soul then would set thewillingness it findeth, on work, and wait for more; and as the Lord ispleasedtocommend,byhisSpirit,thewayofgracemoreuntothesoul,andtowarmtheheartwithlovetoit,andadesireafterit,striketheironwhileitishot;and,lookingtohimforhelp,griptoChristinthecovenant;and so set to its seal, thoughwith a trembling hand; and subscribe itsname,thoughwithmuchfearanddoubting,remembering"thathewhoworketh to will, must work the deed also," Phil. ii. 13, "and he thatbeginnethagoodworkwillperfectit,"Phil.i.6.

9. The soul essaying thus to believe in Christ's strength, and to creepwhen it cannotwalkor run,wouldhold fastwhat it hath attained, andresolvenever torecallanyconsent,orhalf-consent, ithathgiven to thebargain, but still look forward, hold on, wrestle against unbelief andunwillingness,entertaineverygoodmotionoftheSpiritforthisend,andnever admit of any thing that may quench its lodgings, desires, orexpectation.

10.Nay,ifthesinnerbecomethislength,that,withthebitwillingnesshehath,heconsentethtothebargain,andisnotsatisfiedwithanythingin

himself,thatdrawethback,orconsentethnot,andwiththelittleskillorstrength he hath is writing down his name, and saying, even so I takehim;and isholdingat this,peremptorily resolvingnever togoback,orunsay what he hath said; but, on the contrary, is firmly purposed toadhere,andashegrowethinstrength,togripmorefirmly,andadheretohim,hemayconcludethatthebargainisclosedalready,andthathehathfaithalready;forherethereisanacceptingofChristonhisownterms,areal consenting unto the covenant of grace, though weak, and not sodiscernibleasthesoulwouldwish.Thesouldarenotsaybutitloveththebargain,andissatisfiedwithit,andlongethforit,anddesirethnothingmorethanthat itmightpartakethereof,andenjoyhimwhomit loveth,hungerethfor,pantethafter,orbreatheth,asitisable,thatitmayliveinhim,andbesavedthroughhim.

Butsomewillsay,IfIhadanyevidenceofGod'sapprobationofthisactofmy soul, any testimony of his Spirit, I could thenwith confidence say,that I had believed and accepted of the covenant and of Christ offeredtherein;butsolongasIperceivenothingofthis,howcanIsuppose,thatanymotionofthiskindinmysoulisrealfaith?

ForAnswer—1.Wewouldknow,thatourbelieving,andGod'ssealingtoour sense, are two distinct acts and separable, and oft separated. Ourbelievingisonething,andGod'ssealingwiththeHolySpiritofpromisetooursense,isanotherthing;andthisfolloweth,thoughnotinseparably,theother,Eph.i.13,"Inwhomalso,afterthatyebelieved,yeweresealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromise."

And so, 2.Wewould know, thatmany amanmaybelieve, and yet notknowthathedothbelieve.Hemaysettohisseal,thatGodistrueinhisofferof life throughJesus,andacceptof thatofferasa truth,andclosewithit;andyetliveunderdarknessanddoubtingsofhisfaith, longandmanyaday;partlythroughnotdiscerningthetruenatureoffaith;partlythrough thegreatsenseand feelingofhisowncorruptionandunbelief;partlythroughamistakeoftheSpirit'soperationswithin,orthewantofaclearanddistinctuptakingofthemotionsofhisownsoul;partlybecausehefindethsomuchdoubtingandfear,asiftherecouldbenofaithwheretherewasdoubtingor fear,contrarytoMarkix.24.Matth.viii.26,andxiv.31.;partly,becausehehathnotthatpersuasionthatothershavehad,

as if therewerenotvariousdegreesof faith,as there isofothergraces,andthelike.

Therefore,3.Wewouldknow,thatmanymayreallybelieve,andyetmissthissensiblesealingoftheSpiritwhichtheywouldbeat.Godmaythinkitnotyetseasonabletograntthemthat, lesttheyforgetthemselvesandbecometooproud;andtotrainthemupmoretothelifeoffaith,wherebyhemaybeglorified;andforotherholyends,hemaysuspendthegivingofthisforatime.

4.Yetwewouldknow,thatallthatbelieve,havethesealwithinthem,1John v. 10, "He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness inhimself,"thatis,hehaththatwhichreallyisaseal,thoughheseeitnot,norperceiveitnot;eventheworkofGod'sSpiritinhissoul,inclininganddetermininghimuntotheacceptingofthisbargain,andtoalikingofandendeavouringafterholiness;andthewholegospelclearingupwhatfaithis,isasealandconfirmationofthebusiness.Sothatthematterissealed,and confirmed by the word, though the soul want those sensiblebreathingsoftheSpirit,sheddingabroadhisloveintheheart,andfillingthesoulwithafullassurance,byhushingalldoubtsandfearstothedoor;yea, though they should be a stranger unto the Spirit'switnessing thuswith their spirits, that they are the children of God, and clearing updistinctlytherealworkofgracewithintheirsoul,andsosayingineffect,thattheyhaveintruthbelieved.

But enough of this; seeing all this, andmuchmore is abundantly heldforthandexplained,inthatexcellentandusefultreatiseofMr.Guthrie's,entitled,"TheChristian'sGreatInterest."

CHAPTERV.

HOW CHRIST IS TO BEMADE USE OF, AS THEWAY, FORSANCTIFICATIONINGENERAL.

Havingshownhowapoorsoul,lyingundertheburdenofsinandwrath,istomakeuseofJesusChristforrighteousnessandjustification,andsotomakeuseofhim,goouttohim,andapplyhim,as"heismadeofGodtous righteousness," 1Cor. i.30,and thatbutbriefly.Thiswholegreatbusiness being more fully and satisfactorily handled, in thatforementioned great, though small treatise, viz. "The Christian's GreatInterest,"weshallnowcomeandshow,howabelieverorajustifiedsoulshallfurthermakeuseofChristforsanctification,thisbeingaparticularaboutwhichtheyareoftentimesmuchexercisedandperplexed.

Thatwemaytherefore, insomeweakmeasure, throughthehelpof thislightandgrace,proposesomethingstoclearupthisgreatandnecessarytruth,we shall first speaka little to it in thegeneral, and thencome toclearupthemattermoreparticularly.

Beforewespeakofthematteringeneral,itwouldberemembered,1.ThatthepersonwhoonlyisincasetomakeuseofChristforsanctification,isonethathathmadeuseofhimalreadyforrighteousnessandjustification.ForonewhoisastrangertoChrist,andislivinginnature,hathnoaccessto Christ for sanctification. He must be a believer, and within thecovenant,erehecanmakeuseofthegroundsofsanctificationlaiddowninthecovenant.OnemustfirstbeunitedtoChrist,andjustifiedbyfaithinhim,beforehecandrawanyvirtue fromhimforperfectingholiness.Hemustfirstbeinhim,beforehecangrowupinhim,orbringforthfruitinhim.Andthereforethefirstthingthatsoulswouldgoabout,shouldbeto get an union made up with Christ, and be clothed with hisrighteousnessbyfaith;andthentheyhavearighttoallhisbenefits.First,theyshould labour toget their state changed fromenmity topeaceand

reconciliationwithGod,throughfaithinJesus.

Yet,next, itwouldbeobserved, thatwhen it issaid, thatonemustbeabelieverbeforehecangotoChrist,andmakeuseofhimforholinessandsanctification,itisnotsounderstoodandsaid,thatonemustknow,thatindeedhe is justifiedby faith,beforehecanmakeanyuseofChrist forsanctification.Onemaybe justified,andabeliever,yea,andgrowing ingrace through Jesus Christ, and so actually improving the grounds ofsanctification, and making use of Christ for this end, and allowedthereunto, and yet win to no certainty of his union with Christ, of hisjustificationthroughfaithinhim,norofhisfaith.

But, thirdly, if it be said,How can a soulwith confidence approach toChrist,foruse-makingofhim,inreferencetosanctification, that is,stilldoubtingofhisstateandregeneration?

Ianswer,Itistrue,aclearsightofourinterestinChristbyfaith,wouldbeagreatencouragementtoourconfidentapproachingto,anduse-makingof him, in all things; and this consideration shouldmove all to amoreearnestsearchandstudyof themarksandevidencesof their interest;agood help whereunto they will find in the forementioned book. I shallonlysaythishere,Thatifthesoulhaveanearnestdesiretobesanctifiedwholly, and tohaveon the imageofGod, thathemayglorifyhim, andpantethafterholinessas for life, thathemay look likehimthat isholy,andmakeththishisworkandstudy;sorrowingatnothingmorethanathis shortcoming; crying out and longing for the day when he shall bedeliveredfromabodyofdeath,andhavetheoldmanwhollycrucified;heneedethnotquestionhis interest inChrist, andwarrant tomakeuseofhim for every part of sanctification; for this longing desire afterconformity toGod's law,andpantingafter this spiritual life, to theendGod may be exalted, Christ glorified, and others edified, will not bereadily found in one that is yet innature. It is true, I grant, somewhodesign to establish their own righteousness, and tobe justifiedby theirownworksandinherentholiness,maywishthattheymaybemoreholyand lessguilty;and for someother corruptends, theymaydesire tobefreeofthepowerofsomelust,whichtheyfindnoxiousandtroublesome;andyetretainwithloveanddesire,someotherbelovedlusts,andsohaveaheartstill cleaving to theheartof somedetestable thingorother.But

gracioussouls,astheyhaverespecttoallthecommandsofGod,sotheyhavenotthatdesignofbeingjustifiedbeforeGodbytheirworks;nordotheystudymortification,andsanctificationforanysuchend;nay,theynosoonerdiscoveranybiasoftheirfalsedeceitfulheartsuntoanysuchend,butassoontheydisownit,andabhorit.Sothathencebelieversmaygetsomediscoveryof therealityof their faithandinterest inChrist,andoftheirwarrant,yea,anddutytomakeuseofChristforsanctification.

Thispremised,wecometospeaksomething,inthegeneral,ofbeliever'suse-makingofChrist, asmadeofGod tous sanctification.And for thisend,weshallonlyspeakalittletotwothings.First,WeshallshowuponwhataccountitisthatChristiscalledoursanctification,or,"madeofGodtoussanctification,"astheapostle'sphraseis,1Cor.i.30;or,whatChristhathdoneasMediator, tobegin,andcarryontoperfectiontheworkofsanctificationinthesoul.And,secondly,Howthesoulistodemeanitselfinthismatter,orhowthesoulistomakeuseof,andimprovewhatChristhathdone,forthisend,thatitmaygrowingrace,andperfectholinessinthefearofGod.

Astothefirst,wewouldknow,thatthoughtheworkofsanctificationbeformallyours,yetitiswroughtbyanotherhand,astheprincipalefficientcause, even by the Father, Son, andHoly Ghost. The Father is said topurge the branches, that they may bring forth more fruit, John xv. 1.HencewearesaidtobesanctifiedbyGodtheFather,Jude1.TheSonisalso called the Sanctifier, Heb. ii. 21. He sanctifieth and cleanseth theChurchwiththewashingofwaterbytheword,Eph.v.26.TheSpirit isalsosaidtosanctify,2Thes.ii.13.1Pet.i.2.Rom.xv.16.HencewearesaidtobewashedandsanctifiedbytheSpiritofGod,1Cor.vi.11.

Butmoreparticularly,wearesaid tobesanctified inChrist, 1Cor. i.2;and"heismadeofGodtoussanctification,"1Cor.i.30.Letusthenseeinwhatsensethismaybetrue.And,

1. He hath by his death and blood procured that this work ofsanctificationshallbewroughtandcarriedon.For"hesufferedwithoutthegate,thathemightsanctifythepeoplewithhisownblood,"Heb.xiii.12. "We are savedby thewashing of regeneration, and renewingof theHolyGhost,whichhe shedonusabundantly, through JesusChrist our

Saviour,"Titusiii.5,6."Hegavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfrom all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous ofgoodworks,"Tit. ii. 14.Thusoursanctification is the fruitofhisdeath,and purchased by his blood. "He gave himself for his church, that hemightsanctifyit,"Eph.v.25,26.

2.Hedyingasacautionerandpublicperson,believersareaccountedinlawtobedeadtosininhim.Hencetheapostletellsus,Rom.vi.3-6,thatasmanyof us as are baptised into JesusChrist,were baptized into hisdeath;andthatthereforeweareburiedwithhimbybaptismintodeath;andareplantedtogetherinthelikenessofhisdeath;yea,andthatouroldmaniscrucifiedwithhim,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed,thathenceforthweshouldnotservesin.Whencebelieversarewarrantedandcommanded,verse11,toreckonthemselves"tobedeadindeeduntosin;"and therefore sin should "not reign in their mortal bodies to fulfil thelusts thereof," verse 12. This is a sure ground of hope and comfort forbelievers, that Christ died thus as a public person; and that by virtuethereof,beingnowunitedtoChristbyfaith,theyaredeadtosinbylaw;and sin cannot challenge a dominion over them, as before theirconversionitmighthavedone,anddid;forthelawhathdominionoveraman as long as he liveth, but no longer.Wherefore believing brethren"becomingdeadtothelawbythebodyofChrist,aremarriedtoanother,eventohimwhoisraisedfromthedead,thattheyshouldbringforthfruituntoGod,"Rom.vii.1-4.

3.Henceitfolloweth,thatour"oldmaniscrucifiedwithChrist,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed,"Rom.vi.6.Sothat thisold tyrant thatoppresseth the people of God, hath got his death wounds, in thecrucifixion of Christ, and shall never recover his former vigour andactivity,tooppressandbeardownthepeopleofGod,ashedid.Heisnowvirtually,throughthedeathofJesus,killedandcrucified,beinginChristnailedtothecross.

4.Hisresurrectionisapawnandpledgeofthissanctification.Forashedied as a public person, so he rose again as a public person. "We areburiedwithhimbybaptism, that like asChristwas raisedup from thedead,bythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessof life,"Rom. vi. 4; and believers are said to be "planted togetherwith

him,inthelikenessofhisresurrection,"verse5;"andtheyshalllivewithhim," verse 8; "and therefore they are to reckon themselves alive untoGod, through Jesus Christ our Lord," verse 11. "We are raised uptogether,"Eph.ii.6.

5.ThissanctificationisanarticleofthecovenantofredemptionbetwixttheFatherandtheSon,Isa. lii.15,"Soshallhesprinklemanynations."Chap. liii. 10, "He shall seehis seed, and thepleasureof theLord shallprosperinhishand."Christ,then,havingthispromisedtohim,mustseetotheaccomplishmentthereof,andwillhaveitgrantedtohim;seeinghehath fulfilledall thatwas engaged to by him—havingmade his soul anofferingforsin.

6.Thissanctificationispromisedinthecovenantofgrace,Jer.xxxiii.8."AndIwillcleansethemfromalltheiriniquity."Ezek.xxxvii.23,"AndIwillcleanse them."Sochap.xxxvi.25,"Thenwill I sprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean;fromallyourfilthiness,andfromallyouridolswillIcleanseyou."Nowallthepromisesofthecovenantofgraceareconfirmed to us in the Mediator. For, "in him all the promises of thecovenantareyeaandamen,"2Cor.i.20.

7.Hehathpurchasedandmadesuretohisown,thenewnature,andtheheart of flesh, which is also promised, Ezek. xxxvi. 26, and xi. 19. Jer.xxxii. 39. This is the new and lively principle of grace, the spring ofsanctification,whichcannotbeidleinthesoul;butmustbeemittingvitalactsnatively.

Yea, through him, are believers made partakers of the divine nature,which is a growing thing,—young glory in the soul, 2 Pet. i. 3,4,"Accordingashisdivinepowerhathgivenuntousallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness,throughtheknowledgeofhimthathathcalledusto glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great andprecious promises, that by these we might be made partakers of thedivinenature,"&c.

8.TheSpiritispromised,tocauseuswalkinhisstatutes,Ezek.xlvi.27.Now all these promises are made good to us in Christ, who is thecautioner of the covenant; yea, he hath gotten now the dispensing and

givingoutoftherichpromisesofthecovenant,committeduntohim;soasheisthegreatandgloriouscustodierofallpurchasedblessings.

9.Therearenewwaterings,breathings,andgalesof theSpirit,giveninChrist,Isa.xxvii.3.Hemustwaterhisgardenorvineyardeverymoment.Thisisthenorthwindandthesouthwindthatblowethuponthegarden,Cant.iv.16.HemustbeasthedewuntoIsrael,Hos.xiv.5.

10.ThroughChrististhebelieverbroughtintosuchacovenantstate,asgivethgreatgroundofhopeofcertainvictory.He isnotnowunder thelaw,butundergrace;andhenceinferreththeapostle,Rom.vi.14,"Thatsin shall not have dominion over them." Being now under thatdispensationofgrace,wherebyall theirstock is in theMediator'shand,andathisdisposal;andnot intheirownhandandpower,asunder thecovenantofworks,thereisasuregroundlaiddownforconstantsupplyandfurnitureinallnecessities.

11.Christhathprayedforthis,Johnxvii.17,"Sanctifythemthroughthytruth;"where theLord ispraying, thathisdisciplesmightbemore andmoresanctified,andsofittedandqualifiedfortheworkof theministrytheyweretobeemployedin.Andwhatheprayedforthem,wasnot forthemalone,butalsofortheelect,proportionably,whoareopposedtotheworld,forwhichhedidnotpray,verse9.

12.Hestandethtobelieversinrelationofavine,oraroot,inwhichtheygrowasbranches,so thatbyabiding inhim, livingbyfaith inhim,anddrawingsap fromhim, theybring forth fruit inhim,Johnxv.1,2,4,5.Theirstockofgrace is inhim, theroot;andhecommunicatethsapandlifeuntohisbranches,wherebytheygrow,flourish,andbringforthfruittothegloryofGod.

13. Christ hath taken on him the office of a prophet and teacher, toinstructusinthewaywhereinweoughttogo;forheisthatgreatprophetwhom the Lord promised to raise up, and who was to be heard andobeyedinallthings,Deut.xviii.15.Actsiii.22,andvii.37."Heisgivenfor awitness, and a leader," Isa. lv. 4; andwe are commanded to hearhim,Matt,xvii.5.Markx.7.

14.Hehathalsotakenonhimtheofficeofaking,Psal.ii.6.Matt,xxviii.5.Isa.ix.7.Phil.ii.8-11.andtherebystandethengagedtosubduealltheirspiritualenemies,Satanandcorruption,Psal.cx.Heisgivenforaleaderandcommander,Isa.lv.5,andsocancausehispeoplewalkinhisways.

15. When we defile ourselves with new transgressions and failings, hehath provided a fountain for us to wash in; "a fountain opened to thehouse of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and foruncleanness,"Zech.xiii.1;andthisfountainishisblood,whichcleansethfromallsin,Heb.ix.14.1Johni.7.Rev.i.5.

16.Heissetbeforeusasacopyandpattern,thatwe"shouldwalkevenashewalked,"1Johnii.6."Heleftusanexamplethatweshouldfollowhissteps,"1Pet. ii.21.Butweshouldbewaretoseparatethisconsiderationfrom thepreceding, as antichristian Socinians do,whowill haveChristonlytobeacopy.

17. He hath overcome Satan, our arch enemy, and hath destroyed hisworks, 1 John iii. 8.He came to destroy theworks of the devil; and inparticular, hisworks ofwickedness in the soul. Thushe is a conquerorandthecaptainofoursalvation.

18.Ashehathpurchased,sohathheappointedordinances,forthelayingofthefoundation,andcarryingonthisworkofsanctification;bothwordand sacraments are appointed for that; the word to convert and toconfirm, John xvii. 17. "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word istruth," saidChrist.Theword is given as the rule; and also through themeans thereof is life and strength conveyed to the soul, "to perfectholinessinthefearofGod,"1Pet.ii.2.AndthesacramentsaregiventostrengthenandconfirmthesoulinthewaysofGod.

19.Ashehathlaiddownstrongencouragementstohisfollowers,toholdon in thewayofholiness,manygreat andpreciouspromises,bywhichtheymaybemadepartakersofthedivinenature,2Pet.i.4;andbywhichtheyareencouragedtocleansethemselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshand spirit, 2Cor. vii. 1; andmanymotives toholdon and continue; sohathhe rolleddifficultiesoutof theway,whether theybewithinus, orwithoutus,andtherebymadethewayeasyandpleasanttosuchaswalk

in it; soas theymaynowrun thewayofhis commandments, andwalkandnotweary,andrunandnotbefaint.

Nay, 20.We would remember for our encouragement and confidence,thatincarryingonofthisworklieththesatisfactionofthesoul,andthepleasureoftheLordthatmustprosperinhishand,andthusheseethhisseed,andhathofthetravailofhissoul,andissatisfied.

Theseparticulars,rightlyconsidered,willdiscoveruntous,whatanoblegroundforsanctificationisinChristlaiddownforbelievers,whichtheymay,andmustbyfaithgripto,thattheymaygrowingrace,andgrowupinChrist,andperfectholiness;andwhatawonderfulcontrivanceofgracethisis,whereinallthingsaremadesosureforbelievers,Christbecomingall things to them, and paving a royal and sureway for them; sure forthem,andglorioustohimself!

As to the second particular, that is, how believers are to carry in thismatter,orhow theyare tomakeuseofChrist, andof thosegrounds ofsanctificationinChrist,whichwehavementioned:

First, There are some things which they should beware of, and guardagainst;as,

1. They should beware of an heartless despondency, and giving way todiscouragement, and hearkening to the language of unbelief, or to thesuggestion of Satan, whereby he will labour to persuade them of theimpossibility of getting the work of sanctification throughed, or anyprogressmade therein topurpose.Satanandadeceitfulheartcansoonmusterupmanydifficulties,andallegethattherearemanylions,manyinsuperable difficulties in the way, to discourage them from venturingforward;andifSatanprevailhere,hehathgainedagreatpoint.Thereforethebelievershouldkeepuphisheadinhope,andbewareofmultiplyingdiscouragements tohimself,orofconcludingthematter impossible; forthenshallheneitherhaveheartnorhandforthework,butsitdownandwringhis hands as overcomewithdiscouragement anddespondencyofspirit.

2. They should beware of wilfully rejecting their own mercies, and

forbearingtomakeuseofthegroundsofhope,ofstrengthandprogressinthematterofsanctification,whichChristhathallowedthem tomakeuseof.ThereissuchanevilamongGod'schildren,thattheyscaratthatwhichChristoutofgreatlovehathprovidedforthem,anddarenotwithconfidence make use of, nor apply to themselves the great andcomfortablepromises,totheendtheymightbeencouraged;theywillnottaketheirallowance,asthinkingthemselvesunworthy;andthatitwouldbe presumption in them to challenge a right to such great things; andthey think it commendable humility in them, to stand a-back, and sowilfully refuse the advantages and helps, that make so much for theirgrowthingrace.

3.They shouldbewareof a carelessneglectof themeansappointedforadvancinginholiness;for,thoughthemeansdonotworktheeffect,yetitisbythemeansthatGodhathchosentoworktheworkofsanctification.Herethatistobeseen,"thatthehandofthediligentmakethrich;andthefieldof the slothful is soongrownoverwith thorns andnettles; so thatpovertycomethasonethattravaileth,andwantasanarmedman,"Prov.xxiv.30.ItisasinfultemptingofGod,tothinktobesanctifiedanotherwaythanGodhathinhisdeepwisdomcondescendedupon.

4.Yet theyshouldbewareof laying toomuchweighton themeansandordinances,asiftheycouldeffectuatethebusiness.ThoughtheLordhaththoughtfittoworkinandbythemeans,yethehimselfmustdothework.Meansarebutmeans,andnottheprincipalcause;norcantheywork,butas the principal agent is pleased tomake use of them, and to work bythem. When we lean to the means and to instruments, we prejudgeourselves,bydisobligingofGod,andprovokinghimtoleaveus,thatwemaywrestlewiththeordinancesalone,andfindnoadvantage.Thereforethesoulshouldguardagainstthis.

5. Albeit the means can do nothing unless he breathe, yet we shouldbewarenotonlyofneglecting, aswe saidbefore,but alsoof a slightingwayof performing them,without that earnestness anddiligence that isrequired,—"cursedishewhodoththeworkoftheLordnegligently,"Jer.xlviii. 10.Here then is the special art ofChristianity apparent, to be asdiligent, earnest and serious in the use of the means, as if they couldeffectuatethematterwewereseeking;andyettobeasmuchabstracted

fromthem,inourhopesandexpectation,andtobeasmuchleaningonthe Lord alone, and depending on him for the blessing, as if we wereusingnomeansatall.

6. They should beware of slighting and neglecting the motions of theSpirit; for thereby theymay lose the best opportunity. They should bealwaysonthewing,readytoembracetheleastmotion;andtheyshouldstandalwaysready,waitingforthebreathingsofhisSpirit,andopenathiscall; lestafterward,theybeputtocallandseek,andnotattainwhattheywouldbeat,asweseeinthespouse,Cant.v.2,3,4,&c.

7.TheyshouldalsoguardagainstthequenchingoftheSpirit,1Thess.v.12; or grieving of the Spirit, Eph. iv. 30, by their unchristian andunsuitablecarriage;forthiswillmuchmartheirsanctification.ItisbytheSpiritthattheworkofsanctificationiscarriedoninthesoul;andwhenthisSpiritisdisturbed,andputfromhiswork,howcantheworkgoon?WhenthemotionsofthisindwellingSpiritareextinguished,hisworkismarredandretarded;andwhenheisgrieved,heishinderedinhiswork.Therefore souls must guard against unbelief, despondency, unsuitableandunchristiancarriage.

8.Especiallytheyshouldbewareofwastingsins,Psal.li.10.Sinsagainstlightandconscience,suchasDavidcalledpresumptuoussins,Psal.xix.13.Theyshouldbewarealsoofsavouringanyunknowncorruption,oranythingofthatkind,thatmayhindertheworkofsanctification.

Secondly,Itwereuseful,andofgreatadvantageforsuchaswouldgrowingrace,andadvanceinthewayofholiness,tobelivingintheconstantconviction,

1. Of the necessity of holiness, "without which noman shall see God,"Heb. xii. 14. "Nothing entering into the New Jerusalem that defileth,"Rev.xxi.7.

2. Of their own inability to do any one act right; how they are notsufficientofthemselvestothinkanythingasofthemselves,2Cor.iii.5;andthatwithoutChristtheycandonothing,Johnxv.5.

3.Of the insufficiencyofanyhumanhelp,ormeans,orwaywhichtheymight thinkgoodtochoose, tomortifyarightonecorruption,ortogivestrengthforthedischargeofanyoneduty;foroursufficiencyisofGod,2Cor.iii.anditis"throughtheSpiritthatwemustmortifythedeedsofthebody,"Rom.viii.13.

4.Andof the treachery anddeceitfulness of theheart,which is benttofollow by-ways, being not only "deceitful above all things, but alsodesperatelywicked,"Jer.xvii.9.

Thatbythismeans,thesoulmaybejealousofitself,anddespairofdoinganything in itsownstrength,andsobe fortifiedagainstthatmainevil,whichisanenemytoalltruesanctification,viz.confidenceintheflesh.

Thirdly,Thesoulwillkeepitseyefixedonthosethings:

1.OnChrist'sall-sufficiencytohelp;inallcasesthat"heisabletosavetotheuttermost,"Heb.vii.25.

2.Onhiscompassionatenesstosuchasareoutoftheway;andreadinesstohelppoorsinnerswithhisgraceandstrength;andthiswillkeepupthesoulfromfaintinganddespairing.

3.Onthecommandsofholiness;suchasthose,"cleanseyourhand,andpurifyyourhearts,"Jamesiv.8,and,"beyeholy,forIamholy,"1Pet.i.15,16,andthelike;thattheauthorityofGodandconsciencetocommandmaysetthesoula-work.

4. On the great recompense of reward that is appointed for such aswrestle on, and endure to the end; and on the great promises of greatthingstosuchasaresanctified,whereof thescripturesare full; that thesoulmaybeencouragedtorunthroughdifficulties,torideoutstorms,toendurehardness,asagoodsoldier,andtopersevereinduty.

5.Ontheotherhand,onthemanysadthreateningsanddenunciationsofwrath,againstsuchastransgresshislaws,andonallthesadthingsthatsuchasshakeoff thefearofGodandthestudyofholinesshaveto lookfor,ofwhichthescriptureisfull;thatbythismeansthesoulmaybekept

in awe, and spurred forward unto duty, andmade themore willing toshakeofflaziness.

6.Ontherule,thewordofGod,bywhichalonewemustregulateallouractions;and thisought tobeourmeditationdayandnight, andall ourstudy, aswe see itwasDavid's, andotherholymenofGod, theirdailywork,seePsal.i.andcxix.

Fourthly,Inallthisstudyofholiness,andaimingatanhighermeasureofgrace, the believerwould level at a right end, and sowould not designholinessforthisend,thathemightbejustifiedthereby,orthathemighttherebyprocureandpurchasetohimselfheavenandGod'sfavour;fortheweightofallthatmustlieonJesusChrist,whoisourrighteousness;andourholinessmustnotdethronehim,norrobhimofhisglory,whichhewillnotgive to another; butwould studyholiness, to the endhemightglorifyGod,Father,Son,andHolySpirit,andpleasehimwhocallethtoholiness,andtherebybe"meet tobepartakersof the inheritanceof thesaints in light,"Col. i. 10,12;andbemadeameetbrideforsuchaholybridegroom, and a member to such an holy head; that hereby othersmightbeedified,Matt.v.16.1Pet. ii.12,andiii.1,2;thatthesoulmaylooklikeatempleoftheHolyGhost,andlikeaservantofChrist'sboughtwithaprice,1Cor.vi.17-20;andhaveaclearevidenceofhisregenerationandjustification, and also thathemay expresshis thankfulness toGodforallhisfavoursandbenefits.

Fifthly,Thesoulshouldbyfaithlayholdon,andgripfasttothegroundofsanctification;thatistosay,(1.)TowhatChristhathpurchasedforhispeople.(2.)Towhatasapublicpersonhehathdoneforthem;andsobyfaith,

1.Challengea right to,and layholdon thepromisesofgrace, strength,victory,andthoroughbearing,intheircombatingwithcorruptionwithin,andSatanandawickedworldwithout.

2. "Reckon themselves dead unto sin, through the death of Christ; andaliveuntoGodthroughhisresurrection,"Rom.vi.4,11."Andthattheoldmaniscrucifiedwithhim,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed,"verse6."Andthattheyarenownotunderthelaw,butundergrace,"verse14.

Thatbythismeanstheymaybeencouragedtocontinuefightingagainstavanquished enemy, and not give over, notwithstanding ofdisappointments,discouragements,prevailingsofcorruption,&c.andthebeliever may know upon what ground he standeth, and what is thegroundofhishopeandexpectationofvictoryintheend;andsohe"mayrun,notasuncertainly;andso fight,notasone thatbeateth theair," 1Cor.ix.26.

Sixthly,Inthisworkofsanctification,thebelievershouldbemuchinthelivelyexerciseoffaith;fightbyfaith;advancebyfaith,growup,andbringforthfruitbyfaith;andso,

1.ThebelieverwouldbeoftrenewinghisgripsofChrist,holdinghimfastby faith; and so abiding inhim, thathemaybring forth fruit, Johnxv.4,5.

2.NotonlywouldhebekeepinghisunionfastwithChrist,buthewouldalso be eyeing Christ by faith, as his store-house, and general Lorddispensator of all the purchased blessings of the covenant, which hestandethinneedof,andlookingonChrist,asstandingengagedbyofficeto complete his work of salvation, and to present himwith the rest tohimselfholy,withoutblemish,yea,andwithoutspotandwrinkle,oranysuchthing,Eph.v.27.

3.Hewould by faith grip to the promises, both of the general stock ofgrace,thenewheart,andheartofflesh,andthespirittocauseuswalkinhisstatutes,Ezek.xxxvi.26,27;andoftheseveralparticularactsofgracethatbestandethinneedof,suchasthat,Jer.xxx.8,"Iwillcleansethemfrom all their iniquities," &c. So Ezek. xxxvi. 25. Jer. xxxi. 19. As thechurch doth,Micah vii. 9. "He will subdue our iniquities," &c. And sohaving,orgrippingthesepromises,weare tocleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessof fleshandspirit,"andperfectholiness inthefearofGod,"2Cor.vii.1.

4.AsthebelieverwouldbyfaithdrawoutofChrist,throughtheconduitofthepromises,whichareall"yeaandameninhim,"2Cor.i.20.grace,strength,knowledge,courage,orwhateverhisfightinthiswarfarecallethfor, to the endhemay be strong in "the Lord, and in the power of his

might,"Eph.vi.10;sohewouldbyfaithrolltheweightofthewholeworkuponChrist;andthuscasthimself,andhiscareandburdenonhimwhocarethforhim,1Pet.v.7.Psal.xxxvii.5,andlv.22;andsogooninduty,without anxiety, knowingwho beareth theweight of all, andwho hathundertakentoworkbothtowillandtodo,accordingtohisgoodpleasure.Thusshouldtheworkbeeasyandsafe,whenbyfaithwerolltheburdenonhim,whoisthechosenonefittedforthatwork,andleaveitonhim,whoisourstrength,patientlywaitingfortheoutgate,inhope.

Thus the believer makes use of Christ, as made of God sanctification,when in theuseofmeansappointed, eyeing the covenantof grace, andthepromisesthereof,andwhatChristhathdonetosanctifyandcleansehispeople,he rolleth thematteronhim, and expectethhelp, salvation,andvictorythroughhim.

CAUTIONS.

But lestsomeshouldbediscouraged,andthinkall this invain,becausethey perceive no progress nor growth in grace for all this, but rathercorruptionasstrongandtroublesomeasever,Iwouldsayafewthingstothem.

1. Let them search and try, whether their shortcoming anddisappointmentdothnotmuchproceedfromthis,thatthematterisnotsocleanlycastoveronChristasitshouldbe;isitnottoooftfound,thattheygo forth to thebattle in theirownstrength, lippening to theirownstockofgrace,totheirownknowledge,ortotheirduties,orthelike?Howthencantheyprosper?

2.Let themmournas theyget anydiscoveryof this, andguardagainstthat corrupt bias of the heart, which is still inclining them to anengagementwithouttheCaptainoftheirsalvation,andafightingwithoutthearmourofGod.

3.Letthemtryandsee,if,instudyingholiness,theybenotledbycorruptends;anddonotmorelabouraftersanctification,thattheymaybemore

worthyandthebetteracceptedofGod,andthattheymayhavequietnessand peace as to their acceptance with God, as if this were any cause,matter,orconditionof their righteousnessandjustificationbeforeGod,thanthattheymayshewtheirobediencetothecommandofGod,1Thes.iv.3.Eph.ii.10.Johnxv.16;andexpresstheirthankfulnesstohim,andglorifyGod,Mal. i.6.Matt. iii. 16. Johnxvii. 10.Eph. iv.30;and if so,they ought to acknowledge God's goodness in that disappointment,seeing thereby theyseemoreandmoreanecessityof layingaside theirown righteousness, and of betaking themselves to the righteousness ofChrist,andofrestingonthataloneforpeaceandacceptancewithGod.

4. They should try and see, if their negligence and carelessness inwatching, and in the discharge of duties, do not occasion theirdisappointmentsandshortcoming.Godsometimes thinks fit to sufferalion of corruption to set on them, that theymay look about them, andstandmorevigilantlyupontheirwatch-tower,knowingthattheyhavetodowithavigilantadversary,thedevil,who,asaroaringlion,goethaboutseekingwhomhemaydevour,IPet.v.8.andthat"theyfightnotagainstflesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against therulersofthedarknessofthisworld;againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces,"Eph.vi.12.Itisnotfornoughtthatwearesooftencommandedtowatch,Matt.xxiv.42,andxxv.13,andxxvi.41,andxiv.38.Lukexxi.36.Mark xiii. 33-37. 1 Cor. xvi. 13. 1 Thes. v. 6. 1 Pet. iv. 7. Col. iv. 2.Throughthewantofthis,weknowwhatbefelDavidandPeter.

5. They should try and see, whether there be not too much self-confidence, which occasioned Peter's foul fall. Godmay, in justice andmercy, suffer corruption tobreak looseuponsuch, at a time, and treadthemunder foot, to learn themafterward tocarrymoresoberly;and to"worktheirsalvationwithfearandtrembling,"Phil.ii.12,rememberingwhat a jealous, holy God he is, with whom they have to do; what anadversarytheyhaveagainstthem;andhowweaktheirownstrengthis.

6. This should be remembered, that onemay be growing in grace, andadvancinginholiness,when,tohisapprehension,heisnotgoingforwardfromstrength to strength,but rathergoingbackward. It isone thing tohavegrace,andanotherthingtoseethatwehavegrace;soitisonethingtobegrowing ingrace,andanother thingtosee thatwearegrowing in

grace. Many may question their growth in grace, when their veryquestioning of it may evince the contrary. For they may conclude nogrowth, but rather a back-going, because they perceivemore andmoreviolent, and strong corruptions, and hidden works of darkness andwickedness, within their soul, than ever they did before; while as thatgreatdiscoverysheweththeincreaseoftheirspiritualknowledge,andanincreaseinthisisanincreaseingrace;sotheymayquestionanddoubtoftheir growth, upon mistakes, as thinking corruption always strongestwhen itmakesthegreateststirandnoise;or theircomplaintsmay flowfrom a vehement desire they have to have much more sanctification,whichmay cause them overlookmany degrees they have advanced.Orsomesuch thingmayoccasion theirdarknessandcomplaints;yea,Godmay think it fittest for them, to the end theymay be kept humble anddiligent,tobeinthedarkastotheirprogress;whereasiftheysawwhatadvancement and progress they had made in Christianity, they mightgrow wanton, secure, and careless, and so occasion some saddispensationtohumblethemagain.

7.Itshouldberemembered,thatperfectvictoryisnottobehadhere.Itistrue, in respect of justification through the imputation of the perfectrighteousness of Christ, and in respect of their sincerity and gospelsimplicity,andinrespectalsoofthepartsofthenewman,believersaresaidtobeperfect;suchanonewasNoah,Gen.vi.9,andJob,chap.i.1,8.SeealsoPsalmxxxvii.37,andlxiv.4.1Cor.ii.6.Heb.v.14.Jamesiii.2.Andit istrue,wearetoaimatperfection,andtoprayforit,asMatt.v.48.2Cor.xiii.11.Col.iv.12.Heb.xiii.21.Jamesi.4.1Pet.v.10.Heb.vi.1.Yetas to thedegreesofholinessandsanctification, and in respectoftheremnantofcorruptionwithin,thereisnofullperfectionhere,Jer.ix.20,21.Phil.iii.12.Forevenhewhoiswashed,and,astojustification,iscleaneverywhit,yetneedethtowashhisfeet,becausecontractingfilthinhisconversation,Jobxiii.10.SothatiftheLordshouldmarkiniquity,nomanshouldstand,Psalmcxxx.3,andcxliii.2.Therewill stillbe in thebestsomething,moreorless,ofthatbattle,thatPaulspeakethof,Rom.vii.15-23.Sothattheywillstillhaveoccasiontocryoutwithhim,verse24, "Owretchedman that I am,who shalldeliverme from thebodyofthisdeath!"And the fleshwill still lustagainst the spirit, and the spiritagainsttheflesh,sothattheyshallnotbeabletodowhattheywould,Gal.

v.17.Theplaceofperfectionisabove,wherealltearsarewipedaway,andthewearywrestlerisatrest.

8.Letthemnotmistakeandthink,thateverystirringofcorruptioninthesoul,arguethitsdominionandprevailingpower.Corruptionmaystirandmake a great deal ado, where it cannot get leave to reign; and be as aviolentandcruelinvader,seekingthethrone,puttingthewholekingdominacombustion,whoisresistedwithforceofarms.

Corruptionmaybemorequietandstill,whenindeedithaththethroneofthe soul; as a conqueror may be more quiet and still, when he hathovercomeand is inpeaceablepossessionof thekingdom, thanwhenhewas but fighting for it. When the strong man keeps the house, and ismaster, thenall isquietandatrest, tillastrongercomeandthrusthimout,anddispossesshim.

9.Sanctificationdothnotalwaysconsist inaman's freedomfromsomecorruptions.Fortheremaybesomecorruptionsthatonehathnonaturalinclinationto,but,onthecontrary,agreataversionfor;assomeworld'swretchesmayhavenoinclinationtoprodigalityandranting,orsuchlikevices,whicharecontrarytotheirhumour,ortotheirconstanteducation;andSatanmaynevertemptsomemantosuchevils,knowinghewillgetmore advantage by plying his temper and genius, and so carrying himaway to the other contrary evil; and so, though this man know not somuch,aswhatitisoncetobetemptedtothosevices,yetthatwillnotsay,thathe is a sanctifiedman; far lesswill it say, thathehathmoregracethananotherman,whosepredominantthatevilis,andagainstwhichheis daily fighting andwrestling.Whence it appeareth thatwrestling andprotestingagainstevenanovercomingcorruption,mayevidencemoreofgrace, than freedom from some evils, to which some are not so muchtempted,andtowhichtheyarenaturallylessinclined.

10.Norshould they think, that corruption isalwaysmasterof the soul,and possessing the throne as a full conqueror, when it prevaileth andcarrieththesoulheadlongatatime,forcorruptionmaysometimescomein upon the soul as an inundationwith irresistible violence, and, for atime, carry all before it, so that the soul cannot make any sensibleresistance;aswhenasudden,violent,andunexpectedtemptationsetteth

on,soasthepoormanisoverwhelmed,andscarceknowethwhereheis,orwhathe isdoing, tillhebe laidonhisback.At that time itwillbeagreatmatter, if thesouldarequietlyenteraprotestagainstanddissentfrom what is done, and if there be an honest protestation against theviolent and tyrannical invasion of corruption, we cannot say, thatcorruptionisinpeaceablepossessionofthethrone.Ifthespiritbelustingagainst the flesh, levying all the forces he can against the invader, byprayer and supplication to God, and calling in all the supply of divinehelphecanget,and,whenhecandonomore, is fightingandgroaningunderthatunjustinvasion,resolvingnevertopayhomagetotheusurper,nortoobeyhislaws,norsomuchasparleywithhim,ormakepeace,wecannotsay,thatthesouldothconsentfullyuntothisusurpation.Nay,ifthesoulshalldothismuch,atsuchatimewhenSatansetsonwithallhisforce,itwillbeagreaterevidenceofthestrengthofgraceinthesoul,thanif the soul should do the same or a little more, at a time when thetemptationisnotsostrong.

11. It is not good for them to say, that grace is not growing in them,becausetheyadvancenotsofarassomedo;andbecausetheycomenotto thepitchofgrace that theyseesomeadvanced to.That isnota sureruletomeasuretheirgrowthingraceby.Somemayhaveabetternaturaltemper,wherebytheyarelessinclinedtoseveralviceswhichthesefindastrongpropensionto;theymayhavetheadvantageofabettereducation,andthelike;sothattheyshouldrathertrythemselvesthisyearbywhattheywere the last year, and that in reference to the lusts towhich theyhavebeenmostsubjectalltheirdays.

12.Wemustnotthinkthateverybelieverwillattaintothesamemeasureofgrace.Thereisameasureappointedforeverymemberorjointofthisbody;andeveryjointsupplieth,accordingtotheeffectualworkinginthemeasure of everypart,Eph. iv. 16.Godhathmore adowith some thanwithothers; there ismore strength required inanarmor leg than inafingerortoe;andeveryoneshouldbecontentwithhismeasure,sofarasnottofretorrepineagainstGodandhisdispensations,thatmakesthembut a finger, and not an arm of the body; and do their duty in theirstation,fightingagainstsin,accordingtothemeasureorgracedispensedto themof theLord,and that faithfullyandconstantly;andnotquarrel

withGod,thathemakethusnotasfreeoftemptationsandcorruptionsassomeothers.Forthecaptainmustnotheblamedforcommandingsomeof his soldiers to this post where they never once see the enemy, andotherstothatpostwheretheymustcontinuallyfight.Thesoldierishereundercommand,andthereforemustbequiet,andtakehis lot;somusttheChristianreverencetheLord'sdispensations,inorderingmatters,soastheyshallneverhaveonehour'squietness,while,asothershavemorerestandpeace,andstandattheirpostfighting,resolvingnevertoyield,but rather to cover the ground with their dead bodies, till thecommander-in-chief think good to relieve them. Sure I am, as the onlywise God hath distributed to every member of the body, as he haththought good, so it is thedutyof everymember to endeavour thisholysubmissiontohim,astothemeasureofgrace,consideredashisfreegiftbestowed on them; and to be humbled for the grudgings of his heart,becauseGodhathnotgivenhimmoretalents.AndsureIam,thoughthissubmissionmakenogreatnoiseintheworld;yetreallythisisoneofthehighestdegreesofgraceattainablehere,andsuchanornamentofameekandquietspirit,asisinthesightofGodofgreatprice.Sothatwhoeverhathattainedto this,have theverygrace theyseemtowant,andmore.Yet, lest this shouldbeabused, letmeaddawordor twoof caution, toqualifythissubmission.(1.)Theremustbewithitahighprizingevenofthatdegreeofgracewhichtheywant.(2)Theremustbeapantingaftergrace,as it isGod's image,andaconformity tohim,andwith somuchsingleness, as theymay be in case to say, without the reproachings oftheirheart,theydonotsomuchloveholinessforheaven,asheavenforholiness. (3.) There must be an unceasingness in using all means,wherebythegrowthofgracemaybepromovedtothisend,thattheymaybeconformedtohisimage,ratherthanthattheymaybecomforted.(4.)Theremustbealsoadeephumiliationforthewantofthatdegreeofgracetheywouldhave,asitimporteththewantofsomuchconformitytohimtowhoseimagetheyarepredestinatedtobeconformed,whichwillverywellconsistwiththissubmissionwearespeakingof.

13. It would be remembered, that theremay be a great progress, evenwhenitisnotobserved;when,(1.)Herebythemanismadetolieinthedust, to loath himself, and cry, behold I am vile! (2.) Hereby hisindignationagainstthebodyofdeathisthemoreincreased.(3.)Hereby

hisesteemofaSaviourandoftheblessedcontrivanceofsalvationisthemoreheightened,thatheseethheistherebybroughttomakementionofhis righteousness, even of his only. (4.) Hereby his longing afterimmediate fruition is increased,where all these complaints shall cease.(5.)Andherebyheisputtoessaythatmuchslighteddutyofholdingfasttherejoicingofhishope firmunto theend, lookingand longing for thegrace that shall be brought unto him at the revelation of Jesus Christ,when he shall be presented without spot, and be made meet to be apartakeroftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight.

CHAPTERVI.

HOWCHRIST IS TO BEMADEUSE OF, IN REFERENCE TOTHEKILLINGANDCRUCIFYINGOFTHEOLDMAN.

Having thus shortly pointed out some things in general, serving to theclearing and opening up the way of our use-making of Christ forsanctification,wecomenowmoreparticularly to theclearingupof thisbusiness. In sanctification we must consider, first, The renewing andchangingofournatureand frame;and,next, Thewashing andpurgingawayofourdailycontractedspots.Thefirstoftheseiscommonlydividedintotwoparts,viz.1st,Themortification,killing,andcrucifyingoftheoldman of sin and corruption which is within; and, 2d, The vivification,renewing, quickening, and strengthening of the newman of grace; andthisisagrowthingrace,andinfruitfulnessandholiness.

Astothefirstofthese,viz.Themortificationorcrucifyingoftheoldman,wewouldknow,thatthereissuchaprincipleofwickednessandenmityagainst God inman by nature, now since the fall, whereby theman isinclinedtoevil,andonlytoevil.Thisiscalledtheoldman,asbeinglikethebody,madeofsomanyparts, joints,andmembers,thatis,somanylustsandcorruptionsandevil inclinations,which, together,makeupa-corpus,andtheyarefastjoinedandcompactedtogether,asthemembersofthebody,eachusefulandserviceabletooneanother,andallof themconcurringandcontributingtheirutmosttothecarryingonoftheworkof sin, and so it is themanof sin; and it is also called theoldman, ashavingfirstpossessionofthesoul,beforeitisbygracerenewed,anditisadyingmoreandmoredaily.Thusitiscalledtheoldman,andthebodyofsin,Rom.vi.6.Thisoldmanhathhismembers inourmembersandfaculties,sothatnoneofthemarefree,—understanding,will,affections,andthemembersofourbodyareallservantsofunrighteousnesstothisbodyofsin,andoldman.Sowereadof themotionsofsin,Rom.vii.5,whichwork in ourmembers to bring forth fruit untodeath; andof the

lustsoftheflesh,Rom.xiii.14.Gal.v.16,24;andthelustsofsin,Rom.vi.12.Sowehearofthedesiresofthefleshandofthemind,Eph.ii.3;andofaffectionsandlusts,Gal.v.24.Andtheoldmanissaidtobecorrupt,accordingtothedeceitfullusts,Eph.iv.22;allwhichlustsandaffectionsareas somanymembersof thisbodyof sin, andof this oldman.And,further, there isherein a considerablepower, force, and efficacy,whichthisoldmanhath inus, to carryusaway,and,as itwere, commandorconstrain us, as by a forcible law.Hencewe read of the law of sin anddeath,Rom.viii.2,whichonlythe"lawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristdothmake us free from." It is also called a "law in our members warringagainstthelawofourmind,"Rom.vii.23,"andbringingusintocaptivitytothelawofsinwhichisinourmembers."Soit issaid,"tolustagainstthe Spirit, and to war," Gal. v. 17. All which point out the strength,activity,anddominionofsininthesoul,sothatitisasthehusbandoverthewife,Rom.vii.1;yea,ithathadomineeringandconstrainingpower,whereitshornsarenotheldinbygrace.Andasitspowerisgreat,soitsnatureiswickedandmalicious;foritispure"enmityagainstGod,"Rom.viii.7;sothat itneither isnorcanbereconciled,andthereforemustbeputoff andabolished,Eph. ii. 15; killed and crucified,Rom. vi. 6.Nowhereinlieththeworkofabeliever,tobekilling,mortifying,andcrucifyingthis enemy, or rather enmity; and delivering himself from under thisbondageandslavery,thathemaybeChrist'sfreeman,andthatthroughtheSpirit,Rom.viii.13.

Now, if itbeasked,HowshallabelievermakeuseofChrist, to theendthisoldmanmaybegottencrucified?or,howshouldabelievermortifythis oldman, and the lusts thereof, through Christ, or by the Spirit ofJesus?Weshallproposethosethings,whichmayhelptoclearthis:

1.Thebelievershouldhavehiseyeonthisoldmanashisarch-enemy,asadeadlycut-throatlyingwithinhisbosom.Itisanenemylodgingwithinhim,inhissoul,mind,heart,andaffections,sothatthereisnopartfree;andtherefore isacquaintwithall themotionsof thesoul,andisalwaysopposingandhinderingeverythingthatisgood.ItisanenemythatwillneverbereconciledtoGod,andthereforewillnotbereconciledwiththebelieverassuch;forit iscalledenmityitself,andsoit isalwaysactivelyseeking to promove the ruin of the soul, what by prompting, inclining,

moving, and forcibly drawing or driving, sometimes with violence andrage,toevil;whatbywithstanding,resisting,opposing,counter-working,andcontradictingwhatisgood;sothatthebelievercannotgetthatdonewhichhewoulddo,andismadetodothatwhichhewouldnot.Thereforethisbeingsuchanenemy,andsodangerousanenemy,soconstantandimplacable an enemy, so active and close an enemy, so deadly anddestructive,itisthebeliever'sparttoguardagainstthisenemy,tohaveavigilant eyeupon it, to carryas an irreconcilable enemy thereunto; andthereforenevertocomeintermsofcapitulationoragreementtherewith,neveroncetoparley,letbemakepeace.Andthebelieverwouldnothavehisvigilanteyeuponthisorthatmemberofthisbodyofdeath,somuchas upon the body itself, or the principle of wickedness and rebellionagainstGod;thehead,life,spirit,orlaw,ofthisbodyofdeath;forthereliethitsgreatestwickednessandactivity;andthisisalwaysopposingus,thoughnotineveryjointandmember;butsometimesinone,sometimesinanother.

2.Thoughthebelievershouldhaveamaineyeuponthebody,thisinnate,strong,and forcible lawofsinanddeath,yetshouldhehave friendshipand familiarity with no part, member, or lust of all this body. All thedeedsofthebodyshouldbemortified,Rom.viii.13;theoldmanwithhisdeeds should be mortified, Col. iii. 6; and we should "mortify ourmemberswhichareupontheearth,"verse5; forallof themareagainstus,andtheleastofthemcountenanced,entertained,andembraced,willwork our ruin, and cut our soul's throat; therefore should the believerlookoneachofthem,andonallofthem,ashisdeadlyenemies.

3.Heshouldconsider,that,asitisaveryunseemlythingforhimtobeaslavetothatoldtyrant,andtoyieldhismembersassomanyservantstoiniquity,soitisdangerousanddeadly.Hislifeliethatthestake;eitherhemustgetitmortified,killed,andsubdued,oritwillkillhim;hislifewillgoforitslife;ifthisenemyescape,heisagoneman.Theconsiderationofthisshouldcausethebelievertoacthereinearnestnessandseriousness,with care and diligence, and set about this work of mortification withlabourandpains.

4. Much more must it be against all reason and Christianity, for thebelievertobemaking"provisionfortheflesh,tofulfiltheluststhereof,"

Rom.xiii. 14.Tobestrengtheningthehandsof,and layingprovision tothisenemy,whichissetandswornagainstus,canstandwithnoreason.And here is much of the Christian's prudence and spiritual wisdomrequired, to discern what may make for fostering of this or thatcorruption, ormember of the body of sin and death, and to withdrawthat,aswewilllabourtotakeawayprovisionofanykindfromanenemythat is coming against us. Paul acted herein as a wise gamester andcombatant,whenhekeptunderhisbody,andbroughtitintosubjection,1Cor.ix.27.ItwerebuttomockGod,andtopreachforthourownfolly,tobe looking to Christ for help against such an enemy, and, in themeantime,tobeunderhandstrengthening thehandsof theenemy; thiswouldbedoubledealing,andtreacheryagainstourselves.

5.Totheend,theiroppositionuntothisenemymaybethestrongerandmore resolute, they should consider, that this body of sin iswholly setagainstGod,andhisinterestinthesoul,beingveryenmityitselfagainstGod,Rom.viii.7;andalwayslustingandfightingagainsttheworkofGodinthesoul,Gal.v.17;andagainsteverythingthatisgood,sothatitwillnotsuffer,sofarasitcanhinderthesoultodoanythingthatisgood,atleast in a right manner, and for a right end. Nay, with its lustings, itdriveth constantly to that which is evil, raiseth evil motions andinclinations in the soul, ere the believer be aware; sideth with anytemptationthatisoffered,totheendthatitmaydestroythesoul, likeatraitorwithin;aswesee itdid inDavid,whenhe fell intoadultery;andwithAsaph,Psalmlxxiii.2;yea,itselfopposethandtempteth,Jamesi.14,bysettingmind,will,andaffectionsonwrongcourses;andthusitdriveththesoul toacourseof rebellionagainstGod,ordiverts it, anddraws itback,thatitcannotgetGodservedaright;yea,sometimesitsetsafireinthe soul, entangling all the faculties, filling themind with darkness orprejudice,misleadingorpreventingtheaffections,andsomiscarryingthewill,andleadingitcaptive,Rom.vii.23;sothatthethingisdonewhichtheunregeneratesoulwouldnotdo,andthedutyisleftundonewhichthesoulwould fainhavedone;yea,and that sometimesnotwithstandingofthesoul'swatchingandstrivingagainstthis;sostrongisitsforce.

6.Thebelievershouldremember,thatthisenemyisnotforhimtofightagainstalone,andthathisownstrengthandskillwillmakebutaslender

oppositionunto it. Itwill laughat theshakingofhisspear; itcaneasilyinsinuateitself,onalloccasions,becauseitliethsonearandclosetothesoul,alwaysresidingthere,andisatthebeliever'srighthandwhateverhebedoing, and is always openly or closely opposing, and thatwith greatfacility;foriteasilybesetteth,Heb.xii.1,becauseitliethwithinthesoul,and in all the faculties of it—in the heart, mind, will, conscience, andaffections; so that upon this account, the deceitfulness of the heart isgreat,andpasseth thesearchofman,Jer. xvii.9.Mancannotknowallthewindingsandturnings,allthedriftsanddesigns,allthelurkingandretiring places, all the falsehoods and double dealings, all thedissimulations, lies, and subterfuges, all the plausible and deceitfulpretextsandinsinuationsofhisheartactedandspiritedbythislawofsinand death. And besides this slight and cunning, it hath strength andpowertodrawbylustsintodestructionandperdition,1Tim.iv.9,andtocarrythesoulheadlong;sothatitmakestheman'scasemiserable,Rom.vii. 24. Allwhichwould say, that the believer should call in other helpthanhisown,andremember,that"throughtheSpirithemustmortifythedeedsofthebody,"Rom.viii.13.

7. And therefore the believermust lay aside all his carnal weapons, indealingwithhis adversary, and lookout fordivinehelpandassistance,even for thepromisedSpirit, throughwhichalonehe canbe instructedandenabledforthisgreatwork;forofhimselfhecandonothing,notsomuchasthinkagoodthoughtasofhimself,2Cor.iii.5,farlesswillhebeable to oppose such a mighty adversary, that hath so great and manyadvantages; and therefore all his carnal means, purposes, vows, andfightings inhimself,will but renderhimselfweaker, and a readier preyuntothis adversary,which gaineth groundwhilehe is so opposed. It isChristaloneandhisSpirit, thatcandestroy theworksof thedevil,andkillorcrucifythisenmity.

8.Sothatthebelievermusthavehisrecourseforhelpandsuccourhere,untoJesustheCaptainofsalvation,andmustfollowhim,andfightunderhisbanners,makeuseofhisweapons,whicharespiritual;fightaccordingtohiscounselandconduct,takinghimasaLeaderandCommander,andlyingopenforhisordersandinstructions,waitingforthemotionsofhisSpirit,andfollowingthem;andthusopposeandfightagainstthisdeadly

enemy,withaneyealwaysonChristbyfaith,dependingonhimforlighttothemind,resolutiontothewill,andgracetothewholesoultostandinthe battle, and towithstand all assaults, andnever engage in a disputewith thisenemy,orany lustormemberof thisbodywithoutChrist theprincipal, that is, thesoulwoulddespair in itself,andbestronginhim,andinthepowerofhismight,byfaithgripingtohim,asHead,Captain,andCommander-in-chief,resolvingtofightinhisstrength,andtoopposethroughthehelpofhisSpirit.

9.Andforthiscause,thebelieverwouldeyethecovenantofredemption,thebasisofallourhopeandconsolation,whereinfinalandfullvictoryispromised to Christ, as Head of the elect, viz. "that he shall bruise theserpent'shead;"andsothatinhim,allhisfollowersandmembersofhismystical body shall lift up the head, and get full victory at length overbothsinanddeath.Nowitis"Godthatgivethusthevictory,throughourLordJesusChrist,"1Cor.xv.57.Thebelieverwouldalsoeyebyfaiththecovenantofgrace,whereinparticularly thissamevictory ispromisedtothebeliever,inandthroughJesus,Rom.xvi.20."AndtheGodofpeaceshall bruise Satan under your feet shortly; and sin shall not havedominionoveryou,foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace,"Rom.vi.14.Thebeliever,Isay,wouldlookoutbyfaithunto,andlayholdonthese and the like promises, and thereby get strength conveyed tohimself,wherebyhemaystrive lawfully,andfightvaliantly,andopposewithcourageandresolution.

10.Further,thebelieverwouldeyeChristasafountainoffurniture,asafullandcompletemagazine,standingopen,andreadyforeveryoneofhishonest soldiers to run to for new supplies of what they want; so thatwhatever they find wanting in their Christian armour, they must runaway to the open magazine, Christ's fulness, that standeth ready forthem,andbyfaithtakeandputonwhattheywantandstandinneedofintheirwarfare.Iftheirgirdleoftruthbeslacked,loosed,orweakened,andthey be meeting with temptations anent their hypocrisy, and Satanobjecting to them their double dealing, of purpose to discourage them,andtomake them faintandgiveover the fight; theymustaway tohimwhoisthetruth,thathemaybindonthatgirdlebetter,andmaketheirheartsmoreuprightbeforeGodinalltheydo.Andiftheirbreastplateof

righteousness beweakened, and Satan there seem to get advantage, bycastinguptothemtheirunrighteousdealingstowardsGodormen,theymust flee to him,who only canhelp here, and beg pardon through hisblood for their failings, and set to again afresh to the battle. If theirresolution,whichisunderstoodbythepreparationofthegospelofpeace,growweak,itmustberenewedinChrist'sarmoury,andthefeetofnewbeshodtherewith. If their shieldof faithbegin to fail them,awaymusttheygettohimwho"istheAuthorandFinisheroffaith,"Heb.xii.2.Andiftheirhelmetofhopebegintofailthem,inthisarmouryalonecanthatbesupplied.Andiftheirswordbebluntedintheirhand,ortheyunabletowielditaright,theSpiritofJesuscanonlyteachtheirhandstofight,andinstruct themhow tomanage thatusefulweaponwith advantage.Thusmustthebeliever"bestronginhim,andinthepowerofhismight,"Eph.vi.10."HeistheirGodthatgirdeththemwithstrength,andmakeththeirwayperfect.Hemakeththeirfeetlikehind'sfeet,andsetteththemupontheirhighplaces.Heteacheththeirhandstowar,sothatabowofsteelisbrokenby their arms.He giveth them the shield of salvation.His righthand upholdeth them. He girdeth with strength unto the battle," &c.Psalmxviii.32,&c.

11. For the further strengthening of their hope, faith, and confidence,believerswouldeyeChrist,ashangingon thecross,andovercomingbydeath,death,andhimthathaththepowerofdeath,thedevil;andsoasmeritoriously purchasing this redemption from the slavery of sin andSatan,andparticularlyfromtheslaveryofthatbodyofdeath,andofthelawofsinanddeath;fortheapostletellsus,Rom.viii.2,"ThatthelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesusdothmakeusfreefromthelawofsinanddeath," and that because, as he saith further, ver. 3, 4, "what the lawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,GodsendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsincondemnedsinintheflesh;that the righteousness of the lawmight be fulfilled in us." So that thebeliever may now look upon that enemy, how fearful soever it mayappear,ascondemnedandkilled in thedeath,ofChrist;hehaving laiddownthepriceofredemption,hathboughtthisfreedomfromthechainsandfetterswithwhichhewasheldincaptivity.Faith,then,onthedeathofJesussatisfying justiceforthepoorcaptive,may,andshouldsupportand strengthen the hope and confidence of the believer, that he shall

obtainthevictoryatlength.

12.Anditwillfurtherconfirmthehopeandfaithofthebeliever,tolookto Christ hanging on the cross, and there vanquishing and overcomingthis arch-enemy, as apublicperson, representing the electwhodied inhim,andvirtuallyandlegallydidinhimovercomethatjailor,andbreakhisfetters;andthesoulnowbelieving,may,yea,shouldreckonitself inChristdying,as itwere,upon thecross,and thereovercomingall thosespiritual enemies. "Likewise," saith theapostle,Rom.vi. 11, "Reckon yealso yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin." From hence, even whilefighting,thebelievermayaccounthimselfaconqueror,yea,"morethanaconqueror,throughhimthatlovedhim,"Rom.viii.37.NowfaithactingthusonChrist,asapublicperson,dyingandovercomingdeathandsin,thebelievermaynotonlyinferthecertaintyofvictory,knowingthatouroldman is crucifiedwithChrist,Rom. vi. 6; but also from the cross ofChrist draw strength to stand and fight against the strugglings of thisvanquishedandkilledenemy. "They thatareChrist'shavecrucified thefleshwiththeaffectionsandlusts,"Gal.v.24.Buthow?EvenbythecrossofChrist."Fortherebyistheworldcrucifieduntome,"saiththeapostle,Gal.vi.14,"andIuntotheworld.""Youroldmaniscrucifiedwithhim,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed,"Rom.vi.6.

13.Thebelieverbeingdeadindeeduntosin,throughthecrossofChrist,istolookuponhimselfaslegallyfreedfromthatyokeofbondageundersinanddeath."Thelawhathdominionoveramanaslongasheliveth,"Rom.vii.1."ButbythebodyofChristbelieversarebecomedeadtothelaw,"ver.4.Thatlawofsinanddeathwhichhathdominionoveramanthatlivethstillinnature,andisnotyetbyfaithplantedinthelikenessofChrist'sdeath,norburiedwithhimbybaptismintodeath,Rom.vi.4,5,hath not that dominion over believers it had once—"For the law of theSpiritoflifeinChristJesushathmadethemfreefromthelawofsinanddeath,"Rom.viii.2;so thatnowthebeliever, is free fromthattyranny;andthattyrantcanexercisenolawfuljurisdictionorauthorityoverhim;and therefore hemaywith the greater courage repel the insolencies ofthattyrant,thatcontrarytoallrightandequityseekethtolorditoverhimstill.Theyarenolawfulsubjectstothatcruelandragingprince,ortothatspiritualwickedness.

14.Sothatthebeliever,renouncingthatjurisdictionunderwhichhewasformerly,andbeingunderanewhusband,andunderanewlaw,eventhelawoftheSpiritoflifeinChristJesus,istolookuponallthemotionsofsin as illegal, and as treasonable acts of a tyrant. "The old man beingcrucifiedwithChrist,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed,thebelieverisnotanymoretoservesin,"Rom.vi.6;"andbeingnowdead,theyarefreedfromsin,"ver.7;"andaremarriedtoanother,eventohimwhoisraised from thedead, and so they shouldnot serve sin, but bring forthfruituntoGod,"Rom.vii.4;andtherefore,lookuponallmotionsoftheflesh,andalltheinclinationsandstirringsoftheoldlawofsin,asactsoftreacheryandrebellionagainsttherightandjurisdictionofthebeliever'snewLordandhusband;andarethereforeobligedtolayholdonthisoldman, this body of death, and all the members of it, as traitors to therightfulkingandhusband,andtotakethemprisonerstotheking,thathemaygiveoutsentence,andexecutethesameagainstthem,asenemiestohiskingdomandinterestinthesoul;—theybeingnownomore"servantsofsin,butofrighteousness, theyoughtnomoretoyieldtheirmembersservantstouncleanness,andiniquityuntoiniquity,"Rom.vi.18,19;"andbeingdebtorsnomoreto the flesh, to liveaftertheflesh,"Rom.vii.12;"they are tomortify the deeds of the body through the spirit," ver. 13;"andtocrucifythefleshwiththeaffectionsandlusts,"Gal.v.24;thatis,bybringingthemtothecrossofChrist,wherefirsttheywerecondemnedand crucified, in their full body and power; that a new sentence, as itwere,maygooutagainstthem,aspartsofthatcondemnedtyrant,andasbelongingtothatcrucifiedbody.

15.Sothatthebelieverthatwouldcarryfaithfullyinthismatter,andfightlawfully in this warfare, and hope to obtain the victory through JesusChrist,mustbringthesetraitorsthatappearintheirsinfulmotionsandlusts in the soul, working rebellion against the just authority andequitablelawsofthelawfulprinceJesus,beforethetribunalofhimwhohath now got "all power and authority in heaven and in earth," Matt,xxviii.18;"andhathalljudgmentcommittedtohim,"Johnv.22;"andtothisend,bothdied,androse,andrevived,thathemightbeLordbothofthedeadand living,"Rom.xvi.9; thathemayexecute justiceupon thetraitor,head,andmembers;thathemaytramplethesedevilsunder,andbruisetheheadoftheseserpentswithinus.Thebelieverthenisbyfaith

inprayer,tocarrytheseopenenemiestoChrist,anddeclareandwitnessagainstthemastraitors,bywhatmischieftheyhavedoneinthesoul,bytheir hindering the righteous laws of the king to be obeyed; andconstrainingandforcing,whatbyargumentsandallurements,andwhatby forcible inclinations and pousings, to a disobedience and acounteracting of Christ; and he should urge and plead upon thefundamental lawsof the land, viz. thearticlesofagreementbetwixt theFatherand theSon,and the faithfulpromisesof thecovenantofgrace;and upon Christ's office as king and governor, and his undertaking asMediator;uponthemeritsofhisdeathandsufferings;uponhisdyingasacommonperson;upontheconstitutionofthegospel,wherebytheyareinlawreputeasdyinginhim,andsofreefromthelawofsinanddeath;andupontheirrelationtohimastheirnewLord,Head,Husband,King,Commander,&c.Uponthesearguments,Isay,topleadforjusticeagainsttherebelthatisnowbroughttothebar,andsobyfaithleavetheprisonerinhishand, thathemay, inhis own timeandway, give a secondblowuntotheneckofthisimplacableandragingenemy,thathemaynotriseuptodisturbthepeaceofthesoulasbefore;ortotrouble, impede,andmolest the soul in paying the homage and obedience due to his lawfulmasterandsovereignking,JESUS.

CAUTIONSANDDIRECTIONS.

For further clearingof thepremises, Iwouldproposea fewparticulars,forcautionanddirection,as,—

1. This work of laying the burden of this business on Christ by faith,wouldbegoneaboutwithmuchsinglenessofheart,aimingatthegloryofGod,and thecarryingonofhiswork in thesoul;andnot for self-ends,andcarnalby-respects,lesttherebywemarall.

2.Itwouldbecarriedon,withoutpartiality,againstallandeveryoneofthe lustsandmotionsof theoldman.For if therebeacompliancewithandasparingofanyoneknownlust,thewholeworkmaybemarred;theymay meet with a disappointment as to the particular lust they aredesiring victory over;—and the lust they are harbouring, though itmay

seemlittle,mayopenadoortomanystronger,andsooccasionsaddaystotheman,erehebeaware.

3.As theywouldbring theparticular lust,or lusts,untoChrist,aschiefLordJustice;sotheywouldalwayslaytheaxetotherootofthetree,andcrave justice against themain body, that yet lieth within the soul; andtheseparticularcorruptionsandaffections, thatareasmembersof thatbody of sin, should put them inmind of the oldman, for they should"crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof," Gal. v. 24; thebodyandthemembers.These lustsarethe lustsofsin,orof thathead-sin,whichhathalaw,ortheforceandimpulseofalawinthesoul;andtherefore theirmain designwould be against this root, where lieth thestrengthandbodyoftheenemy,andwhichactethinthosemembers;thisisthecapitalenmity,andshouldbemainlyopposed.Andthefollowingofthiscoursewouldprovemoresuccessful thanthatwhichmany timewetake:ournibblingat,orwrestlingagainstthisorthatmemberofthebodyofdeath, isbutof littleadvantage, so longas themainbodyof sin, thebitterrootofwickedness,thecarnalmind,thisinnateenmityismiskent,andnotopposed;butonthecontrary,strikeatthis,westrikeatall.

4.Thiswouldbethebeliever'sconstantwork,tobe"crucifyingtheflesh,with the lusts thereof; to be mortifying their members," wherein themembersof theoldmanquarterand lodge,Col. iii.5; "tobespirituallyminded, and tomind the things of the Spirit,"Rom. viii. 5, 6. "For thecarnalmindisenmity,againstGod,"Rom.viii.7;"andsoisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe."Itisnotonlyanenemywhichmaybereconciled,butenmityintheabstract,whichnevercanbereconciled.Andthisenmitywillneverbeidle;foritcannottillitbefullyandfinallydestroyed;"thefleshisalwayslustingagainstthespirit,'"Gal.v.17;"fortheyarecontraryonetotheother."Sothatthough,tooursense, itmaysometimes appear as sleeping, in regard that it doth not by someparticularlustsomolestandperplexthesoulasformerlyitdid:yetitisrestless, and may be more active in another lust, and so by changingweapons on us, deceive us. Here then is much spiritual wisdom andvigilancyrequired.When they think theyhavegottenone lust subdued,theymust not think the war is at an end; but after all their particularvictories,watchandpray,thattheyenternotintotemptation.

5.ThiswayoflayingtheweightofthematteronChrist,shouldandwillkeepthemhumble,andteachthemnottoascribethegloryofanygoodthatisdoneuntothemselves,buttogivehimalltheglory,whoisjealousof his glory, and will not give it to another, that the crownmay aloneflourishonhishead,whoisthecaptainoftheirsalvation,andwhobyhisSpiritworkethalltheirworksinthem.

6.NorwouldthiswayofcarryingthemattertoChrist,andputtingitoveron him, cause the believer become negligent in commanded duties,reading,hearingprayer,&c; for it is therehemust expect tomeetwithChrist;theremustheseekhim,andtheremusthewaitforhim,andhisSpirittodotheworkdesired.Forthoughhehathnotlimitedhimselftothesemeans,so,ashecannot,orwillnotanyotherwayhelp,yethehathbound us to them; and it is our duty to wait there, where he hathcommandedustowait, thoughheshouldsometimethinkgoodtocomeanotherway,forthemanifestationofthesovereigntyofhisgrace.

7.Yetwhileweareaboutthemeans,wewouldguardagainstaleaningtothem,lest,insteadofgettingvictoryovercorruption,webebroughtmoreinbondagethereuntoanotherway.Wemustnotthinkthatourprayers,or our hearing, or reading, &c. will bring down the body of death, orsubdueanyonecorruption; for thatwerebutanyielding tocorruption,andopeningabackdoortothecarnalmind,andtoanotherdeadlylust,andabeatingcorruptionwithaswordofstraw.ThisisnottomortifythedeedsofthebodythroughtheSpirit,butthroughtheflesh;andafleshlyweaponwillneverdrawbloodofthisspiritualwickednessoroldman,orofanycorruptlustoraffectionthereof;andyethowmanytimesdothourdeceitfulheartbiasusthisway?Ourworkwouldbe,asissaid,tousetheordinances asmeans,wherebywemay get the business laid on Christ,andhelpfromChristtodothebusiness.WemustgotothemeanswithourprisonertofindChristthereathiscourtandassizes,thathemaytakecoursewiththetraitor.

8.Inall this therewouldbea lookingto,anddependenceonChrist forhelpandgrace;becauseofourselves,asofourselves,wecannotdo thismuch;wecannotcomplainarightofcorruptions,nortakethemawaytoChrist,noraskforjusticeagainstthem.Asconstablesandotherofficersmust carrymalefactors to the courts of justice,uponpublic charges; so

Christ will not have us doing or attempting this much on our owncharges,forhegivethnobleallowance.

9.Infollowingofthiscourse,wewouldnotthinkalwaystocomespeedatthefirst.SometimestheLord,fortheencouragementofhischildren,maygivethemaspeedyhearing,anddeliverthemfromthetyrannyofsomeparticularlustorotherthathathtroubledthem;sothatforsometimeatleast, itshallnotsotroublethemasitdid.Yethewillnotdosoalways,butmaythinkitgoodtokeepthemwaitingonhim,andhangingonhiscourts for some considerable time, that he may thereby exercise theirfaith, patience, desire, zeal, and diligence. So that it should not seemstrangetous,ifwebenotadmittedatthefirst,andgetnotouransweratthefirstcry.

10.WhentheLordthinkethgoodtodelaytheanswertoourdesires,andthe execution of justice on the malefactor and traitor, or to deliver usfromhistyrannyandtrouble,wewouldbewareofthinkingtocapitulatewith the enemy for our peace andquiet, or to enter into a cessation ofarmswithhim; that is,ourenmityagainsthimshouldneverabate;norshouldourdesireafterthemortificationandcrucifixionofthislustgrowless;nor shouldwe be at quiet and at peace, though it should seem togrowalittlemorecalmandstill,ornottorageasformerly;forthislooksbutlikeacovenantorconfederacywithlust,whichwillnotstand.

11.Wewouldalsoknow,thatwhatChristsaidofdevils,holdethgoodofthese lusts, viz. "that some of them do not go out but by fasting andprayer;" that is,byChristsoughtuntoandfoundinthesemeans.Therearesomeluststhatwillnotbesoeasilykilledandmortifiedasothers,butwillcostusmorepainsand labour,asbeingcorruptionswhichpossiblyhave somegreater advantageof ournatural temper and constitution ofbody,oroflongcontinuanceandacursedhabit,orthelike.Wemustnotthenthinkitstrange,ifsomesuchlustbenotsubduedsoeasilyassomeothers to which we have fewer and weaker, and not so frequenttemptations.

12.Aswecannotexpectafullconquestofthebodyofdeath,solongasweare here, as was shown above, neither can we expect a full and finalvictory over any one lust,which everwe have been troubledwith. It is

true,believersmaybekeptfromsomegrossout-breakingofacorruption,whichsometimeprevailed,asPeterwasfromrelapsingintoanopenanddownright denying hisMaster; yet that same corruption did afterwardstir,thoughnotsoviolentlyastocarryhimtosuchanheightofsin;yetsofar as to cause him do thatwhichwas a partial denying of hisMaster,whenPaulwithstoodhim to the face, becausehewas to be blamed forwithdrawingfromtheGentiles,forfearofthemofthecircumcision,&c.Gal.ii.11,12.:So,thoughaparticularlustmaybesofarsubduedthroughgrace,asthatforsomeconsiderabletimeamanmaynotfinditsoviolentas itwas; yet be cannot say that it is totally killed, because itmay stirthereafterinsomeweakermeasure;yea,hecannottell,buterehecometodie, that same corruptionmay rise tobe as violent as ever, and thatSatanmayagainthinktoenterthesoulatthatsamebreachwhichoncehe entered at; yea, andwho can tell, whether Godmay not suffer thatcorruption,which lay longasdead, toreviveagain fora time,and foratimedrivethesoulasviolentlyasever,andprevail foratime?Andthisshould teach all towalk soberly, watchfully, and in fear, and to have avigilant eye, even upon such lusts and carnal affections, as they maysupposetheyhavegotthevictoryof.

13.Wewouldnotthinkthatwegainnogrounduponcorruption,becausewestillperceive itstirring, lessormore; forascorruption isnotalwaysstrongest, as was said above, nor hath the deepest footing in the soul,when itsmotions and stirrings aremost felt; so neithermustwe thinkthatthereisnogroundgaineduponalust,becausewearestilltroubledandmolested with its stirrings; for it is a great advantage to be moresensibleof themotionsof thisenemy;andourmore faithfulandactivewrestlingagainst itmaymake its least stirringsmore sensible tous; asthemotionsandtroublewhichamalefactor,whileingripsandinprison,maketh,maybethoughtmoreofthanhisgreaterragingsbeforehewasapprehended;yethemaybesureinfettersforallthat.Abeastthathathgottendeath'sblowmaygetoutofgrips,and runmoremad thanever,andyetwilldieatlengthofthesameblow.

14.Thoughweshould findpresenteaseandquietbyour followingthisway,yetweshouldthinkitmuch,iftheLordhelpustostand,whenwehave done all we can, though wemeet not with the hoped for success

presently; if he give us grace to continuewithout wearying or fainting,andtoberesolvednevertogiveover,wehavereasontoblesshim;ifwebe kept still in the conflict with pursuit of the enemy, it is our greatadvantage;thevictoryshallcomeinGod'sowntime.Ifouroppositionsocontinue,thatweareresolvednevertotakenorgivequarter,thoughourtrouble and exercise should be the greater, and our ease and quiet theless,weoughttoblesshim,yea,andrejoiceinhopeofwhatheshallyetdoforus;forhethatwillcome,shallcome,andwillnottarry.Letuswaitforhim,indoingourduty,andfaithfullykeepingourpost.

15.Yea, ifwegetquietnessorease fromtheviolenceof raging lusts forany little time, and be not continually driven and carried headlongtherewith,weought tobe thankful for this, and towalk humbly beforehim;lesthebeprovokedbyourunthankfulnessandpride,andletthesefuriousdogslooseuponusagain.

16.Whenwearebendingourstrengthandallourforcesagainstsomeonecorruptionorother,whichpossiblyhathbeenmosttroublesometous,wewouldnotbesecureastoallothers,orthinkthatweareinhazardonlyonthisside;forSatanmaymakeafeinthere,andreallyintendanassaultatanotherplace,bysomeothercorruptaffection.Owhatneedhaveweofspiritualwisdom thatwemay be better acquaintedwith his stratagemsandwilesILetussothenfightagainstonememberofthisbodyofdeath,astohaveoureyeuponothers, lestwhenwethinktokeepoutSatanatthe fore-door, he enter in at the back-door. He can make use ofextremities,andplayhisgamewithboth;yea,andgainhispoint,ifwebenotaware.

OBJECTIONSANSWERED.

It will not be amiss, for further explaining of the matter, to remove ascruple or two. Somemay say, that they cannot perceive that all theirpains in this matter come to any good issue; for they never foundcorruptionstirmore,andactmorelivelyandincessantly,thansincetheybegantofightagainstitingoodearnest;sothatthiswouldseemnottobetherightway.

Ianswer,Thoughfromwhatissaidbefore,particularlycautions9thand13th, a resolution of this doubt maybe had; yet I shall propose thosethings,forfurtherclearingofthematter:

1.Maynotmuchofthisflowfromthynotlayingthewholeworksowhollyoffthyself,anduponChrist,asthououghtesttodo?Tryandsee.

2.Maynot thedevil ragemost,whenhe thinks ere long tobe ejected?Mayhenotlabourtocreatemosttroubletothesoul,whenheseeththatheisliketobeputfromsomeofhisstrengths?

3.Maynotthedevilbedoingthisofpurposetodrivetheetodespairofevergettingcorruptionsubduedandmortified;ortoafaintingandsittingup in the pursuit, and to a despondency of spirit; that so instead offightingorstanding,thoumaycedeandturntheeback?Andshouldwecomplywithhiminhisdesigns?

4.Maynot theLord giveway to this for a time, to try thy seriousness,patience,submissionandfaith,andtosharpenthydiligence,andkindleupthyzeal?Andshouldwenotsubmittohiswisedispensations?

5.Howcanthousaythatthougainestnoadvantage,aslongasthouartnotmade to layaside thematterwholly,ashopelessofanygood issue;but, on the contrary, art helped to stand, and to resist sin, to cry outagainstit,tofightasthoucanst,andatleastnottoyield?

6.What ifGodsee it forthyadvantage, thatthoubekeptso inexerciseforatime,totheendthoumaybekepthumble,watchful,anddiligent?Hemayseemoreofthee,thanthoucanstseeofthyself,andsomayknowwhatisbestforthee;andshouldthounotcondescendtobedisposedofbyhimashewill,andtolethimmakeofthee,anddowiththeewhathewill?

7.What ifGodbeabout tochastentheethus for thy formernegligence,security, and unwatchfulness, and giving toomuch advantage to thoselusts,which now, after his awakening of thee, thouwould be deliveredfrom? Should thou not bear the indignation of the Lord, because thouhastsinnedagainsthim,astheChurchresolvedtodo,Micahvii.9?

8. Is it not thy duty themore that corruption stirs, to run with it theoftener toChrist, that hemay subdue it andput it to silence?May notthouimprovethistothyadvantage,bymakingmanyerrandstohim?

9.Mayitnotcomeinaday,thathathnotcomeinayear?Artthousure,thatall thypainsshallbe invain?Orthinkest thouthatallhischildrenhavegotvictoryalikesoonovertheir lusts?Whatcause is therethentocomplainthus?

10.Maynotallthisconvincethee,thatitisthydutytowaitonhim,intheuseofhisappointedmeans,andtobepatient,standingfasttothypost,resolving,whenthouhastdoneall,yettostand?

11.Maynotthissatisfythee,thatGodthroughgraceaccepteththylabourand wrestling, as thy duty, and accounteth it service to him, andobedience?

But again, it may possibly be objected thus: so long as I am in thiscondition,keptunderwithmylusts,IcannotgetGodglorifiedandservedasheoughttobe.

I answer, though so long as it is so with thee, thou cannot glorify andserve him, in such a particular manner as others, who have got morevictoryover thoseevilsunderwhich thouartgroaning, yetGodcangetgloryandserviceoftheeanotherway;as,

1.By thysubmission,withcalmnessof spirit, tohiswisedispensations,whenthoudarenotspeakagainsthim,andsay,withRebecca,inanothercase, if it be so, why am I thus? But sweetly and willingly cast thyselfdown at his feet, saying, good is the will of the Lord; let him dowhatseemethhimgood,&c.

2.Bythypatienton-waiting,whenthouartnotwearyingnorfainting,butsaying,whyshouldInotwaituponthegreatKing'sleisure?Ishenotfreetocomewhenhewill?DareIsetlimitstotheHolyOneofIsrael?

3.Bythyhumility,whenthoublessesthim,forkeepingtheesolongoutofhell,andthinkestmuchofhisgivingtheegracetoseeandobservethe

stirringsofcorruption,whichcarnalwretchesneverperceive;andhelpingtheetowithstandandcomplainofcorruption,whichtheysweetlycomplywith.

4. By thy hatred of sin, when all that Satan can do cannot make theecomplywiththoselusts,orsweetlyembracethosevipers,orliedowninpeacewiththoserottenmembersoftheoldman,asothersdo.

5.Bythywatchfulness,whenallthydisappointmentscausetheethemoreearnestlywatchagainstthatenemy.

6.Bythyactingfaith,whenstillthouartcarryingsininitsluststoChristtokillandsubdue,asbelievingthetenorofthegospelandnewcovenant.

7.By thyhope,whichappearethby thynotdespairing, andgiving overthematterasahopelessbusiness,andturningasidetowickedcourses.

8.Bythypraying,whenthoucriesttohimcontinuallyforhelp,whoonlycanhelp.

9.Bythywrestlingandstandingagainstallopposition,fortherebyishisstrengthmadeperfectinthyweakness,2Cor.xii.9.

10.By thineobedience; for it ishiscommandthat thoustandand fightthisgoodfightoffaith.

Sothatifthouhastadesiretoglorifyhim,thouwantsnotoccasiontodoit,eveninthisconditionwhereinthoucomplainestthatthoucannotgethimglorified.Andifthosegroundsdonotsatisfythee, it istobefearedthatit isnotsomuchadesiretoglorifyhim,thatmoveththeetocrysoearnestly for actual delivery from the trouble of the flesh and the luststhereof, as something else, which thou may search after and find out;suchaslovetoease,quietness,applauseandcommendationofothers,orthelike.

But,inthethirdplace,itmaybeobjected,isitnotpromisedthatsinshallnothavedominionoverus,as"notbeingunderthelaw,butundergrace,"Rom. vi. 14. How can we then but be troubled, when we find not thispromisemadegood?

I answer, 1st, Sin is not always victorious and domineering, when itseemeth to rage and stirmost. Your opposition thereunto, fighting andwrestlingagainstit,sheweththatithathnotfulldominion.Solongasaninvading usurper is opposed, he hath not full dominion, not havingpeaceable possession ofwhat he is seeking; and thus the promise is inpartaccomplished.

2. Victory and a full conquest over the flesh, and lusts thereof, is notpromisedtoanybeliever,athisfirstappearinginthefieldstofight;norgrantedtoallinanymeasure,attheirfirstputtingontheirarmour.

3.Therefore it is thypart to fighton, andwait for that full victory, viz.thatsinshallnothavedominionoverthee,foritshallcomeinduetime.

4. God hath his own time and seasons wherein he accomplisheth hispromises; andwemust leavehima latitude, both as to the timewhen,andastothemannerhow,andastothedegreeinwhichheshallmakegoodhispromises;andheiswiseinhisdispensations.

Therefore,thoughthepromiseasyetappearethnottobeaccomplished,there is no true cause of trouble ofmind, because it shall be afterwardfullyaccomplished;andthewrestlingagainstsin,saiththatitisingreatmeasureaccomplishedalready;becausewhereithathafulldominion,itsuppressethalloppositionorcontradiction,exceptsomefaintresistance,which a natural conscience, for carnal ends, on carnal principles andgrounds, may, now or then, make against this or that particularcorruption, which occasioneth shame, disgrace, loss, challenges of acarnalconscience,anddisquietnessthatway,whenyetitisnothatednorwrestledagainstassin,orasamemberoftheoldman,andthebodyofdeath.Theobjectorwouldconsider,thathavingsubjectedhisconsenttoChrist,heisdeliveredreallyfromthatnaturalstateofbondageundersinas a lawful lord, howbeit the old tyrant, nowwanting a title, ismakingnewinvasions,totroublethepeaceandquietofthesoul.

Fourthly, Itmaybesaid,butwhatcanthen, inthemeantime,keepuptheheartofapoorsoulfromsinking?

Ans.Severalthings,ifrightlyconsidered,mighthelptosupportthesoulinthiscase,as,

1. That they are helped towrestle against this body of death, in all themembersofit,sosoonastheydiscoverthemselves,wereittheirrighteyeandrighthand.

2.Thattheselustsgainnotgrounduponthem;oriftheydoseemtogainground,yettheyattainnottoafulldominion,notgainingtheirconsent.

3.ThatGodisfaithful,andthereforethepromisedvictoryshallbehadinduetime,andSatan'sheadshallcertainlybebruised.

4.Thatthewrestlingsoulisabouthisduty,carryingasagoodsoldierofJesusChrist,fightingthebattlesoftheLord,andwaitingonhiminfaithandhope.

But further, fifthly, some may say, If I were kept from yielding, mywrestlingand standingwouldyieldme somecomfort;butwhen lust sostirreth,asthat itconceivethandbringethforthsin,(Jamesi.15,)whatcansupportorcomfortmethen?

Ans.1.Corruptioncannotstirinus,butthereinwesin,fortheveryfirstrise,themotusprimo-primi,astheyarecalled,aresinful,beingcontrarytotheholylawofGod;andtheveryin-beingofthatoldmanisoursin;for it is sinful, and rebellious against God, yea it is very enmity andrebellionitself.WhenSatancomethwitha temptation fromwithout,hefindethalwaysmuch inus toentertain the temptation.So that theverystirring of corruption, which is occasioned by the temptation fromwithout,isourguilt.

2. It is true it isourduty, tosetagainst the firstrisingsandmotionsofcorruption, when it first enticeth, before it hath conceived or broughtforthsin;anditwillarguegraceinlifeandinaction,tobeabletohinderthemotionsof lustso far, that itshallnotconceiveandbring forthsin.Yetwemaynotsay,thatthereisnograceinthesoul,ornomeasureofmortification attained, where lust sometimes not only enticeth, butconceivethandbringeth forthsin.ThesadexperienceofmanyofGod's

worthies,registratedintheword,cleareththisabundantly.Wemustnotsay,suchanoneisfallen,thereforeheisdead.Paulreasonethotherways,Rom.vii.

3.Yet even then,when lust conceivethandbringeth forth sin, thismaycomfort and bear up the heart of a poor believer. (1.) That thoughcorruptionprevailsofar,astobeardownallopposition,andrundownallthat standeth in itsway, yet it getteth not the full consent of the soul:thereisstillapartyforGodinthesoul,thatopposethsofarastoprotestagainstit,orat leasttodissentfromit,andnottowill thatwhichyet isdone,andpositivelytowillthatwhichcannotbegotteneffectuated,(2.)Andfurther,thismaybearupthepoorsoul,thatthereisapartywithin,which, though fora time,during theviolent overrunningof corruption,can do littlemore than sigh and groan in a corner, yet is waiting andlongingforanopportunitywhenitmayappearmoreforGod,andagainstthatwickedusurper.(3.)Soalsothismaycomfortthepoorsoul,thatasitperceivethcorruptionstirring,and theoldmanmovingonememberorother,itrunnethawaytotheking;andwhenitisnotabletoapprehendthe traitor, and take him captive to the court of justice, doth therediscoverthetraitor,andtellthekingthatthereissuchorsuchatraitoracting such and such rebellion against himandhis laws, and complainandseekhelptotaketherebelprisoner,andbringhimboundhandandfoottotheking,thathemaygiveoutsentenceagainsthim;thatis,whenhecandonomoreagainst that ragingenemy,makethhis complaint tothe Lord, and lieth before him, sighing and groaning for help andstrengthtowithstandandopposemorethisenemy.

Lastly,Somemayyetobject,andsay,Ifitwerenotworsewithmethanitiswithothers,Icouldthenbesatisfied;butIseesomemightilyprevailingovercorruption,andIamstillatunder,andcangetnovictory;andcanIchoosebutbesadatthis?

I answer, 1. Dost thou know for a certainty, that those persons whoseconditionthoujudgesthappy,arealtogetherfreeoftheinwardstirringsof those lusts that thouartbroughtunderby?Ordost thouknow for acertaintythattheyarenotunderthepowerofsomeothercorruption,asthou thinkest thyself under the power of that corruption whereof thoucomplainest? What knowest thou, then, but they may be as much

complainingonotheraccountsasthoudostonthat?

2.Butbe it so as thou supposeth, that there is adifferencebetwixtthycondition and the condition of others, knowest thou not, that all themembersofthebodyarenotalikegreatandstrong,asnotbeingequallyto be employed in work requiring strength. Are there not some youngstrongmen inChrist's family, and some that arebutbabes?Maynot acaptainsendsomeofhissoldiers toonepost,where theyshallpossiblynot see the enemy all the day long, and some others to another post,wheretheyshallhavenorestalltheday?Andwhy,Ipray,maynotGoddisposeofhissoldiersashewill?Heknowethwhatheisdoing:Itisnotsafe that every one of the soldiers know what are the designs of thecommanderor general;nor is it always fit forus to knowor to inquirewhatmaybethedesignsofGodwithus,andwhathemaybeabouttodo.He may intend to employ one in greater works than another, and soexercise themotherways for thatwarfare andwork. Itmay suffice thatthe prevailing of others may encourage thee to hope, that at last thystrongcorruptionsshallalsofallbythehandofthegraceofGod.

3.If thysadnesssavournotofenvyandfretting, thoushouldbless himthatherebythouartputtotheexerciseofspiritualsorrow.

4. It is well if this bring thee to bless God for the success of others,becauseherebyhisgraceisglorified,1Cor.xii.26.

Therefore,5.Letthissatisfyus,ThatheistheLord,whodoethwhathewillinheavenandinearth,andmaydisposeofusashewill,andmakeofuswhathewill,forhisownglory.Andthatwearetomindourduty,andbefaithfulatourpost,standingandfightinginthestrengthoftheLord,resolvingnevertocomplywiththeenemy,andtorejoiceinthis,thattheenemy is already conquered by the captain, and that we share in hisvictory,andthattheveryGodofpeaceshallquicklybruiseSatanunderourfeet,Rom.xvi.20.

CHAPTERVII.

HOWCHRIST IS TO BEMADEUSE OF, IN REFERENCE TOGROWINGINGRACE.

I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, whichconcerneththechangeofournatureandframe,andiscalledvivification,orquickeningofthenewmanofgrace;whichiscalledthenewman,ashaving all its severalmembers and parts, as well as the old man; andcallednew,becauseposteriortotheother;andafterregenerationisuponthegrowinghand,thisdutyofgrowingingrace,asitiscalled,2Pet.iii.&c.isvariouslyexpressedandheldforthtousinScripture;foritiscalled"an abiding and bringing forth fruit in Christ," John xv. 5; "adding tofaith virtue, and to virtue knowledge," 2 Pet. i. 5, 6, 7; "a going on toperfection,"Heb.vii.1;"agrowingupinChristinallthings,"Eph.iv.15;"aworkingoutoursalvation,"Phil.ii.12;"aperfectingofholiness,"2Cor.vii.1;"awalkinginnewnessof life,"Rom.vi.4;"ayieldingofourselvesuntoGod, as alive from the dead, and ourmembers as instruments ofrighteousness unto God," Rom. vi. 13, 18; "a bringing forth fruit untoGod,"Rom,vii.4;"aservinginnewnessofspirit,"Rom.vii.6;"abeingrenewedinthespiritofourminds,andaputtingonthenewman,whichafterGod iscreated inrighteousnessand trueholiness,"Eph. iv.23,24.Col.iii.10,andthelike:somewhereofdomoreimmediatelyexpressthenatureofthischange,astotheroot,andsomeastothefruitandeffectsthereof, and some theprogress andadvancement that ismadeor tobemade therein.And all of thempoint out a special piece ofwork,whichliethonallthatwouldseethefaceofGod,viz.tobeholy,gracious,andgrowingingrace.

This, then, being a special piece of the exercise and daily work of aChristian, and it being certain, as someof theplacesnowcited do alsoaffirm, that without Christ they cannot get this work either begun orcarriedon,themaindifficultyandquestionis,Howtheyaretomakeuse

ofChristforthisend?

For answer whereunto, though by what we have said in our formerdiscourse, itmay be easy to gather what is to be said here; yet I shallbrieflyputthereaderinmindofthosethings,asusefulhere.

1.Thebelieverwould considerwhat anornament this is to the soul, tohaveonthisnewman,whichiscreatedaftertheimageofGod,Eph. iv.23.Whatanexcellencyliethhere,torecoverthatlostglory,holinessandtheimageofGod?andwhatadvantagethesoulreapethhereby,whenit"ismademeettobeapartakerof the inheritanceof thesaints in light,"Col.i.12;"andwalkingworthyoftheLorduntoallpleasing,beingfruitfulineverygoodwork,andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod,"Col. i.10;"andstrengthenedwithallmight,according tohisgloriouspower,untoall patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness," ver. 11; and when theaboundingofthegracesoftheSpiritmakeththem"thattheyshallneitherbe barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ," 2Pet. i. 8; "and to be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, andmeet for theMaster's use, andpreparedunto everywork," 2Tim. ii. 21.What gloryandpeaceishere,tobefoundobedientuntothemanycommandsgivento be holy:what hazard is in thewant of holiness, whenwithout it wecannotseeGod,Heb.xii.14:howunanswerableitisuntoourprofession,whoarememberstosuchaholyhead,tobeunholy:whatprofit,joy,andsatisfactionthereis,inbeingtemplesoftheHolyGhost,inwalkingafterthe Spirit, in bringing forth fruit unto the glory of the Father, &c. Theconsiderationoftheseandothermotivesuntothisstudyofsanctification,wouldarmthesoulwithresolution,andhardenitagainstopposition.

2.Itwouldberemembered,thatthiswork,thoughitbelaiduponus,asourduty, andwebe called thereuntoofGod, yet it is beyondourhandandpower.Itistrue,atconversion,theseedofgraceiscastintothesoul,newhabitsareinfused,anewprincipleoflifeisgiven,thestonyheartischangedintoanheartofflesh;yettheseprinciplesandhabitscannotactin themselves, or be brought into act, by any thing that a believer,consideredinhimself,andwithoutdivinehelp,cando.Butthisworkofsanctificationandgrowthingracemustbecarriedonbydivinehelp,bytheSpiritofJesusdwellingandworkingwithin;andthereforeitiscalledthesanctificationoftheSpirit,2Thess.ii.13.1Pet.i.2.TheGodofpeace

mustsanctifyus,IThess.v.23.WearesaidtobesanctifiedbyGodtheFather,Jude1.;andbytheHolyGhost,Rom.xv.16;seealso1Cor.vi.11."Wewouldrememberthatofourselveswecandonothing,"2Cor.iii.5,and "that he must work in us both to will and to do of his own goodpleasure,"Phil.ii.13.Albeitnobelieverwillquestionthetruthofthis;yetitmaybe, it shallbe foundafter trial, thatonemain cause of their notgrowingingrace,andmakingprogressinthiswork,istheirnotactingasbelievingthis,butsettingaboutthework,asifitwereaworkwhichtheythemselves couldmaster and dowithout special divine help. Thereforethebelieverwouldabide,live,andact,inthefaithofthistruth.

3.Thereforebelieverswouldnot,ingoingaboutthiswork,eithertrusttotheirownstrength,tothehabitsofgrace,totheirformerexperiences,totheir knowledge and parts, or the like; nor yetwould they trust to anyexternalmean,whichtheyaretogoabout;becausethewisdom,strength,andhelp,whichtheircasecallethfor,isnottobefoundinthem;yettheyshouldnotthinkoflayingthesemeansanddutiesaside,forthenshouldthey sin against God; they should prejudge themselves of the help,strength,andsupply,whichGodusethtoconveytothesoul,inandbytheuseofthemeans.Andwithal,theyshouldtempttheLord,byprescribinganotherwaytohimthanhehaththoughtgoodtotake.Thebeliever,then,wouldusethemeansanddutiesprescribed,andthatdiligently,seriously,andconstantly;andyetwouldleanaslittletothem,andexpecthelpandreliefas little fromthem,as ifhewerenotusingthematall,aswesaidabove.Andindeedthiswouldbearightway;yea,themostadvantageousand profitable way, of going about duties, to be diligent in the use ofthem, because of God's command, and yet to place our hope andexpectationinGodalone,andtolookabovetheordinancesforourhelp.

4.AlbeititbetruethatthepowerandgraceofGodalone,dothbeginandcarryonthisworkofsanctificationinthesoul:yetthoughhemight,didhe but see it for his glory, carry on and finish this work in the soul,without the intervention of second causes or means, he hathnotwithstanding thought it fit, for the glory of his name, to work thisworkbymeans,andparticularlybybelieverssettingaboutthework.Heworkethnotinmanasifhewereablockorastone,butusethhimasarational creature, endued with a rational soul, having useful and

necessary faculties, andabody firedbyorgans tobe subservient to thesoulinitsactions.Thereforethebelievermustnotthinktoliebyanddonothing, for he is commanded towork out his own salvation, and thatbecauseitisGodthatworkethinhimbothtowillandtodo.BecauseGodworkethall, thereforeheshouldwork;soreasoneththeapostle.SothatGod'sworkingisanargumentandmotivetothemantowork,andnotanargument tohimto lieby idleanddonothing.Andhere is theholyartanddivineskillrequisiteinthisbusiness,towit,forthebelievertobeasdiligentandactiveasifhecouldbringforthfruitinhisownstrength,andbyhis ownworking; and yet to be as abstracted fromhimself, his owngrace,ability,knowledge,experience, inhisworking,as ifhewere lyingbylikeamereblock,andonlymovingasmovedbyexternalforce.

5.ThesoulthatwouldmakeprogressinChristianity,andgrowingrace,wouldrememberthatChristisproposedtousasacopy,whichwearetoimitate,andthatthereforeweshouldsetChristcontinuallybeforeusasourpattern,thatwemayfollowhissteps,1Pet.i.15,andii.21.Butwithalitwouldbe remembered, thathe is not like other ensamples or copies,thatcanhelpthemanthatimitateththeminnootherwaythanbytheirobjectiveprospect; for lookingby faithonthiscopy,willbringvirtue totheman that studieth to imitate,wherebyhe shallbe enabled to followhiscopybetter.O!ifweknewinexperiencewhatthiswere,totakealookof Christ's love, patience, long-suffering, meekness, hatred of sin, zeal,&c,andbyfaithtoporein,till,byvirtueproceedingfromthatcopy,wefoundourheartsinsomemeasureframedintothesamedisposition,oratleastmoreinclinedtobecastintothesamemould!

6.ThebelieverwouldactfaithonChrist,astheheadofthebody,andasthestockinwhichthebranchesareingrafted,andtherebysucksap,andlife, and strength from him, that he may work, walk, and grow, asbecomethaChristian.Thebelievermustgrowupinhim,beingabranchinhim, andmust bring forth fruit in him, as the forementioned placesclear.Now,Christhimself tellsus, that thebranchescannotbring forthfruit, except they abide in the vine; and that nomore can his disciplesbringforth,excepttheyabideinhim,Johnxv.Therefore,asitisbyfaiththatthesoul,asabranch,isunitedtoChrist,asthevine;andasitisbyfaith that theyabide inhim; so it isby faith that theymustbring forth

fruit; and this faithmust grip Christ as the vine, and the stock or rootfrom which cometh sap, life, and strength. Faith, then, must look toChristasthefountainoffurniture—astheheadfromwhencecomethallthe influences of strength and motion. Christ hath strength and lifeenough to give out, for "the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth in himbodily;"andhe isalsowillingenoughtocommunicateofhis fulness,astherelations he hath taken on dowitness. The headwill not grudge togivetothemembersofthebody,spiritsforactionandmotion;norwillavine grudge to give sap into the branches. Nay, life, strength, andfurniturewill,asitwere,nativelyflowoutofChristuntobelievers,exceptthey, throughunbelief,andotherdistempers,causeobstructions;as lifeandsapdothnativelyandkindly flow fromtheroot to thebranches,orfromtheheadtothemembers,unlessobstructionsstopthepassage.Itisnecessary, therefore, that believers eye Christ under these and the likerelations, and look upon him as standing, (so to speak,) obliged by hisplaceandrelation,tograntstrengthandinfluencesoflife,wherebytheymaybecomefruitful ineverygoodwork;andsowithholy,humble,andallowedboldness,pressinfaithfornewcommunicationsofgrace,virtue,strength,courage,activity,andwhatelse theyneed; for, fromthehead,all the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered,increasethwiththeincreaseofGod.Col.ii.19.Eph.iv.16.

7.ForthiscausebelieverswouldlieopentotheinfluencesofChrist,andguardagainsttheputtingofobstructionsintheway,throughgrievingofthe Spirit, bywhich he conveyeth and communicateth those influencesunto the soul; and through questioning and misbelieving Christ'sfaithfulness and unchangeable willingness, which as a violent humourstoppeth the passage. So then believers would lie open by looking andwaiting, drawing, seeking from him what they need, and by guardingagainst every thing that may provoke the Lord to anger, whether inomissionorcommission.Here is requisite, anholy,humble, sober, andwatchfulwalk;anearnest,serious,andhungrylookingouttohim,andapatient waiting for supply and furniture from him. This is to open themouthwidethathemayfillit;toliebeforetheSunofRighteousness,thatthebeamsthereofmaybeatuponthem,andwarmandrevivethem;andtowaitasabeggaratthisKing'sgate,tillhegivethealms.

8.Forthestrengtheningtheirhopeandfaithinthis,theywouldlayholduponChristdying,andbyhisdeathpurchasingallthoseinfluencesoflifeand strengthwhich are requisite for carrying on thework of grace andsanctification in the soul. For we must be "blessed in Christ with allspiritualblessings,"Eph.i.3.Thebeliever, then,would lookupontheseinfluences,aspurchasedatadearrate,by thebloodofJesusChrist; sothatthedivinepowergivethuntousallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness,throughtheknowledgeofhimthathathcalledustogloryandvirtue,2Peteri.3.Andthiswillencouragethesoultowaiton,andexpectthe flowing down of influences, and spiritual blessings and showers ofgrace,tocausethesoultoflourishandbecomefruitful,andtourgeandpressmoreearnestlybyfaiththebestowingofthepurchasedbenefits.

9.Moreover, thebelieverwould lookonJesusasstandingengagedandobliged tocarryon thiswork,bothreceiving themas forthisend, fromtheFather.Hencewearesaid"tobechoseninhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholy,"&c.Eph.i.4;andasdyingforthem.Forhegavehimselfforthechurch,thathemightsanctifyandcleanseit,that hemight present it to himself a glorious church, that it should beholy, Eph. v. 25-27.He hath reconciled them, in the body of his flesh,through death, to present them holy, Col. i. 2, 22. So that the noblecovenantof redemptionmay found thecertainhopeandexpectation ofthebeliever,uponadoubleaccount:(1.)UpontheaccountoftheFather'sfaithfulness, who promised a seed to Jesus, viz. such as should be hischildren,andsobesanctifiedthroughhim,andthat thepleasureof theLord,which in part is thework of sanctification, should prosper in hishand.And,(2.)UpontheaccountofChrist'sundertakingandengaging,as is said, to bring his sons and daughters to glory, which must bethoughtsanctification; forwithout holiness noman shall seeGod.Andtheymust look likehimself,who isaholyhead,aholyhusband,aholycaptain; and therefore theymust be holymembers, a holy spouse, andholysoldiers.SothathestandethengagedtosanctifythembyhisSpiritandword,andtherefore iscalledthesanctifier,Heb. ii. 11; "forbothhethatsanctifieth,andtheywhoaresanctified,areallone."Yea,theirunionwithChrist layeth the foundationof this; for "being joined to theLord,theybecomeoneSpirit,"1Cor.vi.17,andareanimatedandquickenedbyoneandthesameSpiritoflifeandgrace,andthereforemustbesanctified

bythatSpirit.

10. The believer likewisewould act faith upon the promises of the newcovenant,ofgrace,strength,life,&c,wherebytheyshallwalkinhisways,haveGod'slawsputintotheirminds,andwroteintheirhearts,Heb.viii.10.Jer.xxxi.33;andof thenewheart,andnewspirit,and theheartofflesh, and the Spirit within them, to cause them walk in his ways orstatutes,andkeephis judgments,anddothem,Ezek.xxxvi.26,27,andthelike,wherewiththeScriptureaboundeth;becausetheseareallgivenovertothebelieverbywayoftestamentandlegacy,ChristbecomingtheMediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for theredemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament,theywhich are calledmight receive the promise of eternal inheritance,Heb.ix.15.Now,Christ,byhisdeath,hathconfirmedthistestament;"forwhere a testament is, theremust also of necessity be the death of thetestator; for a testament is of force after men are dead," vers. 16, 17.Christ,then,dyingtomakethetestamentofforce,hathmadethelegacyofthepromisessureuntothebeliever;sothatnowallthe"promisesareyea and amen in Christ," 2 Cor. i. 20. "He was made a minister ofcircumcision toconfirm thepromisesmade to the fathers,"Rom.xv.8.That the eyeing of these promises by faith is a noble mean tosanctification, is clear, bywhat the apostle saith, 2 Cor. vii. 1, "Havingthereforethesepromises, letuscleanseourselves;perfectingholiness inthefearofGod."Anditisbyfaiththatthosepromisesmustbereceived,Heb. xi. 33: So that the believer that would grow in grace, would eyeChrist,thefundamentalpromise,thetestatorestablishingthetestament,and the executor or dispensator of the covenant, and expect the goodthingsthroughhim,and fromhim, through theconduitandchannelofthepromises.

11.Yetfurther,believerswouldeyeChristinhisresurrection,asapublicperson, and so look on themselves, and reckon themselves as risingvirtuallyinandwithhim,andtaketheresurrectionofChristasacertainpawn and pledge of their sanctification; for so reasoneth the apostle,Rom.vi.4,5,11,13."Weareburied,"sayshe,"withhimbybaptismuntodeath;thatlikeasChristwasraisedupfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife:For—weshallbe

also planted in the likeness of his resurrection; and ifwe be deadwithChrist,webelieve thatweshallalso livewithhim:—therefore reckonyealsoyourselvestobe—aliveuntoGod,throughJesusChristourLord,andyieldyourselvesuntoGod,asthosethatarealivefromthedead,andyourmembers as instruments of righteousness unto God." The rightimprovingof thisgroundwouldbeofnobleadvantagetothestudentofholiness: for then he might with strong confidence conclude, that theworkof sanctificationshouldprosper inhishand; forhemaynow lookuponhimselfas"quickenedtogetherwithChrist,"Eph.ii.5.Christdyingandrising,asapublicperson,andhebyfaithbeingnowjoinedwithhim,andunitedtohim.

12.MoreoverthisresurrectionofChristmayyieldusanothergroundofhopeandconfidenceinthiswork;forthereismentionmadeofthepowerofhisresurrection,Phil.iii.10.Sothatbyfaithwemaydrawstrengthandvirtue from Christ, as an arisen and quickened head, whereby we alsomayliveuntoGod,andbringforthfruituntohim,andservenomoreintheoldnessoftheletter,"butinthenewnessoftheSpirit,"Rom.vii.4,6.He was quickened as a head, and when the head is quickened, thememberscannotbutlookforsomecommunicationoflifetherefrom,andtoliveinthestrengthofthelifeofthehead:seeCol.iii.1,2.

13.Faithmayandshouldalso look toChrist,asan intercessorwiththeFather. For this particular, John xvii. 17, "Sanctify them through thytruth, thyWord is truth:"andthiswilladdto theirconfidence, that theworkshallgoon;forChristwasalwaysheardoftheFather,Johnxi.41,42,andsowillbeinhisprayer,whichwasnotputupforthefewdisciplesalone.

ThebelieverthenwouldeyeChristasengagingtotheFathertobeginandperfectthiswork;asdyingtopurchasethegoodthingspromised,andtoconfirmthesame;asquickened,andrisingasheadandpublicperson,toensurethiswork,andtobestowandactuallyconferthegracesrequisite;andasprayingalsofortheFather'sconcurrence,andcasttheburdenoftheworkonhimbyfaith,knowingthathestandethobliged,byhisplaceand relation to his people, to bear all their burthens, to work all theirworks in them, toperfecthisownwork thathehathbegun in them, topresent them tohimself at last aholybride, togive them theSpirit "to

dwellinthem,"Rom.viii.9,11"andtoquickentheirmortalbodies,"ver.11, "and to lead them," ver. 14; "till at length they be crowned, andbrought forward to glory." This is to live by faith, when Christ liveth,acteth,andworkethinusbyhisSpirit,Gal.ii.20.ThusChristdwellethintheheartbyfaith;andbythishispeoplebecomerootedandgroundedinlove, which is a cardinal grace; and knowing the love of Christ, whichpassethknowledge, theybecome filledwithall the fulnessofGod,Eph.iii.17,19.SothatthebelieveristocommitbyfaiththeworktoChrist,andleave the stress of all the business on him who is their life. Yet thebelievermustnotthinkheistodonothing,ortolayasidethemeansofordinances,butusingthesediligently,wouldinthemcommitthemattertoChrist, andby faith roll thewholeworkonhim, expecting,upon thegroundofhisrelations,engagements,promises,beginnings,&c.,thathewillcertainlyperfectthework,(Phil.i.6,)andtakeitwellofftheirhands,and be well pleased with them for putting the work in his hands, andleavingitonhim"whoismadeofGodtoussanctification."

CAUTIONS.

Asintheformerpart,sohereitwillnotbeamisstogiveafewwordsofcaution,forpreventingofmistakes.

1.Wewouldbewareofthinkingthatperfectioncanbeattainedhere:theperfectman andmeasure of the stature of the fulness of Christ is butcoming,andtillthenthebodywillbeaperfectingandedifying,throughthe work of the ministry, Eph. iv. 12, 13. Believers must not think ofsittingdownonanymeasureofgracewhichtheyattaintohere;buttheymust be growing in grace, going from strength to strength, till theyappearintheupperZionwiththeapostle,Phil.iii.13."Forgettingthosethings that are behind, and reaching forth unto those thingswhich arebefore,theymustpresstowardthemark,fortheprizeofthehighcallingofGod inChrist Jesus." Itmust then be a dreadful delusion for any tothink that they can reach to suchadegreeofperfectionhere, asnot tostand in need of the ordinance any more. Let all believers live in theconstantconvictionof theirshortcoming,andbehumbled,andsoworkouttheirsalvationwithfearandtrembling.

2. Nor should every believer expect one and the same measure ofholiness,norcanitbeexpectedwithreasonthatallshalladvanceheretothe same height of sanctity; for every part of the body hath its ownmeasure,andaneffectualworkinginthatmeasure:andsoeveryjointofthe body supplieth less or more, according to its proportion, andcontributeth to the increaseof thebody, and to the edifying of itself inlove,astheapostleclearlysheweth,Eph.iv.16.Asinthenaturalbodythediversity of functions and uses of the members requireth diversity offurniture and strength, so in themystical body of Christ themembershave not all alikemeasure, but each hath his proper distinctmeasure,accordingtohisplaceandusefulness in thebody.Believers thenwouldlearn much sobriety here and submission, knowing that God maydispense his graces as he will, and give them to eachmember in whatmeasurehethinkethgood:onlytheywouldtakeheed,thattheirpovertyand leanness be not occasioned through their own carelessness andnegligence, in not plying themeans of gracewith that faithfulness andsingledependenceonChristthattheyought.

3.Itwouldberemembered,thattheremaybesomeprogressmadeinthewayofholiness,whenyetthebelievermayapprehendnosuchthing;notonly because the measure of the growth may be so small andindiscernible, but also because even where the growth in itself isdiscernible, the Lordmay think it good, for wise ends, to hide it fromtheir eyes, that theymaybe kepthumble anddiligent;whereas, if theysaw how matters stood indeed with them, they might (without a newdegreeofgrace)swellandbepuffedup,yea,evenforgetGod,andmiskenthemselves and others too. Likewise this may proceed from such anearnestdesireaftermore,thattheyforgetanymeasuretheyhavegotten,andsodespisethedayofsmallthings.

4.Theremaybeagreatprogressinholiness,thoughnotinthatparticularwhich the believer is most eyeing to his sense and apprehension: forwhenhethinksheisnotgrowinginlovetoandzealforGod,&c,hemaybegrowinginhumility,whichisalsoamemberofthenewmanofgrace;andwhenhecanperceivenogrowthinknowledge,theremaybeagrowthinaffectionandtenderness.Andiftheworkbecarriedoninanyjointormember,itdecayethinnone,thoughitmaybebetterapprehendedinone

thananother.

5.Theremaybemuchholiness,wherethebelieveriscomplainingofthewantoffruits,whenunderthatdispensationoftheLordtowardshim,heismadetostoopbeforetheMostHigh,toputhismouthinthedust,ifsobe theremaybehope,andpleasantly tosubmit toGod'swiseordering,withoutgrudgingorquarrellingwithGodforwhathedoth,andtoacceptsweetlythepunishmentofhisiniquity,ifheseeguiltlyingattherootofthisdispensation.Wherethereisasilentsubmissiontothesovereignandonlywise disposing hand ofGod, and theman is saying, if hewill nothavemetobeafruitfultreeinhisgarden,nortogrowandflourishasthepalm-tree,letmebeashrub,onlyletmebekeptwithintheprecinctsofhisgarden,thathiseyemaybeuponmeforgood;letmeabidewithinhiscourts, that Imaybeholdhis countenance, there isgrace,andnosmallmeasureofgrace.Tobeanhiredservantismuch,Lukexv.19.

6.Butwithal,itwouldbeobserved,thatthisgraciousframeofsoul,thatissilentbeforeGod,underseveraldisappointments,isaccompaniedwithmuch singleness of heart, in panting after more holiness, and withseriousness and diligence in all commanded duties, waiting upon theLord, who is their hope and their salvation in each of them, and withmourning for their own sinful accession to that shortcoming in theirexpectations.

7.WewouldnotthinkthatthereisnoprogressinChristianity,orgrowthingrace,becauseitcomethnotourway,orbytheinstrumentsandmeansthatwemustexpectitby.Possiblywearetoofondonsomeinstrumentsandmeansthatweprefertoothers;andwethink,ifeverwegetgood,itmustbethatway,andbythatmeans,beitprivateorpublic:andGodmaygive a proof of his sovereignty, and check us for our folly, by takinganotherway.Hewouldnotbefoundofthebride,neitherbyherseekingofhimsecretlyonherbedbynight;normorepublicly,bygoingaboutthecity, in the streetsandbroadways;norby themeansof thewatchmen,Cant.iii.1,2,3.

8. Nor would we think that there is no growth in the work of grace,because it cometh not at such or such prelimited or fore-set time; norwouldwe think thematter desperate, because of our looking long, and

waiting,andasking,andlabouring,andyetseeingnosensibleadvantage.Suchandsuchabeliever,saiththesoul,madegreatprogress inashorttime,butIcomenospeed,foraslongasIhavebeenatthisschool.O!weshouldbewareoflimitingtheHolyOneofIsrael.Letusbeatduty,andcommittheeventtohim.

9.Itisnotafittimetotakethemeasureofourgraces,astotheirsensiblegrowth and fruitfulness, when devils are broken loose upon us;temptationsaremultiplied, corruptionsmakea greatnoise, andwe aremeetingwith a horrible tempest shaking us on all hands: for it will bestronggrace thatwillmuchappear then; itwillbestrong faith thatwillsay,Thoughhekillme,yetwill I trust inhim.At sucha time itwillbemuch if theman keep the ground he hath gained, though hemake noprogress.Itwillbemuchforatreetostand,andnottobeblownoutoftheground,inthetimeofastrongandvehementstorm,ofwind,thoughit keep not its flourishes and yield not fruit The trees, which in a coldwinterdaybearneitherleavesnorfruit,mustnotbesaidtogoback,nornottogrow;becausewhenthespringcomethagain,theymayreviveandbeasfruitfulasever.

10. We would not always measure our graces by what appearethoutwardly;fortheremaybesomeaccidentaloccurrencethatmayhinderthat, and yet grace be at work within doors, which few or none canobserve. The believer may be in a sweet and gracious frame, blushingbefore the Lord, yea, melting in love, or taken up with spiritualmeditationsandwondering,whenastosomeexternalduties,itcanfindnopresentdisposition,throughsomeaccidentalimpedimentorother,sothattosome,whojudgemostbyoutwardappearance,nosuchthingsastheactiveworkingofgraceinlifecanappear.

11.Wewouldthinkitnosmallmeasureordegreeofholiness,tobewithsinglenessofheartpursuing it,eventhough it shouldseemtofleefromus; to be earnestly panting after it, and hungering and thirsting for it.Nehemiahthoughtthisnosmallthing,whenhesaid,Neh.i.11,"OLord,Ibeseechthee,letnowthineearbeattentivetotheprayerofthyservantswhodesiretofearthyname."

12. Whatever measure of holiness the believer win to, he would take

specialheedthatheplacenopartofhisconfidenceofhisbeingacceptedandjustifiedbeforeGodinit,asifthatcouldcomeinanypartofthepriceto satisfy justice: but when he hath done all, let him call and accounthimselfanunprofitableservant.Thoughbelieverswillnotbesogrossastospeakthus,yetsuretheirjustifyingoftheirholdinga-backfromGod,becausetheyfindnotsuchameasureofgraceandholinessastheywouldhave, looketh too much this way, and saith, that they lean too muchhereunto in the matter of the acceptance of their persons before God.Nowthisshouldbespeciallyguardedagainst,lesttheirlabourbeinvain.

OBJECTIONSANSWERED.

Anobjectionor twomusthere alsobe removed.And 1. Somemay say,thatthoughtheyhavebeenlabouring,andstriving,andworkingnowforsome long time, yet they can perceive no advancement; they are as farshortasever.

Ans.Hathitnotbeenfound,thatsomehavecomplainedwithoutcause?Have not some complained of their unfruitfulness andwant of growth,thatothergoodChristianswouldhavethoughtthemselvesveryhappy,iftheyhadbutadvancedhalfsofarastheysawthemtohavedone?

Butbe it so,as it isalleged,what if the faultbe theirown?What if thecauseofthisbe,thattheyattemptthingsintheirownstrength,leaningtotheirownunderstanding,orhabitsofgrace,ormeans,&c.,andthattheydo not go about duties with that single dependence on Christ that isrequisite, nor do they suck life, strength, and sap from him, by faiththroughthepromises,norgivethemselvesuptohimbyfaith,thathemaywork in themboth towill and todo.Shouldnot thisbe seen,mournedfor,andhelped?

3.Ifallthisshortcominganddisappointmentcausethemlieinthedust,and humble themselves more and more before the Lord, the grace ofhumiliation is growing, and that is no small advantage, to be growingdownward.

4.Withal, theywould dowell to hold on in duty, looking to Christ forhelp,androllingalldifficultiesonhim,givethemselvesawaytohim,astheir head and Lord, and so continue their life of faith, or theirconsentingtoletChristliveinthembyfaith,orworkinthembyhisSpiritwhat iswell-pleasing inhis sight, andwait for theblessing and fruit inGod'sowntime.

Next,Itwillbeobjected,Thoughwemightwaitthus,yethowunedifyingareweuntoothers,whenthereappearethnofruitofthespiritofgraceinus.

Ans. A Christian behaviour and deportment under the sense offruitlessness, expressing an holy submission of soul unto God, assovereign, much humility of mind before him, justifying of God, andtakingguilttothemselves,withafirmresolution,towaitonpatiently inthe use ofmeans appointed, cannot but be edifying to Christian souls;such exercises being really the works and fruit of the spirit of graceworkingwithin.

But,thirdly, somemaysay,Howthenare thepromisesof thecovenantmadegood?

Ans.1.Thesamemeasureofsanctificationandholinessisnotpromisedtoall.

2. No greatmeasure is promised to any absolutely. Somuch indeed issecured toallbelieversas shall carry themtoheaven,aswithoutwhichthey cannot see God. But much as to the degree depends on ourperformingthroughfaiththeconditionsrequisite,towit,onconditionofourabiding inthevine,ofouractingfaithonhim,&c.;andwhentheseand the likeconditionsarenot faithfullyperformedbyus,what canweexpect?SotheLordhathappointedawaywhereinhewillbefound,andwillhaveustowaitforstrengthandinfluencefromhim;andifweneglectthesemeanswhichhehathappointed,howcanweexpectthegoodwhichhehathpromisedintheuseofthesemeans?

3.TheLordhashis own timeofmaking good all his promises, andwemustnotlimithimtoaday.

4.HerebytheLordmaybetryingandexercisingthyfaith,patience,hope,dependence, submission, diligence, &c., and "if these be in thee, andabound,theyshallmakethatthoushaltneitherbebarrennorunfruitfulintheknowledgeofourLordJesusChrist,"2Pet.i.11.

Butlastly,Itwillbeinquired,whatcansupportthebelievingsoulinthiscase?

Ans. 1. The consideration and faith of the covenant of redemption,wherein both the Father's engagement of the Son, and the Son'sengagementtotheFather,securethgraceandholiness,andsalvationtothe believer.Andwhateverwe be, theywill be true to each other,—ourunbeliefwillnotmakethefaithofGodofnoneeffect.

2.Theconsiderationofthenobleandfaithfulpromisescontainedinthecovenantofgrace,whichshallallbemadegoodinduetime.

3. Ifwe be humbled under the sense of our failings and shortcomings,andmade tomourn before the Lord, stirred up tomore diligence andseriousness, that may yield comfort to our soul. If we be growing inhumility, godly sorrow, repentance,diligence, andbe gripping fasterbyfaithtotheroot,wewantnotgroundofjoyandsupport;forifthatbe,wecannotwantfruit.

4. It shouldbematterof joyand thanksgiving, that thebeliever iskeptfromturninghisbackonthewayofGod,andkeptwithhisfacestillZion-ward.Thoughhemakebutlittleprogress,yetheisstilllookingforward,and creeping as he may, waiting at God's door, begging and asking,studying,labouring,andendeavouringforstrengthtogofaster.

5.Itisnosmallmatterofpeaceandcomfort,ifwebekeptfromfretting,grudgingandrepiningattheLord'sdispensationswithus,andbetaughttositsilentinthedust,adoringhissovereignty,andascribingnoiniquitytoourMaker.

CHAPTERVIII.

HOWTOMAKEUSEOFCHRISTFORTAKINGTHEGUILTOFOURDAILYOUT-BREAKINGSAWAY.

Thenextpartofoursanctificationisinreferencetoourdailyfailingsandtransgressions,committedpartlythroughtheviolenceoftemptations,asweseeinDavidandPeter,andothereminentmenofGod;partlythroughdaily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "inmanythingsweoffendall,"Jamesiii.2;and,"ifwesaywehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus,"1Johni.8;"arighteousman falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not a justman uponearth, that doeth good and sinneth not," Eccl. vii. 20; and Solomonfurther saith, 1Kings viii. 46, "That there is noman that sinneth not."Thisbeingso,thequestionis,howChrististobemadeuseof,fortakingtheseaway.

For satisfaction to this, it would be considered, that in those daily outbreakings there are two things to be noticed. First, There is the guiltwhich is commonly called reatus paenae, whereby the transgressor isliabletothesentenceofthelaw,ortothepenaltyannexedtothebreachthereof,which isno less thanGod'scurse; for "cursed iseveryone thatabidethnot in all things,which are in the law todo them,"Gal. iii. 10.Next,Thereisthestainorblot,whichiscalledreatusculpae,wherebythesoul is defiled, and made in so far incapable of glory, (for nothingenterethintherewhichdefileth,)andofcommunionandfellowshipwithGod, who is of purer eyes than he can behold iniquity. So that it ismanifest,hownecessaryitisthatboththesebetakenaway,thattheymaynotstandinourwaytotheFather.Andastoboth,wemustmakeuseofChrist,whoistheonlywaytotheFather.

And thiswe shallnowclear.And, first, speakof the takingawayof theguilt that is contracted by every sin. And for this causewe shall speak

briefly to two things. (1.) Shewwhat Christ hath done asMediator, forthisend,thattheguiltcontractedbyourdailyfailingsandout-breakings,mightbetakenaway.(2.)Shewwhatthebelievershoulddofortheguilttaken away in Christ; or how he should make use of Christ forreconciliationwithGodaftertransgressions;or,forthetakingawayoftheguiltthatheliethunder,becauseofhisviolationofthelaw.

As to the first,we say,Christ, for taking awayof guilt contracteddaily,hathdonethesethings:

1.Christlaiddownhislifearansomforallthesinsoftheelect;bothsuchaswerepastbeforetheybelieved,andsuchasweretobecommittedafter.His blood was shed for the remission of sins indefinitely, and withoutdistinction,Matt.xxvi.28.

2. And this was done according to the tenor of the covenant ofredemption,whereintheFather"causedalloursinstomeettogetheronhim,"Isa. liii.6;andmadehimsin,orasacrifice for sin, indefinitely,2Cor.v.21;andsodidnotexceptthesinscommittedafterconversion.

3.Havingsatisfiedjustice,andbeingrisenfromthedeadasaconqueror,he is now exalted to "be a prince, to give repentance and remission ofsins,"Actsv.31.Nowrepentanceandremissionofsinshispeoplehaveneedof,afterconversionaswellasbeforeconversion.

4. There are promises of pardon and remission of sins in the newcovenant of grace, all which are sealed and confirmed in the blood ofJesus,Jer.xxxi.34,"ForIwillforgivetheiriniquity,andIwillremembertheirsinnomore."Andchap,xxxiii.8,"AndIwillcleansethemfromalltheiriniquity,wherebytheyhavesinnedagainstme;andIwillpardonalltheir iniquities whereby they have sinned, and whereby they havetransgressedagainstme."Isa.xliii.25,"I,evenI,amhethatblottethoutthytransgressionsformineownsake;andwillnotrememberthysins."

5.Thoughtherebenoactualpardonofsins,tilltheybecommitted,andrepentedof,accordingtothetenorofthegospel,Matt.iii.2,Lukexiii.3.Acts ii. 38; and viii. 22; yetwhileChrist bare all the sins of his peopleuponthecross,theywereallthenvirtuallyandmeritoriouslytakenaway;

ofwhichChrist'sresurrectionwasacertainpledgeandevidence;forthengothehisacquitancefromallthateitherlaworjusticecouldchargehimwith, inbehalfof them, forwhomhe laiddownhis lifearansom.Rom.viii.33,34,"WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthat justifieth: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, orratherthatisrisenagain."

6. So that by virtue of Christ's death, there is a way laid down, in thecovenant of grace, how the sins of the elect shall be actually pardoned,viz.thatattheirconversionandfirstlayingholdonChristbyfaith,allthesins, whereof they then stand guilty, shall be actually pardoned andforgiven, in their justification; and all their after-sins shall also beactually pardoned, upon their griping to Christ of new by faith, andturningtoGodby repentance.And thisway is agreed tobyFather andSon,andrevealedinthegospel,fortheinstructionandencouragementofbelievers; and all to the glory of his free grace. "In whom we haveredemption, (saith the apostle, Eph. i. 7-9) through his blood, theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace;whereinhehathabounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; havingmade knownuntousthemysteryofhiswill,accordingtohisgoodpleasure,whichhehathpurposedinhimself."

7.BesideChrist'sdeathandresurrection,whichgivegroundofhope,ofpardon,ofdailyout-breakings,thereislikewisehisintercessionusefulforthisend.For,sosaiththeapostle,1Johnii.1,2,"Ifanymansin,wehavean advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is thepropitiation for our sins." This intercession is a special part of hispriesthood,whowasthegreathighpriest,Heb.iv.14,1;andacompletingpart,Heb.viii.4,andix.8;anduponthisaccountitis,that"Heisabletosavetotheuttermost,allthatcometoGodthroughhim,becausehelivethfor ever to make intercession for them," Heb. vii. 25. For by hisintercessionistheworkofredemptioncarriedon,thepurchasedbenefitsapplied, and particularly, new grants of remission are, through hisintercession,issuedforth:hepleadingandinterceding,inawaysuitable,tohisglorifiedcondition,uponhisdeathandpropitiationmade,whilehewasuponthecross,acceptedof theFather,anddeclaredtobeacceptedbyhisresurrection,ascension,andsittingathisFather'srighthand.And

thus,asbelieversarereconciledtoGodbyChrist'sdeath,theyaresavedbyhislife,Rom.v.10.SothatChrist'slivingtobeanintercessor,makesthesalvationsure;andsolayingdownagroundfortakingawayofdailyout-breakings,which, ifnot takenaway,wouldhinder andobstruct thebeliever'ssalvation.

8. And as for the condition requisite to renewed pardon, viz. faith andrepentance,Christistheworkerofboth.Forheisaprinceexaltedtogiverepentance,firstandlast,Actsiv.30;andasheistheauthoroffaith,soheisthefinisherofit,Heb.xii.2.

Astothesecondparticular,namely,whatbelieversshoulddoforgettingtheguiltoftheirdailyfailingsandout-breakingstakenawaybyChrist;orhowtheyshouldmakeuseofChristforthisend,Ishall,forclearingofit,proposethosethingstoconsideration:

1.Wewouldbewaretothink,thatallourafteractualtransgressionsareactuallypardoned,eitherwhenChristdied,orwhenwefirstbelievedinChrist,assomesuppose;forsincannotproperlybesaidtobepardonedbefore it be committed.Davidwas put to sue out for pardon, after hisactual transgression was committed, and not for the mere sense andfeelingof thepardon,orthe intimationof it tohisspirit,whenhecriedout,Psalmli.2,"Blotoutmytransgressions,washme,"&c;andverse9,"Hidethyfacefrommysins,andblotoutallmyiniquities;"andverse14,"Delivermefromblood-guiltiness."Surewhenhespokethus,hesoughtsomeotherthingthanintimationofpardontohissenseandconscience;forthathedesiredalso,butinfarmoreclearexpressions,verse8,"Makemetohearjoyandgladness,"&c.;andverse12,"Restoreuntomethejoyofthysalvation,"&c.Scripturephrasestoexpressremissionimportthis,viz. covering of sin, pardoning of debts, blotting out of sins, hiding ofGod'sfacefromsin,notrememberingofthem,castingofthembehindhisback, casting of them into the sea, removing of sin, Psalm xxxiii. 1, 2.Theseandthelikephrases,thoughmanyofthembemetaphorical,yetdoallofthemclearlyevince,thatsinmustfirsthaveabeingbeforeitcanbepardoned.Thesameisclearlyimportedbythegospelconditionsrequisitebeforepardon;suchasacknowledgmentofsin,(1Johni.9)whichweseewaspractisedbytheworthiesofold;David,Psalmxxxii.51.Nehemiah,chap.ix.Ezra,chap.ix.andDaniel,chap.ix.Confessingandforsakingof

it,Prov.xxviii.13.Sorrowingforit,andrepentingofit,andlayingholdonChristbyfaith,&c.

The reason why I propose this, is not only to guard against thisAntinomianerror,butalsotoguardthesoulfromsecurity,towhichthisdoctrinehathanaturaltendency.Forifapersononcethink,thatallhissinswerepardoned,uponhisfirstbelieving,sothatmanyof themwerepardonedbeforetheywerecommitted;heshallneverbeaffectedforhisaftertransgressions,norcomplainofabodyofdeath,noraccounthimselfmiserableuponthataccount,asPauldid,Rom.vii.24;norshallheeverprayforremission,thoughChristhastaughtalltodoso,inthatpatternofprayer;norshallheactfaithuponthepromiseofpardonmadeinthecovenantofgrace forafter transgressions,or for transgressionsactuallycommitted,Jer.xxxi.34,andxxxiii.8.Heb.viii.12;andsothereshallbenousemadeofChristfornewpardons,orremissionsofnewsins.

2.Thebelieverwouldremember, thatamongother things,antecedentlyrequisite to remission of posterior actual transgressions, gospelrepentanceisespeciallyrequired,(Lukexiii.3.Matt.iii.2.Ezek.xviii.28,30.Lukexv.17,18.Hos.ii.6,7.Ezek.xiv.6,)wherebyasinner,throughthehelpoftheSpirit,beingconvincednotonlyofhishazardbyreasonofsin,butalsoofthehatefulnessandfilthinessofsin;andhavingasightofthemercyofGodinChristJesustosinners,turningfromtheirsin,dothturn from those sins unto God, with a full purpose of heart, in hisstrength,tofollowhim,andobeyhislaws.Andherebythesoulisbroughttoloatheitselfandsin,andismadewillingtodesire,seekfor,acceptof,andprizeremissionsofsins.Thismakesthemmorewaryandcarefulintimecoming;"Forbehold,"saystheapostle,2Cor.vii.11,"thisselfsamethingthatyesorrowedafteragodlysort,whatcarefulnessitwrought inyou, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, whatfear,yea,whatvehementdesire,yea,whatzeal,yea,what revenge,"&c.Thus is God glorified in his justice, Psalm li. 4; and his mercy isacknowledged,innotenteringwithusintojudgment,norcastingusintohell,ashemighthavedoneinjustice.

3.Yet itwouldberemembered, that though ithathseemedgood in theLord's eyes to choose this method, and appoint this way of obtainingpardonofsinsdailycommitted,forthegloryofhisgraceandmercy;and

likewiseforourgood,wemustnotascribetoomuchuntorepentance,inthe matter of pardon.Wemust not make it a cause of our remission,eitherefficientormeritorious.WemustnotthinkthatithathanyhandinappeasingthewrathofGod,orinsatisfyingjustice.PardonmustalwaysbeanactofGod'sfreegrace,unmeritedatourhands,andprocuredalonethrough the merits of Christ. We must not put repentance in Christ'sroomandplace,norascribeanyimperfectionuntohismerits,as if theyneededany supply fromanyactofours.Wemustbewareof leaning toour repentance and godly sorrow, even so far as to think to commendourselvestoGod,therebythatwemayobtainpardon.

4. The believer would consider seriously the dreadfulness of theirconditionwhoare lyingunderthelashofthelawforsin.The lawsaith,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthelaw;"andeverysinisatransgressionofthelaw.Sothat,accordingtolawandjustice, theyare inhazard.Foreverysin in itselfexposeth thesinner toeternalwrath,sinbeinganoffenceagainstGod,whoisarighteousjudge,and a breach of his law. A right sight and apprehension of this, wouldserve tohumble the sinner beforeGod, andmakehimmore earnest inseeking out for pardon, that this obligation to punishment might beremoved.

5.Thebelieverwouldnotonlyconsiderthesinitself,butalsotakenoticeofallitsaggravations.Therearepeculiaraggravationsofsomesinstakenfrom the time, manner, and other circumstances, which, rightlyconsidered, will help forward the work of humiliation. And the sins ofbelievers have this aggravation above the sins of others, that they arecommitted against more love, and special love, and against moreoppositionandcontradictionofthegraceofGodwithinthesoul,againstmorelightandconviction,&c.Andthereforetheirhumiliationuponthisaccountoughttobesingularandserious.SowasitwithDavid,whenhetooknotice of the special aggravation of his sin, Psalm li. 4, 6, 14, andEzra, chap ix. and Nehemiah, chap. ix. and Daniel chap. ix. Thisconsideringofsin,withitsdueaggravations,wouldhelptoprizemerciesat a high rate, and cause the soul more willingly wait for and moreseriouslyseekafterremission;knowingthatGodismoreangryforgreatsins,thanforsinsof infirmity,andmaythereforepursuethesamewith

sorerjudgments,ashebrokeDavid'sbones,withdrewhiscomforts,&c.

6.Thebelieverwouldbeconvincedofanimpossibilityofdoinganythingin himself which can procure pardon at the hands of God; should heweep,cry,afflicthimself,andprayneverso,allwilldonothingbywayofmerit, for taking away of the least sin that ever he committed; and theconvictionofthiswoulddrivehimtodespairinhimself,andbeameantobringhimcleanlyoffhimself, and to lookout formeremercy inChristJesus. So long as, through the deceitfulness of Satan, the false heartinclineth to theoldbias,andhath itseyeuponany thing in itself, fromwhenceitdrawethitshopesandexpectationofpardonandacceptance,itwillnotpurelyactfaithonChristforthisend,andsohewillloseallhislabour, and in the end be disappointed. Therefore the believer wouldguard against this, and that somuch themore, that the false deceitfulheartissomuchinclinedthereto;andthatthisdeceitcansometimeworkso cunningly, that it can hardly be discerned, being covered over withmanyfalseglossesandpretexts;andthatitissodishonourabletoJesus,andhurtfulandprejudicialtothesoul.

7. The believer would act faith on the promises of pardon in the newcovenant,ashavingarighttothemthroughJesusChrist,andchallengewithhumbleboldness,thefulfillingofthesame,accordingtothat,1Johni.9,"Ifweconfessoursins,heisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursins."SothatthebelievermaynotonlytakeholdofmercyandgraceinGod,asanencouragementandinvitationtogotoGodforpardon;butevenofthejustice and righteousness of God, because of his faithful promises; andthe believer would have here a special eye to Christ, in whom all thepromises are yea and amen; and look for the accomplishment of themthroughhim,andforhissakealone.

8. Faith would eye Christ, as hanging upon the cross, and offering uphimself,throughtheeternalSpirit,asacrificetosatisfydivinejustice,forallthesinsofhisownchosenones;wecannotthink,thatChristbarebutsomeoftheirsins,oronlytheirsinscommittedbeforeconversion;andifhebareall,astheFatherlaidalluponhim,thebelieveristolayholdonhimbyfaith,ashangingonthecross,aswellfortakingawayoftheguiltofsinscommittedafterconversion,asbefore;hissacrificewasasacrificefor all, "and he bare our sins (without distinction or exception,) in his

ownbodyonthetree,"1Pet. ii.24.Davidhadhiseyeonthis,whenhecriedout,Psalm li.7, "Purgemewithhyssop;"hyssopbeingsometimesused in the legal purifications, which typified that purification whichChristreallywroughtwhenhegavehimselfasacrificeforsin,Levit.xiv.6.Num.xix.18.

9.ThebelieverlookingonChrist,dyingasaMediator,topacifythewrathofGod,andtomakesatisfactiontothejusticeofGod,forthesinsofhispeople,wouldrenewhisconsentuntothatgraciousandwisecontrivanceofHeaven, of pardoning sins, througha crucifiedMediator, thatmercyandjusticemightkisseachother,andbeglorifiedtogether;anddeclareagainhis full satisfactionwithChrist's satisfyingof justice forhim,andtaking away the guilt of his sins, by that blood thatwas shedupon thecross,bytakingthosesins,whereofnowhestandethguilty,andforwhichheisdesirousofpardon,andbyfaithnailingthemtothecrossofChrist,androllingthemonhisshoulders,thattheguiltofthem,aswellasoftherest, might be taken away, through the merits of his death andsatisfaction.Thus thebelieverconsenteth to thenobleactof freegrace,wherebytheLordmadealloursinstomeettogetheronChrist,whenhetaketh thoseparticular sins,wherewithnowhe is troubled, and casteththem in into theheap, thatChrist,as the truescape-goat,maycarryallaway.Thisistolayourhandsontheheadofoursacrifice.

10.Thebelieverhathanothergroundofcomfort togripto, in thiscase,and that is, Christ's eternal priesthood,whereby hemakes intercessionfor the transgressionsofhispeople, andas their advocate andattorneywiththeFather,pleadeththeircause,wherebyheisabletosavethemtothelastanduttermoststepoftheirjourney,andsotosavethemfromtheguiltofallcasualandemergentsins,thatmighthindertheirsalvation.Sothatthebelieveristoputthosesins,thatnowhewouldhavepardoned,into the hands of Christ, the everlasting Intercessor, and all-sufficientAdvocate, thathe,byvirtueofhisdeath,wouldobtainanewpardonofthese their failings and transgressions, and deliverance from the guiltthereof; and their acceptancewith theFather,notwithstandingof thesetransgressions.

11.ThusbelieverseyeingChristasdying,risingagain,ascending,andassittingat theFather's righthand, there tobeapriest forever,after the

order of Melchisedec, and to intercede for his own, and to see to theapplication of what benefits, pardons, favours, and other things theyneed,fromallwhichtheyhavestronggroundofcomfortandofhope,yea,and assurance of pardon,would acquiesce in thisway; and having laidthose particular sins, under the burden whereof they now groan, onChristtheMediator,dyingonthecrosstomakesatisfaction,andarisingtomakeapplicationofwhatwaspurchased,andhavingputtheminhishand, who is a faithful high priest, and a noble intercessor, wouldremember, that "Christ is a prince exalted, to give repentance andremissionofsins;"andsoexpectthesentenceevenfromhim,asaprincenowexalted,andashavingobtainedthatoftheFather,evenapowertoforgive sins, justice being now sufficiently satisfied, through his death;yea,andashavingallpowerinheavenandinearth,asbeingLordbothofthedeadandoftheliving.Surearightthoughtofthiswouldmuchquietthe soul, in hope of obtaining pardon through him; seeing now thepardonisinhisownhand,togiveout,wholovedthemsodearly,thathegave himself to the death for them, and shed his heart blood to satisfyjusticefortheirtransgressions.Sincehewhohathprocuredtheirpardonat so dear a rate, and is their attorney to agent their business at thethroneofgrace,hathnowobtainedtheprayed-forandlooked-forpardon,andhathitinhisownhand,theywillnotquestionbuthewillgiveit,andsoabsolvethemfromtheirguilt.

12.Thebeliever,havingtakenthiscoursewithhisdailyprovocations,andlaid them all on him, would aquiesce in this way, and not seek afteranother,thathemayobtainpardon.Herehewouldrest,committingthematterbyfaithinprayertoChrist,andleavinghisguiltandsinsonhim,expect the pardon, yea, conclude, that they are already pardoned; andthat for these sins, he shall never be brought unto condemnation,whateverSatanandamisbelievingheartmaysayorsuggestafterward.

ThusshouldabelievermakeuseofChrist,forthetakingawayoftheguiltofhisdailytransgressions;andforfurtherclearingofit,Ishalladdafewcautions.

CAUTIONS.

1.Howeverthebelieveristobemuchmovedat,andaffectedwithhissinsand provocations,which he committeth afterGod hath visited his soulwithsalvation,andbroughthimintoacovenantwithhimself,yethemustnotsuppose,thathissinsafterjustificationdomarhisstate;asiftherebyhewerebroughtintoanon-justifiedstate,ortoanon-reconciledstate.Itistrue,suchsins,especiallyifgross,whetherinthemselves,orbyreasonofcircumstances,willdarkenaman'sstate,andputhimtosearchandtryhis condition over again. But yet we dare not say, that theymake anyalterationinthestateofabeliever;foronceinajustifiedstatealwaysinajustifiedstate.Itistruelikewise,thatastothosesins,whichnowhehathcommitted,hecannotbesaidtobeacquittedorjustified,tillthispardonbegotoutbyfaithandrepentance,asissaid;yethisstateremainethfixedandunchanged;sothatthoughGodshouldseemtodealwithsuchinhisdispensations, aswith enemies, yet really his affections change not; heneveraccounteththemrealenemies;nay, love liethat thebottomofallhis sharpest dispensations. If they forsake his law, andwalk not in hisjudgments;iftheybreakhisstatutesandkeepnothiscommandments,hewillvisittheirtransgressionwiththerod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes,neverthelesshis loving-kindnesswillhenotutterly take fromthem,norsufferhisfaithfulnesstofail;hiscovenantwillhenotbreak,noralterthethingthathasgoneoutofhislips,Psalmlxxxix.30-34.Andagain,thoughafter transgressionsmaywaken challenges for former sins,which havebeen pardoned and blotted out, and give occasions to Satan to raise astorminthesoul,andputallinconfusion,yetreallysinsoncepardonedcannot become again unpardoned sins. The Lord doth not revoke hissentence, nor alter the thing that is gone out of his mouth. It is truelikewise, thatabeliever,bycommittingofgrosssins,maycometomisstheeffectsofGod'sfavourandgoodwill,andtheintimationsofhisloveandkindness;andsobemadetocrywithDavid,Psalmli.8,"Makemetohear joy and gladness;" and ver. 12, "Restore unto me the joy of thysalvation,"&c.Yetthatreallyholdethtrue,thatwhomhelovethhelovethtotheend;andhe isaGodthatchangethnot;andhisgiftsarewithoutrepentance. Yea, though grieving of the Spirit may bring souls undersharpthroes,andpangsofthespiritofbondage,andtheterrorsofGod,andhissharperrors,thepoisonwhereofmaydrinkuptheirspirits,andso be far from the actual witnessings of the Spirit of adoption; yet theSpiritwillneverbeagainreallyaspiritofbondageuntofear,nordenyhis

own work in the soul, or the soul's real right to, or possession of thatfundamentalprivilegeofadoption,—Isay,thatthesoulisnomoreason,norwithinthecovenant.

2.Thecoursebeforementioned is tobetakenwithallsins, though,(1.)They be never so heinous and gross. (2.) Though they be accompaniedwithneversuchaggravatingandcryingaggravations.(3.)Thoughtheybesins frequently fallen into; and, (4.) Though they be sins many andheaped together. David's transgression was a heinous sin, and hadheinousaggravations,yea,therewasanheapandacomplicationofsinstogether in thatone;yethe followed thiscourse.Wefindnoneof thesekindof sinsexcepted in thenewcovenant; andwhere the lawdothnotdistinguish, we ought not to distinguish; where God's law doth notexpressly excludeus,we shouldnot exclude ourselves.Christ's death isableenoughtotakeawayallsin.Ifthroughitabelieverbejustifiedfromallhistransgressionscommittedbeforeconversion,whymaynotalsoabelieverbe, throughvirtueof it, justified fromhis gross andmultipliedsinscommittedafterconversion?ThebloodofChristcleansethfromallsin;Christhathtaughthisfollowerstopray,"Forgiveusoursins,asweforgivethemthatsinagainstus;"andhehathtoldusalso,thatwemustforgiveourbrotherseventytimesseven,Matth.xiii.22.Wewouldnotbediscouragedthenfromtakingthiscourse,becauseoursinsaresuchandsuch;nay,rather,wewouldlookonthis,asanargumenttopressusmoreuntothisway,becausethegreateroursinsbe,thegreaterneedhaveweofpardon,andtosaywithDavid,Psalmxxv.11,"Pardonmineiniquity,foritisgreat."

3.Wewouldnot think, thatuponour takingof this course,weshallbeinstantly freed from challenges, because of those sins, for pardoningwhereofwetakethiscourse;norshouldwethink,thatbecausechallengesremain,thatthereforethereisnopardonhad,orthatthisisnotthewayto pardon; for, as we shall show afterward, pardon is one thing, andintimation of pardon is another thing. We may be pardoned, and yetsuppose that we are not pardoned; challenges will abide till theconsciencebesprinkled,and till thePrinceofPeacecommandpeace totheconscience,andput theaccuser tosilence;who,whenhecandonomore,willmar the peace of a believer, as long as he can, and stop the

currentofhiscomforts,whichmadeDavidpray,that"Godwouldrestoretohimthejoyofhissalvation,"Psalmli.

4.Norwouldwethink,thatuponourtakingofthiscourseforthepardonof our sins, we shall never thereafter meet with a challenge upon theaccount of these sins. It is true,when sins are pardoned, they are fullypardoned inGod's court, and that obligation to condemnation is takenaway,andthepardonedpersonislookeduponasnosinner,thatis,asnopersonliabletocondemnationbecauseofthesesins;forbeingpardonedhe becometh just before God; yet we dare not say, but conscienceafterward, being alarmed with new transgressions, may mistake, aspeoplesuddenly put into a fight are ready to do; nor darewe say, thatGodwillnotpermitSatantoupbraiduswiththosesins,whichhavebeenblottedoutlongago,ashesufferedShimei,whowasbutaninstrumentofSatan,tocastuptoDavidhisblood-guiltiness,whichhadbeenpardonedlongbefore.TheLordmaythinkgoodtosufferthis,thathispeoplemaybekepthumble,andmademoretenderandwatchfulinalltheirways.

5.Believerswouldnotmisimproveorabusethisgreatcondescendencyoffreegrace,andtakethegreatlibertytosin,becausethereissuchasure,safe, and pleasant way of getting those sins blotted out and forgiven."Shallwesinbecausewearenotundergrace,butunderthelaw?Thatbefarfromus,"saiththeApostle,Rom.vi.15.ThiswereindeedtoturnthegraceofGodintolasciviousness.Anditmaybeaquestion,ifsuchashavereallyrepented,andgottentheirsinspardoned,willbesoreadytomakethisuseofit;suresenseofpardonwillworksomeothereffect,aswesee,Ezek.xvi.62,63.

6.Thebeliever,ingoingaboutthisworkofnailinghissinstothecrossofChrist, and of improving Christ's death, resurrection, and constantintercession,fortheobtainingofpardon,wouldnotthinkofgoingalone,orofdoingthisinhisownstrength;forofhimselfhecandonothing.Hemust look toChrist for grace tohelp in this timeofneed, andmust goabout this duty with dependence on him, waiting for the influence oflight,counsel,strength,andgracefromhim,torepentandbelieve;forheisaprinceexaltedtogiverepentance,firstandlast,andheistheauthorandfinisheroffaith;sothatwithouthimwecandonothing.

7. Let the believer beware of concluding, that be hath got no pardon,becausehehathmetwithnosensibleintimationthereofbytheflowinginofpeaceandjoyinhissoul.Pardonisonemercy,andintimationofittothe soul is another distinct mercy, and separable from it: shall wetherefore say,wehavenot gotten the first, becausewehavenot gottenboth?TheLord,forwisereasons,canpardonpoorsinners,andnotgiveany intimation thereof; viz. that they may watch more against sinafterward,andnotbesoboldastheyhavebeen;andthattheymayfindmoreinexperience,whatabitterthingitistosinagainstGod,andlearnwithaltodependonhimforlessandmore;andtocarrymorehumbly;foritmay be,God seeth, that if they saw their sins pardoned, they wouldforgetthemselves,andrushintonewsinsagain.

8. The believermust not think it strange, if he findmore trouble aftergreater sins, andagreaterdifficulty to layholdonChrist forpardonofthose,thanforpardonofothers.ForasGodhathbeenmoredishonouredbythese,soishisangermorekindleduponthataccount;anditissuitablefor the glory of God's justice, that our sorrow for such sins beproportionallygreater;and thiswill likewise increase thedifficulty;andordinarilytheeffectsofGod's fatherlydispleasuremakedeeperwoundsinthesoulafter suchsins,and thesearenot soeasilyhealed;allwhichwill call for suitable and proportionally greater godly sorrow andrepentance, and acts of faith, because faith will meet with moreopposition and discouragement there, and thereforemust be themorestrong,togothroughtheseimpediments,andtolayholdonhiscross.Yetthough this should make all watchful, and to guard against gross andcrying sins, it should not drive any to despair, nor to say with thatdespairingwretch,theirsinisgreaterthanitcanbeforgiven;theoceanofmercycandrownandswallowupgreateraswellaslessersins;Christisanall-sufficientMediatorforthegreatestsinsaswellastheleast."O,forthyname'ssake,pardonmineiniquity,foritisgreat!"willcomeinseasonto a soul ready to sink with the weight of thismillstone tied about itsneck.

9.Asthegreatersinsshouldnotmakeusdespairoftakingthiscourseforremission,sonorshouldthesmallnessofsinmakeustoneglectthisway;fortheleastsincannotbepardonedbutthroughJesusChrist;forthelaw

ofGodisviolatedthereby, justiceprovoked,God'sauthorityvilified,&c.and therefore cannot be now pardoned, by reason of the threateningsannexed to the law,withouta ransom.Death is thewagesof sin, lesserandgreater,andthecurseisduetoallsin,greaterandsmaller.There,thebelieverwouldnotsufferonesin,seenanddiscovered,tolieunpardoned,butonthefirstdiscoverythereof,takeitawaytoChrist,andnailittothecross.

10. The believer would not conclude, that his sins are not pardoned,because possibly temporal strokes, inflicted because of them, are notremoved;forthoughDavid'ssinwaspardoned,yetbecauseofthatsinofhis,atemporalstrokeattendedhimandhisfamily,tohisdyingday;fornotonlydidGodcutoffthechild,(2Sam.xv.14.),buttoldhim,thatthesword shouldneverdepart fromhis house, and that hewould raise upevil against him out of his own house, and give his wives to one thatshouldliewiththeminthesightofthesun,vers.10,11.Soweread,thattheLordtookvengeanceontheirinventionswhosesinshehadpardoned,Psalmxcix.8.Godmayseethisfitandexpedient,forhisownglory,andforhumblingof them,andcausingthemto fear themoretosinagainsthim.Yea, not onlymay temporal calamities be inflicted, becauseof sinpardoned, or continued, after sin is pardoned, but even sense of God'sdispleasuremaycontinueafterpardon,asappearethby thatpenitentialPsalm(thefifty-first)pennedbyDavid,afterNathanhadspokentohimconcerninghissin.

QUESTIONSOROBJECTIONSANSWERED.

1.Whatcourseshallwetakewithsecretsins?Ianswer,thissamecoursemustbefollowedwiththem.Thereisanimplicitrepentanceofsinsthathavenotbeendistinctlyseenandobserved,aswhocanseeandobservealltheirfailings?Andsotheremaybeanimplicitfaithacting;thatis,thebelieverbeingpersuadedthatheisguiltyofmoresinsthanhehathgotaclear sight of, as he would bewail his condition before God because ofthese,andsorrowforthemafteragodlymanner,sohewouldtakethemtogether in a heap, or as a closed bagful, and by faith nail them to thecrossofChrist,as if theywerealldistinctly seenandknown."Whocan

understandhiserrors,"saidDavid,Psalmxix.12:yetsayshemoreover,"cleansethoumefromsecretfaults."

2.Butwhat if,afterall this, I findno intimationofpardon tomy soul?Ans.Asthisshouldservetokeeptheehumble,soitshouldexcitetomorediligence,inthisdutyofgoingwiththysinstoChrist,andtoplyhimandhiscrossmore,inandthroughthepromises,andkeepthysoulconstantinthisdutyoftherunningtoChrist,asanall-sufficientMediator,andasan intercessor with the Father; and thus wait on him waiteth to begracious, even in this particular, of intimating pardon to thy soul,—heknowethwhenitisfittestfortheetoknowthatthysinsareforgiven.

3.Butwhatcanyieldmeanygroundofpeacewhileitisso,thatIseenopardonorremissiongrantedtome?Ans.Thismayyieldtheepeace,that,followingthiscoursewhichhathbeenexplained,thouartaboutthyduty.Thouartnotatpeacewithsin,norharbouringthatviperinthysoul;thouartmourningandsorrowingoverit,andrunningtoChristtheprinceofpardons,throughhisbloodandintercession,conformtothecovenantofredemption,andaftertheencouragementgiveninthemanyandpreciouspromisesofthecovenantofgrace;andhavingthesepromises,androllingthyguiltonChristasthycautioner,conformtothemannerexpressedinthe gospel, thou art allowed to believe that thy sins are pardoned, andthatthouartacceptedinthebeloved,andsoquietthysoulthroughfaith,Godabidingfaithfulandtrue,andhispromisesbeingallyeaandameninChrist.

4.ButsolongasIfindnointimationofpardon,IcannotthinkthatIhavetakentherightgospelwayofbringingmysinstoChrist.Ans.Thoughthatwillnotfollow,asweclearedabove—forasoulmaytaketherightgospelwayofgettingtheguiltof theirsinstakenawayinChrist,andGodmaypardonthereupon, and for all that not think it fit to give intimation ofthatpardonasyet,forwiseandholyends—yetthesoulmayhumbleitselfforitsshortcoming,andstillgoabouttheduty,amendinginChristwhatit supposeth to be amiss, and renewing its act of repentance and faith,andbegofChristunderstandinginthematter,andsocontinuecarryingsinalwaystoChrist'scross,andeyeinghisintercession,andwaitforafullclearingofthematterinhisgoodtime.

5.Butwhat shall I dowith the guilt ofmyweak repentance, andweakfaith?Ans.Whenwithaweakanddefectiverepentanceandfaiththouartcarrying away thy sins toChrist, andnailing them, to his cross, let theimperfection of thy faith and repentance gowith the rest, and leave allthere.

6.What shall I do withmy conscience, that still accusethme of guilt,notwithstandingofmytakingandfollowingthiscourse?Ans.Despisenotthe accusation of conscience, but let these humble thee the more, andkeeptheecloserat thisduty.Yetknow, that conscience isbutanunderservant,andGod'sdeputy,andmustaccuseaccordingtolaw,(Ispeaknothereoftheirregular,furious,andturbulentmotionsofSatan,castingingrenadesinthesoulandconscience,toraiseacombustionandputallinafire);itsmouth,mustbestoppedbylaw,andsothesoulwouldstayandanswertheaccusationsofconsciencewiththis,thathehathfledtoChrist,the only Mediator and Cautioner, and cast his burden on him; andleaneth tohismerits alone; andhathput those sins inhishand, ashisadvocateand intercessorwith theFather;and that thegospel requirethno more of him. And if conscience should say, that both faith andrepentance are imperfect anddefective, and that guilt is thereby ratherincreasedthantakenaway,—hemustansweragain,true;butIhavedonewith the guilt ofmy faith and repentance, aswith the rest, taken all toChrist,andleftallonhim;andhereinonlydoIacquiesce,—Ilooknotforpardonformyimperfectfaithandrepentance,yea,norwouldI lookforpardon of my sins, for my faith and repentance, were they never soperfect, but only in and through Jesus Christ, the only Cautioner,Redeemer, andAdvocate. But further, this deputywould be brought tohis master, who can only command him to silence; that is to say, thebelieverwouldgotoChristwiththeaccusingconscience,anddesirehimto command its silence, that he may have peace of conscience, andfreedom from those accusations that are bitter and troublesome.Remember withal, that if these accusations drive thee to Christ, andendearhimmore to thy soul, theywill donoharm,because they drivethee to thy only resting place, and to the grand peacemaker. But ifotherwise they discourage or for-slow thee in thy motion Christward,then be sure conscience speaketh without warrant, and its accusationsoughtnot,insofar,andastothatend,toberegarded.

CHAPTERIX.

HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST FOR CLEANSING OF USFROMOURDAILYSPOTS.

HavingspokenofthewayofmakinguseofChristforremovingtheguiltofourdailytransgressions,wecometospeakofthewayofmakinguseofChrist, for takingaway theguilt thatcleaveth to thesoul, throughdailytransgressions;"foreverysindefileththeman,"Matt.xv.20;andthebestare said to have their spots, and to needwashing, which presupposethfilthinessanddefilement,Eph.v.27.Johnxiii.8-10.Hencewearesooftcalledtothisdutyofwashingandmakingusclean.Isa.i.16.Jer.iv.14.Actsxxii.16.Davidpraysforthiswashing,Psal.li.2-7.AnditisChrist'swork towash. 1Cor. vi. 11.Rev. i. 5.Eph. v. 26.SeeTit. iii. 5.Now, inspeakingtothis,weshallobservethesamemethod;andfirstshew,whatChristhasdonetotakeawaythisfilth;andnext,whatwaywearetomakeuseofhim,forthisend,togetourspotsandfilthinesstakenaway, thatwemaybeholy.

Astothefirst, forthepurgingawayofthefilthofourdaily failingsandtransgressions,Christhasdonethesethings:

1.Hehathdiedthathemayprocurethisbenefitandadvantagetous;andthus he hathwashed usmeritoriously in his own bloodwhich he shedupon thecross.Thushe "lovedus,andwashedus fromour sins, inhisown blood," Rev. i. 5; and this is from all sins, as well such as arecommittedafter,assuchasarecommittedbeforeconversion.Thus,"hebyhimselfpurgedoursins,"Heb.i.3,viz.byofferingupofhimselfasanexpiatorysacrificetomakeanatonement,andsoprocurethisliberty.Soalsoitissaid,Eph.v.25-27,thatChristgavehimselfforhischurch,"thathemight sanctify and cleanse it—that hemight present it to himself agloriouschurch,nothavingspotorwrinkle,oranysuchthing,butthatit

shouldbeholyandwithoutblemish."So,Tit.ii.14,"Hegavehimselfforus, that he might purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of goodworks." Here then is the foundation and ground of all cleansing andpurification—Christ'sdeathprocuringit.

2.Ashehathprocured,sohesendeththeSpirittoeffectuatethis,andtoworkthiswashingandsanctificationinus.Hence,itissaid,1Cor.vi.11,"thatwearesanctifiedandwashed,inthenameoftheLordJesus,andbythe Spirit of our God." We are said to be saved "by the washing ofregeneration,andrenewingoftheHolyGhost,whichhehathsheduponus abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour," Tit. iii. 5, 6. Thesending then, or shedding of the holy and sanctifying Spirit upon us,wherebywe are sanctified, and consequently purified and purged fromour filth, is a fruit of Christ's death and mediation, being purchasedthereby, and is an effect of his resurrection, and glorification, andintercessioninglory.

3.Hehathmadeafountainofhisbloodforthisend,thatwemaygotoitdaily,andwashandbeclean.Thushis "bloodcleanseth fromall sin," 1Johni.7-9.Thisisthe"fountainopenedtothehouseofDavid,andtotheinhabitantsofJerusalemforsinandforuncleanness,"Zech.xiii.1.

4. He hath purchased and provided the external means, whereby thiscleansing and sanctification is brought about, viz. the preaching of thegospel, which he himself preached, and thereby sanctified, John xv. 3,"NowareyecleanthroughthewordthatIhavespokenuntoyou."Eph.v.26,thechurchis"sanctifiedandcleansedwiththewashingofwater,bytheword."

5. So hath he procured, and worketh in the soul those graces thatpromoveandcarryonthisworkofsanctificationandpurifying; suchasfaith,whichpurifieththeheart,Actsxv.9;whereofheistheauthorandfinisher,Heb. xii.; andhope,whichwhosoeverhath, "purifiethhimself,evenasheispure,"1Johniii.3.

6.Hehathconfirmedandratifiedallthepromisesofthecovenant,whichare ample and large, touching this cleansing andwashing, Jer. xxxv.8,"AndIwillcleansethemfromalltheiriniquity,wherebytheyhavesinned

againstme."Ezek.xxxvi.25,"ThenwillIsprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbecleanfromallyourfilthiness."SoEzek.xxxvii.23,"andIwill cleanse them." And all the other promises of the covenant,apprehendedby faith,haveno small influenceonour cleansing; 2Cor.vii.1."Havingthereforethesepromises,letuscleanseourselves,"&c.;allwhichpromisesareyeaandameninChrist,2Cor.i.20.

ThusChristmadeall sure, for the cleansingandwashingofhispeople,conform to that article of the covenant of redemption, "so shall hesprinklemanynations,"Isa.lii.15.

Secondly,Astothewayofouruse-makingofChristforthepurgingawayofourfilthanddailypollutions,believerswouldtakethiscourse:

1. They would remember and live in the conviction of the exceedingabominablenessandfilthinessofsin,whichiscomparedtothevomitofadog,andtothemirewhereinthesowwalloweth,2Pet.ii.22;filthyrags,Isa.lxiv.6;toamenstruouscloth,Isa.xxx.22,andthelike,thatthismaymovethemtoseekwithgreatercareanddiligence,tohavethatfilthtakenaway.

2. They would remember also how abominable sinmakes them in theeyesofanholyGod,"whocannotbeholdiniquity,"beingaGodofpurereyesthantobeholdit,Hab.i.13;norcanhelookonit;andhowthereforeno thingcanenter into theNewJerusalem,norany thing thatdefileth.Andthiswillmakethemsomuchthemoretoabhorit,andtoseektobewashedfromit.

3.Theywould lookby faith on thebloodofChrist that is shed for thisend,towashfilthysoulsinto;andruntoitasafountainopenedforthisend,thattheymightcometoit,andwashandbeclean.

4.For theirencouragement, theywouldgripby faith to thepromisesofthenewcovenant,whicharelargeandfull.

5.AndremembertheendofChrist'sdeath,viz.,topurchasetohimselfaholypeople,zealousofgoodworks,topresentthemtohimselfholy,andwithoutspotorwrinkle,oranysuchthing;andthiswillbefurtherground

ofencouragement.

6.Theywouldput theworkby faith inhishand,whohathbest skill towashafoulsoul,andtopurgeawayalltheirspots;andbyfaithprayforand expect the Spirit to sanctify and cleanse them from all theirfilthiness; that is, they would make known and spread forth theirabominationsbefore theLord,andeyeingChristas theonlygreatHighPriest,whosebloodisafountaintowashin,wouldlaytheworkonhim,andbyfaithputhimtowashawaythatfilth,andtopurifytheirsoulsbyhis Spirit, pardoning their bygone iniquities and renewing them in theSpirit of their minds by grace, that theymay walk before him in fear.Thustheywouldrolltheworkonhim,andleaveitthere.

CAUTIONSANDDIRECTIONS.

First,Thebelieverwouldinallthisworkbekeptintheexerciseofthesegracesfollowing:

1.Ofhumility;seeingwhatavile,filthywretchheis,thatstandsinneedof washing and purging daily, because of his daily pollutions andtransgressions.

2.Of love;consideringwithwhata lovingGodhehath todo, thathathprovidedsoliberallyallthingsforhim,andparticularlyhathprovidedafountain, and such a fountain, whereto he not only may, but iscommandedtoresortdaily.

3.Ofthankfulness;rememberinghowgreatthismercyis,howunworthyheis,onwhomitisbestowed,andwhoheisthatdothgrantit.

4. Of fear; lest God's goodness be abused, and he provoked who is sogracioustous.

5.Ofsincerity,andgodlyingenuity,avoidingallhypocrisyandformality,knowingthatwehavetodowithhim,whowillnotbemocked.

6. Of holy hatred; loathing and abhorrence of sin, which makes us so

filthyandodiousintheeyesoftheLord.

Secondly,Thiscoursewouldbefollowedforthepurgingawayoftheleastsins; for till they be purged away, we remain in our filth, and cannotexpectGod's favourable countenance,norhiswarmembracements,northe hearty intimations of his love and kindness. And a smallinconsiderable like spotmay grow greater, and provoke God to let theaccuser of the brethren, Satan, who always waits for his opportunity,loose upon us, and a conscience wakened may make much of a littledefilementtokeepthesoulfromapproachingtoGod.

3.Thiscoursewouldbefollowedwitheverysin,quicklywithoutdelay;forthe longerthosespotscontinue, itwillbethemoredifficult togetthemtakenaway.Thesoulwillaftersometime,becomethelesstroubledaboutthem, andpossibly forget them, and so theywill remain; and thismayoccasionat lastasaddistance,andprovokeGodtohidehis face,whichwill causemorebitternessandsorrow. Itweregood, then, tokeepupaspiritoftendernessandfear.

4. Let this be our dailywork and exercise; forwe are daily contractingnewfilth.Yesterday'scleansingwillnotsaveusfromnewfilthto-day;norwillourrunningtothefountainto-day,servetotakeawaynewspotsto-morrow;newspotscallfornewwashing,sothatthismustbeourverylifeandexercise,tobedailyandcontinuallyrunningtothefountainwithoursouls;andgivingChrist,thegreatpurger,muchtodo.

5.Wemustnotthinktobeperfectlywashed,solongaswearehere;forwewillbecontractingnewfilthdaily,ourfeetwillstillbetowash,Johnxiii.10.Wewillnotbewithoutspotorwrinkle,tillwecomehometothatplace,whereinenterethnothingthatdefileth.

6.Letthebeliever'srecourseinthismatterbewhollytoJesusChristandhisblood,andlaynoweightontheirsorrow,repentance,ortears,oronany outwardmeanswhich they are commanded to use; yetwould theynotlayasidethesemeans,butgothroughthemtothefountain,toJesus,there,andthereonlytobecleansed.

7. They should not be discouraged or despair when their spots appear

great,andnotlikethespotsofhischildren;forChrist'sbloodcanpurgefromallsin,andwashawayalltheirfilth,ofhowdeepsoeveradyeitbe.Christ'sblood is sodeepanocean, that amountainwill be sunkoutofsightinit,aswellasasmallpebblestone.

8.ThoughChrist'sbloodbestrongenoughtopurgefromallsin,eventhegreatest, yet they should know, that scandalous spots, or a deep stain,may cost them more frequent running to the fountain, throughhumiliation, godly sorrow,prayer, and supplication.David'sscandalousblotcosthimmoretroubleandpains,beforehegotitpurgedaway,thanmanyothers,aswesee,Psalmli.

9. When all this is done, we must think of having on anotherrighteousness,asourclothingandcovering,inthedayofourappearancebeforeourJudge—eventherighteousnessofJesusChrist,whichonly isperfect, and able to save us from thewrath ofGod. Let us be never sowashed in thematterofsanctification,andcleansed fromourspots,wecannotforallthatbeaccountedrighteousbeforeGod;norwillthatsatisfyjustice,ortakeawaytheguiltsomuchasofonetransgressionbeforeGod.Christ'srighteousnesswillbeouruppergarment foralleternity.This isthefinelinenwherewithhisbrideisbuskedinheaven.

10.Ateverytimewerunto the fountainwithourdailycontracted filth,wewouldnotforgettocarryalongwithusthemothercorruption,whichis the sink and puddle of all filthiness; I mean our natural corruptedrottenness and pollution, from whence flow all our other actualpollutions.Wewoulddowelltocarrymotheranddaughterbothtogethertothefountain.Davidprayedtobewashedandpurged,aswellfromhisoriginalfilthiness,whereinhewasconceivedandborn,asfromhisblood-guiltiness.Psalmli.5,7.

11.Letnotthisoccasionourcarelessnessinwatchingagainstsin;forthatwouldbe,toturnhisgraceintowantonness;butratherletitsharpenourdiligenceinwatchingagainstalloccasionsofsin,lestweagaindefileoursoul.

12. Not only must we have our bodies, or our outward conversationwashed,butoursoulwithin,theframeofourheart,ourunderstanding,

will,affections,andconscience, sprinkledwith thatblood.ThebloodofChrist, who through the eternal Spirit "offered himself without spot toGod,"mustpurgeourConsciences fromdeadworks, to serve the livingGod,Heb. ix. 14. andwemust "haveourhearts, sprinkled fromanevilconscience,"Heb.x.22.

Finally,Ifthebelieverfearthatheshallnotbeabletorememberalltheseparticularduties, let him remember this, viz. to put a foul soul, defiledwithoriginalandactualpollutions,inChrist'shanddaily,andleaveittohimtowashbyhisbloodandSpirit;andyetremembertolaytheweightofhis acceptancebeforeGod, upon the imputed righteousness of JesusChrist, and not upon his own cleanness, when thus sanctified andwashen,whichisbutimperfect.

QUESTIONSOROBJECTIONSANSWERED.

But, alas! somemay object, and say, that their very faith, which mustcarry the rest of their filth to the fountain of Christ's blood, is defiled.How,then,cantheyexpecttobemadeclean?Answer.ThebloodofJesusChristissufficientlyabletowashallourfilthaway;andthefilthoffaith,aswellasofotheractions.Therefore,when faith,asahand, iscarryingthefilthofthesoulawaytoChristtobewashedinhisblood,letthefoulhandgowiththefoulhandful;giveChristfaithandalltowash.

2.ButwhatshallIdo,when,notwithstandingofall this,myconscienceshallstillaccusemeofuncleanness,andcryoutagainstmeasfilthyandabominable?Answer.TakeitawayalsotothebloodofJesus,thatthereitmay be purged, Heb. ix. 14; and here alone will we "get our heartssprinkled fromanevil conscience,"Heb. x. 22.The consciencemustbesteeped,sotospeak, inthebloodofJesus,andsoitshallbeclean.Andtakingour filthyhearts to this cleansing fountain tobewashed,wewillgetthemdeliveredandsprinkledfromanevilconscience,thatitshallnomorehavegroundofaccusationagainstus.Whenwehaveittosay,thatwe have put our filthy souls in the hand of the great cleanser, JesusChrist,andbroughtallourpollutions tohisblood,whatcanconsciencesaytous?TheLord,itistrue,maysufferourconsciencestilltobarkupon

us,andcastupour filthiness tous, thatwemaybe themorehumbled,andbeputtoliemoreconstantlyatthefountain;yetwhenwehavefledtoChrist,andtakenourfilthinesstotheopenandappointedfountain,wecananswertheaccusationsofconscienceinlaw,andhavepeace.

3.ButIamapttothink,willsomesay,thatifIhadoncetakentherightway to get my sins and filthiness purged away, my conscience wouldtroubleme nomore; but now, so long as it doggethme thus, I cannotthinkthatthewaywhichIhavetakenistherightway.Answer.ThoughtheLordmaythinkgoodtosufferconsciencetotroubleamanforatime,thoughhehathtakentherightway,asissaid,forafurtherexerciseandtrialtohim;yetthebelieverwillhavenolessdisadvantagebyexamininghis way, and trying whether he hath laid the matter cleanly over onChrist,orwhetherhehathlaidtoomuchweightonhisownhumiliation,sorrow,andpains;andwhetherhebe leaving thematteronJesus,andexpecting tobewashedalone inhisblood,or looking intohimself, andexpectingsomehelpinthematterfromself;andaftertrial,wouldmournforanyfailinghegetsdiscovered,andstillbeaboutthatworkofrunningwith filth to the fountain. But withal they would go to Christ for help,becausewithouthimtheycannotcometohim;theycannotcomeorcarrytheirsoultothefountainopenedforsinandforuncleanness;sothat inall this work, there would be a single dependence on Christ forunderstandingandstrengthtogoaboutthisworkaright.

ThushaveweendeavouredtoclearupChristbeingthewaytotheFather,firstandlast;andhowallbelieversorunbelieversaretomakeuseofhimasthewaytotheFather,whatevertheirconditionbe:fromallwhichwemaysee,

1. That such are in a wretched and forlorn condition who are stillstrangers toChrist,andwillnot layholdonhim,norcometohim,andwalkinhim,andmakeuseofhim.Theyareunrighteousandunholy,anddailycontractingmoreguiltandmorefilth;andtheyknownowayeitherforjustificationorsanctification,butawayofself,whichwillprove likethebrooks,whichrundryinsummer,anddisappointthewearytravellerwhen he hathmost need. They are without Christ, and so without theway,theonlyway,thesafeandsurewaytotheFather.And,oh!ifallthatis here spoken could induce them to think once of themisery of their

condition, and to seek out for relief, that theymight not only be savedfrom their stateof sinandmisery,butbrought intoa stateof salvationthroughJesusChrist,sothattheymightbejustifiedbeforeGod,fromallthatjustice,thedevil,thelaw,orconsciencecouldlayagainstthem,andthoroughlysanctified,andsoat lengthbroughthometotheFather, fairandspotless.

2.Upon the other hand,we see the noble advantage of believers,who,throughgrace,areentered in thisway; for it isa fullandcompletewaythatshallcarrythemsafehome.Theyshallfindthatheisabletosavetothe uttermost all that come toGod throughhim.And, oh! if theyweresensibleofthis,howwoulditexcitethemtothankfulness!Howwoulditencouragethemtorunthroughdifficultiesgreatandmany!

3.WeseewhataspecialdutyliethuponbelieverstomakespecialuseofChristinallthings,asthewaytotheFather,andsomarchtoheaveninhim,astheonlyway;marchinhishands,orratherbecarriedinhisarmsandbosom.Thisweretogofromstrengthtostrength,tillatlengththeyappeared in Zion, and landed in that pleasant place of rest, where thewearyareatrest,andyetrestnotdaynornight,butsingpraisesto"himthathathredeemedthembyhisblood,outofeverykindredandtongue,and people and nation, saying, blessing, honour, glory, and power, beuntohim that sittethupon the throne,andunto theLamb foreverandever,"Rev.v.9,13.

4. Hence we may see the cause of the leanness of believers, of theirwanderings, of their shortcomings, of their many defilements, &c. viz.theirnotconstantmakinguseofChristasthewayinallthings,accordingtothetenorofthegospel.OhIifthiswerelaidtoheartandmournedfor,andifgraceweresoughttohelpit!

Thisonepointoftruth,thatChrististheway,wellunderstoodandrightlyput intopractice,woulddoallourbusiness,bothas to justificationandsanctification,andwerepoorsinnersonceenteredintothisway,andhadthey grace from this way to walk in it, it would prove their life andsalvation:Foritisthemarrowandsubstanceofthewholegospel.Sothatthereneedethlittlemoretobesaid:Yetweshallspeakalittletotheotherparticularsinthetext.

CHAPTERX.

"THETRUTH."SOMEGENERALSPROPOSED.

Thatwhatweare to speak to for the clearingand improving thisnoblepiece of truth, that Christ is the Truth, may be the more clearlyunderstoodandedifying,weshallfirsttakenoticeofsomegenerals,andthenshowparticularlyhoworinwhatrespectsChristiscalledtheTruth;andfinallyspeaktosomecaseswhereinwearetomakeuseofChristastheTruth.

Astothefirst.Therearefourgeneralthingsheretobenoticed.

1.Thissupposethwhatourcasebynatureis,andwhatweareallwithoutChrist,whoistheTruth:as,

First. It supposeth that without Christ we are in darkness, mistakes,errors: yea, we are said to be darkness itself. Eph. v. 8, "Ye weresometimesdarkness,"&c.John i.5,andofdarkness; 1Thess.v.5, yea,under the "power of darkness;" Col. i. 13. John xii. 35. 1 John ii. 11,"walkingindarkness;"1Johni.6,and"abidingindarkness."1Pet.ii.9.1Thess. v. 4. John xii. 46, "Wewander and go astray as soon aswe areborn,speaking lies,"Psal. lviii.3.Yea,we"goastray in thegreatnessofourfolly,"Prov.v.22.Weare"allgoneastray,"Isa.liii.6.Psal.cxix.67-176;sofararewefromanyknowledgeof,oracquaintancewithtruth,orwiththewayoftruth.

Secondly.Itsupposeththatwecannotturnintotherightway.Aspiritoferroranduntruthleadethuscontinuallywrong;likethesheepwewanderstill, and we weary ourselves in our wandering; and so spend all ourlabourandpainsinvain.Beingunderthepowerofuntruthanderror,wecannotwalkonestepright.

Thirdly.Thoughallotherways,besidehimwhoonlyisthewayandthe

truth,befalsewaysandby-ways,leadingusawayfromthetrueresting-place,andfromthatwaywhichisthetruth;yetweareproneandreadytocleave to those false and erroneous ways, and grip to shadows, and toleantothem,asiftheywerethewaysoftruth:Suchas,

1. A good heart, which many may imagine they have, when they havenothingless.

2.Good intentionsandpurposes for time tocome,whichsuch,aswerenot under the power of error and untruth, would never deceivethemselveswithal.

3.Anharmlesslife,withoutscandalousout-breakingstothereproachofChristianity, a foundation on which no wise man, led by truth, wouldbuildhissalvation,orhopesofeternalhappiness.

4. An outward, moral, civil and discreet carriage, which no man canblame, and wherein a heathen can outstripmany called Christians; sothatitmustbeapoorgroundtofoundourhopesupon;andyetmanyaresoblinded,thattheyleanalltheirweightuponsucharottenstaff.

5.Outwardexerciseofreligiousduties,whereinaPhariseemayoutstripmany; and yet, O howmany build all their hopes of heaven upon thissandyfoundation,whichnonebutblindedpersonswoulddo!

6.The commendationandapplauseofministers andChristians, is thatwhich many rest upon, which is a sad proof of the blindness of theirhearts.

7. The way of good works and alms-deeds blindfoldeth many, andsheweththattheywereneverledbytruth,ortaughtofChrist,whoisthetruth.

8.Somepinchinggriefandsorrowforsin,isanotherwaywhichpeople,strangerstothetruth,deceivethemselveswithal.

9.Acommonsortofrepentance,backedwithsomekindofamendmentand outward reformation, is a way thatmany rest secure in, though itleadtodestruction.

10.Freedomfromchallengesofconsciencedeceivethmany.

Though these and such like ways be dangerous, yea, deadly, yet howmanyaretheretobefoundamongChristians,thathavenobettergroundoftheirhopeofsalvation,andwillcleavetothemsofast,asnopreachingwill make them so much as once question the matter, or suspect thatthesewayswillintheenddeceivethem;sostrongistheirinclinationtothewayoferror,thoughnotasthewayoferror.

Fourthly. It presupposeth also an inclinableness in us by nature towanderoutoftheway;forbeingnothingbutamassoferror,madeupofdarkness,ignorance,andmistakes,wehaveastrongbiastoerror,whichagreethbestwithournatural,corruptedtemper.Henceitis,thatwehavesuchastrongpropensiontoerrorsandmistakes:Whether,

1. Concerning God, and his way of dealing with his church, or withourselves. O how ready are our hearts by nature, to hatch and fomentwrong,unseemly,untrue,yea,unchristian, ifnotblasphemous thoughtsand conceptions of his nature, attributes, word, and works? And howreadyandpronearewetoreceiveandentertainwrongapprehensionsofall his ways and dealings with his church and people? And as for hisworks in and about ourselves, O! what unsuitable, erroneous, false,ungodly,absurd,andabominableopinionsdowewithgreedinessdrinkinandfoster;yea,feeduponwithdelight?Whoisabletorecountalltheerrors and mistakes which our heart by nature is ready to admit andfosterwithcomplacency?Arewenotbynaturereadytosay,thatthereisnotaGod,—asthefool,Psal.xiv.1.Or, thathe isnotsuchaGodashiswordandworksdeclarehim tobe—aholy, just, righteous, omnipotent,omnipresent, omniscientGod,&c.Or that he is a changeableGod, andactuallychanged,notbeingthesamenowwhichsometimehewas.Thathe hath forgotten to be gracious, and remembereth not his people inadversity;andso isnot tenderandmerciful.Thathehath forgottenhispromises, and so is not faithful and true. That he approveth of sin,becausehesuffereththewayofthewickedtoprosper,andsoisnotaholyGod, &c. Yea, do not ofttimes such thoughts as these lodge within theheartofthetrulygodly?AllwhichshewethhowpronewearetoreceiveandentertainerroneousandfalsethoughtsofGod.

2. Concerning ourselves. Supposing ourselves to be born again andreconciled toGod,when yetwe are living in black nature:Andwho soboldandconfidentthattheyareright,astheythatarefurthestoutoftheway?Or,ontheotherhand,supposingourselvestobeinabadstate,andinnatureanddarkness,whentheday-starfromonhighhathvisitedus,and brought our souls from death unto life. And who more ready tocomplainthansuchashaveleastcause?Orsupposingourselvesinagoodcondition; lively,active,diligent,watchful,&c,when it is just otherwisewith us: Or, on the contrary, complaining of deadness, formality,upsitting,fainting,heartlessnessinthewaysofGod,whenitisnotso.Or,inquestionedmatters,takingtruthtobeerror,anderrortobetruth.

3.Concerningothers.Howreadyarewetoruneithertotheoneextremityortheotherinjudgingtheirpersonsandactions?

Oh! where is the faith of this natural condition? where is the realconvictionofit?Surethereisbutlittlerealbelievingofthiswhen,

(1.) There are so many that never so much as suspect themselves orquestioneithertheirstateorcondition,atonetimeorother;neveronceimaginethattheirblindedheartsmaydeceivethem;neveroncedreamofapossibilityofmistaking,andofdyingwithalieintheirrighthand.

(2.) And so many that are not lamenting and bewailing this theircondition, nor crying out and complaining of a false, deceitful, anddesperatelywickedheart.

(3.) And so few that are indeed humbled under the sense of this, andmadethereforetowalkmorewatchfullyandsoberlywithaneyealwaysupontheirtreacherousanddeceivinghearts.

(4.)Andsofew,cryingforhelpfromGodagainstthisdeceitfuladversary,through daily experience of the atheism, hypocrisy, ignorance,misconceptionsofGodandofhisways,anddeceitfulnessofourhearts,mightsufficientlyputitoutofdoubtwithus.

Next,Howmiserablemust their condition be,who are yet strangers toChrist; for they are living in darkness, lying in darkness, walking in

darkness,yea,verydarknessitself,amassoferror,mistakes,ignorance,andmisconceptionsofallthingsthataregood;andstillwanderingoutoftheway.

Finally,Shouldnotthispreachoutto,andconvinceusallofanecessityof havingmore acquaintance with truth, with Jesus Christ, who is thetruth,thatwemaybedeliveredfromthiswofulandwretchedcondition;fortruthonlycansetusfreetherefrom.

II.Thesecondgeneralthingtobenoticedhereis,thatallotherwaysandcourses, which we can take or follow, that we may obtain life, besideChrist,arebut lies, falseanddeceitfulways,—there isnotruth inthem:Forheonlyisthetruth;nootherwhatsoevercanbearthisepithet:For,

1.Heonlycansatisfy thesoul inallpointsotherways;whateverwecanimagineanddreamcanyieldnotruesatisfactioninthismatter.

2.Heonly can secure the soul fromdestructive ruinous courses,whichwillundothesoul.Allotherwayswillfailhere;noneofthemcangivetheleast security to the soul, that they shall not bring him, in end, todestructionandeverlastingperdition.

3.Heonlycanbringthesoulsafethroughalloppositionanddifficultiesin theway.Nootherwaycando this;butwill leaveus in themire, ereeverwecometotheendofourjourney.

4.Hewillnotdeceivenordisappointthesoul.Allotherwaysinendwillprove treacherous, and give the traveller a doleful and saddisappointment.

Owhatawarningshouldthisbetousall,totakeheedthatweembracenotalie,insteadofhimwhoisthetruth;andsitnotdownwithashadowinstead of the substance. How ready are we to put other things in hisplace?Butwhateveritbethatgetshisroominthesoul,thoughgoodandworthy in itself,willprovea lie.Even,(1.)Allouroutwardholinessandduties.Yea, (2.)Allourexperiencesandgreatattainments.Yea, (3.)Allourgiftsandendowments.Aye, (4.)Ourverygraces.Noneof theseareChrist's; and if we place that hope and confidence in them, which we

shouldplaceonhim,theywillnotprovethetruthtous,—healoneisthetruth.

Howsurethenshouldwelabourtobe,thatwedonotdiewithalieinourrighthand.Andhowcarefullyshouldweguardagainstthetrustingin,orleaningtoanythingthatisnotChrist,andwholeChrist,andonlyChrist,andChristasofferedinthegospel;seeingthiswayisonlythetruth,andnootherwaywillbefoundsoinend,thoughatpresentwemayfindinit,

(1.)Someinwardpeaceandquietnessofheart,asifallwereright.

(2.)Somesatisfactionofmind,thingsbeingright,asweapprehend,butfalsely,throughthedeceitfulnessoftheheart.

(3.)Something likeassuranceandconfidence, thatallwillberightwithus.

(4.)Andhopefoundedthereupon,whichmayhelptoridethroughsomestorms,andyetfailusatlength.

III.Thethirdgeneralisthis,ChristJesusisnotonlythetruthinhimself,butalso inreferencetous.Thescopeof theplacecleareth this,ashe isthewayandthelifeforouruse,soheisthetruth.NotonlyasGodequalwiththeFather,butalsoasMediator,andourImmanuel.

As God, he is, 1. Essentially truth, being God equal with the Father inpowerandglory.

2.Inrespectofveracity,heistheGodoftruth,Deut.xxxii.4;faithfulinallhissayings,Ps.xxxi.5;keepingtruthforever,Ps.cxlvi.6.

3.He is the fountain and spring-headof all created truth, for he is thefirsttruth.

AsMediator,andinreferencetous,"heisfullofgraceandtruth,"Johni.14;"hereceivednottheSpiritinmeasure,"Johniii.34;andthisSpiritisa Spirit of truth. But of this more, when we come to shew moreparticularly,howandinwhatrespectsheiscalledthetruth,asMediator.

IV.The fourth general,which ishereobservable, is, that he is not onlycalled"Truth,"but"theTruth,"asheisthewayandthelife;andnotonlytrue,buttruthintheabstract.Whichsaith,

1. That he is everywayTruth, howeverwe consider him, asGod, or asMediator.

2.Thatall truth is inhim;all truthofsalvation forus is tobe found inhim.

3. That all that is in him is truth, his natures, offices, performances,words,works,&c,allaretrue.

4.Thatheispureandunmixedtruth;nolieinhim,noerrorormistakethere.

5.That truth inhim is in its perfection and excellency. In the truest ofmenitisveryimperfect.

Owhatanexcellentonemusthebe!Howcompletelyfittedandfurnishedforus!Oh!ifoursoulscouldlovehim,andclosewithhim,andrestuponhimasall-sufficient!

CHAPTERXI.

MORE PARTICULARLY, IN WHAT RESPECT CHRIST ISCALLEDTHETRUTH.

Butforfurtherexplainingofthismatter,wewouldseemoreparticularly,inwhatrespectsitis,thatheiscalledthetruth;andthiswillmakewaytoouruse-makingofhim.So,

First, He is the Truth, in opposition to the shadows and types of him,under the law. Hence, as "the law," the whole Levitical and typicaldispensation,"camebyMoses,sograceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist,"John i. 17. Theywere all shadows of him, and he is the substance andbodyofthemall,Col.ii.17;andthisistrueintheserespects:

1. All these shadows and types pointed at him, and directed, aswith afinger,theIsraelites,whowereunderthatdispensation,tolooktoChrist,thepromisedMessiah,andtorest,andtolayalltheirweightonhim.Sothatthelawwasashadowofgoodthingstocome,Heb.x.1.Col.ii.17.

2. They all terminate in him, he putting an end, by his coming andperforminghiswork,toallthosetypeswhichonlyrelatedtohim,andtowhat hewas to do; the body being come, there is nomore need of theshadowand the thing typifiedexisting, there isnomoreneedoruseofthetype.

3. They are all fulfilled in him; he answereth them all fully, so thatwhateverwasshadowedforthbythemiscompletelytobefoundinhim.Thistheapostle,inhisEpistletotheHebrews,abundantlyevinceth.AndPaultotheColossians,tellsus,"wearecomplete inhim,"andthereforeneednomorefollowtheshadows.

Secondly,HeistheTruthinreferencetothepropheciesofold;allwhichdid principally point at him and his concernments, his person, nature,

offices, work, kingdom, &c.; and whatever was foretold in theseprophecies is perfectly fulfilled in him, or done by him, or shall in duetimebeeffectuatedbyhim.Heisthatgreatprophetspokenof,Deutxviii.15,18,19.SosaidtheJewsthemselves,Johnvi.14.AlltheprophetsfromSamuelspokeofhimandofhisdays,Actsiii.22-24."Andtohimgaveallthe prophets witness," Acts x. 43. And whatever they prophesied orwitnessedofhim,was,orisinduetimetobefulfilledinhim.Hence,wefind the evangelists and apostles frequently applying the sayings andprophecies of the Old Testament unto him. And Luke (chap. iv. 18,)himselfsaidtheprophecyofIsaiahlxi.1,&c.,wasfulfilledinhim.See1Pet. x. 11, 12. And himself expounded to the two disciples going toEmmaus, inall theScriptures,beginningatMosesandall theprophets,allthethingsconcerninghimself,Lukexxiv.27.AndthusishetheTruthofalltheprophecies.

Thirdly,HeistheTruth,inreferencetohisundertakingwiththeFatherinthatgloriouscovenantofredemption;forwhatevertheFatherlaidonhimtodo,thathedidfullyandfaithfully."Hewastobearourgriefs,tocarry our sorrows;" and that he did. "He was to be wounded for ourtransgressions, and bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of ourpeacewasuponhim,andbyhisstripesweweretobehealed,"Isa.liii.5;andsoitwas,Rom.iv.25.1Cor.xv.3.1Pet. ii.23."Hissoulwastobemade an offering for sin," Isa. liii. 10, and so it was; for he offered uphimself a sacrifice for sin. Yea, all that he was to do, by virtue of thatcovenant, he did it perfectly, so as he cried out, while hanging on thecross,"Itisfinished,"Johnxix.30;and,inhisprayer,Johnxvii.,hetoldhisFather,verse4,thathehadglorifiedhimonearth,andhadfinishedtheworkwhichhegavehim todo; so that theFatherwaswell pleasedwithhim,Matt.iii.17;xii.18;andxvii.5.Marki.11.Lukeiii.22.

Fourthly,He is theTruth, in respect of his officeswhich he took uponhimforourgood; forall thedutiesof theseofficeswhichhewas todo,andwhatremainethtobedone,hewillperfectinduetime.Didhetakeupon him the office of a prophet? He did fully execute the same, inrevealingmediately and immediately thewhole counsel ofGod, John i.18;andxv.15.Eph.iv.11,12,13.Actsxx.32.1Pet.10,11,12.Heb.i.2.Did he take upon him the office of a priest? So did he fulfil the same,

offeringuphimselfanexpiatorysacrificetoGod,Heb.ix.28;andii.17;and becoming a priest, and living for ever tomake intercession for us,Heb.vii.25.AnddidhetakeontheofficeandfunctionofaKing?Sodothheexecute thesame,callingapeople tohimselfoutof theworldbyhiswordandSpirit—Actsxv.14,15,16.Isa. lv.4,5.Psalmcx.3—erectingavisiblechurch,acompanyofvisibleprofessorstoprofessanddeclarehisname;which,ashiskingdom,he rulethwithhisownofficers, lawsandpenalties,orcensures;sothatthegovernmentisonhisshoulders,Isaiahix.6,7,whoistheheadofthebody,thechurch,Eph.i.22,23.Col.i.18;andthishiskingdomheruleth,inavisiblemanner,byhisownofficers,&c.Ephes. iv.11,12.1Cor.xii.28.Isaiahxxxiii.22.Matt.xviii.17,18.1Cor.v.4,5;andfurther,heexecutesthisofficebyeffectuallycallingtheelect,givingthemgrace,Actsv.3;rewardingtheobedient,Rev.xxii.12;ii. 10;chastising thedisobedient,Rev. iii. 19;bringinghisownhomeatlength,throughalltheirtemptations,afflictions,andovercomingalltheirenemies,1Cor.xv.25.Psalmcx.;andatlengthheshalldothepartofaking,whenheshalljudgequickanddeadatthelastday,2Thess.i.8,9.Actsxvii.31.2Tim.iv.1.

Fifthly,HeistheTruthinthisregard,thathefullyanswersallthetitlesandnameswhichhehadgot.AshewascalledJesus,sodidhesavehispeople from their sins,Matt. i. 21. As he was called Christ, so was heanointedwiththeSpiritwithoutmeasure,Johniii.34.Psalmxlv.7;andseparatedforhiswork,andenduedwithallpowerforthateffect,Jobvi.27.Matt.xxviii. 18, 19,20;andestablished tobeaprophet,Acts iii.21,22.Lukeiv.18,21;apriest,Heb.v.5,6,7;iv.14,15;andaking,Psalmii.6. Isaiah ix. 6, 7.Matt. xxi. 5. Phil. ii. 8-11.Washe called "Immanuel,"Isaiahvii.14?SowasheindeedGodwithus,beingGodandmaninoneperson for ever. Was he called "Wonderful," Isaiah ix. 6? So was heindeedinhistwodistinctnaturesinoneperson;atwhichtheangelsmaywonder, Eph. iii. 10, 11. 1 Pet. i. 12. 1 Tim. iii. 16. Was he called"Counsellor?" So was he indeed, coming out from the Father's bosom,withthewholecounselofGodconcerningoursalvation,Johni.14,18;iii.13;v.20,andxv.15.Washecalledthe"mightyGod?"Sowasheindeed,Psalmcx.1.Matt.xxii.44.Heb.i.13.Psalmxlv.6.Heb.i.8.Jer.xxiii.6,andxxxiii.16.Mal.iii.1.Matt.xi.10.Psalmlxxxiii.18.Lukei.76.Johni.1;xiv.1.Johnv.20.Tit.ii.13.Rom.ix.5.Washecalledthe"everlasting

Father?" So is he the Father of eternity, being (as some interpret theword)theauthorofeternallife,whichhegivethtoallthatbelieveinhim,Johnvi.39,40,47,51;viii.51;x.28;xi.25,26.Heb.v.9,andvii.25.Washecalledthe"PrinceofPeace?"SoishethePrinceofPeaceindeed,beingourpeace,Mic.v.5.Eph. ii. 14;makinguppeacebetweenGodandus,Isaiah liii. 5, and liii. 19.Eph. ii. 17. Col. i. 20.Hence his gospel is thegospel of peace, and his ministers ambassadors of peace, Isaiah lii. 7.Rom.x. 15.2Cor. v. 19,20.Eph. vi. 15.Andhegivethpeace toallhis,Zech.ix.10.Johnxiv.27;xvii.33.Rom.v.1;viii.16,andxiv.17.2Thes.iii.17.Washecalledthe"LordourRighteousness?"Jer.xxiii.6;soishethesameindeed,bringingineverlastingrighteousness,Dan. ix.24;and"beingmade of God to us righteousness," 1 Cor. i. 30; andmaking usrighteous,2Cor.v.21.

Sixthly,HeistheTruthinreferencetothepromises,which,

1.Centreallinhim,andleadtohimasthegreatpromise.

2.Arefoundedalluponhim,whoistheonlyMediatorofthecovenantofpromises.

3.Areconfirmedallbyhim,andmadeyeaandameninhim,2Cor.i.20.Heconfirmedthepromisesmadetothefathers,Rev.xv.8.

4.Arealldispensedandgivenoutbyhim,whoistheexecutorofhisowntestament,andthegreatdispensatorofallthatweneed;sothatwhatweaskoftheFatherhegivethithimself,Johnxiv.13,14.

Seventhly,He is theTruth, in thathe fullyanswerethall thehopesandexpectations of his people. He shall not be found a liar unto them,whatever Satan may suggest unto them, or a misbelieving heart maypromptthemtoconceive,andtheirjealousymaymakethemapprehend;andwhateverhisdispensationsmaynowseemtosay. Inendtheyshallallfind,thatheisthetruth,fullysatisfyingalltheirdesires;andgrantingallthatevertheycouldhopefor,orexpectfromhim.Theyshallatlengthbe satisfied with his likeness, Psalm xvii. 15; yea, abundantly satisfiedwith the fatness of his house, Psalm xxxvi. 8; and with his goodness,Psalm lxv. 4; and that aswithmarrow and fatness, Psalm lxiii. 5.One

sight of his glorywill fully satisfy, and cause them to cry out, enough!Jeremiah is now saying, as once he did in the bitterness of his soul,through the power of corruption and temptation, (chap. xv. 18.) "wiltthoubealtogetheruntomeasaliar,andaswatersthatfail?"

Eighthly,HeistheTruth,inoppositiontoallotherwaysofsalvation:for,

1.Thereisnosalvationnowbythelawofworks,thatcovenantbeingoncebrokencannotanymoresave;thelawcannotnowdoit,inthatitisweakthroughtheflesh,Rom.viii.3.

2.There isnosalvationnowby the lawofMoseswithoutChrist:henceIsrael,whichfollowedafterthelawofrighteousness,didnotattaintothelawofrighteousness,becausetheysoughtitnotbyfaith,butasitwerebytheworksofthelaw,Rom.ix.31,32.Theywentabouttoestablishtheirown righteousness, and did not submit themselves unto therighteousnessofGod,Rom.x.3.

3.ThereisnosalvationbyanythingmixedinwithChrist,astheapostlefullyclearethinhisepistletotheGalatians.

4. There is no salvation by any other way ormedium, whichmart caninventorfallupon,whereoftherearenotafew,asweshewedabove:"forthere is not another name given under heaven, by which we can besaved,"butthenameofJesus,Actsiv.12.NoreligionWillsavebutthis.

Sothatheisthetruesalvation,andheonlyisthetruesalvation;andheisthe sure and safe salvation: such as make use of him shall not bemistakennordisappointed,Isaiahxxxv.8.

Ninthly,HeistheTruth,inrespectofhisleadingandguidinghispeopleinthetruth:henceheiscalled"ateacherfromGod,"Johniii.2;andonethat"teacheththewayofGodintruth,"Matt.xxii.16."Aprophetmightyindeedandword,"Lukexxiv.19.Andinthisrespectheisthetruthuponseveralaccounts.

1.Ofhispersonalteaching,Godspokebyhim,Heb.i.2.HerevealedtheFather'smind,Matt.xi.27.Johni.18.

2. Of his messengers sent by him, as prophets of old, apostles andministersoflate,whomhesendethforthtomakedisciples,Matt,xxviii.18;andtoopentheeyesoftheblind,Actsxxvi.18.

3.Ofhisword,whichhehathleftasourrule,andwhichisasure,wordofprophecy,moresurethanavoicefromheaven,2Pet.i.19.

4.Ofhisordinances,whichhehathestablishedasmeanstoguideus inthewayoftruth.

5. Of his Spirit, whereby hemaketh theword clear, John xiv. 26. ThisSpiritissenttoteachalltruth,andtoleadandguideusinalltruth,Johnxvii. 13. 1 John ii. 27; and septbyhim, andby theFather inhisname,Johnxiv.26;xv.16;xvi.14.

6.Ofhisdispensationsofprovidence,withinusandwithoutus,bywhichlikewiseheinstructethinthewayoftruth.

Tenthly.He,istheTruth,in,respectofhisbearingwitnessto,thetruth;andthishedoth,

1.Byhimself,whowasgivenforawitness,Isaiahlv.4;andcametobearwitnesstothetruth,Johniii.11;xviii.37;andwasafaithfulwitness,Rev.i.5;iii.14,

2.Byhisministers,whowitnessthetruthofthegospelbypublishingandproclaimingthesame.

3.Byhismartyrs,whosealthetruthwiththeirblood,andsobearwitnesstoit,Rev.ii.13;xvii.6.Actsxxii.20.

4.ByhisSpirit,sealingthetruthofgraceinabeliever,andhisinterestinGodthroughChrist,andhisrighttoallthebenefitsofthenewcovenant,"inwhomalso,afteryebelieved,yeweresealedwiththatHolySpiritofpromise,whichistheearnestofourinheritance,"Eph.i.13,14.

Eleventhly. He is the Truth, in respect that he carrieth towards poorsinnersinallthings,accordingtothetenorofthegospel,andtheoffersthereof;heoffershimself to all freely, andpromiseth toputnoneaway

thatcometohim;andthishedothintruth:fornomancansay,thathehadasincereandtruedesiretocometoJesus,andthatherejectedhimandwouldnotlookuponhim.Hegivethencouragementtoallsinnerstocome, thatwill be content to quit their sins; and promiseth to upbraidnone that cometh. And is there any that in their own experience canwitnessthecontrary?Heoffersallfreely;anddidheeverrejectanyuponthewantofapriceintheirhand?Nay,hathnotthecauseoftheirgettingnoadmittancebeen,thattheythoughttocommendthemselvestoChristby theirworth;andwouldnot takeall freely, for thegloryofhisgrace?Letbelieversandothersspeakhere,outoftheirownexperience,intruthandinuprightness;anditshallbefound,thathewasandisthetruth.

Twelfthly.HeistheTruth,inthat,inallhisdispensationsinthegospel,andinallhisworksandactionsinandabouthisownpeople,heistrueandupright.Allhisoffers,allhispromises,allhisdispensations,aredoneintruthanduprightness;yea,allaredoneoutoftruthanduprightnessoflove, true tenderness andaffection to them,whatever the corruption ofjealousyandmisbeliefthinkandsaytothecontrary.Heisthetruth;andsoalwaysthesame,unchangeableinhislove,whateverhisdispensationsseemtosay;andthebelievermayrestassuredhereof,thathebeingthetruth,shallbetohimwhateverhiswordholdethhimforthtobe,andthatconstantlyandunchangeably.

CHAPTERXII.

SOME GENERAL USES FROM THIS USEFUL TRUTH, THATCHRISTISTHETRUTH.

Havingthusclearedupthistruth,weshouldcometospeakofthewayofbelieversmakinguse of himas the truth, in several caseswherein theywillstandinneedofhimasthetruth.Buterewecometotheparticulars,weshallfirstproposesomegeneralusesofthisusefulpoint.

First.Thispointoftruthservethtodiscoveruntous,thewofulconditionof suchas are strangers toChrist the truth; andoh, if itwerebelieved!For,

1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of blindness,error,ignorance,mistakesunderwhichallarebynature;acondition,thatifrightlyseen,wouldcausethesoullielowinthedust.

2.Whatever course they take, till they come to Christ, and while theyremain in that condition, is a lie, and a false, erroneous, and deceitfulway.Forstilltheyareturningasidetolies,Psalmxl.4;andseekingafterthem,Psalmiv.2.

3.Whatever hopes and confidence theymay have, that their way shallcarrythemthrough,yetinendtheywillbefoundtoinheritlies,Jer.xvi.19;andmeetwiththesaddestdisappointmentthatcanbe.ForinsteadofthefellowshipofGod,Christ,angels,andglorifiedspirits,theyshalltakeup their lodging with devils and damned souls; and that because theyhavemadenoacquaintancewiththewayof truth;andthewaywhereinthey are, is but a lie and a falsehood; and so of necessitymust deceivethem.

4.Alltheirliteralandspeculativeknowledgeshallnotavailthem,solongastheyarestrangersuntohimwho is thetruth.Theirknowledge isbut

ignorance,becauseitisnotaknowledgeofhimwhoisthetruth.

5.Theyhavenonetogotoforhelpandlightinthedayoftheirdarkness,confusion, and perplexity; for they are not reconciled unto the truth,whichalonecanprovesteadableandcomfortableinthatday.

6.Theycandonothing tohelp themselvesoutof that stateofdarknessand ignorance; and whatever they do to help themselves shall butincreasetheirdarknessandmisery;becausethereisnotruththere,andtruth, even the truth alone, can dispel these clouds of error, mistakes,ignorance,&c.

Secondly. Hence, we see the happy and blessed condition of believers,whohaveembracedthistruth,andgottentheirsoulsopenedtohimwhoisthetruth;for,

1. They are in part delivered from that mass of lies, mistakes,misapprehensions,errors,deceitfulnessandignoranceunderwhichtheylayformerly,andalltheunregeneratedoyetlie.Andthoughtheybenotfullydeliveredtherefrom,yet theday iscomingwhenthat shallbe,andthe begunwork of grace and truth in them is a pledge thereof; and atpresent they have ground to believe, that that evil shall not again havedominion over them, they being now under grace, and under theguidanceoftruth.

2.Howbeittheyhavemanyperplexingthoughts,doubtsandfearsoftheirstate and condition, and thinkmany a time, that they shall one day orotherperishbytheway;andalltheirhopesandconfidenceshallevanish;yethavinggivenupthemselvestotruth,andtothetruth,theyshallnotbedisappointedintheend.Thetruthshalllandthemsafeontheotherside.Thetruthshallprovenolie.

3.Theyhave a fast and steadable friend to go to, in a day of darkness,clouds, doubts, when falsehood and lies are like to prevail, even theTruth,whoalonecanhelptheminthatday.

4.HowbeittheknowledgetheyhaveofGod,andofthemysteriesof thegospel,bebutsmall;yetthatsmallmeasurebeingtaughtbyhim,whois

thetruth,andflowingfromtruth,shallprovesanctifyingandsaving.

9.Theyhavegroundtohopeformorefreedomfromerrorsanddeceitfullies, than others; for they have chosen the way of truth, and giventhemselvesuptotheleadingoftruth.

Object.Butdonotevensuchdrinkinandreceiveandpleadforerrors,aswellasothers;andisitnotsometimefound,thattheyevenliveanddieinsomemistakesanderrors?

Answ.IgranttheLordmaysufferevensomeofhisowntofallinto,andtocontinueforsometimeinerrors,yea,anditmaybealltheirdays,astosomeerrors,thathereby,allmaylearntotrembleandfear,andtoworkout their salvation with fear and trembling. (2.) Some may be triedthereby,Dan.xi.35.(3.)Othersmaybreaktheirneckthereupon.(4.)Topunishthemselves,fornotmakingthatuseoftruth,andofthetruth,thattheyshouldhavedone;yetwewouldconsiderthesefewthings:

1.Thattherearemanymoreunregeneratepersonsthatfallintoerror.

2. If his people fall into error at any time, theydonot always continuetherein to the end. God for his own glorymaketh, sometime or other,truth shine in upon their soul, which discovereth that mistake, andpresently,thegraceofGodintheirsoulmakeththemtoabhorthesame.

3.Orifsomecontinueinittotheirdyingday,yettheyrepentofit,byanimplicitrepentance,astheydoofotherunknownandunseenevilsthatlieintheirsoul;sothatthaterrordothnotdestroytheirsoul.

4. There are some gross errors,which a regenerate soul cannot readilyembrace,orif,throughamistake,orthepowerofatemptation,theydoembrace them,yet theycannotheartily closewith them,whatever foratime,throughcorruptionandpride,theymayseemoutwardlytodo;andthatbecause the verydaily exercise of gracewill discover them; and sotheywillbefoundtobeagainsttheirdailyexperience;assomeopinionsof thePapists,Arminians, andSocinians, togetherwith the abominableQuakers,whichagracioussoul,whennotcarriedawaywiththetorrentofcorruption,andwiththetempestofatemptation,cannotbutobserveto

contradict thedailyworkingsof grace in their soul, and themotionsoftheirsanctifiedsoul,inprayerandotherholyduties;andsosuchastheycannotbutfindtobefalsebytheirownexperience.

Thirdly.Hereisgroundofasharpreproofofthewicked,whocontinueinunbelief;and,

1. Will not believe, nor give any credit to his promises; wherewith heseekethtoallurepoorsoulstocometohimforlife.

2. Nor will they believe his threatenings, wherewith he useth to alarmsouls,andtourgethemforwardtotheirduty.

3.Norwilltheybelieveandreceivehisoffers,astrue.

5.Norwilltheybelieve,thatheisthetrueprophet,priest,andking,thatmustsavesoulsfromhellanddeath,andthereforetheywillnotgivehimemploymentinhisoffices.

Allwhichcannotbutbeahighprovocation,forineffectitistosaythatheisnotthetruth,norworthytobebelieved.Letthemconsiderthis,andseehowtheythinkheshalltakethisofftheirhands.Nomanwilltakeitwellthatanothershouldeithercalloraccounthimaliar;andcantheythinkthatChrist shall take itwell at their hands, to be accounted by them aliar?Whatwilltheythinktobechallengedforthisinthegreatday?Now,the truth is, all unbelievers, as they make God a liar, (O horrid andabominable crime!Whosehairwouldnot standonend tohear this?) 1Johnv.10,11."HethatbelievethnotGodhathmadehimaliar;becausehe believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is therecord,thatGodhathgiventouseternallife;andthislifeisinhisSon."SodotheymaketheSonofGodaliar,inallhissayings,inallhisoffices,andinallhisworks;andtheymaketheHolyGhostaliar,innotbelievingthat truth thathehathsealedas firm truth.Theymake thecovenantofsuretiship betwixt the Father and the Son, amere lie and a forgery. Odreadful!Theymakethewordoftruthalie,andtheymakeallthesaintsliars,andalltheofficersofJesusChrist,whodeclarethistruth,andthesaintswhobelieveit,andrestuponit,liars.

Fourthly.Henceistheregroundofreprooftothegodly,inthat,

1. They do not firmly enough believe his sayings, neither his promises,nor his threatenings, as appeareth too oft upon the one hand, by theirfaintingsand fears, andupon theotherhand,by their carelessnessandloosewalk.

2.Theymakenotuseofhim,inallcasesastheyought.Hisofficesliebyandarenot improved;nor ishegonetoas thetruth, incases requiringhishelp,asthetruth;thatis,incasesofdarkness,doubtings,confusion,ignoranceoftheircaseandcondition,andthelike.

3. They donot approach to him, nor toGod throughhim, heartily andcordially,astheverytruth,andtrueway.

4.Nordotheyrestwithconfidenceuponhiminalldifficulties,asbeingthetruththatwillnotfailthem,nordisappointthem.

5.Nordotheyrejoice inhim,assatisfiedwithhim,whois thetruth, inthewantofallotherthings.

Fifthly. The right considerationof this truth shouldkeepus inmindofseveralgreatduties;suchasthose,

1.Ofpityingthoseplaceswherethistruthisnotheardof,asamongTurksand heathens; or where it is darkened with superstition and men'sinventions,asamongpapists;orwhere ithathbeenclearly shining,butnowisdarkened,asinsomechurchesnowundertheprevailingpowerofcorruption;or,lastly,whereitisnotreceivedinitspowerandlustre,as,alas!itistoolittlereceivedinthebestandpurestchurches.

2.Ofbeingthankfultohimformakingthistruthknownintheworld,andparticularlyintheplacewherewewereborn,orhadourabode;andyetmoreforthathehathdeterminedourheartstoabelievingofthistruth,insomeweakmeasure;toanembracingofit,andtoagivingofourselvesuptobeled,ruled,andguidedthereby.

3.Ofesteeminghighlyofeverypieceoftruthforhissakewhoisthetruth;studyingitforhissake—lovingitforhissake—holdingitfastforhissake

—witnessingtoit,aswearecalled,forhissake.Weshouldbuythetruth,andnotsellit,Prov.xxiii.23;andweshouldpleadforit,andbevaliantforit,Isa.lix.4,14.Jer.vii.28;ix.3.

4.Oftakingpartwithhimandhiscause,inallhazards,fortruthisalwaysonhisside;andtruthshallprevailatlength.

5.Ofgivinghimemploymentinourdoubtsanddifficulties,whether,

(1.)Theybeaboutsomecontrovertedpointsof truth,whichcometobedebated,ortotroublethechurch.Or,

(2.) About our own estate and condition, quarrelled at by Satan, orquestionedbythefalseheart.Or,

(3.)About our carriage in our dailywalk. In all these, and the like,weshould be employing truth, thatwemay be led in truth, and taught bytruth,towalkinsurepaths.

6.Of carrying in all things before him as true; for he is truth, and thetruth, and so cannot be deceived; and thereforewe shouldwalk beforehim in sincerity and singleness of heart, without guile, hypocrisy, orfalsehood,thatwemaylooklikechildrenofthetruth;andoftheday,andoflight,andchildrenthatwillnotlieordissemble,Isaiahlxiii.8;notlikethesethatlieduntohim,Psalmlxxviii.38.Isaiahlix.13.

7.Of takinghimonly forourguide toheaven,bydenyingourownwit,skill,andunderstanding,andlookingtoandrestinguponhim,whoaloneisthetruth,andsoacknowledginghiminallourways,dependingonhimfor light and counsel, for singleness of heart, humility, diligence, andtruth,intheinwardparts.

8.Ofgivingupourselvesdailyuntohimandhisguidance,anddenyingourownwills, humours,parties, oropinions; forhe alone is truth, andcanonlyguideusaright.Andforthiscause,wewouldacquaintourselveswell with the word, which is our rule, and seek after the Spirit, whomChristhathpromisedtoleadusintoalltruth.

Sixthly.Shouldnotthisbeastronginducementtoallofus,tolayholdon

andgriptohim,whoisthetruth,andonlythetruth?seeing,

1.Allotherwayswhichwecantake,willprovealietousintheend.

2. He is substance, and no shadow, and all that love him shall inheritsubstance;forhewillfillalltheirtreasures,Prov.viii.21.

3.Suchasembracehimshallnotwander,norbemisled;forhis"mouthshall speak truth; andwickedness is an abomination to his lips," Prov.viii. 7. "All the words of his mouth are in righteousness, and there isnothing froward or perverse in them," verse 8. "He is wisdom, anddwellethwithprudence,andfindethoutknowledgeofwittyinventions,"verse12."Counselishis,andsoundwisdom;hehathunderstandingandstrength,"ver.14.

4.Hewillmakegoodallhispromisesinduetime,andgiveasubsistenceandabeingtothemall;forheistheTruth,andtheTruthmuststandtohispromises,andfulfilthemall.

5.Hewill never, nay, "never leave his people, nor forsake them,"Heb.xiii.5.Heistruth,andcannotdeceive;hecannotforsakenordisappoint.He isaspringofwater,whosewaters failnot, Isaiah lviii. 11.Thereforetheycannotbedisappointedintheend,andperish,whotrusttohim.

6.Thetruthwillmakethemfree,Johnviii.32,36,andsodeliver themfromtheirstateofsinandmisery,whereintheylayascaptives;andfromthatspiritualbondageandslaveryunderwhichtheywereheld.

Seventhly. This, to believers, may be a spring of consolation in manycases,as,

1.Whenerrorandwickednessseemtoprosperandprevail;forthoughitprevailforatime,yettruthwillbevictoriousatlength,andthetruthwillovercomeall.Heistruth,andwillpleadfortruth.

2. When friends, acquaintances, relations, fail them, and father andmother forsake them, truthwill take themup.Hewho is the truthwillanswerhisname,andneverdeceive,neverforsake.

3.When riches,honours,pleasures,orwhat else theirhearthath beinggoingoutafter,provelikesummerbrooks;forthetruthwillbethesametotheminallgenerations; there isnoshadowof turningwithhim.TheTruthisalwaystruth,andtrue.

4.Whenwefearthateitherourselvesorothersshallfallaway,inadayoftrial,andturnfromthetruth.Thoughallmenproveliarsanddeceivers,truthwillabidethesame,andstandoutalltheblastsofopposition.

5.Whenunbeliefwouldmakeusquestionthetruthofthepromises,thefaith of his being truth itself, and the truth, even truth in the abstract,wouldshameunbeliefoutofcountenance.Shall truthfail?ShallnottheTruthbetrue?Whatacontradictionwerethat?

6.Whenwe knownot how to answer the objections of Satan, and of afalsetreacherousheart;fortruthcaneasilyanswerallcavils;andhewhois the truthcanrepelallobjectionsagainst truth.Truth is impregnable,andcanstandagainstall.

7.Whenwe cannot know, nor discover thewiles and subtilty of Satan.Truth can discover the depths of Satan, andmake the poor soulmoreacquaintwith them; so that they shall not anymore be ignorant of hisdevices,wholooktohim.

8.When the thoughts of the deceitfulness of our hearts trouble us, thedepthwhereofwe cannot search. This thenmay comfort us, that truthmaysearchtheheartandthereins,Jer.xvii.9,10.

9.Whenwecannottellwhatourdiseaseanddistemperis,andsocannotseeksuitableremedies,orhelpfromGod,Owhatacomfortisit,toknowand believe, that he is the truth, with whom we have to do, and soknowethourdistemperperfectly,andallitscausesandsymptoms,—truthcannotbeatastandindiscerningourdisease;sonorcanhebeignorantofthefittestandonlysafestcures.

10.Whenweknownotwhattoaskinprayer,asnotknowingwhatisbestforus,itisacomforttorememberthatwehavetodowiththeTruth,whoisperfectlyacquaintedwithallthat,andknowethwhatisbest.

11.Whenweknownothowtoanswerthecalumniesofadversaries, itiscomfortabletoknowthatheisthetruth,thatwillheartruth,whenmenwillnot,andwillownandstandforthetruth,whenenemiesdowhattheycantodarkenanhonestman'sgoodcause.Itiscomfortabletoknow,wehavetheTruthtoappealto,asDavidhad,Psalmvii.17.

12.Whenwethinkonourowncovenant-breaking,anddealingdeceitfullywithGod,itiscomfortabletoremember,thatthoughweandallmenbeliars, and deal deceitfully with him, yet he is the truth, and will keepcovenantforever;hewillnot,hecannotdenyhimself,2Tim.ii.13.

Eighthly,Hencewemaycertainlyconclude,thattruth,whichisChrist'scause,shallatlengthprevail;forheistruth,yea,thetruth,andsoabidethtruth; therefore must he prevail, and all the mouths of liars must bestopped. So then let us remainpersuaded, that truth at length shall bevictorious,andthatthecauseofChristshallhavethevictory.Though,

1.Theenemiesoftruth,andthecauseofChrist,bemultiplied,andmanytherebethatriseupagainstit.

2.Theseenemiesshouldprosper,and that foralong time,andcarryontheircourseoferrorandwickednesswithahighhand.

3.Thereshouldbe fewfoundtobefriendtruth,andtoownit inanevilday.

4.Yea,manyofthosethatdidsometimeownit,andpleadforit,shouldatlengthturntheirbacksuponit,asdidDemas.

5.Andsuchascontinueconstantandfaithful,beloadedwithreproaches,and pressed under with sore persecution, for adhering to truth, andowningconstantlythegoodcause.

6. Yea, though all things in providence should seem to say, that truthshall not rise again, but seem, on the contrary, to conspire against thesame.

Ninthly,Maywenothenceread,whatshouldbeourwayandcourse,inatimewhenaspiritoferrorisgoneabroad,andmanyarecarriedofftheir

feettherewith,orwhenwearedoubtfulwhattodo,andwhatsideofthedisputetotake.Othenisthefittimeforustoemploytruth,toliveneartohimwhoisthetruth,towaitonhim,andhanguponhim,withsinglenessofheart.

Objection.Butmanyevenofhisownpeopledoerrandstepaside.Ans.That is true: But yet, (1.) Thatwill be no excuse to thee. Nay,(2.) Thatshouldmaketheefearandtremblemore.(3.)AnditshouldpresstheetolieneartoChrist,andtowrestlemoreearnestlywithhim,fortheSpiritoflight and of truth, and to depend more constantly and faithfully uponhim,withsinglenessofheart,andtogiveupallthysoulandwaytohim,as the God of truth, and as the truth, that thoumayest be led into alltruth.

Tenthly,Thisshouldstirusuptogotohim,andmakeuseofhimasthetruthinallcases,whereinwemaystandinneedof truth'shandtohelpus;andforthiscauseweshouldmindthoseparticulars:

1.Weshouldliveintheconstantconvictionofourignorance,blindness,hypocrisy, readiness tomistakeanderr.This isclearandmanifest, andprovedtobetruthbydailyexperience;yethowlittleisitbelieved,thatitissowithus?Doweseeandbelievetheatheismofourhearts?Doweseeandbelieve thehypocrisy of our hearts?Arewe jealous of them, asweoughttobe?Othatitwereso!Letthisthenbemoremindedbyus.

2.Letus live in thepersuasionof this, thatheonly,andnothing belowhim, will be able to clear our doubts, dispel our clouds, clear up ourmistakes, sendus light,andmanifest truthuntous;notourownstudy,pains, prayers, duties, learning, understanding; nor ministers, norprofessors,andexperiencedChristians,andthelike.

3.Weshouldbedailygivingupourselvestohim,asthetruth,inall theforementionedrespects,andreceivinghimintooursoulsassuch,thatwemaydwellandabidethere:thenshallthetruthmakeusfree;andif theSonmakeusfree,weshallbefreeindeed,Johnviii.36.

4.Thereshouldbemuchsingledependenceonhimforlight,instruction,direction,andguidanceinallourexigencies.

5.Withal, there should be a waiting on him with patience, giving himlibertytotakehisownwayandtime,andaleavingofhimthereunto.

6.Weshouldbyallmeansguardagainstsuchthingsasarehinderances,andwillproveobstaclestousinthismatter;suchas,

(1.) Prejudices against the truth; for thenwewill undervalue light, andrejectallthedirectionsandinstructionsoftheSpirit,asnotagreeingwithourprejudicateopinion.

(2.)Awilfulturningawayfromtruth,asthese,2Tim.iv.4.Titusi.14.

(3.) Addictedness to our own judgments and opinions, which causethpertinaciousness, pride, and conceit, as thinking ourselves so wise, asthatweneednoinformation;andthisoccasionethaself-confidence.

(4.)Lookingtoomuchunto,andhangingtoomuchuponmen,whoarebut instruments, crying them up as infallible, and receiving, withoutfurtherexamination,allthattheysay,notliketheBereans,Actsxvii.Thisisagreathinderancetothereceivingoftruth,andveryprejudicial.

(5.)Aneglectingof theuseof themeanswhichGodhathappointedforthisend.

(6.)Or an hanging toomuch on them, and somisplacing them, givingthemhisroom.

(7.)Leaningtoomuchtoourownunderstanding,witandknowledge,&c.

(8.)Aresistingofthetruth,2Tim.iii.8.Theseandthelikehinderancesshouldbeguardedagainst, lesttheymarourattainingtotheknowledgeoftruth.

7. There should bemuch of the exercise of prayer, for this is themainconduitandmean, throughwhich light isconveyed intothesoul.ThereshouldalsobeaseriousandChristianreadingandhearingof theword,which is truth, and the word of truth, and the Scripture of truth; andthoseduties shouldbegoneaboutwith, (1.)much self-denial; (2.)withmuch singleness of heart; (3.) with much humility; (4.) with much

willingness and readiness to be instructed; (5.) with much seriousnessand earnestness; and, (6.) with faith and dependence on God for hisblessingandbreathing.

8.We should beware of trusting to our own understandings, or to thejudgments of othermen; nor shouldwe look towhat suitethmost ourown humours, nor to what appearethmost specious and plausible, forthatmaydeceiveus.

9.We should lie open to the influences and rays of light, by exercisingfaith inearnestdesires;asalsopatientwaitingforandsingle lookingtohim,minding his name and his relations, promises, and engagements,andthestrengtheningofourfaithandconfidence.

10.We should labour tokeep fastwhateverhe teachethusbyhiswordandSpirit, andnotprove leakingvessels.This theapostleexhorteth to,Heb.ii.1,"Thereforeweoughttogivethemoreearnestheedtothethingswhichwehaveheard,lestatanytimeweshouldletthemslip;"yea,andweshouldbeestablished"inthetruth,"2Pet.i.12.

11.Weshouldbewareof restingona formof the truth,as thosedid,ofwhomweread,Rom.ii.20;andofholdingthetruthinunrighteousness,asthose,Rom.i.18;andofdisobeyingit,asthosementionedinRom.ii.8.SeealsoGal.iii.1;v.7.

12.Butonthecontrary,weshouldsoreceivetruth,asthatitmightruleandbemaster inus,captivate judgment,will,andaffections, andbreakoutintothepractice.Andthisrecommendethseveralduties,suchas,

(1.)Tohavethetruthinus;whileas,ifwepractiseotherwise,"thetruthisnotinus,"1Johni.8;ii.4.

(2.) To be of the truth, as belonging to its jurisdiction, power, andcommand,1Johniii.19.Johnxviii.37.

(3.)Todothetruth,byhavingtruefellowshipwithhim,1Johni.6;and"towalkinthetruth,"2Johniv.3.Johniv.Psalmlxxxvi.11.

(4.)Tohavetheloinsgirtwithtruth,Eph.i.14.

(5.)Toreceivetheloveofthetruth,2Thess.ii.10.

(6.)Tobeinstructedofhim,"asthetruthisinJesus,"Eph.iv.21.

(7.)Topurifythesoulinobeyingthetruth,1Pet.ii.22.

This shall suffice for clearing up, and applying in the general thisexcellent truth, that Christ is the truth.We shall now come andmakesome more particular use of this precious point, by speaking to someparticularcases(whichweshallinstancein,bywhichtheunderstandingChristianmaybehelpedtounderstandhowtocarryandhowtomakeuseofChrist inotherthelikecases),whereinChrist is tobemadeuseofasthetruth,andshowhowbelieversaretomakeuseofhiminthesecasesasthetruth.

CHAPTERXIII.

HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE TRUTH, FORGROWTHINKNOWLEDGE.

Itisacommandedduty,thatwegrowintheknowledgeofJesusChrist,2Pet.iii.18;andtheknowledgeofhimbeinglifeeternal,Johnxvii.3,andourmeasureofknowledgeofhimherebeingbutimperfect,forweknowbut inpart, itcannotbutbeanusefulduty,andadesirablething, tobegrowing in this knowledge. This is towalkworthy of the Lord unto allpleasing,tobeincreasingintheknowledgeofGod,Col.i.10.Knowledgemust be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christianvirtues,2Pet.i.5,6.Inthisknowledgewemustnotbebarren,2Pet.i.2.Andthisbeingsonecessary,sodesirable,souseful,andsoadvantageousa grace, the believer cannot but desire to have more and more of it,especiallyseeingitisapartoftheimageofGod,Col.iii.10.

Nowitisthetruththatmustteachthemhere,firstandlast."Thelightofthe knowledge of the glory of God must be had in the face of JesusChrist,"2Cor.iv.6.Thequestionthereforeis,howweshouldmakeuseofJesus Christ for this end, that wemay attain tomore of this excellentknowledge.

First. It is good to live in the constant conviction of a necessity of histeachingus,andthistakethinthoseparticulars:

1. That we should be conscious of our ignorance, even when we knowmost,orthinkweknowmost,rememberingthatthebestknowethbutinpart,1Cor.xiii.9.Themoretrueknowledgeweattainto, themorewillwe see andbe convincedof our ignorance; because themoreweknow,themorewillwediscoverofthevastnessandincomprehensibilityofthatobject,whichisproposedtoourknowledge.

2.Thatweshouldremember,howdeceitfulourheartsare;andhowready

theyaretositdownuponashadowofknowledge,evenwhereweknownothingasweoughttoknow,1Cor.viii.2;andthiswillkeepusjealousandwatchful.

3.Andtohelpforwardourjealousyofourownheartsandwatchfulness,weshouldremember thatourheartsnaturallyareaverse fromany trueand saving knowledge; whatever desire there be naturally afterknowledgeofhiddenthingsoutofcuriosity;andofthingsnatural;orofthings spiritual, as natural, for the perfection of nature, as might bepretended, whereby in effect those that increase knowledge, increasesorrow,Eccl. i. 18.Yet there is no inclination after spiritual and savingknowledge,inusnaturally,butanaversionofhearttherefrom.

4. That we should study and know the absolute necessity of thisknowledge.Hownecessary it is forourChristiancommunionwithGod,andChristianwalkwithothers;hownecessaryforourrightimprovingofdispensations, general and particular; what a noble ornament of aChristianitis,andanecessarypieceoftheimageofGod,whichwehavelost.

Secondly.Uponthesegroundsmentioned,wewouldalsobeconvincedofthis:

1.Thatofourselves,andbyallournaturalparts,endowments,quicknessandsagacity,wecannotattaintothissavingknowledge,whichisaspecialandsavinggrace,andsomustbewrought in thesoulbyadivinehand,eventhemightypowerofGod.Byourprivatestudyandreading,wemayattaintoaliteral,heady,andspeculativeknowledge,thatwillpuffusup,1Cor.viii.1;buttherebyshallweneverattaintothisknowledge,whichisspiritual,hearty,andpractical,andsosaving,wemusthavetheanointinghere,whichteachethusallthings,1Johnii.27.Andofthisweshouldbepersuaded,thatwemaylooktoahigherhandforlightandinstruction.

Thirdly. There should be an eyeing of Christ's furniture and fitness forthisworkofteachingofus,towit,

1.AneyeingofhimasthesubstantialwisdomoftheFather,Prov.viii.

2.Aneyeingofhim,asonecomeoutofthebosomoftheFather,Johni.18;andsosufficientlyenabledtoacquaintuswiththemysteriesofGodforsalvation.

3.AneyeingofhimasMediator,fullyenduedwithallnecessariesforthispieceofhiswork,andsohavingreceivedtheSpiritwithoutmeasure,forthis end, John iii. 34; and as having hid in him all the treasures ofwisdomandknowledge,Col. ii.3;andashavingall fullnessdwelling inhim,Col.i.19;andalsoIsa.xi.2;lxi.1,2.

4.Aneyeingofhim, ashavingpower to send theSpirit, that anointingthatteachethusall things,"andistruthandisnolie,"1Johnii.20-27;not only by way of intercession and entreaty, begging it of the Father,Johnxv.16,17;butalsoauthoritatively,asconjunctwiththeFather.TheFather sendethhim inChrist's name, John xiv. 26; andChrist sendethhimfromtheFather,Johnxv.26;andthisSpiritoftruthwhichguidethintoalltruth,shallreceiveofChrist's,andshewituntous,Johnxvi.13-15.

Fourthly, There should be an eyeing of Christ's readiness, willingness,andengagementtohelpinthiscase;andthiswillencouragethesoultogoforward.Andforthiscausewewouldrememberthosethings:

1.Thathe standethobliged tohelpuswith instruction, by virtueofhisoffice,asaprophet,awitness,aleader,andacommander,Isa.lv.4.

2. That he is commissioned of the Father for this end, and so is theFather'sservant;andisgivenfor"alighttotheGentiles,"Isa.xlii.6;xlix.6;andtheFatherissaidtospeakbyhim,orinhim,Heb.i.1.

3.Thathereceivedhisgiftsandqualificationsforthisendandpurpose,that hemight give out and dispense to hismembers according to theirnecessity;asisclearfromPsalmlxviii.18,comparedwithEph.iv.8;whatheissaidtohavereceivedintheoneplace,heissaidtohavegivenintheother.

4.ThathehathbegunthisworkalreadybyhisSpiritinhisfollowers;andtherefore standeth engaged to see it perfected; for all his works are

perfectworks.

5. That he hath a love to his scholars, and a desire to have them allthriving,andmakingprogress inknowledge;thisbeinghisglorywho istheirmasterandteacher.

6. That he laid down ways and means, and a constant course forinstructingofhispeople:for,

(1.)Hehath givenhisword, and settled and establishedordinancesforthisend.

(2.)Hehathestablishedaministryforinstructinghispeople,Eph.iv.8-13.

(3.)Hehathgiftedpersonsforthisworkoftheministry,1Cor.xii.4-11.

(4.) He maketh these officers, in the faithful administration of theirfunction, and through his blessing and Spirit, maketh their workprosperousandeffectualinhisown,asheseethfit.

Fifthly. There should be an eyeing of the promises of the covenant ofgracemadeforthisend,whethergeneralorparticular,orboth; suchasthosewhichwehave,Isa.ii.9.Hab.ii.14,"Theearthshallbefilledwiththe knowledge of the Lord," or of "the glory of the Lord, as thewaterscover the sea;" and that, Isa. xxxii. 4, "the heart of the rash shallunderstandknowledge,"&c.;andJer.xxxi,34,"Theyshallallknowme."

Sixthly.Thereshouldbeaconstant,diligent,serious,andsingleusingofthemeansof knowledge,with a faithful dependence onChrist by faith,grippingtohiminhisrelations,offices,engagements,andpromises,andwaitinguponhisbreathinginhopeandpatience,Psal.xxv.5.

Seventhly. There should be a guarding against every thing that mayobstructthiswork,andgrievehiminit;andthereforewewouldbeware,

1.Toundervalueandhavealittleesteemofknowledge;forthiswillgrievehim;and(tospeakso)puthimfromwork.

2.Tomisimproveanymeasureofknowledgehegiveth.

3. To weary of themeans and ordinances whereby he useth to conveyknowledgeintothesoul.

4.TolimittheholyOneofIsraeltothisorthatmean,tothisorthattime,ortothisorthatmeasure,whoshouldhavealatitudeastoallthese.

5.Todespisethedayofsmallthings,becausewegetnotmore.

6.Tobetoocuriousinseekingaftertheknowledgeofhiddenmysteries,theknowledgewhereofisnotsonecessary.

7.Toleantoomuchunto,andtodependtoomuchupontheordinances,orinstruments,asifall,oranything,couldcomefromthem.

Eighthly.Thereshouldbearightimprovingofanymeasureofknowledgewe get to his glory, and to the edification of others, with humility andthankfulness,andsoaputtingof that talent inuse, togainmore tohisglory.Whatevermeasureofknowledgeweget,weshouldinallhaste,putitintopractice,andsetittowork;soshallitincrease,andengagehimtogivemore.

Ninthly.ThereshouldbealyingopentoChrist'sinstructions,andtotheshiningsoftheSpiritoflightandoftruth,andareadyreceivingofwhatmeasureheispleasedtograntorinfuse.Whichincludeththoseduties,1.A serious and earnest hungering and thirsting after more spiritualknowledge.

2.Adiligentuseofeveryapprovenmeanforthisend.

3.Agoingaboutthemeanswithmuchself-denial,spirituality,singlenessof heart, and sincerity, looking to and depending upon him, whomustbreatheuponthemeans,andmakethemuseful.

4.Agreedyreceiving,drinkingin,andtreasuringupinthesoulwhat isgotten.

5. A guarding against selfish and bye-ends, with a single eyeing of his

glory.

6.Aguardingagainstprideintheheart,andastudyingofhumilityandmeekness;forthe"meekwillheguideinjudgment,andthemeekwillheteachhisway,"Psal.xxv.9.

7.Aputtingoftheheartorunderstandinginhishand,togetherwiththetruth,thatisheardandreceived,thathemaywritethetruth,andcausetheheartreceivetheimpressionofthetruth.

Tenthly.Thereshouldbearollingofthewholematterbyfaithonhim,astheonlyteacher,aputtingoftheignorant,blockish,averse,andperverseheart,intohishand,thathemayframeittohisownmind,andaleavingof it there, tillhebytheSpirit,write in itwhathethinkethmeet, tohisowngloryandourgood.

Andsure,werethiswayfollowed,growthinknowledgewouldnotbesorareathingasitis.

CAUTIONS.

Forfurtherdirectionandcautioninthismatter,thebelieverwouldtakenoticeoftheseparticulars:

1.Thatheshouldnotsitdownuponanymeasureofknowledgehehathattainedto,orcanattaintohere,asifhehadenough,andshouldlabourfor no more; but he should still be minding his duty of seeking, andpressingformore.

2. Whenever he is about any mean of knowledge, such as preaching,reading,conference,&c.hisheartshouldbeonlyuponChrist.Heshouldbe hanging on his lips for a word of instruction; and with greedinesslookingforawordfromhismouth;heshouldbesendingmanypoststoheaven,many ejaculatorydesires for light and understanding, and thatwithsinglenessandsincerity,andnotforbaseends,oroutofhypocrisy.

3. Let him not think, that there is no growth in knowledge, because

possiblyheperceivethitnot,orisnotsatisfiedastothemeasurethereof;yea,thoughpossiblyheperceivemoreignorance,thaneverhedidbefore.If he grow in the knowledge of his own ignorance, it is a growth ofknowledgenottobedespised;andinamanner,whatcanweelseknowofGod, but that he far transcendeth all our knowledge, and that he is anincomprehensibleone,inallhisways.

4.Lethimnot think, that there isno growth inknowledge, because heperceiveth not a growth in the knowledge of such or such a particular,whichhedesirethmost;foriftherebeatruthintheknowledgeofotherparticulars,necessarytobeknown,thereisnoreasontocomplain.Ifonegrownot,ashesupposeth,intheknowledgeofGod,andofthemysteriesof the gospel; yet if he grow in the discovery of the treachery andwickedness of his own heart, he cannot say that he groweth not inknowledge.

5. Let him notmeasure his growth in knowledge, by his growth in thefaculty of speaking and discoursing of such or such points of religion;many measure their knowledge by their tongue, and think they knowlittle,becausetheycanexpresslittle;andsotheythinktheyattaintonoincrease or growth in knowledge, because they perceive no increase orgrowthinthisfacultyofdiscoursing,andtalkingofsuchorsuchpointsoftruth. It is safer tomeasure theirknowledgeby the impression that thetruthhathontheirspirits,andtheeffectsofitonalltheircarriage,thanbytheirabilityandskilltotalkanddisputeofit.

6.Letthembewareto imagine, thattheyshallbeabletosearchouttheAlmightyuntoperfection,"Canstthou(saidZophar,Job.xi.7,8,9.)bysearching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty untoperfection?Heisashighasheaven,whatcanstthoudo?deeperthanhell,whatcanstthouknow?Themeasurethereofislongerthantheearth,andbroader than, the sea." Or that they shall be able ever to win to thebottomoftheirownfalsedeceitfulheart,which,asJeremiahsaith,chap.xvii. 9, "Is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who canknowit?"andwhichit isGod'sprerogativealonetosearchandtry,ver.10.Neitherletthemthink,solongastheyarehere,towintoanexactandperfect knowledge of the mysteries of God, wherein is the manifoldwisdom of God, Eph. iii. 10, which very principalities and powers in

heavenlyplacesarelearning;andwhichtheangelsareporingandlookingintowithdesire,1Pet.i.12.Thereisnoperfectioninknowledgetobehadhere; for here the best but knoweth in part, and prophesieth in part, 1Cor.xiii.4.

7. Let them not think that every one shall have the same measure ofknowledge;everyonehathnotthelikeuseforit,orthelikecapacityforit. There is ameasure proportioned to every one; they should not thencomplain, because they have not such ameasure of knowledge as theyperceive insomeothers. Itmaybe, theLordhathsomeharderpieceofservice,whichcallethformoreknowledge,toputothersto.Leteveryonethenmindhisdutyfaithfullyandconscientiously,andlethimnotquarrelwithGod, that he attaineth not to such ameasure of knowledge as heseethothersattainunto.

8.Neither let themthink, that the samemeasure is requiredofall. Formore is required of some, by reason of their office and charge in thehouseofGod,beingcalled to teachand instructothers; and somore isrequired of such, as have larger capacities, and a better faculty ofunderstandingthanothers,whonaturallyarebutofanarrowreach,andofashallowcapacity.Morealso is requiredof suchas liveunderplain,powerful,andlivelyordinances,andunderamorepowerfulandspiritualdispensation of the grace of God, than of others that want suchadvantages.So likewise,more is requiredofoldChristians thanofnewbeginners; old men, of much and long experience, should know morethansuchasarebutbabesinChristandbutofyesterday.

9.Lettheirdesiresrunoutafterthatknowledge,notwhichpuffethup,—for there is a knowledge which puffeth up, 1 Cor. viii. 1,—but whichhumbleth,anddriveththesoulfartherfromitselfandnearertoChrist.

10. They should carefully distinguish betwixt the gift of knowledge andthegraceof knowledge:Thatordinarilypuffethup, thishumbleth; thatbringethnotthesoultoJesus,thisdoth;thatisbutaform,Rom.ii.20,anddothnotretainGod,Rom. i.28, this isa real thing, layingholdonGodandholdinghimfast,havingthefearoftheLordforitsprinciple,forthis"fearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom,"Job.xxviii.28.Psalmcxi. 10. Prov. i. 7, and ix. 10.; that liethmost in the head, and venteth

most in discourses, words, yea, and sometimes vanisheth into vainnotions, but this goeth down to the heart, and lodgeth there andappeareth in the man's walk and conversation; as these two would bedistinguished,sotheonewouldnotbemeasuredbytheother.

11.Whentheydonotprofit indeed, let thembewareofquarrellingwithChrist, or of blaming him in anymanner of way; but let them lay theblameof their shortcomingon themselves, fornotmakingmore use ofhimbyfaithandsingledependenceuponhim.Itistrue,nonewillbesoboldasinwordstoquarrelwithorblamehim;yettheheartisdeceitfuland tacitly may raise and foment such thoughts of him and hisdispensations,ascanpassundernoothernotionthanaquarrellingwithhim.Nowthesewouldbeguardedagainst.

12. Beware of urging for, or expecting immediate revelation, orextraordinarymanifestations.ForweshouldnottempttheLord,norsetlimits tohim,neithershouldweprescribemeansandways tohim,—wemustbesatisfiedwiththeordinarymeanswhichhehathappointed,andwaitatwisdom'sdoors,withourearsnailedtohisposts.

13.Whateverpointoftruththeylearn,orwhatevermeasureofknowledgetheyget,theywoulddowelltogivethatbackagaintoChrist,tokeepforthemagainstatimeofneed;andwaitonhimforgracetoimproveitforhisglory.

14. Let them beware of minding things too high, Psalm cxxxi. 1. It isbettertofear,andtostandinawe,andtoseektolaythefoundationswell,to get the saving knowledge of things necessary to salvation. This willyieldmostpeaceandsatisfaction.

CHAPTERXIV.

HOWTOMAKEUSEOFCHRIST,ASTRUTH,FORCOMFORT,WHENTRUTHISOPPRESSEDANDBORNDOWN.

There isanotherdifficulty,whereinbelievingsoulswillstandinneedofChrist, as the truth, to help them; and that is, when his work isoverturned, his cause borne down, truth condemned, and enemies, intheiroppositiontohiswork,prosperinginalltheirwickedattempts.Thisis a very trying dispensation, as we see it was to the holy penman ofPsalmlxxiii.foritmadehimtostagger,sothathisfeetwerealmostgone,andhisstepshadwellnighslipt;yeahewasalmostrepentingofhisbeingagodlyperson,saying,ver.13,"VerilyIhavecleansedmyheartinvain,andwashedmyhands in innocency." Itwas something like this,whichmadeJeremiahsay,chap.viii.18,"WhenIwouldcomfortmyselfagainstsorrow,myheartisfaintinme."Theharvestwaspast,andthesummerwas ended, and yet they were not saved, ver. 20; and they looked forpeace,butnogoodcame,andforatimeofhealth,butbeholdtrouble,ver.15—and this was fainting and vexatious. And what made Baruch,Jeremiah's faithful companion in tribulation, say, "Woe isme now! fortheLordhath addedgrief tomy sorrow; I fainted inmy sighing, and Ifind no rest," Jer. xlv. 3, but this, that all things were turning upsidedown.Godwasbreakingdownthat,whichhehadbuilt;andpluckingupthatwhichhehadplanted.Tribulationandsufferingforagoodcause,isevenfaintingtosome;astheApostlehinteth,Ephes.iii.13,whenhesays,wherefore,"Idesirethatyefaintnotatmytribulationforyou."Andthatwhich evinceth the danger of this dispensation, is the fainting andbackslidingofmany, insucha timeof trial,assadexperiencetoooftencleareth.

Nowthebeliever'sstayinthiscase,mustbetheRockofAges,JesustheTruth.It ishealonewhocankeepstraightandhonest insuchareelingtime.SothatasightofChristastheTruth,inreferencetothecarryingon

oftruthintheearth,andadvancinghiscauseandwork,willbetheonlysupportofasoulshakenbysuchapieceoftrial.

But thequestion is,howshouldbelieversmakeuseofChrist, in such atime,totheendtheymaybekeptfromfaintingandsuccumbinginsuchastorm? To which I answer, that the faith and consideration of thoseparticularswouldhelptoestablishment:

1.ThatChrist,inallthisgreatworkofredemption,andineverypieceofit,istheFather'sservant.Soishefrequentlycalled,"hisservant,"Isa.xlii.1;xlix.3,5,6;lii.13;andliii.11.Zech.iii.8;andthereforethisworkisawork intrusted to him, and he standeth engaged as a servant, to befaithfultohistrust.Moreoveraddtothis, thathehathacommissiontoperfectthatwork;andweneednotdoubt,buthewhoisthetruthwillbetruetohistrust."HimhathGodtheFathersealed,"Johnvi.27;andheoftentellsushimself,thatheis"sentoftheFather,"Johniv.34;v.23,24,30,36,37;vi.38,39,40,44,57;viii.16,18;xii.44,45,49;vii.16;ix.4;x.36;andxi.42.

2. That while he was upon the earth, he finished that work that wascommitted to him to finish here, having purchased all that was to beboughtbyhisblood,payingallthepricethatjusticedidask,Johnxvii.4;xix.30.Bywhichpricehehathpurchasedapeopletohimself,Rev.v.9.Luke i. 68. So that his work, cause, and interest, is a purchased workboughtwithhisblood.

3.Thathis resurrectionandglorification is anundoubtedproofof this,thatjusticeissatisfied,andthatthepriceisfullypaid;andalsothathisexaltation at the Father's right hand is a sure evidence and ground ofhope,thatheshallatlasttriumphoverallhisenemies,andthathisworkoftruthshallprosper.TheFathersaid tohim,Psalmcx. 1, "Sit thouonmy right hand, until Imake thine enemies thy footstool." Being highlyexalted,hehathgot "anameaboveeveryname: thatathisnameeveryknee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and thingsundertheearth;andthateverytongueshouldconfess,thatJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather,"Phil.ii.9,10,11.

4. That the Father standeth engaged tomake good to him all thatwas

promised,andtogivehimallthathepurchased,Isa.liii.10,11,12.Christ,havingnowfulfilledhisundertaking,bymakinghissoulanoffering forsin,andsosatisfyingjustice,whichisopenlydeclaredbyhisresurrection,and admission to glory, as the head of his elect, is to expect theaccomplishmentofwhatwasconditioneduntohim.Hiswork,therefore,on the earth must prosper; and the Father hath undertaken to see itprosper. Surely the faith of this would much support a poor soul,staggering at the thoughts of the prosperity of thewicked, and of theirevilcause.

5.ThatChristhimself isnow thoroughly furnishedandenabled for thecarryingonofhiswork,overthebellyofalladversaries,forallpowerin"Heavenandearthisgiventohim,"Matt.xxviii.18;"andeverykneemustbowtohim,"Phil. ii.10;"all judgmentiscommitteduntohim,"Johnv.22,27;"angels,powers,andauthorityaremadesubjectuntohim,"1Pet.iii.22;"yea,allthingsareunderhim,"Eph.i.22.Howthencanhisworkmiscarry;orwhocanhinder,thattruthshouldflourishontheearth?

6.ThatChrist isactuallyatwork,employingthispowerforthecarryingforwardofhisdesign,forthegloryoftheFather,andforhisownglory,andforthegoodofhispoorpeople.TheFatherworkedbyhim,andhebytheSpirit,whichishisgreatVicegerent,sentfromtheFather,andfromhim,andhiswork is toglorify theSon,andhe shall receiveofhis, andshowituntous,Johnxvi.14.

7. That Christ, upon many accounts, standeth engaged to perfect thiswork which he hath begun and is about. His honour is engaged to gothrough,seeingnowheisfullyfurnishedforit,andhathallthecreationathiscommand.Hemustthenperfecthiswork,astotheapplication,aswellashedidperfectitastothepurchase.HislovetohisFather'sandhisown glory, and to his own people's good and salvation,may assure us,thathewillnotleavetheworkunperfected;andhispowerandfurnituremaygiveusfullsecurity,thatnostopwhichhisworkmeetethwithshallbeabletohinderit.

8.Thathenceitisclearandmanifest,thathiswheelisinthemidstofthewheels ofmen, and that therefore he is ordering all theirmotions andreelingstothebest.Hiswheelkeepethanevenpace,andmovethequally

andequitablyinthemidstofmen'scontrarymotions.

9. And that, therefore, all the eccentric and irregularmotions of devilsandwickedmenbeing inhishand,andorderedbyhim,cannothinder,butfurtherhisend;sothatevenenemies,whileopposingandseekingtodestroythecauseandinterestofChrist,thathisnameandtruthshouldnomorebementioned, arepromovinghiswork.Hiswheel is the greatwheel that ordereth all the lesser and subordinate wheels, whatevercontrarymotionstheymayhavetheonetotheother,andallormanyofthemmay seem tohave to this greatwheel; so that, do theywhat theywill,theworkofourLordgoethon.Theiroppositionissettinghisworkforward,thoughtheyintendthecontrary;howevertheirfaceslook,theyrowtotheporthewouldbeat.Thisisanundoubtedtruth,andconfirmedin all ages, and yet is not firmly believed; and a truth it is, which, ifbelieved,woulddomuchtosettleourstaggeringsoulsinastormyday.

10.Thatatlastheshallcome"tobeglorifiedinhissaints,"2Thess.i.10;"whenheshallberevealedfromheavenwithallhismightyangels,"verse7. Then shall it be seen whose counsel shall stand, his or men's; andwhoseworkshallprosper,hisorSatan's.

CAUTIONS.

Yet,letmeaddafewwords,forcautionanddirectionhere.

1. The consideration of these things mentioned should not make usslackenourdiligenceinprayerandotherduties;andwhentheyarearightconsidered,theywillratherproveaspurandagoadinoursidetosetusforward,thanabridletoholdusback.

2.WewouldnotthinkthatChrist'sworkandinterestisgoingbackwardalways,whenitseemethsotous.Evenwhenheiscastingdownwhathehath built up, and plucking up what he hath planted, his work isprospering,forallthatisinordertothelayingofabetterfoundation,andto the carrying on of a more glorious work, when he shall lay all thestoneswith fair colours, and the foundationswith sapphires, andmake

thewindowsofcrystal,&c.Isa.liv.11,12.

3.Thoughhisworkbealwaysgoingon,andhistruthprospering,yetwewould not think that itwill always prosper alike in our apprehensions;manytimeswejudgebyrulesofourownmaking,andnotbytheruleoftruth,andhenceitisthatwemistakeoftentimes.Wewalklittlebyfaith,andtoomuchbysense;andhencewe judge toomuchbysense,andsopassawrongjudgment,tohisdishonour,andthesaddeningofourownhearts.

4. Nor would we think that his truth and interest is ruined and gone,becauseitissoreoppressedinthisorthatparticularplaceoftheworld;asifhisworkwerenotofanuniversalextent,andinallthechurches.Ifhistruththriveandprosperinsomeotherplaceoftheworld,shallwenotsay, that his kingdom is coming? Or shall we limit all his work andinteresttoonesmallpartoftheworld?

5.Wewouldnotthinktheworseofhisworkbecauseitiscarriedonwithsomanystops,anddothmeetwithsomanyimpedimentsinitsway.Wearenot acquaintedwith thedepths of his infinitewisdom and counsel;andsoweseenotwhatnobleendshehathbeforehim,insufferingthoseimpedimentstolieinthewayofhischariot.Wethinkheshouldridesotriumphantlyallalong,thatnoneshouldoncedaretocasttheleastblockinhisway.Butwejudgecarnally,asunacquaintedwiththemanynobleandgloriousdesignswhichhehath inorderingmatters.Ashimselfwasforastoneofstumblingandarockofoffence,sowillhehavethewayofthe carrying on of his work prove, in his holy and spotless justice, astumbling-stone tomany that shall stumble thereat,and fall,andneverriseanymore.

6.WeshouldbewaretothinkthatChristhathforgottenhiswork,becauseheseemethtotakenonoticeofourprayers,whichweareputtingupnowandthenforhiswork.Hemaybedoingthatwhichwearedesiringinthegeneral, and yet not let us know that he is answering our prayers; andthatforwiseandholyends,tokeepushumbleanddiligent.Hemayseemtodisregardoursuits,andyetbecarryingonhiswork,andgrantingusourdesiresuponthematter.

7. Hence we should beware of desponding, and growing heartless andfaint,whenweseefewowningtruth,orstandinguponChrist'sside; forheneedethnotman'shelp to carryon thiswork, thoughhe sometimesthinkethgoodtocondescendsofarastohonoursometobeinstrumentalinsettingofitforward,whoyethavenothingbutashegiveth;letusnotthen think, that hiswork cannot prosper because great ones andmeanonesoppose it,andsuchas shouldstand for itandown it,are fewandfainting,withoutstrength,courage,orzeal.

CHAPTERXV.

HOWTOMAKEUSEOFCHRISTFORSTEADFASTNESS,INATIMEWHENTRUTHISOPPRESSEDANDBORNEDOWN.

Whenenemiesareprevailing,andthewayoftruthisevilspokenof,manyfaint,andmanyturnaside,anddonotpleadfortruth,norstandupforthe interest of Christ, in their hour and power of darkness: many areovercomewithbasefear,andeithersidewiththeworkersofiniquity,orarenotvaliantforthetruth,butbeingfaint-hearted,turnback.Nowthethoughtsofthismayputsomewhodesiretostandfast,andtoownhimand his cause in a day of trial, to enquire how they shall make use ofChrist, who is the truth, so as to be enabled to stand in the day oftemptation,andkeepfastbytruthwhenitisloadedwithreproaches,andburiedunderanheapofobloquy.Forsatisfactiontothisquestion,Ishallshortlypointoutthosedirectionswhich,iffollowed,mayprovehelpfultokeep the soul from fainting, misbelieving, doubting, quarrelling at theLord'sdispensations,andfromyieldingtothetemptationsinsuchaday.

1. The believer should live in the conviction of his hazard through thesleightofSatan,thestrengthoftemptation,thewickednessandtreacheryof the heart, the evil example of others, and the want of sanctifiedcourage,zeal,andresolution;andthiswillkeepthesoulhumble,andfarfromboastingofitsownstrength,whichwasPeter'sfault.

2. They should live in the faith and persuasion of this, that it is Christalonewhoisthetruth,whocanhelpthemtostandfortruthinadayoftemptation;andthatalltheirformerpurposes,vows,resolutions,solemnprofessions,andthelike,willprovebutweakcablestoholdthemfastinadayofastorm;andthatonlytherockofagesmustsavethem;andtheirbeinga leewardofhim,andpartakingofhiswarmandsafeprotection,will do their business.That all their stockof grace andknowledge, andthatconfirmedwithresolutionsandsincerepurposes,willhelpbutlittleinthatday;andthatnewinfluencesofgraceandtruth,fromthefountain,

thatisfullofgraceandtruth,willonlyproveestablishingtothesoul,andconfirmitinthetruthinthatday.

3.ThereforetheyshouldeyeChristinhisoffices,particularlyasthegreatprophetwhocanteachasnevermantaught;soteachastomakethesoulreceivethedoctrine,andtoholditfast—toreceiveitinlove,andlayitupintheheartasarichandenrichingtreasure.

4. They should eye him in his relations unto his people, as their head,husband,brother,leader,commander,captain,&c.;forthosegivegroundof approaching unto him with confidence in the day of darkness andmists,forlightanddirection,andforstrengthandcourageinthedayoftemptation; and give ground of hope of help in that day of trial anddifficulty.

5. They should eye and act faith upon the promises of assistance andthrough-bearing, in the day of calamity; such as those—Isa. xliii. 2,"Whenthoupassestthroughthewaters,Iwillbewiththee;andthroughthe rivers, they shallnotoverflow thee;when thouwalkest through thefire, thou shaltnotbeburnt;neither shall the flamekindleupon thee."AndIsaiahxli.13,"ForItheLordthyGodwillholdthyrighthand,sayinguntothee,fearnot,Iwillhelpthee."Andparticularlytheywouldeyethepromisesoflightinthedayofdarkness,Isaiahlviii.8,10;lx.20.2Sam.xxii.29.

6. They should look on Christ as an exalted conqueror, now risen andglorified; as a victorious captain that hath fought and overcome, thatthey,ashisfollowers,maybemadepartakersofhisvictoryandconquest,and so reap the fruit of his resurrection and ascension, in theirestablishment in the truth,when it is bornedownandquestioned, yea,and condemned by men. He abode steadfast and immoveable in themidst of all the storms that blew in his face; and as he came to bearwitnesstothetruth,sodidhefaithfullyandzealouslyavowtruth,eventothedeath;andindeathgotthevictoryofthearchliaranddeceiver.Nowthebelievershouldeyethis,forthestrengtheningofhisfaithandhopeofvictoryalso,throughhim;andthereforewouldwaitpatientlyforhishelp,andnotmakehaste; for theywhobelievemakenothaste, Isaiahxxviii.16, knowing that he is true and faithful, and will not disappoint his

followers that trust in him. Andmoreover it would be of advantage tothem in this case, to eye thatgraciousandcomfortableword,Johnxiv.19,"becauseIlive,yeshalllivealso;"andsobyfaithconclude,thatseeingChrist now liveth as a conqueror over darkness, untruth, reproaches,calumnies,andoppositionofliars,yea,ofthefatheroflies,theythroughhim shall also live, and ride out that storm; and this will give muchcouragetothesoultoenduretemptation,andtowait inpatienceforanoutgate.

7.Theyshouldstudymuch,andsuckatthegrandpromiseofhiscomingagain, and of finally dispelling all clouds, and of fully clearing up hisglorious truths, that are now covered over with obloquy, and buriedunderreproaches;andthiswillencouragethesoultostandtotruthinthemidst of opposition, believing, that at length, truth, how much soeveropposednow,shallbevictorious.

8. They should be single in their dependence on him, for strength andthrough-bearing, in that day of trial—not leaning to their ownunderstanding,butacknowledginghiminalltheirways,Prov.iii.8;andwhen they see no hope of outgate in the world, nor appearance of theclearing up of the day, they would comfort themselves, and encouragethemselvesintheLord,asDaviddidinagreatstrait,1Sam.xx.6.

9.Upontheforementionedgroundstheywouldcastallthecareof theirthrough-bearingonhim,whocarethforthem,1Pet.v.7—rollingalltheirdifficultiesonhim—consultingonlywithhimandhisword,andnotwithflesh and blood; and so they would commit their ways to him, whodisposethofallthingsasheseethgood;forbearingtolimittheHolyOneofIsrael,ortoquarrelwithhimforanythinghedoth;andpatientlywaitforhisoutgateanddelivery.

10. It were good, in this time of trial, to be remembering theworth oftruth,andentertaininghighthoughtsofthesmallestpieceoftruththatisquestioned, for his sake, who is the truth; that a sight of the gloriousworththereof,maymakethemaccountthelessofalltheycanloseinthedefenceandmaintenancethereof.

11.Sowereitgoodatthistime,whentruthscometobequestioned,tobe

lyingnear to the truth, for light, and tobekeeping fast,whathebyhisSpiritclearethuptobetruth,thoughthelightshouldnotbesofullastodispel all objections. This were to depend upon him for light, withsingleness of heart; and in godly simplicity and sincerity to follow hisdirection and torch, though it should not shine so bright as they couldwish.

CAUTIONS.

Afewwordsofcautionwillbeusefulherealso;as,

1. The believer, though taking this course, would not think to bealtogetherfreeoffearofsteppingaside,inlessorinmore.Godmaythinkgood to let much of this abide, to the end he may be kept watchful,tender,anddiligent;forfearmakeththesoulcircumspectandwatchful;andthisisagoodpreservativefromdefection.

2.Norwould thebeliever think, thatherebyheshallbekeptaltogetherfreeoffainting.Theheart,nowandthen,throughfearandmisbelief,mayfallintoafitoffainting,andthinkallisgone;andyethemaycarrypoorsoulsthrough,andmakehisstrengthperfectintheirwickedness,2Cor.xii.9;thatwhentheyaresupportedandcarriedthroughthetemptation,theymaysingpraise tohim, andnot ascribe any thing to themselves—remembering how often theywere fainting, and almost giving over thecauseasdesperateandhopeless.

3.Theywouldnotthinkitstrange,if, inthetimeoftheirwrestlingwithdifficulties, the Lord hide his face from them, and give not them thatjoyfulaccessuntohiminprayer,thatsometimestheyhavemetwith;fortheLordmayseeitfittoputthemtothispointoftrialamongtherest,toseeiftheloveofhisgloryandtruthwillkeepthemstanding,whentheywanttheencouragementthatmightbeexpectedinthatway;andifpureconsciencetothecommandandauthorityofGod,willkeepfromsidingwithanevilway,whenthesoulisdestituteofallsensibleencouragement,bothfromwithinandfromwithout.

4.Inall thisbusinessbelieversshouldcarrysinglywithaneyetoGod'sglory; and should not be acted with self-ends, or drawn by carnal andselfishmotives.Theyshouldnotdesire stabilityand through-bearing tobe seen of men, or to gain applause and praise of men; lest God beprovokedto leavethemtothemselves,andtheyat lengthcomeoffwithdiscredit,asdidPeter.Therefore theyshouldstriveagainst thesecarnalmotionsoftheheart,andlabourforspirituality,singlenessofheart,andtruthintheinwardparts,whichtheLorddesireth,Psalmli.6.

CHAPTERXVI.

HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE TRUTH, WHENERROR PREVAILETH, AND THE SPIRIT OF ERRORCARRIETHMANYAWAY.

There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth isquestioned,andmanyareledawaywithdelusions.ForSatancanchangehimself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlikepretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, andgaintheconsentofmanyuntothem;sothatinsuchatimeoftemptationmanyarestolenofftheirfeet,andmadetodepartfromtherightwaysofGod, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now thequestionis,howapoorbelievershallmakeuseofChrist,whoisthetruth,forkeepinghim steadfast in the truth, in such a day of trial, and fromembracingoferror,howplausiblesoeveritmayappear.Forsatisfactiontothisweshallproposethesefewthings:

1. In such a time, when a spirit of error is let loose and rageth, andcarriethseveralaway,itweregoodforallwhowouldbekeptstraightandhonest, to be walking in fear. It is not good to despise such a sly andsubtleenemy,especiallyinthehourandpowerofdarkness.Thenallarecalledtobeontheirguard,andtostandupontheirwatch-tower,andtobe jealous of their corrupt hearts, that are ready enough of their ownaccordtodrinkinerror,andtoreceive thetemptationatanytime;andmuchmorethen.

2.Theyshouldnot thinkthat theirknowledgeandability todispute fortruth,willkeepthemsteadfast,iftherebenotmore;forifthetemptationgrow, theymay come to reason and dispute themselves out of all theirformerknowledgeandskill.Thefatherofliesisacunningsophister,andknoweth,howtoshaketheirgroundsandcastallloose.

3.TheyshouldrenewtheircovenantgripsofChrist,andmakesurethat

mainbusiness, viz. theirpeaceandunionwithGod inChrist, and theiraccepting of Christ for their head and husband. They would labour tohave the foundationsure,and tobeunitedunto the chief corner-stone,that so blow the stormas itwill, theymay ride safely; and that herebytheymayhaveaccesstoChristwithboldness,intheirdifficulty,andmaywithconfidenceseeklightfromhiminthehourofdarkness.

4. To the end they may be kept more watchful and circumspect, theyshouldremember,thatit isadishonourablethingtoChrist,forthemtostepaside, in the leastmatterof truth; thedenyingof the leastpointoftruth isaconsequentialdenyingofhimwhois the truth;andto looseafootinthemattersoftruthisverydangerous;forwhocantellwhentheywhoonceslipafootshallrecoveritagain?Andwhocantellhowmany,andhowdreadful errors theymay drink in,whohave once opened thedoortoasmallerror?Thereforetheyshouldbewareoftamperinginthismatter,and toadmit anyerror,upon theaccount that it is a small andinconsiderableone.Theremaybeanunseenconcatenationbetwixtoneerrorandanother,andbetwixtasmalloneandagreaterone,soasifthelittleonebeadmittedandreceived,thegreatershallfollow;anditmaybefeared that if they once dally with error, and make a gap in theirconsciences,thatGodwillgivethemuptojudicialblindness,that,ereallbedone,theyshallembracethatopinionwhichsometimetheyseemedtohateasdeath.

5.Theyshouldeye thepromisessuiting thatcause;viz. thepromises ofGod's guiding "the blind by a way which they know not: of makingdarknesslightbeforethem,andcrookedthingsstraight,"Isa.xlii.16;andof"guidingcontinually,"Isa. lviii.11;seealsoIsa.xlix.10.; lvii.18.;andtheywouldactfaithontheseandthelikepromises,asnowmadesurebyJesus.

6.Particularly, theyshould fix theireyeuponthatprincipalpromise,oftheSpiritoftruth,toguideintoalltruth,Johnxvi.13.

7.With singleness of heart they should depend onChrist, andwait forlight fromhim,andbewareofprejudiceat the truth;withsingleness ofhearttheyshouldlieopentohisinstructions,andtotheinfluencesofhislightanddirection,andreceiveinthebeamsofhisdivinelight;andthus

goaboutduties,viz.prayer,conference,preaching, reading,&c.withaneyefixedonhim,andwithasoulopentohim,andfreeofallsinfulpre-engagementandlovetoerror.

8.Withsinglenessofheart, theyshouldgiveuptheirsoulstoChrist,asthe truth, that hewouldwrite the truth in their souls, and frame theirsoulsuntothetruth,anduntothattruthwhichismostquestioned,andbywhichtheyaremostinhazardtobedrawnaway;andurgeandpresshimbyprayerandsupplicationtodothedutyofahead,ahusband,guideandcommander,&c.untothem;andthathewouldbealightuntotheminthatdayofdarkness,andnotsuffer themtodishonourhimorprovescandaloustoothers;bydepartingfromthetruthandembracingerror.Aserioussingle-hearteddealingwithhimuponthegroundsofthecovenantpromises and his relations and engagements,might prove steadable inthiscase,ifaccompaniedwithalyingopentotheinfluencesoftruthandto the light of informationwhich he is pleased to send by the Spirit oftruth.

CAUTIONSANDDIRECTIONS.

For further clearing of thismatter, we shall hint at some cautions andfurtherdirectionsusefulhere:suchas,

1. They should beware of thinking thatGod should come to themwithlightandinstructioninanextraordinarymanner,andrevealthetruthofthe question controverted somewhat immediately: for this were amanifest tempting and limiting of theHolyOne of Israel.Wemust besatisfiedwiththemeansofinstructionwhichhehathprovided,andruntothelawandtothetestimony.WehavetheScriptures,whichareabletomake theman ofGod perfect and "thoroughly furnished unto all goodworks,"2Tim.iii.16,17;andto"makewiseuntosalvation,"ver.15.Theremustweseelight;andtheremustwewaitforthebreathingsofhisSpiritwith life,andcomingwith light to clearup truth tous: for theyare thescripturesoftruth,Dan.x.21;andthelawoftheLord,whichis"perfect,converting the soul;" and the commandment of the Lord, that is pure,"enlighteningtheeyes,"Psalmxix.7,8.WehavetheministrywhichGod

hathalsoappointedforthisend,tomakeknownuntoushismind;theremustwewait for him and his light. Thusmustwewait at the posts ofwisdom'sdoors;andwaitforthekingoflightinhisownwaywhereinhehathappointedustowaitforhim.Andifhethinkgoodtocomeanotherwaymoreimmediate,lethimalwaysbewelcome;butletnotuslimithimnorprescribewaystohim,butfollowhisdirections.

2.Whenanythingisborneinupontheirspiritasatruthtobereceived,or as an error tobe rejected,more immediately, they shouldbewareofadmittingofeverysuch thingwithout trialandexamination; forweareexpressly forbiddentobelieveeveryspirit,andcommandedto try themwhethertheyareofGodornot,1Johniv.1.TheLordwillnottakeitillthat even his own immediate motions and revelations be tried andexaminedby theword;because theword is givenus for this end, tobeourtestandstandardoftruth.ThewayofimmediaterevelationisnottheordinarywaynowofGod'smanifestinghismindtohispeople.Hehathnow chosen another way, and given us a more sure word of prophesythanwas,"evenavoicefromheaven,"asPetersaith,2Pet.i.18,19.Itiscommended in the Bereans, Acts xvii. 11, who upon this account were"morenoble than those ofThessalonica, in that they received thewordwith all readiness ofmind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whetherthose thingswere so."EvenPaul'swords, thoughhewas an authorisedandaninfallibleapostleofChrist's,arehereputtothetouch-stoneoftheword. "Many false prophetsmay go out, and deceivemany, and speakgreatswellingwordsofvanity,"1Johniv.1;2Pet.ii.18;andthedevilcantranschangehimself intoanangelof light,2Cor.xi. 14; and thoughanangel out of heaven should preach any other thing thanwhat is in thewrittenword,weoughtnottoreceivehisdoctrine,buttorejectit,andtoaccounthimaccursed,Gal. i.8.Sothatthewrittenwordmustbemuchstudied by us; and by it must we try all motions, all doctrines, allinspirations,allrevelations,andallmanifestations.

3.Muchmore, theyshouldbewareof thinking that thedictatesof theirconscienceobligeththem,soasthatalwaystheymustofnecessityfollowthesame.Conscience,beingGod'sdeputyinthesoul,istobefollowednofurther than it speaketh for God and according to truth. An erringconscience, though it bind so far as that he who doth contrary to the

dictatesthereofsinnethagainstGod,inthat,knowingnootherthanthatthedictatesofconsciencearerightandconsonanttothemindofGod,yetdare counteract the same, and thus formally rebel against God'sauthority;yetitdothnotobligeustobelieveandtodowhatitassertethtobe truth and duty. It will not then be enough for them to say, myconscienceand the lightwithinme speaketh so, and instructethme so;forthatlightmaybedarkness,anderror,anddelusion,andsonoruleforthem to walk by. "To the law and to the testimony," and if theirconscience, mind, and light within them "speak not according to thisword, it is because there is no light in them," Isa. viii. 20. I grant, as Isaid, they cannot without sin counteract the dictates even of an erringconscience, because they know no better but that these dictates areaccording to truth; and thus an erring conscience is amost dangerousthing, and bringeth people under a great dilemma, that whether theyfollowitornot,theysin;andthereisnootherremedyhere,buttolaybytheerringconscience,andgetaconsciencerightlyinformedbytheword;putting it inChrist's hand to be better formed and informed, that so itmaydoitsofficebetter.This thenshouldbeespeciallyguardedagainst,for if once they lay down this for a principle, that whatever theirconscience andmind, or inward light (as some call it) dictate,must befollowed, there is no delusion, how false, how abominable soever it be,but theymaybeat length inhazard tobedrawnawaywith;andso therulethattheywillwalkbybenothingineffectbutthespiritofliesandofdelusion,and themotionsanddictatesofhimwho is the fatherof lies,thatis,thedevil.

4.Suchaspretendtowalksomuchbyconscience,shouldtakeheedthatthey take not that for the dictate of conscience,which really is but thedictates of their own humours, inclinations, pre-occupied minds, andbiassedwills.Whenconsciencespeaketh,itgroundethontheauthorityofGod,whethertrulyorfalsely,andproposethsuchathingtobedone,ortoberefrainedfrom,merelybecauseGodcommandeththat,andforbiddeththis, though sometimes it mistaketh. But though the dictates of men'shumours, inclinations, pre-occupied judgments, andwills,may pretendGod'sauthority forwhattheysay,yetreallysomecarnalrespect,selfishend, and the like, lieth at the bottom, and is the chief spring of thatmotion. And also the dictates of humour and biassed wills are usually

moreviolentand fierce than thedictatesof conscience; forwanting theauthority of God to back their assertions and prescriptions, they mustmakeupthatwithanadditionofpreternaturalforceandstrength.Hence,suchas arepurely led by conscience, are pliable, humble, and ready tohear and receive information; whereas, others are headstrong andpertinacious, unwilling to receive instruction, or to hear any thingcontrarytotheirminds,lesttheirconscience,receivingmorelight,speakwith a higher voice against their inclinations and former ways, and socreatemoretroubletothem;while,asnowtheyenjoymorequietwithin,solongasthecryoftheirself-willandbiassedjudgmentsissoloud,thattheycannotwellhearthestillandlowvoiceofconscience.

5.Theyshould labour formuchself-denialandsincerity;andtobefreefrom the snares and power of selfish ends, as credit, a name, andapplause, or what of that kind, thatmay be like "the fear of man thatbringethasnare,"Prov.xxix.25;forthatwillbelikeagiftthatblindeththeeyesofthewise,Exod.xxiii.8.Lovetocarryonaparty,oradesigntobeseenoraccountedsomebody,tomaintaintheircreditandreputation,lesttheybeaccountedchangelingsandthelike,willproveverydangerousinthiscase; for thesemay forciblycarry thesoulaway, toembraceoneerror after another, and one error to strengthen and confirm another,that it is hard to knowwhere or when they shall stand. And these, byrespects,maysoforciblydrivethesoulforward,thatheshallneitherhearthevoiceofconsciencewithin,noranyinstructionfromwithout.

6.Theyshouldstudythewordoftruthwithoutprejudiceandanysinfulpre-engagement, lest they bemade thereby towire-drawandwrest thewordtotheirowndestruction,assomeofwhomPeterspeaketh,2Pet.iii.16.Itisadangerousthingtostudythewordwithaprejudicateopinion;andtoboworwire-drawthewordandmakeitspeakwhatwewouldhaveitspeak,fortheconfirmationofouropinionsandsentiments.ForthisisbuttomockGodandhislaw,andtosay,lethislawspeakwhatitwill,Iwillmaintainthisopinion,andsomakethewordspeakaswewouldhaveit,orelselayitby.Thisistowalkbysomeotherrulethantheword,andtomake theword serveour lusts and confirmour errors, thanwhich agreater indignity cannot be done to the Spirit of truth speaking in theword.

7. In reading and studying of the word there should be much singledependenceontheSpiritforlight;waitingforclearnessfromhimwhomChristhathpromisedtoleadusintoalltruth.Anearnestwrestlingwithhim for his assistance, enlightening the mind with divine light tounderstand the truth, and inclining the soul to a ready embracing andreceivingofthetruthdeclaredintheword.

8.Thoughoneplaceofscripturebeenoughtoconfirmanypointoftruth,and ground sufficient for us to believe what is there said, there beingnothing inscripturebutwhat is truth;yet, insucha timeof aboundingerrors,andwhenmanyaregoingabroadspeakingperversethingstoleadthesimpleaway,itwerespiritualwisdomtobecomparingscripturewithscripture,andnotbelightlyembracingwhatevermayseemprobable,andfairlydeducible from someonepassage or other of scripture, but to becomparing thatwith other passages and seewhat concord there is; forthis is certain, whatever point contradicteth other clear and manifesttestimoniesofscripturecannotbetrue;howeveracunningsophistermaymake it seem very probably to flow out of such or such a passage ofscripture. The testimony of the Spirit is uniform, and free from allcontradictions;andthereforewemustsee,ifsuchanassertion,thatsomewoulddrawfromsuchapassage,agreewithotherplainpassages,andifnot,besurethatisnotthemeaningoftheplace.Whenthedevildidwrestand abuse that passage of truth, Ps. xci. 11. "He shall give his angelscharge concerning thee," &c, and from thence would infer, that Christmightcasthimselfdown,Matt.iv.6,Christshewsthatthisinferencewasbad,because itdidnotagreewithotherdivine testimonies, particularlynotwiththat,Deut.vi.16,"ThoushaltnottempttheLordthyGod."Andtherebyheteachethustotakethiscourseintimesoftemptation,andsocompare spiritual things with spiritual, as Paul speaketh, 1 Cor. ii. 13.Especiallytheyshouldbewareofexpoundingclearscripturesbysuchasare more dark and mysterious; see 2 Pet. iii. 16. It is always safer toexplaindarkerpassagesbysuchasaremoreclear.

9.Letthemguardagainstanhumourofnew-fangledness,nauseatingoldand solid truths, and seeking after something new, having ears itchingafternewdoctrines,yea,ornewmodesanddressesofoldtruths.Forthisis provoking to God, and proveth dangerous; for such turn away their

earsfromthetruth,andareturnedintofables,asPaultellethus,2Tim.iv. 3, 4. "For the timewill come," saith he, "when theywill not enduresound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselvesteachers,havingitchingears;andtheyshallturnawaytheirearsfromthetruth,andshallbeturneduntofables."Thissavourethofaspiritoflevityandinconstancy,whichisdangerous.

10.Theyshouldlabourtohavenoprejudiceatthetruth,butreceiveitintheloveofit;lest,forthatcause,Godgivethemuptostrongdelusions,tobelievelies,andtobeledwiththedeceivablenessofunrighteousness,aswe see, 2 Thess. ii. 10-12, "And. with all deceivableness ofunrighteousness inthemthatperish,because theyreceivednot the loveofthetruth,thattheymightbesaved;andforthiscauseGodshallsendthemstrongdelusionthattheyshouldbelievealie,thattheyallmightbedamned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure inunrighteousness."

11. So should they beware of stifling the truth, ofmaking it a prisoner,anddetainingitinunrighteousness,likethosespokenof,Rom.i.18."Forwhich causeGod them up to uncleanness and vile affections, and theybecamevainintheirimaginations,andtheirfoolishheartwasdarkened,yea, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," ver. 21, &c.Theyshouldlettruthhavefreelibertyandpowerinthesoul;andshouldyieldupthemselvestoberuledandguidedbyit;andnottorturewithit,lay chains upon it, or fetter it, and keep it as a prisoner that can donothing.

12. For this cause, they should hold fast the truth which they havelearned,andhavebeentaughtbytheSpiritoutoftheword.WhenPaulwouldguardandfortifyTimothyagainstseducers,thatcreptintohouses,leadingcaptivesillywomen,&c.,amongotherdirectionsgavehimthis,2Tim.iii.14,15,"Butcontinuethouinthethingswhichthouhastlearned,andhastbeenassuredof,knowingofwhomthouhastlearned;andthatfromachildthouhastknowntheScriptures,whichareabletomaketheewise unto salvation," &c. So he would have the Colossians walking inChrist,rootedandbuiltupinhim,andstablishedinthefaithastheyhadbeentaught,Col.ii.6,7.

13. Especially they would be holding the groundwork fast,—faith inChrist.Itweregoodinsuchatimeoferringfromthewayoftruth,tobegrippingChristfaster,andcleavingtohimbyfaith,andlivingbyfaithinhim.Thisistoholdthefoundationfast;andthenletthetempestoferrorblowasitwill,theywillrideatasureanchor,andbesafe,becausefixedupon the Rock of Ages; and further, living near Christ in such adangerousday,wouldbeanoblepreservativefromtheinfectionoferror.ThesoulthatisdwellinginChristandgrippingtohimdailybyfaith,andacting love on him, dwelleth in light, will discover error sooner thananother,becauselivingundertheraysoftheSunofRighteousness,whichdiscoveretherror.

14.Theyshouldlabourtolearnthetruth,asitisinJesus;andthetruthswhichtheyhaveheardofhim,andhavebeentaughtbyhim,asthetruthis in him, will abide, when other truths that have been learned but ofmen, andheard ofmen, and as itwas in the preaching ofmen, and inbooks,shallsoonevanishinadayoftrial.ThisistolearnChrist,astheapostlespeaketh,Eph.iv.20,21,"ButyehavenotsolearnedChrist,ifsobethatyehaveheardhim,andhavebeentaughtbyhim,asthetruthisinJesus."Whenwelearnthetruth,asitisinJesus,itbringethusalwaystohim,andhathatendencytofixourheartsonhim,andisapieceof thebondthatbindethustohimandhisway:wereceiveitthenasapieceofhisdoctrine,whichwemustown,andstandunto.Oifwelearnedallourdivinitythus,wewouldbemoreconstantandsteadfastinitthanweare!

15.Whencontroversiesarise,andtheyknownotwhichsidetochoose—bothseemethtothemtobealikewellfoundedontheword—theyshouldexercisetheirspiritualsagacity,andsettheirgiftofdiscerningawork,toseewhichof the two tendethmost topromotepietyandgodliness, andthekingdomofChrist,andsoseewhichofthetwoisthetruth,"whichisaftergodliness,"astheapostlespeaketh,Tit.i.1;theymustlookwhichofthetwoisthedoctrinewhichisaccordingtogodliness,ITim.vi.3.ThatisthetruthwhichisChrist's,andwhichshouldbeownedandembraced,viz. which floweth from a spirit of godliness, and tendeth to promovegodliness, andsuitethwith the trueprinciplesof godliness, evengospelgodliness,wroughtaccordingtothetenorof thecovenantofgrace; thatis,bythestrengthoftheSpiritofJesus,dwellingandworkinginus,and

notaccordingtothetenorof thecovenantofworks, that is,wroughtbyourownstrength,&c.

16.Yetwithaltheyshouldtakeheedthattheymistakenothere;fortheymaylookuponsomewaysanddoctrinesashavingagreatertendencytopromovegodlinessthanothers;whichindeedhavenot,butonlyseemso.They should therefore consider well what is the way of godliness laiddown in the noble device of the gospel, which is the way that onlyglorifiethGod,Father,Son,andHolyGhost;and seewhat suitethmostwiththat,accordingtotheword,andnotwhatseemethmostsuitabletogodliness in their apprehension.Theword is thebest judge and test oftrue godliness; and in the word we have the only safest mean of truegodlinessheldforth:thereforeweshouldseewhatdoctrinetendethmostto promote godliness according to theway held forth in theword, andchoosethat.

17.Theyshouldguardagainstprideandself-conceit,asthinkingtheyarewise enough, andunderstanding enough in thosematters, and so neednottakealessonofany.Thismaybeofgreatprejudice;for"itisthemeekthatGod guideth in judgment; and to themeekwill he teachhisway,"Psalmxxv.9.Therefore itweregood forhispeople insuchaday, tobemeekandhumble,willingand ready to learnof anyperson,howmeansoever, that can teach the ways of God. The Lord may bless a wordspokenbyaprivateperson,whenhewillnotblessthewordspokenbyaminister; for his blessings are free. And it is not good to despise anymean.Apollos, though instructed in thewayof theLord,mighty in theScriptures,ferventinspirit,andteachingdiligentlythethingsoftheLord,Acts xviii. 24, 25, yet was content to learn of Aquila, and of his wifePriscilla,whentheyexpoundeduntohimthewayofGodmoreperfectly,ver.26.

18.Insuchatime,itisnotunsafetolooktosuchashavebeeneminentinthewaysofGod, and lienear tohim; for it isprobable theymayknowmuchofthemindofGodinthosequestionedmatters.Hencewefindtheapostle putting Timothy and others to this duty in a time when falseteachers were going abroad, saying, 2 Tim. iii. 10, "but thou hast fullyknown my doctrine, manner of life;" and 1 Cor. iv. 16, "wherefore Ibeseechyoutobefollowersofme;"and1Cor.xi.1;andagain,Phil.iii.17,

"brethren, be followers together ofme." All which say, that though weshouldcallnomanRabbi,ashangingourfaithabsolutelyonhim,yetinsuchatimeofprevailingerrorandoffalseteachersgoingabroad,somerespect should be had to such as have found grace of the Lord to befaithful in timesof trial,andhavemaintainedtruth,andstoodfor it, intimesofpersecution,andhavewithsinglenessofheartfollowedtheLord;itnotbeingordinarywithGodtoleavesuchasinsincerityseekhim,anddesire to follow his way in truth and uprightness, and to give therevelationofhismindandthemanifestationofhisSpirittoothers,whohavenotgonethroughsuchtrials.

19. They should also at such a time bemuch in the sincere practice ofuncontroverted duties, and in putting uncontroverted andunquestionable and unquestioned truths into practice; and this mayproveanotablemeantokeepthemright:forthenaretheyinGod'sway,andso thedevilhathnot thatadvantageof themthathehathofotherswhoareoutofthewayofduty.Davidunderstoodmorethantheancients,becausehekeptGod'sprecepts,Psal.cxix.100.

20. Itwere goodand suitable at sucha time, tobemuch in the fearofGod, remembering what an one he is, and how hazardous it is to sinagainsthim,bydrinkingintheleastpointoferror.Thepromiseismadetosuch,Psalmxxv.12,"WhatmanishethatfeareththeLord,himshallheteachinthewaythatheshallchoose."

21.Finally,atsuchatimetheyshouldbemuchincommunionwithJesus,lying near him;much in prayer to him, studying his relations, offices,furniture,readinesstohelpwithlightandcounsel;andtheyshoulddrawnear tohimwithhumility,boldness, faith, confidence, love, tenderness,and sincerity; and then they shall not find that he shall fail them, ordisappointthem.

Enoughofthis.Iproceedthereforetoanothercase,whichis:

CHAPTERXVII.

HOWTOMAKEUSEOFCHRISTASTHETRUTH,THATWEMAYGETOURCASEANDCONDITIONCLEAREDUPTOUS.

The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case andcondition,soashecannottellwhattosayofhimself,orwhatjudgmenttopassonhimself,andheknowethnothowtowin toadistinct andcleardiscoveryofhisstateandcondition.Now,itistruthalone,andtheTruth,thatcansatisfythemastothis.Thequestionthenis,howtheyshallmakeuse of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end theymay get thetruthoftheirconditiondiscoveredtothem.Butfirstletusseewhatthiscasemaybe.Consider,then,

1.Thatgracemaybeinthesoul,andyetnotbeseennorobserved.Thisismanifestbydailyexperience.

2.Notonlyso,butagracioussoulthatisreconciledWithGodinChrist,andhaththespiritofgracedwelling in it,maysuppose itselfastrangeryetuntothisreconciliation,andvoidofthegraceofGod,andsobestillinthestateofnature.

3.Yea,asoulmaynotonlysupposeandconcludeitselfinnature,whileitis in a state of grace, but further, may be filled with terror andapprehensions of God's wrath and indignation; and that in such ameasure,asthattherebyitmaybeasadistractedperson,asweseeitwaswithHeman,Psalmlxxxviii.15,whosaid,"whileIsufferthyterror,Iamdistracted."ThewrathofGodlayharduponhim,andhesaid,thathewasafflictedwithallGod'swaves,ver.7.Hencehecriedout,vers.16.17,"thyfiercewrathgoethoverme,thyterrorshavecutmeoff,theycameroundabout me daily," or all the day, "like water they compassed me abouttogether."Andyet forall this, the firstwordofhiscomplaintwasfaith,ver.1.ManysuchcomplaintshearweoutofJob'smouth,towhomGod,notwithstanding,was that gracious, that he never came to question his

state beforeGod, or to conclude his hypocrisy, or his being still in thestateofnature.Butitisnotsowitheveryonethatissoexercised.

4.Yea, further,withthose inwardstrokesuponthesoul, theymayhavesinandguiltchargedupontheirconsciences;andthiswillmaketheirlifeyet more bitter, and put a sharper edge upon the rods. Thus was Jobmadetopossessthesinsofhisyouth,Job.xiii.26,andmadetosay,"Mytransgression is sealedup in a bag, and thou sewestupmine iniquity,"Job.xiv.17.

5.Moreover, theymay be in such a condition a long time, and all thewhilehaveno lightofcomfort,aswemaysee inJobandHeman. Theymayevenwalkindarkness,andhavenolightofcomfort,Isa.1.10.

6.Yea,andalsobewithoutthehopeofadeliveryoroutgate.HencecriethHeman,Psalmlxxxviii.4-5,"Iamcountedwiththemthatgodownintothe pit, free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave,whomthourememberestnomore,andtheyarecutoff fromthinehand."Yea,theymaybedriventotheveryborderofdespair,andconcludethatthereisnohope,asthechurchdid,Ezek.xxxvii.11,"Ourbonesaredried,andourhopeislost,andwearecutoffforourparts;"andasJob,chap.vii.6,"My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent withouthope;"andchap.xix.10,"Hehathdestroyedmeoneveryside,andIamgone:minehopehathbeenremovedlikeatree."

Now,thoughsometimes,asweseeinJob,andinHemantoo,asoulmaybe under such a sad and sharp dispensation, and yet not brought toquestion their state, or to conclude themselves children ofwrath, lyingstill in black nature, yet it is not so with all who are so exercised; butmanyundersuchadispensation,mayat leastbe in thedarkas to theirstatebeforeGod;andiftheydonotpositivelyasserttheirstatetobebad,yettheydomuchquestioniftheybeinthestateofgrace,andwouldbecomfortedunder all their pressures and afflictions, if they couldwin totheleastwell-groundedapprehensionoftheirinterestinChrist.

Insuchacaseas this is, there isground forapoorsoul tomakeuseofChrist foroutgate;andanoutgatemaybehad inGod's time,andasheseethfit,byarightuse-makingofandgoingouttohim,whoistheTruth.

So,then,thesoulthatwouldhaveitsstateandconditionclearedup,andadiscoveryofitsbeingreconciledtoGodthroughJesus,andinastateofgrace,andwouldmakeuseofChristastheTruth,forthisend,would,

(1.) Look out to Christ, as a feeling High Priest, faithful and merciful,who, being like us in all things, except sin, doth sympathise with, andsuccour such as are tempted, Heb. ii. 17, 18. And as a Priest, "that istouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,"Heb.iv.15.AlbeitChrist, inthedeepestofhisdarkness,wasnevermadetoquestionhisSonship,butavouchedGod tobehisGodevenwhenhewas forsaken,Psalmxxii. 1.Matt,xxvii.46.Markxv.34.Yetheknewwhat itwas tobe tempted, toquestionhisSonship,whenthedevilsaiduntohim,Matt.iv.3,"If thoubetheSonofGod;"andheknowswhatsuchadistressashehimselfwasinto,wrestlingwithanangryGod,hidinghimselfandforsaking,willworkinapoorsinner;andbeingamercifulandsympathisingHighPriest,hecannotbutpity suchas areunder sucha distemper, and, as a graciousHead,sympathisewiththem.Now,thebelieverwouldlookouttohimassuch an one, and upon this ground go to him with confidence andboldness,and layout their casebeforehim, thathemayhelpand sendrelief:

(2.)TheywouldalsoeyeChristasabletosaveoutofthatcondition,andtocommandlighttoshineoutofdarkness;andso,asone"abletosavetotheuttermostallthatcometoGodthroughhim,"Heb.vii.25.

(3.)Andnotonlyso,buteyehimalsoasgiven,sent,andcommissionedoftheFather,tobealighttosuchassitindarkness;eventotheGentile.Isa.xlii.6,andxlix.6.Lukeii.32.Actsxiii.47;xxvi.23.Johnviii.12;andthiswillencouragethepoorsoulstogoouttohimwiththeirdarkness,whentheyseethatheissentasaLightandastheTruth,toclearuppoorsoulsthatwalkindarknessandhavenolight.Whentheyseethatitishisplaceandofficetohelpthem,andconsiderthatheistruetohistrust,andtrueandfaithful inall thatwascommittedtohim, itnotonlywillemboldenthem to come forward to him, but it will strengthen their hope, andencouragethemtowaiton.

(4.) They would stay themselves on him as an all-sufficient helper,renouncingallother,cryingout,thattheywillhavenolightbuthislight,

andthattheywillseeknowhereelseforlight,butwaitathisdoor,tillhe,whoistheSunofRighteousness,shallariseintheirsoul,andcomewithhealinglightinhiswings.

(5.)Theywouldbyfaithrollandcasttheirdarkenedsouls,theirconfusedcase, their overwhelmedhearts onhim, and leave them there; for he istheonlyphysician;andtheblindsoulmustbeputinhishand,whocantakeawaythefilm,andcausethescalesfalloff,andmakelightbreakintothesoulanddiscoveruntoititscondition.

(6.)Itwouldbeusefulandverysteadable,insuchatimeofdarkness,forthebelievertobefrequentinactingdirectactsoffaithonChrist;thatis,be frequent in going to him as an all-sufficient Mediator, as the onlyrefugeandshadowforapoor,weary,scorchedsoul,Isa.iv.6."Andamanshallbeasanhiding-placefromthewind,andacovertfromthetempest,asriversofwaterinadryplace,astheshadowofagreatrockinawearyland,"Isa.xxxii.2;"asonewhoisastrengthtotheneedyinhisdistress,arefugefromthestorm,ashadowfromtheheat,"&c.Isa.xxv,4.Whenthesoul is thus overwhelmed with clouds, and doubteth of its interest inChrist,itwouldthenputitoutofdoubt,byflyingtohimforrefugefromthestormofGod'sindignation,andlayholdonhimasheisfreelyofferedinthegospel,andthusrenewitsgripsofhimastheofferedall-sufficientMediator,andfrequentdirectactsof faithwillhelpat lengthtoareflexact.The soul that isdaily running toChrist, according to the covenant,withallitsnecessities,andlayingholdonhimasonlyabletohelp,willatlengthcometoseethatithathbelievedonhim,andismadewelcomebyhim, and accepted through him. So that reiterated acts of faith on anoffered cautioner and salvation, will dispel at length those clouds ofdarknessthattroublethesoul.

7. Such souls would beware of making their bands stronger, and theirdarknessgreater,by their folly andunwise carriage; for this cause theywouldbeware,

(1.)Tocryout indespondencyofspiritas if therewerenohope,andtoconclude peremptorily, that they are cut off, and it is vain to wait anylonger; for thiscoursewillbutdarken themthemore, andmultiply thecloudsovertheirhead.

(2.)TorunawayfromChrist throughunbeliefanddespair, forthatwillmaketheircaseyetworse.

(3.)Towalkuntenderlyandnotcircumspectly;forthemoresinsappear,the less light will be had. O but souls would be tender in all theirconversationatthattime,andguardagainsttheleastsinorappearanceofevil!

(4.)TofretandrepineagainstGod,becauseofthatdispensation;forthatwillbutentangle the soulmore,andwreathe theyokestraiterabout itsneck,andputitselffurtheroutofcasetoberelievedandtoreceivelight.

8.SuchwoulddowellnottolimittheHolyOneofIsrael,buttowaitwithpatiencetillhistimecometospeakinlighttothesoul,knowingthatsuchaswaituponhimshallneverbeashamed,Isa.xlix.23,becausehewaitethtobegracious;andthereforeblessedarealltheythatwaituponhim,Isa.xxx.18.

Quest. But what if for all this I get no outgate, but my distress anddarkness rathergrowuponmyhand?Ans.That sucha thingmaybe, Igrant, the Lord thinking it fit. (1.) To exercise their faith, dependence,patience, hope, and desiremore. (2.) And to discovermore unto themtheir own weakness, faintings, faithfulness. (3.) To shew his absolutepower and sovereignty. (4.) To make his grace and mercy moreconspicuousandremarkableatlength.And,(5.)totrainthemupinawayofdependenceonhiminthedark,andofleaningtohimwhenwalkingindarkness, yea, and in away of believingwhen they think they have nofaithatall,andforotherholyends.Yetthesoulwouldnotdespond,forthereareseveralthingsthatmayservetosupportandbearupthehearteveninthatcase,as,

1. This is not their case alone, others have been in the like before, andmanyhavehadthelikecomplaintsinallages,asisknowntosuchashavebeenacquaintedwithexercisedsouls.

2.Itmayyieldpeaceandcomforttoknowthattheyareaboutdutywhenlookingtohim,anddependinguponhim,andwaitingforhislight.

3.Thepromisesmadetosuchaswaitforhimmaysupportthesoulandyieldcomfort.

4.Thedistinctknowledgeanduptakingof their condition, though itbecomfortableandrefreshing,yetitisnotabsolutelynecessary.Asoulmaybeasavedsoul,thoughthosecloudsshouldcontinuetoitsdyingday;andthough,as longas they lived, theyshouldnevergetacleardiscoveryoftheirgraciousstate,butspendtheirdaysinmourning,complaining,andcryingoutofdarkness.

5.Suchasoulshouldthinkthat it ismuchthathe iskeptoutofhellsolong;andsure,thethoughtsofwhatheis,andofwhathedeserveth,maymakehimsober,andnottothinkmuch,thoughhereachnotsohighastoseehisnamewritteninthebookoflife.

6.Theyshouldknowthatfullassuranceofhopeandoffaithisbutrare:andevensuchashaveitdonotordinarilykeepitlong;sothatitshouldnotmuchtroublethem,if,afteralltheirpains,theycannotwinatit.

7.Iftheywintoanyrealgroundofhope,howsmallsoever,theyshouldthinkmuch of that; formany dear to Christ live long, and never knowwhatsomuchis.

8. It is no small matter that they are not sinking in the gulf ofinconsideration, andplaguedwith an indifferency in thesematters,butaremadetovalueChristandaninterestinhimatsucharate.

9.TheirgoingtoChristwithalltheirwants,layingallonhim,andtheirmakingthattheirdailyexercise,maykeepuptheirheartsfromfainting,yea,andfilltheirsoulswithjoy;forthatisreallytheexerciseoffaith.Andthegreatandgraciouspromisesaremadetosuchasbelieve,andnottosuchonlyasknowtheydobelieve.Igrantsuchasknownotthattheydobelieve,cannotdrawcomfortfromthesepromises;yetitistruethatonemay,byreflectingontheactingsofhisownsoul,seeandknowthatreallyhe is goingout toChrist, forsakinghimself, castinghisburdenonhim,waitinganddependinguponhim;whenyethewillnotsaythathedothbelieve. And when he seeth this working of soul towards Christ, he isobligedtobelievethathebelieveth,andthereuponrejoiceinhopeofthe

greatpromises.Andhowevertheverysightandknowledgeofthisactingandmotionofsoulmaygive themsomecomfort, though they shallnottakeitforfaith,becauseitisthewayofduty,anditisthethingthegospelcallethfor,andbecausetheycannotshowaninstanceofanyonesoulthatdid so, and perished. But the truth is, the right understanding of thenatureoffaithwouldclearmanydoubts,andpreventmanyquestions.

IcometospeakalittletothelastcasewhichIshallhandle,whichis,

CHAPTERXVIII.

HOW WE SHALL MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE TRUTH,THATWEMAYWINTORIGHTANDSUITABLETHOUGHTSOFGOD.

This is a case thatmuch troubleth the people ofGod,—they cannot getrightandsuitable thoughtsofGod,which theyearnestlydesiretohave,norknownothow towinat them;and certain it is, heonlywho is theTruth,andcameoutofthebosomoftheFather,canhelphere.Thereforeforouruse-makingofhimforthisend,itwouldberemembered,

1. That the mind of man, through the fall, is nothing but a mass ofignoranceandblindness; that"theunderstanding isdarkened,"Eph. iv.17,18;"andnaturallyweareindarkness,"1Johnii.9,11;"yea,underthepower of darkness," Col. i. 13; and, which is more, our minds arenaturally filled with prejudice against God, and enmity, throughwickednessnaturallyresidingthere,andwhichtheprinceofthepowerofthe air, the spirit which worketh in the children of disobedience,increasethandstirrethup.

2.That thisevil isnot totally takenaway,even in thegodly,but helpedonlyinpart;fortheyseeandknowbutinpart,1Cor.xiii.13.

3.Thathenceitcomethtopass,thatthroughtheworkingofcorruption,thesoulofabelievercansometimeswintonorightthoughtofGodatall;oratbesttosomeverynarrowandunsuitableconceptionsofhimandhisways;yea,sometimes,allthethoughtstheycangetofGodarevainandidle,ifnotmisshapenandblasphemous.

4.Thatasweare,wecannotseeGod;"fornomanhathseenhim,"Matt.xi.27.Johniv.46;forheisaninvisibleGod,1Tim.i.17.Heb.xi.27."Hedwelleth in light which noman can approach unto. Him noman hathseen,norcansee,"1Tim.vi.16.1Johniv.12.

5.ThatallthatknowledgeofGodwhichissaving,istobefoundinChrist,whoisthe"brightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson,"Heb. i.2;"andtheimageoftheinvisibleGod,"Col. i.15;andisforthisendcomeout from thebosomof theFather, thathemight acquaintuswith him, andwith all his secrets, John i. 18.Matt. xi. 27, so far as isneedfulforustoknow.HeisGodincarnate,thatinhimwemayseetheinvisible.Thus"Godismanifestintheflesh,"1Tim.iii.16;"andtheWordwasmadeflesh,anddweltamongus,"Johni.14.

6.That therefore ifwewould seeandknowGod,wemustgo toChrist,whoisthetempleinwhichGoddwellethandmanifestethhisglory;andinandthroughhim,mustweseeandconceiveofGod.Thelightthatweget of the knowledge of the glory of God,must be in the face of JesusChrist,2Cor.iv.6;thatis,inthemanifestationsthatChristhathmadeofhimself,inhisnatures,offices,ordinances,works,dispensationsofgrace,mediate and immediate, &c. And thus doth God, who commanded thelight to shine out of darkness, "cause this light of the knowledge of hisgloryshineintoourhearts,"viz.inthefaceofJesusChrist,thatis,inthedispensations of grace in the gospel, which is the glorious gospel ofChrist,2Cor.iv.4,and,asitwere,thefaceofJesusChrist;forasbytheface a man is best known and distinguished from others, so Christ isvisibly,anddiscernibly,andmanifestly, seenandknown, in andby thegospel dispensations; there are all the lineaments and draughts of thegloryofGodwhichwewouldknow,livelyandclearlytobeseen.

Sothen,ifwewouldmakeuseofChristforthisend,thatwemaywintoaright sight of God, and suitable conceptions of his glory, we wouldconsiderthosethings:

1. We would live under the sense and thorough conviction of thegreatness and incomprehensibleness of God, as being every way pastfinding out; and also under the conviction of our own darkness andincapacitytoconceivearightofhim,evenastowhathehathrevealedofhimself.

2. We would know, that what the works of creation and providencedeclareandpreachforthofGod,thoughitbesufficienttomakeheathensandothersthatdonotimprovethesametoarightacknowledgingofhim,

inexcusable,asPaulteachethus,Rom.i.20;yetallthatisshortofgivingtousthatsavingknowledgeofhim,whichmustbehad,andwhichislifeeternal,Johnxvii.2.

3.Wewouldknow,thatwhatofGod is tobe foundoutbytheworksofcreation and providence, is more distinctly seen in Christ and in thegospel.HereisagreaterandmoregloriousdiscoveryofGod,andofhisgloriousattributes,hisjustice,power,wisdom,goodness,holiness,truth,&c. than can be found by the deepest diving naturalist, andmost wisemoralobserverofProvidence,thatisnottaughtoutofthegospel.

4.Yea,thereissomethingofGodtobeseeninChrist,inthegospel,whichcanbeobservedinnoneofhisworksof,creationorcommonprovidence;thereisthegraceofGodthatbringethsalvation, that ismadetoappearonlybythegospel,Titusii.11;andthereisapeculiarkindnessandloveofGodtowardsman,whichisonlydiscoveredbyChristinthegospel,Titusiii.4.ThereisthatmanifoldwisdomofGod,thatmysterywhichwashidfromthebeginningoftheworldinGod;thatprincipalitiesandpowersinheavenlyplaces,thegreatestandwisestofnaturalistsmust learnbythechurch,whereinthatispreachedandproclaimed,bythedispensationsofthegospel,Eph.iii.9,10.Hismercypardoningpoorsinners,justicebeingsatisfied,cannotbeclearedbynature.Naturecannotunfoldthatmysteryof justice andmercy, concurring to the salvation of a sinner—only thegospelcanclearthatriddle.

5. We would remember, that all the beams of that glory which arenecessaryandusefulforustoknow,are,tospeakso,contractedinChrist,andtherevailed,totheendthatwemaymoresteadilylookuponthem.WemaygotoourBrother,whois fleshofourflesh,andthere, throughthevailofhisflesh,seeandbeholdwhatotherwisewas invisible.Aswecanlooktothesunbettershining inapailofwater, thanby lookingupimmediately;socanwebeholdGodandhisglorybetterinChrist,wherethereisathinvail(tospeakso)drawnoverthatotherwiseblinding,yea,killingglory, thanby looking toGodwithoutChrist; for, alas!we couldnotendureoneglanceofanimmediaterayofdivineglory:itwouldkillusoutright.

6.Wemust thengo toChrist,andthereseeGod; forhewhoseethhim

seeth the Father also, John xiv. 9. Particularly, wemust go the face ofJesus Christ, that is, that whereby he hath made himself known, thenoblecontrivanceofthegloriousgospel,whereinallthingsaresocarriedon, as thatGod is glorified inhis Son, in the salvationof poor sinners.ThewholeworkofsalvationislaidonChrist,andtheFatherisglorifiedin him, who is his Servant and his Chosen, whom he upholdeth andfurnishethforthework,Isa.xlii.1,2.Heiscalledthecovenantitself.Heisthe undertaker in the covenant of redemption and in the covenant ofgrace;allisfoundedonhim;allthegoodthingsofitaregivenoutbyhim;allthegracebywhichweclosewithit,andacceptofhimaccordingtoit,is givenbyhim.Now, in this gospel contrivance are all the lines of theglorious face of Christ to be seen; and in that face must we see anddiscernthegloryofGod,alltheraysofwhicharecenteredinChrist,andtherewillwegetanobleprospectofthatgloriousobject.SothatallsuchaswouldmakeuseofChrist for thisend, that theymightcometohaveright and suitable thoughts and apprehensions of God, must be wellacquainted with the whole draught and frame of the gospel; and soacquaintedtherewith,astoseeChristthesubstance,groundandallofit,andtoseehimineverypartofit.

7. Whatever we know or learn of God by his works of creation andprovidence, in theworld or about ourselves, wewould bring it in herethatitmayreceiveanewtinctureandadeeperimpression.Thatisdone,whenwefindandlearnsomethingofChristthere,andarebroughtnearerChristthereby,andmadetherebytodiscoversomethingmoreofthegloryofGodinthefaceofChrist;oraremadetounderstandbettersomethingoftherevelationthatismadeofGodinthegospel,ormovedtherebytoimproveitbetter.

8.Inallthismatter,wemustnotgowithoutourguide,lestwewanderinthiswilderness,anditprovealabyrinthtous.WemusttakeChristwithusallalong;hemustteachustounderstandhisownface,andtoreadthegloriouscharactersofthatexcellentglorywhichistobeseeninhisface.Hemustbeourinterpreter,andteachushowtoreadthisbook,andhowtounderstandwhat iswritten therein; hemust give thediscerning eye,and the understanding heart; even the spirit of wisdom andunderstanding,totakeupthemysteriesofGod.

9.Andforthiscause,weshouldbyfaithlayholduponthepromisesoftheSpirit,wherebywemaybemadespiritual,andhaveourunderstandingsenlightenedmoreandmore,tounderstandthemysteriouscharactersofdivinemajestyandglory.

10. In all this exercise we should walk with fear, and carry with usimpressions of the dreadful majesty and glory of God, that we maytrembleandfear,andstandinawe,andreadwhatwereadofthisgloryofGod in the face of JesusChrist, this gloriousBible,with reverenceandgodly fear. And thus we may be helped to win to right and suitablethoughtsofGod;yetwithalweshould,for

CAUTIONS,

Considerafewthingsfurther;as,

1.Thatwemustnot thinkto"searchout theAlmightyuntoperfection,"Jobxi.7.

2.NormustwethinktogetanyonepointofGodknownandunderstoodperfectly;corruptionwillmixinitself,doourbest;andourshortcomingswillnoteasilybereckonedup.

3.Wemustbewareof carnal curiosity, andofunlawfuldiving into thisdepth,lestwedrown.

4.Weshouldnotdreamofastatehere,whereinwewillnotneedChristfor this end. Yea, I suppose, in glory, hewill be of use to us, as to theseeingofGod;foreventhere,asheisto-day,soshallheforeverabide,Godandmanintwodistinctnaturesandoneperson,andthatcannotbefornought;andasGodwillbestillGodinvisibleandunsearchable,sowe,thoughglorified,willremainfinitecreatures,andthereforewillstandinneedofChrist,thatinhisgloriousfacewemayseetheinvisible.Hemustbeourlumengloriae.

5.Weshouldthinkitnosmallmattertohavetheimpressionsofthissightuponourhearts,thatwecannotseehim;andthatwe,inthisstateofsin,

cannotgetrightandsuitableapprehensionsofhim.Isay,theimpressionofthisonourspirits,thatis,suchasightofimpossibilitytogethimseenaright,aswillkeeptheheartinawe,andcauseuswalkbeforehiminfearand reverence, and to humble ourselves in the dust, and to tremblewheneverwemakemention of his name, or begin tomeditate on him,knowinghowgreatanoneheis,andhowdangerousitistothinkamissofhim,andhowdifficulttogetarightthoughtofhim.

CHAPTERXIX.

"ANDTHELIFE."HOWCHRISTISTHELIFE.

This,astheformer,beingspokenindefinitely,maybeuniversallytaken,asrelatingbothtosuchasareyetinthestateofnature,andtosuchasareinthestateofgrace,andsomaybeconsideredinreferencetoboth,andground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and inreferencetotheother;towit,1.Thatourcaseissuchaswestandinneedofhishelp,asbeingtheLife.2.Thatnootherwaybutbyhim,canwegetthat supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he only is the Life,excluding all other. 3. That this help is to be had in him fully andcompletely,fornotonlyisheabletoquicken,butheiscalledtheLife;sothatthehelpwhichhegivethisfull,excellent,andcomplete.

Lookinguponthewordsinreferencetosuchasareinnature,theypointoutthosethreetruthstous:

I.Thatallofusbynaturearedead,standinginneedofquickeningandoflife;forthisispresupposed,whileheissaidtobetheLife,andthatbothlegallyandreally:Legally,beingunderthesentenceofdeath,forAdam'stransgression, Rom. v. 15, and for that original corruption of heart wehave;andreally,thesentenceofthelawbeinginpartexecuted,andthatbothastothebodyandastothesoul.Astothebody,itisnowsubjecttodeath,andalltheforerunnersthereof,suchasweakness,pains,sickness,fears,torment,trouble,weariness,yea,andinhazardofhell-fire,andthetormentsoftheseconddeathforever.Astothesoul,italsoismanywaysdead;butfirstinawaythatispurelypenal,andnextinawaythatisalsosinful;andbothways,astowhatispresent,andastowhatisfuture.Forastothatwhichispenalandpresent, it is, (1.)separatedfromGodandhisfavour,Gen.iii.8,10,24;(2.)isunderhiscurseandwrath,whenceitcometh to pass, that by nature we are children of wrath, Eph. ii. 2, 5;servants of Satan, 2 Tim. ii. 26; the consequence of which is sad andheavy,forhenceitisthatwecannotpleaseGod,dowhatwewill.Tillwe

be brought out of that state, our ordinary and civil actions, evenploughing the ground, is sin, Prov. xxi. 4; yea, our religious actions,whethernaturalorinstituted,areabomination;evenoursacrifices,Prov.xv. 8; xxi. 27; and prayers, Prov. xxviii. 9. Psalm x. 7; yea, and all ourthoughtsandpurposes,Prov.xv.26;andlikewiseallourways,Prov.xv.9. As to what is penal and future, it is obnoxious to that everlastingexcommunication from thepresenceof theLord, and from the gloryofhispower,2Thess.i.8,9;andtothetormentsofhellforever,Markix.44,46,48.Lukexvi.Astowhatisnotonlypenalbutalsosinful,thesoulhere isunder thestrokeofdarkness in theunderstanding,perversenessandrebelliousnessinthewill,irregularityanddisorderintheaffections,wherebythesoulisunfitforanythingthatisgood,Rom.iii.10-20.Eph.ii. 1, 2, 3. Rom. v. 6; viii. 7, 8; whence proceedeth all our actualtransgressions,Jamesi.14,15.Andmoreoversometimesthesoulisgivenuptoareprobatemind,Rom.i.28;tostrongdelusion,2Thess.ii.2;tohardnessofheart,Rom.ii.5;horrorofconscience,Isa.xxxiii.14;tovileaffections,Rom. i. 26, and the like spiritual plagues,which, though theLord inflict on someonly, yet all are obnoxious to the samebynature,andcanexpectnoless,iftheLordshouldenterwiththemintojudgment.And finally, as to what is future of this kind, they are, being fuel forTophet,obnoxioustothatmalignant,sinful,blasphemous,anddesperaterebellionagainstGod,inhellforevermore!

Ohow lamentable,upon this consideration,must the conditionof suchbe,asareyetinthestateofnature!Oh,ifitwerebutseenandfelt!But,alas!thereisthisadditiontoall,thatpeopleknownotthis;theyconsiderit not, they believe it not, they feel it not, they see it not; and hence itcomethtopass,that,

First. They cannot bewail and lament their condition, nor be humbledtherefor.

Secondly. They cannot, andwill not seek after a remedy; for thewholewillnottroublethemselvestoseekafteraphysician.

And sure upon this account, their case calleth for pity and compassionfromall thatknowwhatadreadful thing it is tobe insuchacondition,andshouldstirupalltoprayforthem,andtodoalltheycantohelpthem

outofthatstateofsinandmisery,whichisdreadfultothinkupon.

Shouldnot the thoughts and consideration of this put us all to try andsearch,ifwebeyettranslatedfromdeathtolife,anddeliveredoutofthatdreadfulandterriblestate,andmadepartakersofthefirstresurrection.Itnotbeingmypurposetohandlethispointatlarge,Ishallnothereinsistingivingmarks,whereby thismaybeknown,andwhichareobvious inPaul's Epistles, and to be found handled at large in several practicalpieces, chiefly inMr. Guthrie's Great Interest. I shall only desire everyonetoconsiderandexamine,

1.Whether or not the voice of Christ,which quickeneth the dead,hathbeenheardandwelcomedintheirsoul.Thisiseffectualcalling.

2.Whether or not there be a thorough changewrought in their soul, achangeinthewholeman,soasallthingsarebecomenew.2Cor.v.17.

3.Whetherornottherebeaprincipleof lifewithin?andtheybe ledbytheSpirit.

4.WhetherornottherebealivingtothegloryoftheLordRedeemer.

Andwhenbyanimpartialtrial,adiscoveryismadeofthebadnessofourcondition,shouldwenotbealarmedtolookaboutus,andtolabourbyallmeansforanoutgate?Considering,(1.)Howdolefulandlamentablethiscondition is. (2.)Howsadanddreadful the consequencesof it are. (3.)How happy a thing it is to be delivered from thismiserable and sinfulcondition.And,(4.)Howthereisapossibilityofoutgate.

Finally. Itmay break a heart of stone to think, howpeople that are insuchaconditionaresounwillingtocomeoutofit:For,

1.Howunwillingaretheyoncetosuspecttheircondition,ortosupposethatitmaybebad,andthattheymaybeyetunconverted?

2.Howunwillingare they, tositdownseriously to tryandexaminethematter,andtolaytheircasetothetouch-stoneoftheword?

3.Yea,howunwillingaretheytohearanythingthatmaytendtoawaken

them,ortodiscoveruntothemthedeadnessoftheircondition?

4.Howreadytostiflechallengesofconscience,oranycommonmotionoftheSpirit,whichtendethtoalarmtheirsoul?

5. How great enemies are they to such ordinances as serve to awakensleepingconsciences?

6.Andhowdotheyhatesuchministersaspreachsuchdoctrineasmayservetorousethemup,andsetthema-workabouttheirownsalvation?

II. We learn hence, that without Christ there is no imaginary way ofdeliveryoutofthisnaturalstateofdeath."Noothernameisgivenunderheavenwherebywe canbe saved,"Acts iv. 12; andangelscanmakenohelphere,norcanoneofusdeliveranother;theredemptionofthesoulismorepreciousthanso,Psalmxlix.7,8.Noristhereanythingwecandofor ourselves that will avail here; all our prayers, tears, whippings,fastings, vows, alms-deeds, purposes, promises, resolutions, abstinencefrom some evils, outward amendments, good morality and civility,outward religiousness, yea, and if it were possible, our keeping of thewholelaw,willnothelpusoutofthispit.Andwemaywearyourselvesinsuchexercisesinvain;fortheywillprovebutbodilyexercisesthatprofitlittle.Andwheninthiswaywehavespentallourtime,parts,spirits,andlabour,weshallatlengthseeandsay,thatwehavespentourmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread.

This shouldputall ofus to trywhat it iswhichwe lean to for life;andwhatitis,theconsiderationwhereofgivethuspeaceandquietnesswhenthethoughtsofdeath,judgment,hell,andthewrathofGodcomeuponusandtroubleus:Forif itbeanythingbesideChristthatoursoulleanethto,andthatwearecomfortedby,andfoundallourhopesupon,wewillmeet with a lamentable (oh! for ever lamentable!) disappointment. Besurethen,thatourheartsrenounceallotherwaysandmeansofoutgateoutofthisdeath,besidesJesus,theresurrectionandthelife,elseitwillnotbewellwithus.

III.Weseehere,thatdeliveryoutofthisnaturalstateofdeathisonlyhadbyChrist:Forhealoneisthelife,andthelifethatisinhimissuitableand

excellent. Hence he is called "the bread of life," John vi. 35, 48. "Theresurrectionandthelife,"Johnxi.25."Thewateroflife,"Rev.xxi.6,andxxii.17."Thetreeoflife,"Rev.xxii.2,14."Theprinceoflife,"Actsiii.15."Ourlife,"Col.iii.4."Thewordoflife,andlifeitself,"1Johni.1,2.

And as he is a suitable and excellent life, so is he an all-sufficient andperfectlife,ableeverywaytohelpusandtodeliverusfromallthepartsofourdeath.For,

1.Hedeliverethfromthesentenceofthelaw,Rom.v.17,18,undergoingthecurseofthelaw,andbecomingacurseforus,2Cor.v.21.

2.Hetakethawaythecurseandstingofalltemporalplagues,yea,andofdeath itself, causing all towork together for good to such as love him,Rom.viii.28.Hehathkilledhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatis,thedevil, Heb. ii. 14; and through him the sting of death, which is sin, istakenaway,1Cor.xv.56,57.

3.HereconcilethtoGod,takingawaythatdistanceandenmity,2Cor.v.20;andsoheisourpeaceandpeacemaker,purchasingaccesstoustotheFather,Eph.ii.14,16;iii.12.

4.Healsodeliverethfromthepowerofsinandcorruption,Rom.vii.24.

5. And from all those spiritual strokes; such as blindness, hardness ofheart,&c.Forheisourlight;andhathprocuredanewheartforus,evenaheartofflesh.

6. So delivereth he from hell fire, having satisfied justice, and havingbroughtlifeandimmortalitytolight;andhegivethlifeeternal,aswesee,Rev.ii.3.

Oh! it is sad, thatChrist is so littlemadeuseof, and that somanywillforsake the fountain of living waters, and dig to themselves brokencisterns thatcanholdnowater;andslight,despise,andundervalue thegospelofChrist,whichbringethlifeandimmortalitytolight.

Oh! if the consideration of this could move such as never found anychangeinthemselves,torunto,andmakeuseofJesusChristforlife;and

wouldforthisend,

(1.)Crytohim,thathewouldmakethemsensibleoftheirdeadness,andwakenthemoutoftheirdeepsleep.

(2.)Crytohim,tosetthema-worktorenounceallotherhelpbesidehis,asbeingutterlyunabletoquickenandputlifeinthem.

(3.)Crytohim,thathewoulddrawanddeterminetheirsoulstoaclosingwithhimbyfaithalone,toahearingofhisvoice,toanobeyingofhiscall,toafollowingofhisdirection,toagivingupofthemselvestohim,leaningtohim,andwaitingforallfromhimalone:inaword,totakehimfortheirlife inallpoints, and to lean tohim for life, and to expect it fromhim,throughfaithinthepromisesofthegospel.

Next.Thisbeingspokentothedisciples,whomwesupposetohavebeenbelievers, itwill giveusground to speakof it, in reference tobelievers,andsoyieldthreepointsoftruth,whichweshallbrieflytouch,andthencome to speak of use-making of Christ as the Life, in some particularcases.

First. It is here clearly presupposed, that even believers have need ofChristtobelifeuntothem;andsohavetheirfitsofdeadness.Ifitwerenot so, why would Christ have said to believers, that he was life? Anddailyexperiencedothabundantlyconfirmit.For,

1.Theyareoftsoweakandunabletoresisttemptation,ortogoaboutanycommandedduty,asiftheywerequitedead.

2. They are oft so borne down with discouragement, because of thestrengthofoppositionwhichtheymeetwithonallhands;andbecauseofthe manifold disappointments which they meet with, that they haveneitherheartnorhand;andtheyfaintandsetupinthewaysoftheLord;andcannotgothroughdifficulties,butoftentimeslieby.

3.Throughdailyfighting,andseeingnovictory,theybecomewearyandfaint-hearted;sothattheyliebyasdead,Isa.xl.29.

4. They oft fall sick and decay, and have need of restoration and

quickening.

5.ThewantofthesenseofGod'sfavour,andofthecomfortsoftheHolyGhost,makeththemtodwineanddroop,andlookoutasdead.

6.Whileundersouldesertionsupononeaccountorother,theylookuponthemselvesasfreeamongthedead,thatis,asdeadmen,ofthesocietyofthedead,withHeman,Psalmlxxxviii.

7.Yea,manytimestheyareasdeadmen,ledcaptiveinchainsofunbeliefand corruptions, as we see David was, when his heart panted, and hisstrengthfailedhim,andthelightofhiseyesweregonefromhim,Psalmxxxviii.10.

8.Manytimesthefrequentchanges,andupsanddownstheymeetwith,takeallcourageandheartfromthem,thattheybecomelikementossedatsea,soastheyhavenomorestrength.

Andmanysuchthingsbefallthem,whichmakethemlookasdead,andtostand in need of quickening, reviving and strengthening cordials fromhimwhoisthelife.AndthustheLordthinkethgoodtodispensewithhisownpeople,

(1.)Thattheymaybekepthumble,andknowthemselvestobeindigentcreatures,needinginfluencesoflifedaily.

(2.)That theymayhavemanyerrands tohimwho is the life, andhavemuchtodowithhim,anddependuponhimcontinually.

(3.) That he may show himself wonderful, in and about them, givingproof of his skill in quickening the dead, and in bringing such throughuntoeverlastinglife,whoweredaily,asitwere,givinguptheghost,andatthepointofdeath.

(4.)Thatheavenmaybeheaven;thatis,aplace"wherethewearyareatrest," Job iii. 17; and the troubled rest, 2 Thes. i. 7; and where theinhabitantsshallnotsaytheyaresick,Isa.xxxiii.24.

(5.)Thattheymaybetaughtmorethelifeoffaithandofdependenceon

him,andtrainedupinthatway.

(6.) That he may be owned, acknowledged, and submitted unto as asovereignGod,doingwhathewillinheavenandinearth.

For all this, there is no cause that any should take up any prejudice atChristianity:for,forallthistheirlifeissure,andtheoutgateissureandsafe.Norwouldtheythinkitstrange, toseebelieversoftmourninganddrooping,seeingtheircasewilloftfallfornewsuppliesoflife.Theirfitsare not known to every one; nor doth every one know what liethsometimesattheirheart;norwouldtheythinkitsuchaneasymattertowintoheavenastheyimagine;andsodeceivethemselves.Therighteousaresavedthroughmanydeaths.

Andasforbelievers,theywouldnotthinkitstrangetomeetwithsuchfitsof deadness; nor thence conclude, that all their former work was butdelusion,andthattheyarestillinthestateofnature.Butratherobservethewisdom,faithfulness,andpowerofGodinbringingtheirbrokenshipthroughsomuchbrokenwater,yea,andshipwrecks;andhisgoodnessinorderingmatterssoastheyshallbekepthumble,watchful,diligentandconstantindependenceuponhimwhoisandmustbetheirlife,firstandlast. And hence learn a necessity of living always near to Christ, anddepending constantly upon him by faith; for he being their life, theycannotbewithouthim,buttheymustdieanddecay.

Second.Wehencelearn,thatunderallthesefitsofdeadnesstowhichhispeoplearesubject,nothingwithoutChristwillhelp:Not,

1.Alltheirpainsinandaboutordinarymeans,prayer,reading,hearing,meditation,conference,&c.Theywillallcryout,thathelpisnotinthem:forheisthelife.

2.Norextraordinaryduties,suchasfastingandprayer,andvows,—thesewillneverreviveandquickenadroopingorfaintingsicklysoul:fortheyarenotChrist,northelife.

3.Norwill a stout courageous spirit and resolutionofheart avail. IfhewhoistheLife,breathenot,allthatwillmeltawayandevanish.

4.Norwill the stock of habitual gracewhich remaineth in the soul, besufficient toquickenand revive the sick soul, if theLifebreathenotonthesehabits;andifnewinfluencesof lifeandstrengthflownot inuponthesoul,andnewrayscomenotdownfromthisSunofRighteousnesstowarmthefrozensoul,thehabitswillliebyasdead.

5. Far lesswill their great gifts and endowments help themout of thatdead condition; all their light andknowledge,without the influences ofthisLife,willproveweakandinsufficientforthisendandpurpose.

6.Norwillsound,pureandlively-likeordinancesworkoutthiseffect;fortillhelookdown,alltheseordinancesmayprovedeadanddeadeningtothem.

Itweregoodifbelieverswerelivingundertheconvictionofthisdaily,andbytheirpracticeandcarriagedeclaringiftheybelieve,thatChristonlyistheLife, and that theymust live inhim, andbe quickened and revivedthroughhimalone.

Third.Weseehence,thatChrististheLife,thatis,onethatsufficiently,yea, and abundantly can help the believer while under those fits ofdeadnesswhichhavebeenmentioned,andthelike.Thereisinhimarichsupplyofthingsthattendtorevive,encourage,strengthenandenlivenasoulunderspiritualdeadnessandfainting.ThereforeishecalledtheLife;ashavinginhimall thatwhichisnecessaryforandanswerabletosoulsunderspiritualsicknesses,distempers,desertions,faintingandswooningfits,&c.,forwithhim"isthefountainoflife,"Psalmxxxvi.9;"andheitisthat upholdeth the soul in life," Psalm lxvi. 9; "and can command theblessing,evenlifeforevermore,"Psalmcxxxiii.3.

Forfurtherclearingofthis,wewouldconsiderthosethings,

1.ThatheisGod,equalwiththeFatherinpowerandglory,andthereby"hath life inhimself,"Johnv.26;andcan"quickenwhomhewill,"ver.21.BythisheprovethhisownGodheadandequalitywiththeFather;so,John i.4, it is said, "that inhimwas life,"and that lifewas the lightofmen, whereby also his Godhead is confirmed. This should be firmlybelieved,and rooted inourhearts,asbeing thegroundofallourhope,

comfort, and life: For, were it not so, that ourMediator were the trueGod,allourhopesweregone,ourcomfortscouldnotbelonglived,andourlifewereextinct.

2.AsMediatorGod-man,heisfullyandthoroughlyfurnishedtoquickenandenlivenhismembersandfollowers,firstandlast;andallalongtheirlifemustbehidwithChrist inGod;"for inhimdwelleth theFulnessoftheGodheadbodily,"Col. ii.9;asMediator,he iscalled"a treeof life,"Prov.iii.18;quickeningandenliveningallthatfeeduponhim;and"thebread of life," John vi. 35, 48. Yea, because of power and authority tocommandlifetothedeadsoul,heiscalled"thePrinceoflife,"Actsiii.15;andasaliving,quickeningstone,hegivethlifetoallthatarebuiltuponhim,1Pet.ii.4.Yea,asbeingfullyfittedandfurnishedforthiswork,hecallethhimself"theresurrectionandthelife,"Johnxi.25.Thisshouldberivetedinourhearts,asacomfortableandencouragingtruth.

3.Of thisstockof lifeandquickeningandrevivinggracewhichhe hathgot,andisfurnishedwithalasMediatorandRedeemerofhispeople,heis communicative,—"of his fulness do we receive, and grace for grace,"Johni.16.Hegotitthathemightgiveitout,andthatfromhimasaheaditmightflowuntohismembers,andthereforeheisthebreadthatcamedown from heaven, and giveth life to the world, John vi. 35. Yea, hegivetheternallifetoallhissheep,Johnx.28;andheiscomeforthisend,that his sheepmight have life, John x. 10. Therefore hath he taken onsuchrelations,asmaygivegroundofconfirmationofthis,asofahead,ofa stock or root, and the like. This consideration is strengthening andreviving.

4.Hecommunicatethofthisstockoflife,andofrevivingstrength,whichhehathmostsweetlyandonmosteasyterms.Sothat,

(1.)Suchasseekhimshallfindlifebyhim,Psalmlxix.32.

(2.)Yea,suchasknowhimshallnotmisslife,Johnxvii.3.1Johnv.20.

(3.) Ifwewill believeonhimand restuponhim,wehave life first andlast,Johniii.15,16,36;vi.40,47.1Tim.i.16.

(4.)Ifwewillcometohim,Johnv.40,andcastourdeadsouluponhim,weshalllive.

(5.) Ifwewill hearhis voice, Isa. lv. 3, and receivehis instructions,weshalllive;fortheyaretheinstructionsoflife.

(6.)Nay,ifthesoulbesodead,thatitcanneitherwalknorhear,ifitcanbutlooktohim,hewillgivelife,Isa.xlv.22.

(7.)Andifthesoulbesoweak,thatitcannotlook,norliftupitseyes;yetifitbewilling,hewillcomewithlife.Rev.xxii.17.

Oh,ifthiswerebelieved!

5.Asheiscommunicativeofthatlifewhichhehathgottenashead,andthat upon easy terms; so he giveth out of that life liberally, largely,abundantly,yea,moreabundantly,Johnx.10.Thewateroflifewhichhegiveth, is "awell ofwater springing up to everlasting life," John iv. 14.Thereforeheallowethhisfriendstodrinkabundantly,Cant.v.1.

6.Yet itwouldberemembered,thatheisLordandmasterthereof,andPrinceofthislife,andsomaydispenseitandgiveitout,inwhatmeasureheseethfit;andheiswisetomeasureoutbestforhisownglory,andtotheiradvantage.

7.Allthis lifeissureinhim,—noneofhisshallbedisappointedthereof.Hisoffices,whichhehathtakenon;andhiscommission,whichhehathoftheFather,abundantlyclearthis;andlovetohis,willnotsufferhimtokeepupanythingthatisfortheiradvantage.Heisfaithfulinhishouseasa son, and will do all that was committed unto him to do. The wholetransaction of the covenant of redemption, and suretyship, and all thepromisesofthenewcovenantofgrace,confirmthistobeasuretruth;sothattheythathavehimhavelife,1Johnv.12.Prov.viii.35.

8.Yea, all that is inChrist contributeth to this life andquickening.Hiswordsanddoctrinearethewordsofeternallife,Johnvi.63,68.Phil.ii.16. His works and ways are the ways of life, Acts ii. 28. His natures,offices, sufferings, actings, all he did as Mediator, concur to the

quickeningandenliveningofapoordeadsoul.

9. This fulness of life which he hath, is fully suited to the believer'scondition,inallpoints,asweshallhear.

10.Thislifeiseminentlyandtranscendentlyinhim,andexclusivelyofallothers.Itisinhim,andinhimalone;anditisinhiminamostexcellentmanner:Sothatheisthelife,intheabstract;notonlyalivinghead,andanenliveninghead;butlifeitself,thelife,the"resurrectionandthelife."

CHAPTERXX.

SOMEGENERALUSES.

Beforewecome to speakof someparticular casesofdeadness,whereinbelieversaretomakeuseofChristastheLife,weshallfirstproposesomeusefulconsequencesanddeductionsfromwhathathbeenspokenofthislife;and,

I. The faith of those things, which have been mentioned, would be ofgreatuseandadvantagetobelievers;andthereforetheyshouldstudytohavethe faithof this truth fixedontheirhearts,andadeep impressionthereofontheirspirits,totheend,that,

1. Be their case and condition what it will, they might be kept fromdespair, and despondency of spirit, from giving over their case ashopeless; and from lookingupon themselves as irremediably gone.ThefaithofChristbeinglife,andthelife,wouldkeepupthesoulinhope,andcause itsay,—howdeadsoevermycasebe,yet lifecanhelpme,andhewhoistheresurrectionandthelife,canrecoverme.

2. Yea, be their case and condition what it will, they would have heresomegroundofencouragement,togotohimwiththeirdeadsoul,andtolook to him for help, seeing he is the Life, asMediator, to the end hemightenlivenandquickenhisdead,fainting,swooningmembers,andtorecoverthemfromtheirdeadness.

3.Theymightbefreedfrommanyscruplesandobjectionsthatscaranddiscourage them.Thisone truthbelievedwouldclearup theway so, asthatsuchthings,aswouldhavebeenimpedimentsandobjectionsbefore,shallevanish,andberolledoutof thewaynow:Suchas, theobjectionstakenfromtheirownworthlessness,theirlongcontinuanceinthatdeadcondition,andthelike.

4.Theymightherebylikewisebefreedfromthatdreadfulplagueandevilofjealousy,wherebythesoulisoftkeptbackfromcomingtoChrist:Forthey fear he will not make them welcome; they doubt of his love andtenderness, and question his pity and compassion; yea, their jealousymaketh them todoubtofhis faithfulness; so that the faithof this truthwouldcurethisjealousy,anddeliverthesoultherefrom,andopenawayforthesoultocomeforwardwithboldnessandconfidence.

5.Theymightalsobeherebyhelpedtowaitwithpatience,andtobestillandquietunder theLord's variousdispensations; so as theywouldnotfretnor repineagainsthim,knowing thathewouldprovehimself tobeLife,eventheLife,inhisowngoodtime;sothatthesoulwouldpatientlywaitathisdoor,tillhewerepleasedtolookout,andwithhislookconveylifeintotheirdeadsoul.

6.Theymightbepreservedherebyfromlookingouttoorexpectinganyhelp from any other quarter: knowing that he alone is the Life; and sothathelpcannowhereelsebehad.The faithof this truthwouldguardfromany sinistrouswayswhich the soul, ina timeof strait, is ready torun to for relief: for hereby would it see that neither instruments normeans, nor outward administrations, nor any thing of that kind, canquicken theirdeadsoul; and thathe, andhe alonemust breathe in lifeintothem,asatfirst,sonowagain.

II.Maywe not see and observe here greatmatter of admiration at thegoodnessandrichbountyofGodtowardshispeople,whohathfoundoutandcondescendeduponsuchasure,safe,andsatisfyingway,wherebyhebecomethall things tohispeoplewhich theystand inneedof;and thatnotwithstanding,

1. Thatwe aremost unworthy of any such dispensation of grace at hishands.

2.Thatwe toooft are toodesirousof other guests inourhearts besidehim:Ohowmuchcorruption,sinanddeathlodgewithinoursouls!andhowmoredesirousareweofttimesofdeaththanoflife!

3. That we little improve the noble advantages for life which we have

granteduntous;yea,manyatimeweabusethem;andthishedidforesee,andyetnotwithstandingwouldcondescenduntous.

4.Thatwedolittleexpressourthankfulnessforsuchmercies.

Butnotforoursakeshathhedonethis,butforhisownname'ssake:Fornobleandholyendshathheresolvedonthiscourse;as,

(1.) That hemight be "all in all," Col. iii. 11, and they nothing; that healone might fill all in all, Eph. i. ult., and they be empty and nothingwithouthim.

(2.)Thathemightwearthegloryofall;"forofhim,andthroughhim,andtohimareallthings,"Rom.xi.36,andthatnomanmightsharetherein.

(3.) That man might be his everlasting debtor, and cast down, intestimony thereof,his crownathis feet, "whosittethon the throne,"asthosedid,Rev. iv.10,andmightcryoutwiththesesameelders,ver.11,"Thouartworthy,OLord,toreceiveglory,andhonour,andpower,"&c.;andwiththose,chap.v.12,"WorthyistheLambthatwasslain,toreceivepower,andriches,andwisdom,andstrength,andhonour,andblessing."

(4.) That man's mouth might be stopped for ever, and all boastingexcluded;formanisaproudcreature,andreadytoboastofthatwhichisnothingandvanity.NowGodhathchosenthisnoblewayofthecovenantofgrace,thatnomanmightboastanymore.Whereisboastingthen?Itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?Bythelawofworks?no,butbythelawoffaith,saiththeapostle,Rom.iii.24.

(5.)Thatallmightbesuretothepoorchosenbeliever.TheLordwillnothave the stock of life, any longer to be in aman's own hand: for evenAdam, in the state of innocency, could not use it well, but madeshipwreck thereof, and turnedabankrupt;muchmorewouldmannowdoso,inthisstateofsin,inwhichheliethatpresent,thereforehathGod,outof loveand tenderness tohischosenones,putall their stock in thehandofChrist,whoisbetterabletomanageit,toGod'sgloryandman'sadvantage,beingfaithful inall things, anda trusty servant, "having thefulness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily." "Therefore," saith the

apostle,Rom.iv.16."it isof faith,that itmightbebygrace;totheend,thepromisesmightbesuretoalltheseed."

(6.)Thatbelieversmighthavestrongconsolation,notwithstandingofallthe opposition of enemieswithout andwithin,when they see that nowtheir "life is hidwithChrist inGod,"Col. iii. 3, and that their life is intheirhead,theywillnotfearsomuchdevilsandmenwithout,northeirowndeadandcorruptheartswithin.

III.Howinexcusablemustallsuchbe,

1.Whowillnot layholdon this life,onJesuswho is theLife, sure life,yea,everlastinglife.

2.Whoseeklifeanyotherway,thanbyandthroughhimwhoistheLife.

3.Who oppose thisway of life, andnot only reject the offers of it, butproveenemiestoit,andtoallthatcarryitorpreachit.

IV.Hereisstrongencouragementtoallthatwouldbeatheaven,toenterinto this gospel, which is a way of life; such need not fear that theirsalvation shall not be advanced; let Satan and all their adversaries dowhattheycan,allthatenterintothiswayshalllive.Forthewayitselfislife,andnothingbutlife.Sothathereallobjectionsareobviated;lifecananswerall.Ifthebelieverfear,thatheshallneverwinthroughdifficulties,he shall die by the way; or by fainting, succumbing and swooning,dishonourtheprofession,andatlengthfalloffandapostatize,ordespairandgiveoverallhope;hereisthatwhichmayanswerandobviateall,"Iamthe life;"andwhocanperish inthewaywhich is thewayof life,anenliveningway,yea,thewaywhichislifeitself;yea,thelifeinasingularandeminentmanner?

V.Here is ground of reproof even of believers, who, though they havecometoChrist,yetdonotliveinhimastheyought,donotwalkinhimwiththatlivelinessandactivitywhichiscalledfor;but,

1.Leantoomuchtotheirownunderstanding,giftsorgraces;andthinktherebytorideoutstorms,andtowidethroughalldifficulties,whileas,if

hewhoistheLifedonotbreatheuponus,allthatwillfailusinthedayoftrial.Ourunderstanding and parts or giftsmay dry up, and our gracesmaywitheranddecay,andgobackward.

2.Resttoomuchonduties;whentheyshouldinthemgotohimwhoistheLife.Foronlyinhimislifetobehad;andhimshouldtheyseektointhe ordinances, that they might have life from him in those outwardduties;andthisappearethintheirwayofgoingaboutduties,withoutthatdependenceonhim,andsingleeyeingofhim,whichiscalledfor.Asalsobytheirfretingandrepining,whendutiesdonottheirbusiness,asiflifelayallinduties;andconcludingallwillberight,becausetheygetdutiessomewhattolerablyperformed;and,onthecontrary,desponding,whendutiesfallheavyonthem,andtheyfindthemselvesindisposedforduty.Allwhichclearlyevinceth,thattheylaytoomuchweightonduties;whileas it would be otherwise with them, if they were purely depending onChrist,andlookingforallfromhim.

3.Despond too soon, because they get not help and relief instantly; orbecausetheyarenotpreservedfromeverydegreeoffainting.

4.Neglecttomakeuseofhim,andtocometohimwithall theirwants,failingsandnecessities,astheyought;orcomenotwiththatfreedomandboldnesswhichthegospelgroundsallow.

VI.ThispreachethoutthewofulmiseryofsuchasarestrangerstoChrist.ForbeingstrangerstotheLife,theyhavenolife,theyaredead,anddeathisengravenonalltheydo;eventhough,

1.Theyshouldbeverydiligentinexternalduties,yea,andoutstripmanytruebelievers;asthePhariseeshadtheirfaststwicea-week,Lukexviii.

2.Theyshouldbeeminentlygifted,abletoinstructothers,andtospeakofthemysteriesofthegospel,topurposeandtoedification.Forsuchgiftsof knowledge and utterancemay be, where the lively operations of thegraceofChristarenot,andconsequentlywhereChristisnot,astheLife.

3.Theyshouldseememinent inall theiroutwardcarriage,andseemtocarrymost christianly in all theirwalk, and appearmost devout in the

matterofworship.

4.Andtheyshouldhavesomethingmorethanordinary;eventasteoftheheavenly gift, and bemade partakers of extraordinary gifts of theHolyGhost;yea,andtastethegoodwordofGod,andthepowersoftheworldtocome,Heb.vi.4,5.

VII. This discovereth the noble advantage of such as have accepted ofChrist for their life. Their condition is happy, sure, desirable, andthriving;forChrististheirs,andlifeistheirs;becauseChrist,whoistheLife,istheirs.

Obj. 1. But some wicked personsmay say,We see not that happy andadvantageousconditionofsuchasgoforbelievers;forweobservethemtobeas little livelyofttimesasothers, andasunfit forduties; yea, andsometimesasmuchsubjecttosinandcorruptionasothers.

Ans.1.Howeveritbewiththem,eitherinthineeyes,orpossiblyintheirown sometimes, yet thou mayest hold thy peace; for in their worstcondition, they would not exchange with thee for a world; in theirdeadest-like condition, they are not void of all life, as thou art,notwithstandingallthymotions,andseemingactivenessinduty;becauseall thy motion in and about duty is but like the moving of children'spuppets, caused by external motives, such as a name, applause, peacefromanaturalconscience,orthelike;andnotfromanyinwardprincipleofgraceandlife.

2.Howbeittheysometimesseemtobedead,yettheyarenotalwaysso;life doth really work sometimes in them; whereas there was never anytrueorkindlymotionoflifeinthee.

3.Theremaybemorelifeinthem,yea,lifeinmotion,whentheyseemtobe overcome with some lusts or corruption, yea, when really they areovercome,thanbeholdersthatarestrangerstotheheartcanobserve.Forwhen temptation is violent, as having the advantage of the time andplace, of the constitution of the body, and the like, it argueth no smalldegree of life, and of life in motion, to make some resistance andopposition thereunto, thoughat lengthhe should be overcome thereby.

And this opposition and resistance, flowing from a principle of grace,speakethoutlife,thoughcorruption,havingtheadvantage,shouldatthattimeoverpowerthemotionoflife,andcarrythemanaway.

4.If itbenototherwisewithbelieversthanisobjected,theymayblamethemselves,fornotimprovingChristbetterforlife.

Object.Butsomewhoaretruebelieverswillobjectthesame,andcryoutofthemselvesasdead;andsay,Theyfindnotthatlivelinessandactivityintheirsouls,thatwillevidenceChrist,theLife,dwellingandworkinginthem.

Ans. Itmaybetheyprejudgethemselvesof that lively frametheymightenjoy,andsowrongthemselves:

1. In not exercising faith on Christ, and drawing life from him andthroughhim.Thelifewhichtheyliveshouldbebyfaith,Gal.ii.20.Howthencansuchasdonoteatbecomefat?byfaithwefeedonChrist.

2. Innotwatching,butgivingway tosecurity,and therebyencouragingandstrengtheningtheadversary,asweseeinDavid;whentheystandnoton their watch-tower, they invite Satan to set on; and he is vigilantenough, and knoweth how to take his advantage, and to improve hisopportunity.

3.Ingivingwayto lazinessandnotstirringupthemselves,aswesee inthebride,Cant.iii.1;v.3;whentheystirnotupthegraceofGodwhichisinthem,howcantheybelively?Ifgracebelaidby,itwillcontractrust.The best way to keep grace lively, is to keep it in exercise, how littlesoeveritbe.

4.Bytheirrashness,walkingwithoutfear,asistobeobservedinPeter,whenhe slipped so foully.When through theirwantof circumspection,theyprecipitatethemselvesintodanger,andcastthemselvesamongtheirenemies'hands,isitanywonder,thatitgonotwiththemastheywould;and that they provokeGod to leave them to themselves; that theymayknowwhattheyare,andlearnafterwardsnottotempttheLord,andtowalkmorecircumspectly?

5.Byleaningtoomuchtotheirattainments,andnotlookingoutfornewinfluencesofgraceandlife.HerebytheyprovokeGodtoletthemknowtotheirexpense,thatforasgreatalengthastheyarecome,theymustlivebyfaith,andbequickenedbynewinfluencesfromtheSpiritoflife.

6.SotheymaywrongthemselvesthroughtheirignoranceofChrist,andofthewayofmakinguseofhim;andifthey,throughunacquaintednesswithChristandtherightwayofimprovingthefulnessthatisinhim,missthefruitandadvantagewhichotherwise theymighthave, theycanonlyblamethemselves.

7.Theymayalsoprejudgethemselvesbytheirself-love,self-esteem,self-seeking, self-pleasing, &c., which piece and piece will draw them offChrist,andcausethemforgetthewayofsuckinglifefromhim,whoisthefountainoflife.

8.Whentheygivewaytosmallsins,theyopenadoortogreater;andtheylosetherebytheirtenderness,andsoprovoketheLordtowithdraw;andthisisanotherway,wherebytheyprejudgethemselvesofthatbenefitofliveliness,whichtheymightotherwisehave.

9.Soalsobyworldly-mindedness,whichalienateththeirmindfromGod;and,

10.By their impatience,and fretting,andrepiningagainstGod,andhiswisedispensations, theyalsoprejudgeandwrong themselves; forwhiletheyareinthatmood,theycannotwithduecomposednessofSpirit,gotoChrist,anddrawlifefromhimthroughfaith.

Obj. 3. But is there not even some of those who aremost tender, thatcomplainoftheirdeadnessandshortcomings?

Ans. 1. Itmaybe that they complainwithout cause; and that theyhavemorecauseofrejoicing,andofblessingtheLordforwhathehathdonetothem,thanofcomplaining.

2. Their complaining will not prove the want of life, but rather thecontrary. For when they complainmost, theymust bemost sensible if

their complaints be real, and not merely for a fashion; and sense is amanifestevidenceoflife.

3. It would be remembered, that the Lord canmake their failings andshortcomingscontributetothefurtheringoftheirlife,asweseeitdidinPeter.

4.Itwouldalsoberemembered,thatChristdothnotdistributeandgiveoutofthislifetoallhismembersandfollowers,inalikemeasure;buttosome more, and to others less, according as he seeth it meet andconvenient,bothforhisowngloryandtheirgood,Hehathmoreserviceforsomethanforothers;andsomehewillemploy ingreaterandmoredifficultwork,whichwillcallformorelife;andothershewillemployincommonwork,whichwillnotcallforsuchaneminentdegreeoflife.

5.Anduponthesameaccount,hemaythinkitgoodtogivetothesamepersonalargermeasureofgraceatonetimethanatanother.

6.Andthatforwisereasonsandnobleends;as,

(1.)Thatallmayseehowabsoluteheisinhisdispensations;asovereignthatdothwithhisownwhathewill,andwillnotgiveanaccountofanyofhiswaysorcommunicationstous.

(2.) That we may learn submission, and quietly to stoop before him,whatevermeasurehebepleasedtodispensetowardsus.

(3.)Thatwemaylearntodependuponhimmorecloselyallalong;inallourwaystoacknowledgehim.

(4.)Thatwemaylearntoexercisepatience,whichmusthaveitsperfectwork,inwaitinguponhimasagreatking.Thisishisglory,anditisthetestifyingofourhomagetohim.

(5.)Hewilltrainusupsoastobewellcontentedandsatisfied,ifhebringus home at length, though notwith such a convoy of the graces of hisSpiritaswewouldwish.

(6.)ThatwemayseeandreadourdailyobligationtoChristourlife,and

the daily needwe have of his keeping our life in, by fresh gales of hisSpirit,andnewheavenlyinfluences.

(7.)Andthatgettingnewproofsofhiskindnessandfaithfulness,wemaygive himnew songs of praise daily, and so express our thankfulness tohim,whichwilltendtosetforthhisglory.

VIII.Thismaypointoutuntobelievers,severaldutiestowhichtheyarecalled.Weshallnamesomefewofmany;as,

1.Thattheyshouldrejoice,andbecomfortedinthethoughtsofthis,thatthey have such a completeMediator, one that is thoroughly furnished,andmadeall things for them;notonly theWay,andtheTruth,but theLifealso.

2.Thethoughtsofthisshouldalsostirupthewonderingatthewisdom,graciousness, and goodness of God; and to thankfulness for providingsuchanall-sufficientwayforthem.

3. This should also encourage them under all temptations, faintings,backsets,andfitsofdeadnessthattheyfallinto,thatthereisonewhoistheLife;andthathewhomtheirsoulhathchosenistheLife,andsofullyabletoquickenandenliventhem.

4.Thisshouldteachthemhumility,andnottobeproudofanythingtheyhave or do; for it is he,who is the Life,who keepeth them in life, andhelpeththemtoanyduty;yea,itislifethatworkethallinthem.

5.Andlikewiseitshouldteachthemtoacknowledgehim,towhomtheyare obliged for any thing theydo, for any life theyhave, or anyactsorfruitsoflifethatappearinthem;andtobethankfultohimtherefor.

6. And mainly, they should here read their obligation and duty, toimprovethisadvantage,andtodrawlifeoutofthisfountain,andsolivebythislife;actanddoallinandthroughthislife;andsobequickenedbythislife,inalltheirfitsofdeadness;andforthiscausewouldkeepthosethingsinmind:

(1.)Thattheyshouldliveinaconstantconvictionoftheirownweakness,

deadness,andinabilitytodoanyactsoflifeofthemselves;andfarlesstorecoverthemselvesoutofanydistemperand fitofdeadnesswhich theyfallinto.

(2.)Thattheyshouldliveinthefaithofthis,thatthereislifeenoughinhim,who is theLife, todo theirbusiness.Theyshouldbepersuadedofhisall-sufficiency.

(3.)Thathe isnotonlyanall-sufficientdeliverer, able todelivera soulthatis,asitwere,rottinginthegrave,andtocausethedeadtohearhisvoiceandlive;butalsomostwillingandreadytoanswertheminalltheirnecessities, according to wisdom, and as he seeth it for his glory, andtheir soul's advantage. The faith of this is necessary, and will be veryencouraging.

(4.)Thattheyshouldgotohim,howdead-likesoevertheirconditionbe,andbyfaithrolltheirdeadcaseuponhim,whoistheLife.

(5.)Thattheyshouldprayuponthepromisesofgraceandinfluence,evenoutof thebellyofhell,orof thegrave,withJonah,chap. ii.2; forhe isfaithful and true, and tender-hearted, and will hear and give a goodansweratlength.

(6.) That in the exercise of faith and prayer, they should wait withpatience,tillhebepleasedtocome,andbreatheuponthedrybones,andtill the Sun of Righteousness arise on their souls with healing in hiswings.

Butofthismoreparticularlyinthefollowingcases,whichnowwecometospeakalittleunto,ofpurposetoclearmorefullyhowthebelieveristomakeuseofChristastheLife,whenheisundersomeonedistemperorother,thatcallethforlifeandquickeningfromChristtheLife.Wecannothandledistinctlyalltheparticularcaseswhichmaybebroughtunderthishead;itwillsuffice,forclearingofthisgreatduty,tospeaktosomefew.

CHAPTERXXI.

HOWTOMAKEUSEOF CHRIST AS THE LIFE,WHEN THEBELIEVERISSOSITTEN-UPINTHEWAYSOFGOD,THATHECANDONOTHING.

Sometimes the believer is under such a distemper of weakness anddeadness,thatthereisalmostnocommandeddutythathecangoabout;hisheartandallissodead,thathecannotsomuchasgroanunderthatdeadness.Yea,hemaybeundersuchadecay,thatlittleornodifferencewillbeobservedbetwixthimandothersthatareyetinnature;andbenotonlyunabletogoactivelyandlivelyaboutcommandedduties,yea,ortowrestle from under that deadness; but also be so dead, that he shallscarce have any effectual desire or longing to be out of that condition.Now,inspeakingtotheuse-makingofChristforquickeninginthisdeadcase,weshalldothosethings:

1.Forclearingofthecase,weshallshowhowprobablyitisbroughton.2.HowChristislifetothesoulinsuchacaseasthis.3.HowthebelieveristomakeuseofChrist for the life, in thiscase;and,4.Furtherclear thematter,byansweringaquestionortwo.

Astothefirst,suchadistemperasthismaybebroughtuponthesoul,

1. Through some strong and violent temptation fromwithout, meetingwith some evil disposition of the heart within, and so surprising andoverpoweringthepoorsoul,asweseeinDavidandPeter.

2.ThroughthecunningandsleightofSatan,stealingthebeliever,thatisnotwatchful enough, insensibly off his feet, and singing him asleep bydegrees.

3.Through carelessness, innot adverting at first to thebeginnings andfirstdegreesofthisdeadnessandupsitting,whentheheartbeginnethto

grow formal and superficial in duties, and to be satisfied with aperfunctoriousperformance,withoutlifeandsense.

4.Throughtorturingofconscience,inlightandsmallermatters;forthismay provokeGod to let conscience fall asleep, and so the soul becomemore untender, and scruple little, at length, at greatmatters; and thusdeadness may come to a height, God ordering it so, for a furtherpunishmenttothem,fortheiruntendernessanduncircumspectness.

5.Throughtheirnotstirringupthemselves,andshakingoffthatspiritoflaziness anddrowsiness,when it first seizeth upon them; but,with thesluggard, yet another slumber, and another sleep, and a folding of thehandstosleep.

6.Continuinginsomeknownsin,andnotrepentingofit,maybringonthisdistemper,asmaybeobservedinDavid.

Astothesecondparticular,Christislifetothesoulinthiscase;inthat,

1. He keepeth possession of the soul; for the seed remaineth, the rootabidethfastintheground;thereislifestillattheheart,thoughthemanmakenomotion, likeone in adeep sleep, or ina swoon, yet life isnotaway.

2.Heinduetimeawakeneth,androusethupthesoul,andsorecoverethitoutofthatcondition,bysomemeansorother,eitherbysomealarmofjudgment and terror, as he did David; or dispensation of mercy andtenderness,ashedidPeter;andusuallyherecovereththesoul,

(1.)Bydiscoveringsomethingofthiscondition,bygivingsomuchsenseandknowledge,andsendingsomuchlight,aswillletthesoulseethatitisnotwell,andthatitisunderthatdistemperoflifelessness.

(2.) By the discovering the dreadfulness of such a condition, and howhazardousitistocontinuetherein.

(3.)Byputtingthesoulinmind,thatheisthelifeandtheresurrection;andthroughthestirringupofgrace,causingthesoulto looktohimforquickeningandoutgate.

(4.)Byraisingupthesoulatlengthoutofthatdrowsiness,andsluggishfoldingofthehandstosleep,andoutofthatdeepsecurity,andputtingitintoamorelively,vigilant,andactiveframe.

Astothethird,thebelieverthatwouldmakeuseofChrist,forarecoveryoutofthiscondition,wouldmindthoseduties:

1.HewouldlooktoChrist,asthelightofmen,andtheenlighteneroftheblind;totheend,hemaygetabetterandamorethoroughdiscoveryofhiscondition;foritishalfhealthheretobesensibleofthisdisease.Thesoul that is once brought to sense, is half recovered of this fever andlethargy.

2.HewouldeyeChristasGod,abletocausethedeadanddrybonestolive, as Ezek. chap. xxvii.; and this will keep from despondency anddespair;yea,itwillmakethepoorbelieverconceivehope,whenheseeththathisphysicianisGod,towhomnothingisimpossible.

3.Hewouldlooktohimalso,asheadandhusband,andlifetothepoorsoul that adhereth to him; and this will strengthen his hope andexpectation;forhewillseethatChristisengaged(tospeakso)inpointofhonour, toquickenapoordeadand lifelessmember; for the life in theheadisforthegoodofthewholebody,andofeverymemberofthebody,that is not quite cut off. And the good that is in the husband isforthcomingforthereliefofthepoorwife,thathathnotyetgotabillofdivorce.AndChristbeinglifeandtheLife,hemustbeappointedfortherelief, thequickeningandrecovering fromdeathofsuchasaregiven tohim,thattheymaybefinallyraisedupatthelastday;hemustpresentallhismemberslivelyinthatday.

4.Hewouldbyfaithwraphimselfupinthepromises,andliebeforethisSunofRighteousness,tilltheheatofhisbeamsthawhisfrozenheart,andbringwarmth into his cold and dead soul, and thus renewhis grips ofhim,acceptingofhimastheLife,andashis life.Christhimself tellsus,Johnxi.40, that this is theFather'swill, thathathsenthim, thateveryonethatseeththeSon,andbelievethonhim,mighthaveeverlastinglife,andhewillraisehimupatthelastday.Faithclosingwithhim,asitwas

themeanof lifeat first,so itwillbethemeanofrecoveryoutofadeaddistemperafterwards.

5.Hewouldmournforsuchsinsandprovocations,ashediscovereth inhimself tohave causedandbroughton thisdistemper.Repentanceandgodlysorrowforsuchevils,ashavesinnedChristandlifeaway,isawaytobringlifebackagain.

6. He would be sure to harbour no known sin in his soul, but to sethimself against every known evil, as an enemy to the life and recoverywhichheisseeking.

7.HemustwaitonChristhislife,intheappointedmeans;forthatisthewill of the Lord, that he should be waited upon there, and sought forthere. There is little hopes of recovery for such as lay aside theordinances.Thoughtheordinanceswithouthimcannotreviveorquickenapoorsoul,yethehathcondescendedso faras tocomewith life tohispeopleinandthroughtheordinances,andhathappointedustowaitforhimthere;wemustbewillingtoacceptofallhiscondescensionsoflove,andseekandwaitforhimthere,wherehehathsaidhewillbefound.

8. In going about those ordinances of life, hewould beware of puttingtheminChrist'sroom, i.e.hewouldbewareof thinkingthatordinanceswilldohisbusiness;assomeignorantlydo,whothinkthatbyprayingsooften a-day, and reading so much, and hearing so much, they shallrecover their lost lively frame, when, alas! all the ordinances, withouthim, signify nothing. They, without him, are cold and lifeless, and cannever bring heat andwarmth to a cold soul. It is he in the ordinanceswhomweare to seek, and fromwhomalone life is to be expected, andnoneelse.

9.Though life liethnot in theordinancesasseparated fromChrist,andlifeistobeexpectedfromhimalone,yethewouldbewareofgoingabouttheordinancesinacareless,superficial,andindifferentmanner:forthiswill argue little desire after life, and will bring onmore deadness. Theordinancesthenshouldbegoneaboutseriously,diligently,andwithgreatcarefulness, yea, with such earnestness as if life were not about theordinancesatall.Thisistherightwayofgoingabouttheordinances.

10.Hemustinallthiswaitwithpatience,withoutfrettingorquarrellingwithhimforhisdelayingtocome.Hemustwaitwithmuchhumility.Itbecometh not him who hath, through his folly, sinned life away, toquarrelnowwithGod,becauseherestorethhimnotagain to lifeat thefirstasking.Hemaybegladifatlength,afterlongseeking,waiting,andmuchdiligence,hecomeandrestoretohimthejoyofsalvation,andifhebe not made to lie as bedrid all his days, for a monument of folly insinningawayhislife,strength,andlegsashedid.

11. He must beware of giving way to any thing that may increase orcontinue this deadness; such as untenderness in his walk,unwatchfulness, negligence, and carelessness; and especially he mustbewarenottoprovokeGodbysinningagainstlight.

12.Hewouldalsobewareof limitingtheLordtoanysetmeasureoflifeand strength: for it becometh not beggars to be carvers, far less suchbeggarsasthroughfollyhavesinnedawayagoodportion.Itwasnotforthe prodigal to seek a new patrimony, after he had dilapidated theformer;itmightsufficehimtobemadeasaservant.

13.Hewouldusewellanysmallmeasureof lifehegetteth, forGodandhis glory; getteth he but one talent, he should use it that hemay gainthereby:wesay,uselimbsandhavelimbs,usestrengthandhaveit.Thiswillbethewaytogetmore.

14.HewouldbetakingonthevowsoftheLord,andthatintheLord,towalkmorewatchfulintimecoming,chargingallwithinandwithoutnottostirorprovoketheLordtodepartfurtherortoscarehimfromcomingtothesoul.

Astothelastparticular,

If it be inquired, 1. What can that soul do that is not sensible of thisdeadnessandweakness?

Ans.Thoughtherebenotanyrealsenseandfeelingofthiscondition,yettheremaybeasuspicionthatallisnotright;andifthisbe,thesoulmustlookouttoChristforthelifeofsenseandforasightoftheprovocations

thathavebroughtonthatcondition.HethatistheLifemustrecoverthevery beginnings of life; and when the soul winneth to any realapprehension and sense of this deadness, it must follow the courseformerlyprescribedforarecovery.

2.Butitwillbeasked,howcanasoulactfaithinsuchacase?Andif itcannotactfaith,howcanitcometoChristandmakeuseofhim?

Ans. It is true,while the soul is in that case, it cannotact a strongandlivelyfaith;yetitcanactaweakandasicklyfaith;andaweakfaithandasickly faith can lay hold on an enlivening Christ, and so bring inmorestrengthandlifetothesoul.Ifthesoulbesoweakasthatitcannotgrip,yetitcanlooktohimthatcanquickenthedeadandhathhelpedmanyapoorsoulbeforeout of adead condition: or if it cannotdo somuchaslook,yet itmaygiveanhalf-look,and liebeforehimwhowaiteth to begracious;andsustain itself if it cangetnomore,withamaybehe shallcome.

3.Butfurther,itmaybeasked,whatcanthesouldo,when,afterallthis,itfindethnohelporsupply,butdeadnessremaining,yea,anditmaybe,growing?

Ans.Thesoulinthatcasemustlieathisdoor,waitingforhissalvation,and resolving, if no better may be, to die at his door, and leave noapprovedmeansorcommandeddutyunessayed, that itmayrecover itsformer vigour, activity and strength. And while the believer is waitingthus,heisathisduty;andthismayyieldhimpeace,andhemaybesurethatheshallneverbeashamed,Psalmxxv.3;lxix.6.Isa.1.18.

CHAPTERXXII.

HOWCHRISTISTOBEMADEUSEOFASOURLIFE,INCASEOF HEARTLESSNESS AND FAINTING THROUGHDISCOURAGEMENTS.

There is another evil anddistemperwhichbelievers are subject to, andthatisacaseoffaintingthroughmanifolddiscouragements,whichmakethemsoheartlessthattheycandonothing;yea,andtositup,asiftheyweredead.Thequestionthenis,howsuchasoulshallmakeuseofChristasintheenditmaybefreedfromthatfitoffainting,andwinoverthosediscouragements:forsatisfactiontowhichweshall,

1.Namesomeofthosediscouragementswhichoccasionthis.

2.ShowwhatChristhathdonetoremoveallthosediscouragements.

3.ShowhowthesoulshouldmakeuseofChristforlifeinthiscase;and,

4.Addafewwordsofcaution.

As to the first, thereare several thingswhichmaygiveoccasion to thisdistemper;weshallnamethosefew:

1. The sense of a strong, active, lively, and continually stirring body ofdeath,andthatnotwithstandingofmeansusedtobearitdownandkillit.Thisisverydiscouraging;foritmadePaulcryout,"Woeisme,miserableman,whoshalldelivermefromthisbodyofdeath?"Rom.vii.24.Itisamostdiscouragingthingtobestillfighting,andyetgettingnoease,letbevictory;tohavetodowithanenemythatabidesalwaysalikestrong,fightandopposeaswewill,yea,notonlyisnotweakened,farlessovercome,butthatgrowethinpower,andprevaileth.AndthismanytimesaffecteththeheartsofGod'schildrenandcauseththemtofaint.

2. It may be the case of some, that they are assaulted with strangetemptationsandbuffettingsofSatanthatarenotusual.ThismadePaulcryoutthrice,2Cor.xii.;andiftheLordhadnottoldhimthathisgracewassufficientforhim,whatwouldhehavedone?Hencesomeofhiscryoutintheircomplaint,wasthereeveranysotempted,soassaultedwiththedevil,asIam?Surethisdispensationcannotbutbemuchafflicting,saddeninganddiscouraging.

3. The sense of the real weakness of grace under lively means, andnotwithstandingoftheirseriousandearnestdesiresandendeavoursaftergrowthingrace,cannotbutdisquietanddiscouragethem:fortheymayreadilyconclude, thatall theirpainsand labourshallbe invain foranythingtheycanobserve.

4. Thewant of sensible incomes of joy and comfort is another faintingand discouraging dispensation; as the feeling of these is a heart-strengthening and most encouraging thing, which made David soearnestly cry for it, Psal. li. 8, 12; when a poor soul that hath thetestimony of his own conscience, that it hath been in somemeasure ofsinglenessofheartandhonestlyseekingthefaceofGodforagoodmanyyears,andyetcannotsaythateveritknewwhatthoseincomesofjoyandcomfortmeantwhichsomehavetastedlargelyof,itcannotchoosebutbediscouragedandmuchcastdown,asnotknowingwhattosayofitself,orhowtojudgeofitsowncase.

5. The want of access in their addresses to God, is another heart-discouragingthing.Theygoaboutthedutyofprayerwiththatmeasureofearnestnessanduprightnessofheartthattheycanwinat,atleastthisistheiraimandendeavour,andyettheymeetwithafastcloseddoor,whenthey cry and shout; he shutteth out their prayer, as the churchcomplaineth,Lam.iii.8.Thissurewillaffectthemdeeply,andcausetheirheartssometimestofaint.

6.Thewantof freedomand liberty intheiraddresses toGodisanotherthing which causeth sorrow and fainting. They go to pray, but theirtonguecleavethtotheroofoftheirmouth:theyarestraitenedandcannotgettheirheartsvented.

7. Outward persecution that attendeth the way of godliness, andafflictions that accompany such as live godly, is another discouragingthing, both to themselveswho are under afflictions, and to others whohear it and see it; wherefore the apostle desireth earnestly that theEphesiansshouldnotfaintathistribulation,chap.iii.13.

8. The Lord's sharp and sore dispensations for sin, as towards David,Psal.li.,oroutofhissovereignty,fortrialandotherends,astowardsJob,islikewiseadiscouraging,heart-breakingthing,andthatwhichwillmakestronggiantstoroarandfaint,andlookuponthemselvesasdeadmen,asweseeinthesetwoeminentmenofGod.

Astothesecondthing,Christislifetothebelieverinthiscase,inhavingdonethatwhichinreasonmaysupportunderallthesediscouragements,andhavingdonesomuchforremovingorweakeningof these;yea,andforcarryingthemoverall,whichmaybeinawordclearedastoeach.

1.Asforthebodyofdeath,letitstirinthebelieverasfastasitwillorcan,it is alreadykilled,andall that struggling isbut like the strugglingof aman in the pangs of death; for our "oldman is crucified with Christ,"Rom.vi.6;andthebelieverisdeadtosinandrisenlegallywithhim,Col.ii.11,12;iii.3.ButofthisIspokeabundantlyabove.

2.As toSatan's troubling thepoorbeliever, throughChrist alsohe is avanquishedenemy:"Hehathovercomehimthathadthepowerofdeath,eventhedevil,"Heb.ii.14.

3.Asforthatfeltweaknessofgrace,thatisnogroundofdiscouragement,so longashe livethwhocanmake the lameto leapasanhart,andcanmakewatersbreakout in thewilderness,andstreams in thedesert, Isaxxxv.6,7;"andgivethpowertothefaint,andtothemthathavenomightincreasethstrength;sothatsuchaswaitupontheLordshallrenewtheirstrength, and they shallmount upwithwings as eagles; they shall runandnotbeweary,andtheyshallwalkandnotfaint,"Isa.xl.29,31.For"inhimareallthepromisesyeaandamen,"2Cor.i.20.Sothattheyneednot faint upon this account, nor be discouraged: for the work he hathbegunhewillfinishit,andhewillquickenintheway,Psal.cxix.37.

4. As for the want of sensible incomes of joy and comfort, he hathpromisedtosendtheComforter,inhisowngoodtime,Johnxiv.26;xv.26."AsonewhomhisFathercomforteth,sowillhecomforthis,"Isa.lxvi.13. Joy and gladness is promised in the covenant, Jer. xxxi. 13. Butfurther, though he keep up these influences of joy and comfort, hesupportethanotherway.Thelivelyhopeofheavenmaybearuptheheartunder all this want: for there shall the soul have fulness of joy andpleasuresforevermore:notears,nosorrowthere,Psal.xvi.11.Isa.xxxv.10.

5. As for the want of access in their prayers, theymay possibly blamethemselves,forhehasbyhismeritsopenedthedoor;andisbecome(tospeakso)master-ushertothepoorsoul,toleadhimuntotheFather,sothat "by him we have access," Eph. ii. 18, "yea, boldness and accessthroughfaithinhim,"Eph.iii.12;"andheisouradvocate,"1Johnii.1;and, as our attorney, is gone to heavenbefore us; "and there liveth forevertomakeintercession,"Heb.vi.28;vii.25.Andwhatistheremoretobe done to procure us access; or to move and encourage us to "comeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed?"Heb.iv.14,16.

6.Astothatwantoffreedomandlibertyinprayer;hehelpeththatalso:Forhemakeththedumbtosing,Isa.xxxv.6,andmakeththetongueofthestammerertospeakelegantly,Isa.xxxii.4.Hecanenlargetheheart,andhelpthesoultopourouthisheartbeforeGod.

7. As to outward persecution, he can easily take that discouragementaway, by giving the hundred-fold with it; by supporting under it, andbringingsafethroughit.Whenhispresenceiswiththemthroughfireandwater, Isa. xliii. 2, what can trouble them? Andwhen hemaketh theirconsolationsabound,2Cor.i.5,whatcandiscouragethem?Havenothissungintheveryfires;andrejoicedinalltheirafflictions?TherestingoftheSpirit ofGod andof glory,whichPeter speakethof, 1Pet. iv. 14, iscomfortableenough.

8. As for all those sharp dispensationsmentioned in the last place, hehavingtakenthestingofall,evenofdeathaway,bytakingawaysin,andpurchasedtheblessingandloveoftheFather,havingmadereconciliation

throughhis blood, all those dispensations flow from love, even such asseemsharpest,beinginflictedforsin,aswesee,Heb.xii.6;sothatthereisnocausehereoffaintingorofbeingsodiscouragedastogiveoverthematter.Butforhelpinthiscase,thereshouldbeause-makingofJesus,astheLife;andthatis

Thethirdthingwhichweshallspeakalittleto,viz.HowthesoulshouldmakeuseofChristas theLife, to theend itmaybedelivered fromthisfaintingoccasionedthroughmanifolddiscouragements.

1. The believer in this case would mind the covenant of redemption,wherein Christ hath promised and so standeth obliged and engaged tocarryonhisownthroughalldiscouragements to theend;so that ifanyonebelievermiscarry,Christlosethmorethantheylose:forthebelievercan but lose his soul, but Christ shall lose his glory; and this is moreworth than all the souls that ever were created. And, further, not onlyshallChristlosehisgloryasRedeemer,buttheFathershalllosehisgloryin not making good his promise to Christ his Son. For by the samecovenanthestandethengagedtocarrythroughtheseedthatChristhaddied for. And his appointing Christ to be his servant for this end, andchoosing him from among all the folk, and his upholding of him,concurringwithhim,delightinginhim,andpromisingthatheshallbringforthjudgmenttotheGentiles,andthattovictory,ortotruth,speakouthisengagementtoseeall truebelieversbroughthome.SeeIsa.xlii.1-4.Matt.xii.17-21.Psalmlxxxix.19-21,28,29,35-37.Surethefaithof thiswouldsupportthepoorbelieverunderallthosediscouragements.

2.Theywouldmindlikewisethecovenantofgrace,whereinallthingsarecontrivedand laiddown,so faras that thebelievermayhaveabundantconsolationandcomfortinallcases;andwhereinthereisenoughtotakeawayallcauseoffaintinganddiscouragement;asmightfullybemadetoappear,ifanydidquestionit.

3. They would remember how richly Christ is furnished with allqualifications; suiting even that case wherein they are like to beoverwhelmed with discouragements; and could the believer but thinkupon and believe those three things, he might be kept up under alldiscouragements: (1.) That Christ is a compassionate, tender-hearted

Mediator,havingbowelsmoretenderthanthebowelsofanymother;sothat "hewillnotbreak thebruised reed,norquench the smoking flax,"Isa. xl. 2.He had compassion on the very bodies of themultitude thatfollowedhim;andwouldnot let themgoaway fasting, lest they shouldfaint in the way, Matt. xv. 32. Mark viii. 3; and will he not havecompassion on the souls of his followers, when like to faint throughspiritual discouragements? (2.) That he hath power and authority tocommand all things that can serve to carry on a poor believer; for allpower in heaven and in earth is given unto him; all things are madesubjecttohim.(3.)Thathehathagreatreadinessandwillingnessuponmanyaccountstohelphisfollowersintheirnecessities.Sure,werethesethree firmlybelieved, thebelievercouldnot faint,havingChrist,who istenderandloving,andwillingtohelp,andwithalabletodowhathewill,tolooktoandtoruntoforsupply.

4.TheywouldtakeupChristunderallhisheart-strengtheningandsoul-comforting relations, as a tender brother, a careful shepherd, a fellow-feeling high priest, a loving husband, a sympathizing head, a life-communicatingroot,anall-sufficientking,&c.,anyofwhichisenoughtobearupthehead,andcomforttheheartofadrooping,discouraged,andfainting soul. Much more may all of them yield strong consolation tosupport and revive a soul staggering and fainting throughdiscouragement.Oh!ifyewouldbutrightlyimproveanddwelluponthethoughts of the comforting and heart-quickening relations! our heartswouldnotfailussomuchastheydo.

5. They would eye him as now in glory, who as head and captain ofsalvation hath wrestled through and overcome all difficulties anddiscouragements that were in his way, and in name and behalf of allbelievers that are his followers and members of his body, is nowpossessed of glory, and thence draw an heart-comforting, and soul-strengthening conclusion, thus, Is he entered into glory as head? thensuch a poor, faint-hearted, discouraged worm as I am, may at lengthcomethereasalittlebitofhisbody,especiallysincehesaid,thatseeingheliveth,allhisshalllivealso,Johnxiv.19.

6.TheywouldrememberhowChrist,whowasalwaysheardofhisFather,Johnxi. 41, did supplicate for this, asMediator and Intercessor for his

people, John xvii. 24, saying, "Father, I will that they alsowhom thouhast given me, be with me where I am," &c. May not the poor faint-hearted believer that is looking to Jesus, draw an heart-reviving, andsoul-encouragingconclusionoutof this, andsay, thoughmyprayersbeshutout, andwhen I cry for relief undermydiscouragements, I getnohearing; but, on the contrary,mydiscouragements grow, andmyheartfainteth themore;yetChrist alwayswasheard, and theFatherwill notsayhimnay;whythenmaynotIliftupmyheadinhope,andsinginthehopeofthegloryofGod,inthemidstofallmydiscouragements?

7.Byfaiththeywouldcastalltheirdiscouragements,entanglements,anddifficulties,asburdenstooheavyfortheirback,onChrist,andleavethemtherewithhimwhoonlycanremovethem;andwithal,resolvenevertogive over, but to go forward in his strength, and thus become dailystrongerandstrongerinresolutions,purposes,desires,andendeavours,whentheycandonomore.

8.TheywouldlooktoJesus,theauthorandfinisheroffaith,andsethimbefore them as a copy of courage, "who for the joy thatwas set beforehim, endured the cross, despising the shame," and endurethcontradiction of sinners against himself, Heb. xii. 2, 3. And this mayproveameantokeepusfromwearyingandfaintinginourminds,astheapostlehinteththere.

9.Theywouldremember,thatChristgoingbefore,astheCaptainoftheirsalvation,hathbrokenthe icetothem,andtheforceandstrengthofallthosediscouragements,aswedidlatelyshow;sothatnowtheyshouldbelookeduponasbrokenandpowerlessdiscouragements.

10. Theywould fix their eye by faith on Jesus, as only able to do theirbusiness,tobearuptheirhead,tocarrythemthroughdiscouragements,toapplycordialstotheirfaintinghearts,andremainfixedinthatpostureandresolution,lookingforstrengtheningandencouraginglifefromhim,and from him alone; and thus declare, that, (1.) They are unable ofthemselvestostandoutsuchstormsofdiscouragements,andtowrestlethrough suchdifficulties. (2.)Theybelievehe is only able tobear themup, and carry them through, and make them despise all thosediscouragements which the devil and their own evil hearts muster up

against them. (3.) That come what will come, they will not quit thebargain—they will never recall or take back their subscription andconsenttothecovenantofgrace,andtoChrist,astheirs,offeredtherein,though they should die anddie again by theway. (4.) That theywouldfain be kept on in the way, and helped forward without failing andfaintingby theway. (5.)That theycannotrunthroughhardwalls—theycannot do impossibilities—they cannot break through such mightydiscouragements. (6.) That yet through him they can do all things. (7.)Thathemusthelp,ortheyaregone,andshallneverwinthroughallthesedifficulties and discouragements, but shall one day or other die by thehandofSaul. (8.)That theywillwait, earnestly seekinghelp fromhim,cryingforit,andlookingforit,andresolvenevertogiveover,andiftheybedisappointedtheyaredisappointed.

Nowforthelastparticular,thewordofcaution,takethese,

1.Theywouldnot think tobealtogether freeof fainting, for there isnoperfectionhere,and there ismuch fleshandcorruptionremaining,andthatwilloccasionfainting.

2.Norwouldtheythinktobefreeofallthecausesandoccasionsofthisfainting,viz.thediscouragementsformerlymentioned,orthelike;for,ifthedevilcandoanything,hewillworkdiscouragements,bothwithinandwithout. So that they would lay their resolution to meet withdiscouragements;forfewornoneeverwenttoheavenbuttheyhadmanya storm in their face; and theymustnot think tohave awaypaved forthemselvesalone.

3.Theywouldnotporetoomuch,ordwelltoolongandtoomuchuponthethoughtsofthosediscouragements;forthatisSatan'sadvantage,andtendeth toweaken themselves. But itwere better to be looking beyondthem,asChristdid,Heb.xii.2,whenhehadthecrossandtheshametowrestlewith,helookedtothejoythatwassetbeforehim;andthatmadehimendurethecrossanddespisetheshame;andasMosesdid,Heb.xi.25-27, when he had afflictions and the wrath of the king to wrestleagainst; he had respect unto the recompense of the reward, and so heenduredasseeinghimwhoisinvisible.

4.TheywouldrememberthatasChristhathtenderbowels,andisfullofcompassion,andisbothreadyandabletohelpthem;soishewise,andknoweth how to let out his mercies best. He is not like a foolish,affectionatemother,thatwouldhazardthelifeofthechild,beforesheputthechildtoanypain.Heseethwhatisbestforhisownglory,andfortheirgoodhereandhereafter;andthathewilldowithmuchtendernessandreadiness.

5.Theywouldlookuponitasnomeanmercy, if,notwithstandingofallthediscouragementsandstormsthatblowintheirface,theyarehelpedto keep their face up the hill, and are fixed in their resolution, neverwillinglytoturntheirbackuponthewayofGod,buttocontinuecreepingforward as they may, whatever storms they meet with; yea, upon thisaccountought theyheartily toblesshisname, and to rejoice; for "theirheartsshalllivethatseekhim,"Psalmxxii.26.

6. They would remember, for their encouragement, that asmany havebeenhelped throughalldiscouragements,andhavebeenbroughthomeat length, somay they be brought through all those stormswhich nowtheywrestlewith.ItisthegloryoftheMediatortobringhisbroken,torn,andsinkingvessel,safetoshore.

Now,Icometoathirdcase,andthatis,

CHAPTERXXIII.

HOW TOMAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE LIFEWHEN THESOULISDEADASTODUTY.

Sometimesthebelieverwillbeundersuchadistemper,asthathewillbeas unfit and unable for discharging of any commanded duty, as deadmen,oroneinaswoon,istoworkorgoajourney.Anditweregoodtoknow how Christ should be made use of as the Life, to the end thediseasedsoulmaybedeliveredfromthis.Forthiscauseweshallconsiderthosefourthings:

1.Seewhataretheseveralstepsanddegreesofthisdistemper.

2. Consider whence it cometh, or what are the causes or occasionsthereof.

3.ConsiderhowChristislifetothesoulinsuchadeadcase;and,

4. Point out the way of the soul's use-making of Christ, that would bedeliveredherefrom.

Astothefirst,thisdistempercomethonbyseveralstepsanddegrees.Itwill be sufficient to mention some of the main and most remarkablesteps;suchas,

1.Thereisafallingfromourwatchfulnessandtenderness;andwhenweleaveourwatchtower,weinviteandencourageSatantosetuponus,aswassaidbefore.

2.There is goingaboutduty,but in a lazyway,whenwe loveandseekaftercarnalease,andseekoutwaysofdoingtheduty,soasmaybeleasttroublesometotheflesh,asthespousedid,Cant.iii.1,whenshesoughtherbeloveduponherbed.

3.There is a lyingby, andnot stirringupourselves toanactivewayofgoingaboutduty,ofwhichtheprophetcomplaineth,Isa.liv.7,whenhesaith,thereisnonethatstirrethuphimselftotakeholdofthee.

4.There isagivingwaytospiritualdrowsiness,andupsitting induties,andinthewayofGod."Isleep,"saidthespouse,Cant.v.2,3,and"Ihaveputoffmycoat,"&c.Sheknewshewasnotright,butwasdrowsy,andyetshedidnotshakeitoff,butcomposedherselfforit,tookoffhercoat,andwashedherfeet,andsolaydowntosleep.

5.Thereisasatisfactionandcontentmentwithhiscondition,asthinkingweareprettywell,atleastforthattime;andthuswasthespouseinthatforementionedplaceledaway;shewassofarfrombeingdissatisfiedwithhercondition,thatsheratherexpressedcontentmenttherewith.

6.Theremaybesuchalovetosuchacondition,andsuchasatisfactioninit,asthattheymayshifteverythingthathathatendencytorousethemupoutofthatsluggishlaziness,asnotlovingtobeawakenedoutoftheirsleep.SoweseethebrideshiftsandputtethoffChrist'scallandinvitationtoher,toariseandopentohim.

7. Yea, there is a defending of that condition, as at least tolerable andnoneoftheworst;ajustifyingofit,oratleastapleadingforthemselvesandexcusingthematter,andcoveringovertheirneglectofdutywithfairpretexts,asthespousedidwhensheansweredChrist'scallwiththis,thatshehadwashedherfeetandmightnotdefilethemagain.

8. Yea, further, there is a pleading for this case, by alleging animpossibilitytogetithelpedasmattersnowstand;or,atleast,theywillmusterupinsuperable-likedifficultiesintheirownwayofdoingduty,asthe sluggard will say, that there is a lion in the way; and the spouseallegedshecouldnotputonhercoatagain.

9.Yea,itmaycomeyethigher,eventoaperemptoryrefusingtosetabouttheduty; forwhatelsecanbereadoutof thebride'scarriage, thanthatshewouldnotriseandopentoherbeloved.

10. There is also a desperate laying the duty aside, as supposing it

impossible tobegotdone,andsoa resolute layingof it by ashopeless,andasabusinesstheyneednottroublethemselveswithal,becausetheywillnotgetthroughit.

11.Andhenceflowethanutterindispositionandunfitnessforduty.

12.Yea,andinsomeitmaycometothisheight,thatthethoughtsofgoingabout any commanded duty, especially of worship, either in public orprivate; or theirminting and attempting to set about it, shall fill themwith terror and affrightment, that they shall be constrained to forbear;yea,tolayasideallthoughtsofgoingaboutanysuchduty.

This isaverydead-likecondition,—whatcanbethecausesoroccasionsthereof?

Ianswer,(andthis is thesecondparticular,)someorallof these thingsmaybeconsideredashavingahandinthis:

1.Nocare tokeepupa tender frameofheart,butgrowingslack, loose,and careless, in going about Christian duties, may bring on such adistemper.

2.Slightingofchallengesforomissionofduties,orleavingdutiesoverthebellyofconscience,maymakewayforsuchanevil.

3. Giving way to carnality and formality in duties, is a ready mean tousher in this evil. For when the soul turns carnal or formal in thedischargeofduties,dutieshavenotthatspiritual lustrewhichtheyhad,and the soul becometh the sooner wearied of them, as seeing no suchdesirablenessinthem,noradvantagebythem.

4.When people drown themselves in cares of theworld, they occasionthisdeadnesstothemselves;forthendutiesnotonlyarenotgoneaboutheartily, but they are looked on as a burden, and the man becomethweary of them; and from that he cometh to neglect them; and bycontinuingintheneglectofthem,hecontractethanaversionofheartforthem; and then an utter unfitness and indisposition for discharging ofthemfolloweth.

5. Satan hath an active hand here, driving onwith his crafts andwilesfromonesteptoanother.

6.ThehandalsoofasovereignGodistobeobservedhere,givingwaytothis, yea, and ordering matters in his justice and wisdom so, as suchpersons shall come under such an indisposition, and that for wise andholyends;as,(1.)Thatbysuchadispensationhemayhumblethem,whopossiblywerepuffedupbefore,as thinking themselves fit enough togoaboutanyduty,howdifficultorhazardoussoever,asPeter,whoboastedso of his own strength, as he thought nothing to lay down his life forChrist,andtodiewithhim;andyetatlengthcametothat,thathecouldnot,ordurstnotspeakthetruthtoadamsel.(2.)Thathemaypunishonespiritualsinwithanother.(3.)Togivewarningtoalltowatchandpray,and towork out their salvationwith fear and trembling, and not to behigh-minded, but fear. (4.) That thereby, in his just and righteousjudgment,hemaylayastumbling-blockbeforesome,tothebreakingoftheirneck,whentheyshall,forthiscause,rejectandmockatallreligion.(5.)Thathemaygiveproofatlengthofhisadmirableskillinrecoveringfromsuchadistemper,thatnofleshmighthavegroundtodespair,inthemostdeadconditiontheycanfallinto.(6.)Andtoshew,sometimes,whatasovereigndispensatoroflifeheis,andhowfreeheisinallhisfavours.

Astothethirdparticular,howChristislifeinthiscase,

We answer, 1. By keeping possession of the believer, even when heseemeth to be most dead; and keeping life at the root, when there isneither fruit appearingnor flourishes, andhardlymanygreen leaves toevidencelife.

2.Byblowingat thecoalofgrace in thesoul, inhisowntimeandway,andputtinganendtothewinter,andsendingthetimeofthesingingofthebirds,aspringtimeoflife.

3.By loosingthebandswithwhichhewasheldfast formerly,enlargingtheheartwithdesirestogoabouttheduty;sothatnowhewillinglyrisethupout of his bed of security, and cheerfully shakethoff hisdrowsinessand sluggishness, and former unwillingness; and now with willingnessandcheerfulnesshesettethabouttheduty.

4.By sending influencesof life and strength into the soul,whereby thewheels of the soul are made to run with ease, being oiled with thosedivineinfluences.

5.Andthishedothbytouchingtheheart,andwakeningitbyhisSpirit;asheraisedthespouseoutofherbedofsecurityandlaziness,byputtinginhishandattheholeofthedoor,—thenwereherbowelsmovedforhim,Cant. v. 4; and thus he setteth faith on work again, having the key ofDavidtoopentheheart,Rev.iii.7.

6.Bygivingadiscoveryof theevilof their formerwaysandcourses,heworketh up the heart to godly sorrow and remorse for what is done,makingtheirbowelsmoveforgriefandsorrow,thattheyshouldsohavedishonouredandgrievedhim.

7.Bysettingthesoul thusonworktodowhat formerly itneithercouldnorwoulddo;andthushemakeththesoulstrongintheLord,andinthepowerofhismight,Eph.vi.10,andabletorunandnotbeweary,andtowalkandnotbefaint,Isa.xl.

8.Bydiscoveringthegreatrecompenseofrewardthatiscoming,andthegreathelptheyhaveathand,inthecovenantandpromisesthereof,andinChristtheirheadandLord.Hemakeththeburdenlightandthedutyeasy.

Astothelastparticular,viz.howabeliever,insuchacase,shouldmakeuseofChristastheLife,thathemaybedeliveredtherefrom.

When thepoorbeliever isanywaysensibleof thisdecay,andearnestlydesiring tobe fromunder thatpowerofdeath, and in case to go aboutcommandedduties,heshould,

1.LooktoChrist forenlightenedeyes,thathemaygetamorethoroughdiscoveryofthehazardandwretchednessofsuchacondition,thatherebybeing awakened and alarmed, hemaymorewillingly use themeans ofrecovery,andbemorewillingtobeatsomepainstobedelivered.

2.HeshouldruntothebloodofJesus,togettheguiltofhisbygonesinful

wayswashedaway,andblottedout;totheendhemayobtainthefavourofGod,andgethisreconciledfaceshininguponhimagain.

3.HeshouldeyeChristasaprinceexaltedtogiverepentance,thatsohissorrow forhis former sinful coursesmaybekindly, spiritual, thorough,andaffectingtheheart.HewouldcrytoChrist,thathewouldputinhishandbytheholeofthedoor,thathisbowelsmaybecomemovedforhim.

4.Heshouldalsolooktohimasthatgoodshepherd,whowillstrengthenthat which is sick, Ezek. xxxiv. 16. And take notice also of his otherrelations, and of his obligations thereby, and by the covenant ofredemption;andthiswillstrengthenhishope.

5.HeshouldlayholdonChristashisstrength,wherebyhisfeetmaybemadelikehinds'feet,andhemaybemadetowalkuponhishighplaces,Hab. iii. 19; and he would grip to that promise, Isa. xli. 10, "I willstrengthenthee;"andlayholdonChristinit.

6.Havingdonethus,heshouldsetabouteverycommandedduty,inthestrengthofJesus,lookingtohimforhelpandsupply,fromwhomcomethallhisstrength,andthoughheshouldnot find thathelpandassistancewhichheexpected,yetheshouldnotbediscouraged,butcontinue,andwhenhecandonomore,offerhimselfasreadyandwillingtogoabouttheduty,asifhehadstrength.

7. He should lie open to, and be ready to receive the influences ofstrength,whichhe,who is thehead,shall thinkgoodtogive inhisowntime,manner,andmeasure;andthistakethintheseduties:

(1.) That they should carefully guard against the evils formerlymentioned, which brought on this distemper; such as carelessness,untenderness, unwatchfulness, laziness, carnal security, formality, andwantofseriousness,&c.

(2.)Thattheyshouldbewareofgivingwaytodispondency,orconcludingthematterhopelessandirremediable;forthatisbothdiscouragingtothesoul,andatemptingprovocationofGod.

(3.)Thattheyshouldbeexercisingthegraceofpatientwaiting.

(4.)Thattheyshouldbewaitingintheuseoftheappointedmeans,andthereby,asitwere,rubbingthedeadandcoldmemberbeforethefire,tillitgatherwarmth.

(5.)Thattheyshouldbekeepingalltheirsailsup,waitingforthegaleoftheSpirit,thatshouldmaketheirshipsail.

(6.)That they shouldbe looking tohimalone,whohathpromised thatquickening Spirit; andpatientlywaiting his leisure, not limitinghim toanydefinitetime.

(7.)Thattheyshouldbecherishingandstirringupanysmallbeginningsthatare.

(8.)Thattheyshouldbewelcomingmostcheerfullyeverymotionof theSpirit,andimprovingeveryadvantageofthatkind,andstrikingtheironwhen it is hot, and hold thewheels of the soul a-going,when they areonceputinmotion,andsobeloathtogrievethegoodandholySpiritofGod,Eph.iv.30,ortoquenchhismotions,1Thess.v.19.

Ifthesedutieswerehonestlymindedandgoneabout,inhim,andinhisstrength,nonecantellhowsoontheremaybeachangewrought in thesoul.

But if it be asked,what such cando, towhom the very thoughts of theduty,andaimingatit,ismatterofterror;

Ans. Itmaybe, something, ifnotmuch,of thatmay flow fromabodilydistemper,asoccasioneththealterationof thebody,uponthethoroughapprehension of any thing that is weighty and of moment, so as theycannot endure to bemuch affected with any thing. But leaving this toothers,Iwouldadvisesuchasoultothoseduties:

1.Tobefrequentlysettingtotheduty,as,forexample,ofprayer,thoughthatshouldraisethedistemperoftheirbody,forthroughtimethatmaywear away, or at least grow less;whileas, their givingway thereto,willstillmakethedutythemoreandmoreterrible,andsorenderthemselves

themoreunfit for it, and thus they shall gratify Satan,who, itmaybe,mayhaveahandinthatbodilydistempertoo.Whenthepoorsoulisthusaccustomedorhabituatedtotheattemptingoftheduty, itwillat lengthappearnotsoterribleasitdid;andsothebodymaybecomenotsosoonalteredtherebyasitwas.

2.Whensuchanonecandonomore,heshouldkeephislovetotheduty,andhisdesiresafterit,fresh,andlively,andshouldnotsufferthesequitetodieout.

3.He should bemuch in the use of frequent ejaculations, and of shortsupplications darted up to God; for these will not make such animpression on the body, and so will not so occasion the raising andwakening the bodily distemper, as more solemn addresses to God inprayerwouldpossiblydo.

4.IfhecannotgotoChristwithconfidence,todrawoutofhimlifeandstrength,accordingtohisneed,yethemaygivealooktohim,thoughitwere fromafar;andhemay thinkofhim,andspeakofhim frequently,and would narrowly observe every thing that pointeth him out, orbringethanythingofhimtoremembrance.

5.Suchsoulsshouldnotgivewaytodespairingthoughts,asiftheircasewerewhollyhelplessandhopeless; for that isa reflectingon thepowerandskillofChrist,andthereforeisprovokinganddishonourabletohim.

6.LetChrist,andallthatishis,bepreciousalwaysandlovelyuntothem.Andthustheyshouldkeepsomeroomintheirheartopenforhim,tillheshouldbepleasedtocometothemwithsalvation;andwhocantellhowsoonhemaycome?

But enoughof this.There is a fourth caseofdeadness tobe spoken to,andthatis,

CHAPTERXXIV.

HOW SHALL THE SOUL MAKE USE OF CHRIST, AS THELIFE, WHICH IS UNDER THE PREVAILING POWER OFUNBELIEFANDINFIDELITY.

Thatwemayhelp to give some clearing to a poor soul in this case,weshall,

1.Seewhataretheseveralstepsanddegreesofthisdistemper.

2.Considerwhatthecauseshereofare.

3.ShewhowChristislifetoasoulinsuchacase;and,

4.GivesomedirectionshowasoulinthatcaseshouldmakeuseofChristastheLife,totheenditmaybedeliveredtherefrom.

And,first,Therearemanyseveralstepsto,anddegreesofthisdistemper.Weshallmentionafew;as,

1.Whentheycannotcomewithconfidence,anddrawoutofhimbyfaith,whattheirsoul'scasecallethfor;theycannot"withjoydrawwatersoutofthewells of salvation," Isa. xii. 3; but keep at a distance, and entertainjealousthoughtsofhim.Thisisadegreeofunbeliefmakingwayformore.

2.Whentheycannotconfidentlyassertandavowtheirinterestinhim,asthe church did, Isa. xii. 2, saying, "Behold, God ismy salvation, I willtrustandnotbeafraid,fortheLordJehovahismystrengthandmysong;healsoisbecomemysalvation."

3.Whentheymuchquestion,ifevertheyhaveindeedlaidholdonChrist,andsocannotgotohimforthesuppliesoftheirwantsandnecessities.

4. When, moreover, they question if they be allowed of God, and

warranted to come tohim, and layholduponhim; yea, and they thinktheyhavemanyargumentswherebytomaintainthistheirunbelief,andjustifytheirkeepinga-backfromChrist.

5.Or,when,iftheylooktohimatall,itiswithmuchmixtureoffaithlessfearsthattheyshallnotbethebetter,oratleastdoubtingwhetheritshallbetotheiradvantageornot.

6.Thisunbeliefwilladvancefurther,andtheymaycometothat,notonlytoconclude,thattheyhavenopartorportioninhim,butalsotoconcludethattheircaseisdesperateandirredeemable;andsosaythereisnomorehope, theyarecutoff for theirpart,asEzek.xxxvii. 11,andso liebyasdeadandforlorn.

7. Yea, they may come higher, and vent some desperate thoughts andexpressionsofGod,tothegreatscandalofthegodly,andthedishonourofGod.

8.Andyetmore,theymaycomethatlength,toquestionallthepromises,and to cry out with David, in his haste, Psalm c. 11, that "all men areliars."

9.Yea,theymaycometothis,toscoutthewholegospeltobenothingbutaheapofdelusions,andacunningly-devisedfable,orbutmerenotionsandfancies.

10.Andat lengthcometoquestion, if therebeaGodthat ruleth in theearth.

These are dreadful degrees and steps of this horrible distemper, andenoughtomakeallfleshtremble.

Letusseenextwhencethiscometh.Thecauseshereofwemayreducetothreeheads:

First.TheholyLordhathaholyhand in this,andhathnoble endsanddesignsbeforehiminthismatter;as,

1.TheLordmaythinkgoodtoordermattersthus,thathemaymagnify

hispowerandgrace,inrescuingsuchaswerereturnedtotheverybrinkofhell,andseemedtomanytobelostandirrecoverablygone.

2. That in punishing them thus, for giving way to the first motions ofunbelief,hemightwarnalltoguardagainstsuchanevil,andnottofosterandgivewaytogroundlesscomplaints,norentertainobjections,movedagainsttheirconditionbythedevil.

3.Towarnalltowalkcircumspectly,andtoworkouttheirsalvationwithfearandtrembling,notknowingwhatmaybefallthemeretheydie.

4.Toteachall towalkhumbly,notknowingwhatadvantageSatanmayget of them eve all be done; and to see their daily need of Christ tostrengthentheirfaith,andtokeeptheirgripsofhimfast.

5.SotheLordmaythinkgoodtodispensesowithsome,thathemaygivea full proof of his wonderfully great patience and long-suffering inbearingwithsuch,andthatsolong.

6. As also to demonstrate his sovereignty, in measuring out hisdispensationstohisown,asheseethwillmostglorifyhimself.

Next,Satanhathanactivehandinthis;for,

1.Heraisethupcloudsandmistsinthebeliever,sothathecannotseetheworkofGodwithinhimself, andso ismade tocryout, thathehathnograce,andthatallwasbutdelusionsandimaginations,whichhelookeduponasgracebefore.

2.HeraisethupinthemjealousiesofGod,andofallhisways,andputsafalse gloss and construction on all whichGod doth, to the end hemayconfirmthemintheirjealousies,whichtheyhavedrunkinofGod.

3. Having gained this ground, he worketh then upon their corruptionwithverygreatadvantage;andthusdriveththemfromeviltoworse,andnot only to question their perfect interest inChrist, but also to quit allhopeforthetimetocome.

4. This being done, he driveth the soul yet farther, and filleth it with

prejudices against God and his glorious truths; and from this he caneasilybringthemtocallallinquestion.

5.Yea,hewillrepresentGodasanenemytothem;andwhenthisisdone,howeasyitiswithhimtoputthemondesperatecourses,andcausethemtospeakwickedlyanddesperatelyofGod.

6.Andwhen this isdone,he can easilydarken theunderstanding, thatthepoorsoulshallnotseethegloryofthegospel,andofthecovenantofgrace, nor the lustre and beauty of holiness: yea, and raise prejudicesagainst the same, because there is no hope of partaking of the benefitthereof; and so bring them on, to a plain questioning of all, as meredelusions.

7. And when he hath gotten them brought this length, he hath fairadvantage tomake themquestion if therebeaGod, and sodrive themforwardtoatheism.Andthusdeceitfullyhecancarrythesoul fromonesteptoanother.

But,third,therearemanysinfulcausesofthiswithintheman'sself;as,

1.Prideandhaughtinessofmind,asthinkingtheirmountainstandethsostrong,thatitcannotbemoved.AndthisprovokethGodtohidehisface,asPsalmxxx.

2.Self-confidence,aconcomitantofpride,supposingthemselvestobesowellrootedthattheycannotbeshaken,whereasitwerebetterforthemtowalkinfear.

3. Want of watchfulness over a deceitful heart, and an evil heart ofunbelief,thatisstilldepartingfromthelivingGod,Heb.iii.12.Itisgoodtobejealoushere.

4.Givingwaytodoubtingsandquestioningstooreadilyatfirst.ItisnotgoodtotempttheLordbyparlyingtoomuchandtooreadilywithSatan.Eve'spracticemightbeawarningsufficienttous.

5.Not living in the sight of theirwants, and of their daily necessity ofChrist,noractingfaithuponhimdaily,forthesupplyingof theirwants.

Andwhen faith isnotused, itmaycontract rust andbeweakened, andcomeatlengthnottobediscerned.

6.EntertainingofjealousthoughtsofGod,andhearkeningtooreadilytoanythingthatmayfosterandincreaseorconfirmthese.

7. Not delighting themselves in, and with pleasure dwelling on, thethoughtsofChrist,ofhisoffices,ofthegospelandpromises;sothatthesecomeatlengthtolosetheirbeautyandgloryinthesoul,andhavenotthelustrethatoncetheyhad;andthisdothopenadoortomuchmischief.

8.Inaword,notwalkingwithGodaccordingtothegospel,provokingtheLordtogivethemuptothemselvesforatime.

Wecomenowtothethirdparticular,whichis,toshewhowChristisLifetothepoorsoulinthiscase.Andfortheclearingofthis,consider,

1.ThatChristis"theauthorandfinisheroffaith,"Heb.xii.2;andso,ashedidrebukeunbeliefatthefirst,hecanrebukeitagain.

2.Thatheisthegreatprophetclearingupthegospel,andeverythingthatisnecessaryforustoknow,bringinglifeandimmortalitytolightbythegospel, 2 Tim. i. 10, and so manifesting the lustre and beauty of thegospel.

3.Hebringeththepromiseshometothesoul,intheirreality,excellency,and truth,being the faithfulwitnessand theamen,Rev. iii. 14,and theconfirmer of thepromises, so that they are all yea and amen in him, 2Cor.i.20.Andthisservethtoestablishthesoulinthefaith,andtoshootoutthoughtsofunbelief.

4. So doth he, by his Spirit, dispel the mists and clouds which Satan,throughunbelief,hadraisedinthesoul.

5. And thereby also rebuketh thosemistakes of God, and prejudices athimandhisways,whichSatanhathwroughtthere,throughcorruption.

6.Hediscoverethhimself tobeareadyhelp in timeof trouble,andthehopeandanchorofsalvation,Heb.vi.19;andapriest livingforeverto

makeintercessionforpoorsinners,Heb.vii.25.

7. Andhereby he cleareth up to the poor soul a possibility of help andrelief;andthusrebukethdespairorpreventethit.

8.Hemanifestethhimselftobethemarrowandsubstanceofthegospel:andthismaketheverylinethereofpleasantandbeautifultothesoul,andsofreeththemfromtheprejudicesthattheyhadatit.

9.So inmanifestinghimself in thegospel,herevealeth theFather, thatthesoulcomethto"theknowledgeofthegloryofGod,inthefaceofJesusChrist,"2Cor.iv.6.Andthissaveththesoulfromatheism.

10.Whenthesoulcannotgriphim,norlooktohim,yethecanlooktothesoul, and by his love quicken and revive the soul, andwarm the heartwith love to him, and at lengthmove and incline it sweetly to open tohim; and thus grip and hold fast a lost sheep, yea, and bring it homeagain.

Butwhat shoulda souldo in sucha case?To this, (which is the fourthparticulartobespokento),Ianswer,

1.Thattheyshouldstriveagainstthoseevilsformerlymentioned,whichprocured or occasioned this distemper. A stop should be put to thosemalignanthumours.

2.TheyshouldbecarefultolayagainthefoundationofsolidknowledgeofGod,andofhisglorioustruthsrevealed inthegospel,andlabourforthefaithofGod'struthandveracity;fortillthisbe,nothingcanberightinthesoul.

3.They shouldbe thoroughly convincedof the treachery, deceitfulness,andwickednessof theirhearts, that theymaysee it isnotworthy tobetrusted,andthattheymaybejealousofit,andnothearkensoreadilytoitastheyhavedone,especiallyseeingSatancanpromptittospeakforhisadvantage.

4. They should remember also, that it is divine help that can recoverthem,andcausethemgriptothepromises,andlayholdonthemofnew

again,aswellasatfirst,andthatofthemselvestheycandonothing.

5.Inusingof themeansfor therecoveryof life, theyshouldeyeChrist,and because this eyeing of Christ is faith, and their disease liethmostthere,theyshoulddoastheIsraelitesdidwhowerestungintheeyewiththeserpents,—they looked to thebrazen serpentwith thewoundedandstungeye:soshouldtheydowithasicklyandalmostdeadfaith,griphim,andwith an eye almost put out andmade blind, look to him, knowinghowreadyheistohelp,andwhatatenderhearthehath.

6.Andtoconfirmtheminthisresolution,theyshouldtakeanewviewofall the notable encouragements to believe, wherewith the whole gospelaboundeth.

7.Andwithalfixonhim,astheonly"authorandfinisheroffaith."

8. And, in a word, they should cast a wonderfully unbelieving andatheistical soul on him, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent inworking,and iswonderful inmercyandgrace,and inallhisways.Andthusmay he at length, in his own time, and in the way that will mostglorify himself, raise up that poor soul out of the grave of infidelitywherein it was stinking; and so prove himself to be indeed "theresurrectionandthelife,tothepraiseofthegloryofhisgrace."

Wecomenowtospeaktoanothercase,whichis,

CHAPTERXXV.

HOWCHRISTISMADEUSEOFASTHELIFE,BYONETHATISSODEADANDSENSELESS,ASHECANNOTKNOWWHATTOJUDGEOFHIMSELF,ORHISOWNCASE,EXCEPTWHATISNAUGHT.

Wespakesomethingtothisverycaseuponthematter,whenwespokeofChrist as the Truth. Yetwe shall speak a little to it here, but shall notenlargeparticulars formerlymentioned.And thereforewe shall speakalittletothosefiveparticulars;andso,

1.Shewwhat thisdistemper is.2.Shewwhence itproceedeth,andhowthesoulcomethto fall into it.3.ShewhowChrist,as theLife,bringethaboutarecoveryofit4.Shewhowthesoulistobeexercised,thatitmayobtainarecovery;and,5.Answersomequestionsorobjections.

Astothefirst,Believersmanytimesmaybesodead,asnotonlynottosee and know that they have an interest in Christ, and to be uncertainwhattojudgeofthemselves,butalsobesocarriedawaywithprejudicesandmistakes,asthattheywilljudgenootherwiseofthemselvesthanthattheircaseisnaught;yea,andnotonlywilldenyormiscallthegoodthatGodhathwroughtinthembyhisSpirit,butalsoreasonthemselvestobeoutof thestateofgrace,andastranger to faith,andto theworkingsoftheSpirit:andhereuponwillcometocallalldelusions,whichsometimetheyhadfeltandseeninthemselves,whichisasaddistemper,andwhichgraceinlifewouldfreethesoulfrom.

Thisproceedeth(whichisthesecondparticular)partlyfromGod'shidingofhisface,andchanginghisdispensationsaboutthem,andcompassingthemwithclouds,andpartlyfromthemselvesandtheirownmistakes:as,

1.Judging their state,notby theunchangeableruleof truth,butbytheoutwarddispensationsofGod,whichchangeuponthebest.

2. Judging their state by the observablemeasure of gracewithin them,and so concluding their state bad, because they observe corruptionprevailingnowandthen,andgracedecaying,andtheyperceivenovictoryovertemptations,norgrowthingrace,&c.

3.Judgingalsotheirstatebyothers;andsotheysupposethattheycannotbebelievers,becausetheyaresounliketoothers,whomtheyjudgetruebelievers.Thisisalsotojudgebyawrongrule.

4.Judgingthemselvesbythemselves,thatis,becausetheylooksounliketowhat sometimes theywere themselves, theyconclude that their statecannotbegood,whichisalsoawrongruletojudgetheirstateby.

5.Beginning to tryandexamine their caseandstate,andcoming tonoclose or issue, so that when they have done, they are as unclear anduncertainwhattojudgeofthemselves,aswhentheybegan;or,

6.Takinglittleornopainstotrythemselvesseriously,asinthesightofGod,but resting satisfiedwitha superficial trial,which cancome tonogoodissue.

7.Tryingandexamining,but through the sleightofSatan, andbecausepitching uponwrongmarks, coming to no good issue, but condemningthemselveswithoutground.

8.There isanother thingwhichoccasioneth thismisjudging, towit, thewant of distinctness and clearness in covenanting with Christ, and theignoranceofthenatureoftruesavingfaith.

Astothethirdparticular,howChristisLifetothebelieverinthiscase,

Ianswer,Christmanifestethhimselftobelifetothesoulinthiscase:

1.BysendingtheSpiritoflife,thatenlighteneth,informeth,persuadeth,andsealeth.

2. By actuating grace so in the soul, that it manifesteth itself, andevidencethitselftobethere;astheheatandburningofafirewilldiscoveritselfwithoutothertokens.

Thefourthparticular,towit,howthesoulshouldbeexercised,orhowitshould employ Christ, for an outgate from this, hath been abundantlyclearedabove,whereweshewed,thatbelieversinthiscaseshould,

1. Be frequent in gripping Christ and closing with him as their all-sufficientMediator;andfaiththusfrequentlyactingonhimmaydiscoveritselfatlength.

2.LooktoChristthathatheye-salve,andisgivenforawitness.

3. Keep grips fast of him, though they be in the dark; and walk ongrippingtohim.

4.Keeplovetowardhimandhisworking,andinexercise.

5. Beg of him to clear up their state, by his Spirit explaining the truemarksofgrace,anddiscoveringtheworkingofgraceinthesoul.

Butitwillbesaid,andsoIcometothe lastparticular,what, ifafterallthis,Iremainasformerly,asunabletojudgearightofmystateasever?

Answer.YetthoushouldstcontinuegrippingChrist,lovinghim, lookingtohim,castinga lost,deadsoulwithall thywantsuponhim,andmindthis as thy constant work. Yea, thou shouldst labour to be growing inthesedirectactsoffaith;andlearntosubmittoGodherein,knowingthatthose reflect acts are not absolutely necessary; and that thou shouldstthinkitmuchifhebringtheetoheavenatlength,thoughcoveredwithacloudallthydays.

Obj.2.Butothersgetmuchmoreclearness.

Ans.Igrantthat;yetknow,thateveryonegettethnotclearness,andsuchashave it,have itnot in thesamemeasure.AndmustGodgive theeasmuchashegivethtoanother?Whatifthoucouldnotmakethatuseofitthat others do, butwax proud thereby, and forget thyself? Therefore itwillbebesttogiveGodlibertytodispensehisfavoursashewill,andthatthou be about thy commanded duty, the exercise of faith, love, fear,patience,&c.

Obj.3.ButifatanytimeIgotasightofmycase,itwouldbesomepeaceandsatisfactiontome.

Ans. Igrantthat,andwhatknowestthou;butthoumayestalsogetthatfavourerethoudie.Whythenwiltthounotwaithisleisure?

Obj.4.Butthewantofitinthemeantimemakethmegoheartlesslyanddiscouragedlyaboutcommandedduties,andmakeththatIcannotapplythingsdistinctlytomyself.

Ans.Yetthewordofcommandisthesame,theofferisthesame,andtheencouragement is the same. Why then should thou not be going on,leaning to Christ in the wilderness, even though thou want thatcomfortablesight?

Obj.5.Butit isonethingtowantaclearsightofmystate, it isanotherthingtojudgemyself,tobeyetinthestateofnature;andthisismycase.

Ans.Igrant,thisistheworstofthetwo;yet,whatifthoumisjudgethyselfwithoutground;shouldthounotsufferforthyownfolly;andwhomcanthoublamebutthyself?Andifthoujudgeso,thoucannotbutknowthatitisthydutytodothethingthatthousupposethisnotyetdone,thatis,runawaytoChristforlifeandsalvation,andrestonhimandabidethere;and if thiswere frequently renewed, thegroundsof thy formermistakemightbeeasilyremoved.

Yetfurther,Iwouldaddthesefewthings:

1.Takenopleasureindebatingagainstyourownsoul;forthatisbuttoserveSatan'sdesign.

2.BenottoorashorreadytodrinkinprejudicesagainsttheworkofGodinyourownsouls;forthatistoconcludewithSatanagainstyourselves.

3.Makemuchofany little lighthe ispleasedtogive,were itbutofonemark, and be not ill to please; for one scriptural mark, as love to thebrethren,maysufficientlyevidencethething.

4. See how thy soul would like the condition of such as are carnal,

profane,carelessinthemattersofGod;andifthysouldothreallyabhorthat,andthouwouldnotuponanyaccountchoosetobeinsuchacase,thoumaygathersomethingfromthattothycomfort.Butenoughofthiscasehere.

CHAPTERXXVI.

HOWISCHRIST,ASTHELIFE,TOBEAPPLIEDBYASOULTHATMISSETHGOD'SFAVOURANDCOUNTENANCE.

Thesixthcase,thatweshallspeakalittleto,isadeadness,occasionedbytheLord'shidingofhimself,who is their life,and"the fountainof life,"Ps.xxxvi.9, and "whose loving-kindness isbetter than life,"Ps. lxiii. 3,and"inwhosefavouristheirlife,"Ps.xxx.5.Acase,whichthefrequentcomplaintsofthesaintsmanifesttoberifeenough,concerningwhichweshall,

1.ShewsomeoftheconsequencesoftheLord'shidinghisface,wherebythe soul's casewill appear. 2. Shew the reasons of this dispensation.3.ShewhowChristislifetothesoulinthiscase;and,4.Pointoutthesoul'sduty;orhowheistomakeuseofChristforarecovery.

Astothefirst,wemaytakenoticeofthoseparticulars:

1.TheycomplainofGod'shidingofhimself,andforsakingthem,Ps.xxii.1,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"andPs.xiii.3,"Howlongwiltthouforsakeme?"&c.

2. They cry out for a blink of his face, and get it not; for he hathwithdrawn himself, Ps. xiii. 1, "how long wilt thou hide thy face fromme?"Heman,Ps.lxxxviii.,criedoutnightandday,butyetGod'sfacewashid,ver.1,9,14.Thespouseseekethlong,Cant.v.;seePs.xxii.1,2.

3. They are looking for an outgate, but get none. And "hope deferredmakeththeirheartsick,"Prov.xiii.12.

4. They are in the dark, and cannot tell' why the Lord dispenseth sotowards them; "Why," said Heman, Ps. xviii. 14, "castest thou off mysoul? why holdest thou thy face from me?" They cannot understand

wherefore it is. So Job cried out, "shewmewherefore thou contendestwithme,"Jobx.2.

5.Theymayalsobewalking,inthemeanwhile,withoutlightorcounsel,soastheyshallnotknowwhattodo."HowlongshallItakecounselinmysoul,"Ps.xiii.2.

6.Moreover,theymayhavetheirheartfilledwithsorrow;aswesee,Ps.xiii.2,"havingsorrowinmyheart,"saidDavid.Healsosaith,Ps.xxxviii.that his sorrowwas continually before him, ver. 17; and Ps. cxvi. 3, "Ifoundtroubleandsorrow."

7.Theymaybeso,asthesweetexperienceofothersmayyieldthemnosupplyofcomfortatpresent,Ps.xxii.4-6,"Ourfatherstrustedinthee,"saidDavid, "and thou didst deliver them; they cried to thee, and weredelivered;theytrustedinthee,andwerenotconfounded."Butthatgavehimnopresenteaseorcomfort;forimmediatelyheaddeth,ver.6,"butIamawormandnoman,areproachofmen,"&c.

8.Yea,all theirownformerexperiencesmayyield themlittlesolace;asweseeinthesameplace,Ps.xxii.9,10,comparedwithver.14,15,"Thouarthe,"sayshe,ver.9,"thattookmeoutof thewomb,"&c.Andyethecomplains,ver.14,"thathewaspouredoutlikewater,andhisbonesoutofjoint,thathisheartwasmeltedinthemidstofhisbowels,"&c.

9.Theymaybebroughtneartoagivingoverallindespondency,andbebrought,intheirsense,totheverydustofdeath,Psal.xxii.16.

Ifitbeinquired,whytheLorddispensethsowithhisownpeople?

Weanswer,andthisisthesecondparticular,thathedoethitforholyandwisereasons,whereofwemaynameafew;as,

1.Topunishtheircarelessnessandnegligence;asweseehedidwiththespouse,Cant.v.

2. To chastise them for their ill-improving of his favour and kindnesswhentheyhadit;asthesamepassageevidenceth.

3. To check them for their security and carnal confidence, as he didDavid, Psal. xxx. 6, 7,whenhe said hismountain stood strong, and heshould never be moved. Then did the Lord hide his face, and he wastroubled.

4.Totryiftheirobediencetohiscommandsbepureandconscientious,andnotinasortmercenary,becauseofhisliftingupuponthemthelightofhiscountenance;andtoseeifconsciencetoacommanddriveththemtoduty,whentheyareinthedark,andhavenoencouragement.

5.Toput the gracesof theSpirit to trial and to exercise; as their faith,patience,hope,love,&c.Psal.xiii.5,6,22,24.

6.Toawakenthemfromtheirsecurity,andtosetthemtoamorediligentfollowingofduty;asweseeinthespouse,Cant.v.

7.Tosharpentheirdesireandhungerafterhim,asthisinstancecleareth.

Even in sucha caseas this,Christ is life to the soul,which is the thirdparticular,

1.Bytakingawaythesinfulcausesofsuchadistance,havinglaiddownhislifeandshedhisbloodfortheremissionoftheirsins,sothatsuchadispensationisnotflowingfrompurewrath,butisratheranactofmercyandlove.

2. By advocating the poorman's cause in heaven, where he is makingintercession for his own, and thereby obtaining a delivery from thatcondition,inGod'sowntime,eventheshiningagainofhiscountenanceuponthem.

3.Bykeepinglifein,astohabitualgrace,andbybreathingthereupon,sothatitbecomethlively,andoperativeeveninsuchawinterday.

4.By supporting the soul under that dispensation, and keeping it fromfainting,throughthesecretinfluencesofgrace,whichheconveyeth intothesoul;ashedidtothepoorwomanofCanaan,Matth.xv.

5.Bysettingthesoula-work,tousesuchmeansasGodhathappointed

forarecovery;as,tocry,toplead,tolong,towait,&c."Theirheartshalllivethatseekhim."

6. By teaching the soul to submit to and acquiesce in what God doth,acknowledging his righteousness, greatness, and sovereignty; and thisquietnessofheartisitslife.

7. By keeping the heart fast to the covenant of grace; so thatwhatevercome,theywillneverquitthatbargain,buttheywilltrustinhimthoughheshouldkillthem;andtheywilladheretothecovenantofgrace,thoughtheyshouldbedraggedthroughhell.

8. At length when he seeth it fit and convenient, he quickeneth bydrawingback theveil,and filling thesoulwith joy, in the lightofGod'scountenance;andcausing it tosing,ashavingtheheart liftedup in thewaysoftheLord.

Astothelastparticular,concerningthedutyofasoulinsuchacase;wesay,

1.Heshouldhumblehimselfunderthisdispensation,knowingthat it isthegreatGodwithwhomhehathtodo;andthatthereisnocontendingwithhim;andthatallfleshshouldstoopbeforehim.

2.HeshouldjustifyGodinallthathedoth,andsaywithDavid,Psal.xxii.3."Butthouartholy,OthouthatinhabitestthepraisesofIsrael."

3.Heshouldlookuponhimselfasunworthyoftheleastofthatkind:"Iamaworm,"saidDavid,Psal.xxii.6,"andnoman."

4.Heshouldsearchouthisprovocations,andrunawaytothefountain,thebloodofChrist, that thesemaybepurgedaway,andhisconsciencesprinkledfromdeadworks,andhissoulwashedinthefountainopenedtothehouseofDavidforsinandforuncleanness.

5.HemustalsoemployChrist,todiscovertohimmoreandmoreofhisguiltiness, whereby he hath grieved the Spirit of God; and as sins arediscoveredtohim,hewouldrepentofthem,andrunawaywiththemtothebloodthatcleansethfromallsin.ThiswasElihu'sadvicetoJob,chap.

xxxiv. 31, 32. "Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have bornechastisement,Iwillnotoffend.ThatwhichIseenot,teachthoume;ifIhavedoneiniquity,Iwilldonomore."

6.HeshouldgriptoChrist in thecovenant,andrest therewith joyandsatisfaction;heshouldholdthatfastthathemayrideoutthestorminadarknight;"thoughhemakenotminehousetogrow,"saidDavid,2Sam.xxiii.5;yetthiswasallhissalvationandallhisdesire,thathe"hadmadewith him an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure." Thespousetookthiscourse,whenshecouldnotgetasightofhimwhomhersoul loved, Cant. vi. 3, and asserted her interest in him; "I am mybeloved's,andmybelovedismine."

7. He should be entertaining high and loving thoughts of God,commendinghimhighly, lethisdispensationsbewhat theywill.Sodidthespouse,Cant.v.10,16.

8.Heshouldearnestlyseekafterhim.Thespousedidso,Cant.v.6.Thediscouragementshemetwithatthehandsofthewatchmen,didnotputheroffherpursuit,ver.7,butshecontinued,yea,was"sickoflove;"ver.8;andherlookshadaprevailingpowerwithhim,aswesee,Cant.vi.5,where the bridegroomuttered thatmost astonishingword, "Turn awaythineeyesfromme,fortheyhaveovercomeme."

9.Thisnewmanifestationwhichhe is seeking for,mustbe expected inand through Christ, who is the true tabernacle, and he who wasrepresentedbythemercy-seat.Heistheonlytrusting-place;inhimalonewilltheFatherbeseen.

10. He should also look to him for strength and support, in themeantime;andforgrace,thathemaybekeptfromfainting,andmaybehelpedtowaittillhecome,whoknoweththefittestseasonwhereintoappear.

Butitwillbesaid,whatif,afterallthis,wegetnooutgate,buthehidethhisfacestillfromus?

Ianswer,suchshouldknow,thatlifeisonething,andcomfortisanotherthing;grace isonething,andwarmblinksofGod's face isanother.The

oneisnecessarytotheverybeingofaChristian,theothernot,butonlynecessarytohiscomfortablebeing;andthereforetheyshouldbecontent,ifGodgivethemgrace,thoughtheymisscomfortforatime.

2.TheyshouldlearntocommitthatmattertoChristwhoknowethhowtogivethatwhichisgoodandbestforthem.

3.Theyshouldbehangingonhimforstrengthand forduty;and inhisstrength setting about every commanded duty, and be exercising faith,love,patience,hope,desire,&c.

4. Let the well-ordered covenant be all their salvation, and all theirdesire;andthoughtheyshouldnotgetacomfortableblinkofGod's face,so longastheywerehere,yetholdingfast thiscovenant, theyshouldatlengthbesavedsouls,andwhatwould theyhavemore?andwhen theygetthis,whatwilltheymiss?

CHAPTERXXVII.

HOW SHALL ONE MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE LIFE,WHEN WRESTLING WITH AN ANGRY GOD BECAUSE OFSIN?

Thatwemaygivesomesatisfactiontothisquestion,weshall,

1.Shewwhataretheingredientsinthiscase,orwhatusethtoconcurinthisdistemper.

2.ShewsomereasonswhytheLordispleasedtodispensethuswithhispeople.

3.ShewhowChristislifetothesoulinthiscase.

4.Shewthebeliever'sdutyforarecovery;and,

5.Addawordortwoofcaution.

As to the first, There may be those parts of, or ingredients in thisdistemper:

1.Godpresentingtheirsinsuntotheirview,soastheyshallcryout,"Oursiniseverbeforeus,"Psal.li.3,andsay,asitis,Psal.xc.8."Thouhastsetouriniquitiesbeforethee,oursecretsinsinthelightofthycountenance;"andsocausethemseetheLordcontendingforsin,asthechurchdid,Isa.lix. "We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves. We look forjudgmentbutthereisnone,forsalvationbutitisfarofffromus;forourtransgressionsaremultipliedbeforethee,andoursinstestifyagainstus;for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we knowthem,"&c.

2. Yea, Godmay bring upon them the iniquities of their youth, as Jobspeaketh,chap.xiii.26,andsobringuponthem,orsufferconscienceto

chargethem,withtheiroldsinsformerlyrepentedofandpardoned.Andthisismoreterrible:Davidismadetorememberhisoriginalsin,Psal.li.

3.And,asJobspeaketh,chap.xv.17,Godmayseemtobesealingupalltheirsinsinabag,thatnoneofthemmaybelostorfallby,withoutbeingtakennoticeof;and,asitwere,begatheringthemtogetherinaheap.

4.Hemaypursue sorewith signs ofwrath anddispleasure, because ofthosesins,asweseeinDavid,Psal.iv.;xxxviii.51,andinseveralothersofhispeople,chastenedoftheLordbecauseoftheirtransgressions;whereoftherearemanyinstancesinScripture.

5.Yea,andthatforaconsiderabletimetogether,andcausethemcryout,withDavid,Psal.iv.3,"Butthou,OLord,howlong!"

6. And that not only with outward, but also with inward plagues andstrokes,asDavid'scasecleareth,inthefore-citedPsalms.

7.Yea,andnoteventhemselves,buteventheirposterity;asDavid'schildwassmittenwithdeath,andtheposterityofManasses,whofoundmercyhimself,2Chron.xxxiii.13,wascarriedintocaptivityforhissin,2Kingsxxiii.26,27.

8. Further, the Lord may deprive them of all their former joy andcomfort,whichmadeDavidcryout,Psalmli.12,"Restoreuntomethejoyofthysalvation,andgrantmethyfreeSpirit."

9.And,whichisyetmoreterrible,writetheirsinupontheirjudgment,aswhenhecausedtheswordandwhoredomfollowDavid'shouse.

10.And,finally,hemaycausethemfearutteroff-casting,asPsalmli.12,"castmenotaway,"saidhe,"fromthypresence."

AndthistheLordthinkethgoodtodo(thatwemayspeakawordtothesecondparticular)forthose,andthelikereasons:

1.Todiscovertothem,andtoalltheworld,howjust,holy,andrighteousaGod he is, that cannot approve of, or bearwith sin, even in his ownchildren.

2.Tomakeall fear and tremblebefore this great andholyGod,who isterribleinhisjudgments,evenwhentheycomefromaFather'shandthatisnotpursuinginpureangerandwrath,butchasteninginlove.Sureallmust think that his dispensations with the wicked will be much morefearfulandhorrible,seeingtheyarenotyetreconciledtohimthroughthebloodofJesus.

3.TopressbelieversmoreearnestlyintoChrist,thattheymaygetanewextractoftheirpardon,andtheirsoulswashedinthebloodofJesus.

4. To teach them towalkmore circumspectly afterwards, and to guardmorewatchfullyagainstSatan'stemptations,andtoemployChristmoreastheirstrength,light,andguide.

5.TocausethemseetheirgreatobligationtoJesusChrist,fordeliveringthem from that state ofwrath,wherein theywere bynature, aswell asothers,andwouldhavelainintoalleternity,hadhenotredeemedthem.

6.Toexercise their faith,patience,andhope; tosee if inhope theywillbelieveagainsthope,andlayholdonthestrengthoftheLord,thattheymakepeacewithhim,Isaiahxxvii.5.

7. To give a fresh proof of his wonderful mercy, grace, love, andcompassion, upholding the soul in the mean time, and at lengthpardoningthem,andspeakingpeacetotheirsoulsthroughthebloodofJesus.

Butas to the third particular,wemay lookonChrist as the Life to thesoulinthiscase,uponthoseaccounts,

1.Hehathsatisfiedjustice,andsohathbornethepurewrathofGodduefortheirsins."Hehathtroddenthewinepressalone,"Isaiahlxiii.5."Hewaswoundedforourtransgressions,andbruisedforoursins,"Isaiahliii.5, 10;and therefore theydrinknotof thiscupwhichwouldmake themdrunk,andtostagger,andfall,andneverriseagain.

2.Yea,hehathprocuredthatmercyand loveshallaccompanyall thosesharpdispensations,and that theyshall flow frommercy;yea, and that

theyshallbeasacovenantedblessingpromised in the covenant,Psalmlxxxix.30,&c.

3. And sometimes he is pleased to let them see this clear differencebetwixtthestrokestheylieunder,andthejudgmentsofpurewrathwhichattend thewicked; and this supporteth the soul; for then he seeth thatthose dispensations, how sharp soever they be, shall work together forgood to him, and come from the hand of a gracious loving Father,reconciledinthebloodofChrist.

4. "He is a Prince, exalted to give repentance and remission of sins toIsrael,"Actsv.31.Yea,hehathprocuredsuchaclause in thecovenant,whichiswellorderedinallthingsandsure,thatupontheirrenewingoffaithandrepentance,theiraftersinsshallbepardoned;andbesidesthepromises of faith and repentance in the covenant, his being a Princeexaltedtogiveboth,givethassuranceoftheirreceivingofboth.

5.Heclearethtothemtheirinterestinthecovenant,andtheirrighttothepromisesofthecovenant;andthroughtheirclosingwithChristbyfaith,heraisethuptheirheartinhope,andcauseththemtoexpectanoutgate,evenremissionoftheirsins,andturningawaythedispleasureinduetimethroughhim.Andthisisagreatpartoftheirlife.

6.Beingtheauthorandfinisheroffaith,andaprincetogiverepentance,he,byhisSpirit,workethupthesoultoarenewingofitsgripsofhimselfbyfaith,andtoarunningtothedeathandbloodofChristforpardonandwashing, and worketh godly sorrow in the heart, whereupon followethpardon,according to thegospel constitution, though thebeliever as yetperceiveth it not; and sin being pardoned before God, conform to thetenorofthecovenantofgrace,themanisalivingman,whateverfearsofdeathhemaybekeptunderforatime.

7.HehelpethalsotoajustifyingofGod,andtoaholy,submissiveframeof spirit under that dispensation; so that they are willing to bear theindignationoftheLord,becausetheyhavesinnedagainsthim,Micahvii.9;andtowaitforanoutgateinGod'sowntime,andtokisstherod,andtoacceptofthepunishmentoftheirsin.

8.Whenheseethitfitforhisownglory,andtheiradvantage,hespeakethpeaceatlengthtothesoul,andsaith,"son(ordaughter)beofgoodcheer,thysinsareforgiventhee;andthenisthesoulrestoredtolife."

Astothefourthparticular.ThesoulthatiswrestlingwithanangryGodforsin,andwouldmakeuseofChristastheLife,shoulddothesethings:

1.He should look toChrist as standingunderGod's curse inour room,andassatisfyingjusticeforalltheelect,andforalltheirsins.

2.Heshouldeyethecovenantwhereinnewpardonispromised,upontherenewingoffaithandrepentance.

3.HeshouldeyeChristas thegreatLorddispensatorofboth faith andrepentance, and hang on him for both, and thus believe, that he maybelieveandrepent,orlayhissoulopentohim,thathemayworkinhimbothrepentanceandfaith.

4.He should flee to the blood of sprinkling, "that speaks better thingsthan the blood of Abel," that he may be washed, and sprinkled withhyssop,asDaviddid,Psalmli.7.

5.HeshouldeyeChristasaprincetogivepardonandremissionofsins,and as exalted for this end, and should fix his eye upon him, as nowexaltedingloryforthisend.

6.HeshouldclosewithChristofnew,ashisonlyall-sufficientMediator;andhavingdone this,andrepentedofhissins,wherebyGodhathbeenprovoked,he should conclude through faith, that apardon is passed inthe court of heaven, conform to the tenor of the gospel, and wait onChristuntiltheintimationcome.

Asfor thecautionswhichIpromisedtospeakto, in the lastplace, takethosefew:

1. Do not conclude there is no pardon, because there is no intimationthereofmade to thy soul as yet.According to the dispensationof gracecondescended upon in the gospel, pardon is had immediately upon asoul's believing and repenting; but the intimation, sense, and feelingof

pardon, is a distinct thing, andmay, for several ends, be long kept upfromthesoul.Suretheygonotalwaystogether.

2.Donotconcludethereisnopardon,becausetherodthatwasinflictedforsinisnotasyettakenoff.GodpardonedDavid'ssin,anddidintimatethe same tohimbyNathan, andyet the sworddidnot depart fromhishouse till he died. God can forgive, and yet take vengeance on theirinventions,Psalmxcix.8.

3.DonotuponthisgroundquestionGod'sfaithfulness,orconcludethatGod's covenant doth not stand fast. He is the same, and the covenantabidethfastandfirm;butthechangeisinthee.

4. Do not think that because thou hast once received Christ, thattherefore,withoutanynewactoffaithonhim,orofrepentancetowardsGod, thou should immediatelybepardonedof thy sins, as soonas theyare committed; for the gospelmethodmust be followed, and it shouldsatisfyus.

CHAPTERXXVIII.

NOMANCOMETHTOTHEFATHERBUTBYME.

Thisbeingaddedforfurtherconfirmationofwhatwasformerlysaid,willpointoutuntousseveralnecessarytruths,as,

I. That it ismost necessary to be sound and clear in this fundamentalpointofcomingtoGodonlyinandthroughChrist.For,

1.Itisthewholemarrowofthegospel.

2.It isthehingeofoursalvation,Christ is"thechiefcornerstone,"Isa.xxxviii.16.1Pet.i.5,6;and,

3.Theonlygroundofalloursolidandtruepeaceandcomfort.

4Anerrororamistakehere,ismostdangerous,hazarding,ifnotruiningall.

5.Satanendeavoursmainlyagainstthis,raisethupheresies,errors,andfalse opinions, and prompteth some to vent perplexing doubts andobjections,andalltodarkenthiscardinalpoint.Sodothhemusterupallhis temptations for this end, at length to keep poor souls fromacquaintancewiththisway,andfrommakinguseofit,orenteringintoit.

6.Ourcorruptheartsaremostaversefromit,andwillclosewithanyway,how troublesome, how expensive and costly soever itmay seem to be,ratherthanwiththis.

7.Thereareamultitudeoffalseways,aswedidshewabove.

All which do clear up this necessity, and should teach us to be verydiligenttowintoacquaintancewithit,andtomakesurethatweareinit,andtoholditfast,andtokeepitpureinourpractice,withoutmixingany

thingwithit,orcorruptingofit.

II.That it isno smalldifficulty toget this truthbelievedandpractised,that throughChristalonewecometo theFather.Therefore is thesamethingassertedandinculcatedagainuponthesamematter;for,

1.Naturewillnotteachthisway;itisfarabovenature.

2. Yea, our natural inclinations are much against it, opposing it, andfightingagainstit.

3.Thiswayisaltogethercontrarytothathighesteemwhichnaturallyallofushaveofourselves.

4.Andisoppositetothatprideofheartwhichnaturallywearesubjectto.

5.Yea,thereisnothinginusbynaturethatwillwillinglycomplywiththisway;but,onthecontrary,allisoppositethereunto.

6.AndthereforeitistheChristian'sfirstlessontodenyhimself.

Theconsiderationofwhichshouldhumbleus,andmakeusveryjealousofourownhearts and inclinations, andof all those courseswhich theyare inclinable to and bent upon.And it should put us to try if everwehaveovercomethisdifficulty;andhavenowallourhopesandcomfortsfoundedonhim,andonnothingelse;andareupanddowninourpeaceandjoyaccordingaswewinintohim,orareshutoutfromhim;andinallourapproachestoGod,uponwhatsoeveraccount,areleaningtohimandrestinguponhimalone,expectingaccess,acceptance,andahearing,only inhim; and are quieted under all our fears and temptations,withthis,—thatChristisourwaytotheFather.

III.Thatevenbelievershaveneedtohavethistruthinculcatedoften:For,

1. Satan is busy pulling them off this ground by all the wiles andtemptationshecan.

2.Theirowncorruptionwithin,andtheevilheartofunbelief, isalwaysopposingthisway,anddrawingthemoffit.

3. Through the sleight of Satan and the power of corruption, they areoftentimesdecliningfromthispuregospelway.

4.Theexperienceofbelieverscantell,thatwhentheyareattheirbest,itis a great work and exercise to them to keep their hearts right in thismatter.

5.Isitnottoooftenseen,thattheyarethespiritualplagueof formality,whichstealeththemofftheirfeethere?

6. And is it not found oftentimes that they are too ready to lean tosomethingbesideChrist?

Howoughtalltobeconvincedofthis,andhumbledunderthesenseofit!Andseealsohownecessaryitistobeoftenpreachingonthissubject,andtobeoftenthinkinguponandstudyingthisfundamentaltruth.

IV. It should be a strong motive and incitement to us to make use ofChristasthewaytotheFather,thatnomancomethtotheFatherbutbyhim; for thismay be looked upon as an argument enforcing their use-makingofhimastheway.

V.Itdiscovereththegroundofthattruth,thattherearebutfewthataresaved, fornonecometh to theFatherbutbyhim; few, in respect of thewholeworld,oncehearofhim;andofsuchashearofhim,fewhavethetrue way of employing and applying him, as the way to the Fatherclearethupunto them.Andagain, of suchas have the truth, as it is inJesus,preachedunto them,Ohow fewgo tohimandmakeuseofhimaccordingtothetruth,andbelieveandpractisethetruth!

VI.ThatinandthroughChristalonewemustcome,

1.To theknowledgeof theFather;"fornomanknoweththeFather butthe Son;" and he alone, who came out of the bosom of the Father,revealethhim.

2.Tothefavourandfriendshipof theFather; forhealoneisourpeace,andinhimaloneistheFatherwellpleased.

3.TothekingdomoftheFatherhere;forhereonlyisthedoor,Johnx.;andbyhisSpiritareweeffectuallycalled.

4. To the kingdom of the Father above; for he alone hath opened thatdoor,andisenteredintotheholiestofall,asourforerunner,andisgonetoprepareaplaceforus.

5. Through him alonemust we address ourselves to the Father in oursupplications, Johnxvi. 23.Rev. viii. 3; in our thanksgiving,Rom. i. 8.Col.iii.17;andpraise,Heb.xiii.15.Eph.iii.21.

6. Through him alone havewe access and an open door to the Father,Eph.ii.18;iii.21.Heb.iv.16.

Ishallonlyspeaktoonecasehere,viz.

CHAPTERXXIX.

HOWSHOULDWEMAKEUSEOFCHRIST,INGOINGTOTHEFATHER,INPRAYER,ANDOTHERACTSOFWORSHIP?

In short, for answering of this question, I shall lay down thoseparticulars:

1.Thereshouldbea livelysenseof the infinitedistance that isbetweenthe great God and us finite creatures, and yet more betwixt the HolyGhostandussinfulwretches.

2.ThereshouldbeaneyeingofChristasthegreatpeacemaker,throughhisdeathandmeritshavingsatisfiedjusticeandreconciledsinnersuntoGod; that so we may look on God now no more as an enemy, but asreconciledinJesus.

3.Thereshouldbe,sometimesatleast,amoreformalandexplicitactualclosing with Christ as ours, whenwe are going about such duties, andalwaysan implicitandvirtualembracingofhimasourMediator,oranhabitual hanging upon him and leaning to him as our Mediator andpeacemaker.

4.ThereshouldbeaneyeingofhimasourgreatHighPriestnowlivingforevertomakeintercessionforus,andtokeepthedoorofheavenopento us: upon which account the apostle presseth the Hebrews to "comeboldlytothethroneofgrace,"Heb.iv.14,16.SeealsoHeb.v.24,25.

5.Thereshouldbeagrippingtohimeveninreferencetothatparticularactofworship,anda layingholduponhim, tospeakso,asourmaster-usher to bring us by the hand in to the Father, conscious of our ownunworthiness.

6.Thereshouldbeaconfidentleaningtohiminourapproaching,andso

we should approach him without fear and diffidence; and thatnotwithstanding thatwe findnotour souls in sucha good frameaswewouldWish,yea,andguiltlookingusintheface.

7.Thusshouldwerollallthedifficultiesthatcomeinourway,andallthediscouragementswhichwemeetwith,onhim,thathemaytakeawaytheoneandtheother,andhelpusovertheoneandtheother.

8.Asweshouldtakeananswertoallobjectionsfromhimalone,andputhim to remove all scruples and difficulties, and strengthen ourselvesagainstallimpedimentsanddiscouragementsalone,inandthroughhim,sothereshouldbethebringingofallourpositiveencouragementsfromhimalone,andallourhopesofcomingspeedwiththeFathershouldbegroundeduponhim.

9.WeshouldexpectallourwelcomeandacceptancewiththeFatheronlyinandthroughChrist,andexpectnothingforanythinginourselves,norforourgraces,goodframe,preparation,oranythingofthatkind.Soweshould not found our acceptance nor our peace and satisfaction onourselves,noronany thingwehaveordo;nor shouldweconcludeourexclusionorwantofacceptance,becausewedonotapprehendourframesogoodasitoughttobe;soweshouldnotfoundouracceptanceonourrightperformanceofduties,forthatisnotChrist.

10. We should quiet ourselves on him alone in all our approaches,whateverlivelinesswefindormissinduty.Wearetoomuchtickledandfainwhendutiesgowellwithus,andtroubledontheotherhandwhenitisnotso;andthegroundofallthisis,becauseweleantoomuchtoourownduties,anddonotquietourselvesonhimalone.Andhenceitis,thatweareoftenquietedwhenweget thedutydoneandputby, thoughwehave not met with him there, nor gotten use made of him as wasnecessary.All our comfort, peace, andquiet shouldbe foundedonhimalone.

11.WeshouldlooktohimfortheremovalofallthediscouragementsthatSatancastsinourwaywhileweareaboutthisorthatpieceofworship,toput us back, or cause us to advance slowly and faintingly; and castingthemallonhim,goforwardinourduty.

12.Weshould lookforallourreturnsandanswersonly inandthroughhim, and lay all the weight of our hopes and expectations of a goodansweronlyonhim,1Johnv.13,14,15.

ForcautionIwouldaddawordortwo:

1.Idonotthinkthatthebelievercanexplicitlyanddistinctlyactallthesethingswheneverhe is going toGod, or candistinctly perceive all theseseveralacts;norhaveIspecifiedandparticularlymentionedthemthus,forthisend,buttoshewatsomelength,howChrististobeemployedinthoseactsofworshipwhichwearecalledtoperform;andthatbecauseweoftentimesthinkthesimplenamingofhim,andaskingof thingsforhissake,issufficient,thoughourheartsleanmoretosomeotherthingthanto him; and the conscientious Christian will find his soul, when he isrightly going about the duties of worship, looking towards Christ thus,sometimes more distinctly and explicitly as to one particular, andsometimesmoreastoanother.

2.ThoughthebelievercannotdistinctlyactfaithonChristalltheseways,whenheisgoingaboutcommandeddutiesofworship,yetheshouldbesure to have his heart going out afterChrist, as the only ground of hisapproaching to and acceptancewith and of being heard by the Father;andtohavehisheartinsuchanhabitualframeofrestingonChrist,thatreally there may be a relying upon him all these ways, though notdistinctlydiscerned.

3.SometimesthebelieverwillbecalledtobemoredistinctandexplicitinlookingtoandrestinguponChrist,as tooneparticular, and sometimesmoreastoanother.WhenSatanisdissuadinghimtogotoGodbecausehe is an infinitely holyOne, and he himself is but a sinner, then he iscalled to act faith on Christ as the Mediator making reconciliationbetween God and sinners; and when Satan is dissuading fromapproaching to God, because of their want of an interest in God, thenshouldtheyactfaithonChrist,andembracehimaccordingtothegospel,and rest there, and so approach. And when Satan casts up hisunworthinessandformersins,tokeephima-backortodiscouragehim,then he is called to lay hold on Christ as the great High Priest andAdvocate, and casting that discouragement on him, to go forward. So

likewise,whenSatanisdiscouraginghiminhisduty,bybringingbeforehimhissins,heshouldtakethiscourse;andwhen,becauseofhissinfulwayofworshippingGod, and callinguponhim, andother things, he ismadetofearthatall is invain,andthatneitherGodregardethhimnorhisservices,andthatheshallnotcomespeed,thenshouldhecastalltheburdenofhisacceptance,andofobtainingwhatheaskethanddesireth,on Christ, and quiet himself there; and so as to the rest. And henceappeareththeusefulnessofourbranchingoutofthismatter.

4.Inallthis,theremustbeanactinginthestrengthofJesus;alookingtoChrist and resting upon Christ, according to the present case andnecessity,inChrist;thatis,byhisstrengthandgracecommunicatedtousbyhisSpirit;thendoweworshipGodintheSpirit,andinthenewnessofthe Spirit, when all is done, in the matter of worship, in and throughJesus.

THEEND.

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