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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A62910) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 41823) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1270:8) Jehovah our righteousness, or, The justification of believers by the righteousness of Christ only asserted and applyed in several sermons / by Samuel Tomlyns. Tomlyns, Samuel, 1632 or 3-1700. [6], 423, [1] p. Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, London : [1696?] Errata: p. [424] Reproduction of original in the British Library. eng Bible. -- O.T. -- Jeremiah XXIII, 6 -- Sermons. Sermons, English -- 17th century. eebo Jehovah our righteousness; or The justification of believers by the righteousness of Christ only. Asserted and applyed in several sermons. By Samuel T Tomlyns, Samuel, 1696 435 99692 358 0 0 0 0 0 35.91 D The rate of 35.91 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2011-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2011-11 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-03 Sampled and proofread 2012-03 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2012-05 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Jehovah our Righteousness ; OR THE JUSTIFICATION OF Believers BY THE Righteousness of Christ only . Asserted and Applyed IN SEVERAL SERMONS . By Samuel Comlyns , A. M. A Minister of the Gospel in Marleborough .

LONDON , Printed for Tho. Parkhurst , at the Sign of the Bible and Three Crowns at the lower end of Cheapside , near Mercer's - Chappel .

To the Most Illustrious WILLIAM Duke of Bedford , Grace , Mercy and Peace from God our Father , and from the Lord Jesus Christ . May it please Your Grace ,

I Cannot forget your Grace's Kindness and Bounty to me in a Troublesome time of Persecution from Man , and a Dark-day of Visitation from God ; when , by a Disease , I was brought near the brink of the Grave . In Gratitude , I offer your Grace a Discourse of that Everlasting Righteousness which we have in Christ , and of that Eternal Salvation we enjoy by him . Some may be wrapt up in the Skirt of Providence , as the Hair in the Skirt of Ezekiel's Garment , Ezek. 5.3 , 4. for a few years , yet , at last , be brought forth , and be cast into the Eternal Fire of God's Wrath , 2 Thes. 8 , 9. It will be sad to have a Reprieve for time , and then to feel a dreadful Execution for Eternity ; but through the Righteousness of Christ , God may not only , as a Patient Creditor , forbear us for years ; but , as a Righteous Judge , justify and discharge us for ever . Diogenes Laertius , in vita Socratis , tells us , That Apollodorus brought Socrates a Rich Garment to put on , and Die in . I here Present to your Grace the Glorious Garment of Christ's Righteousness , both to Live on , and to Die in . Our blind Ancestours , at a dear rate , purchased a Monk's Habit to be Buryed in : but I here tender to your Grace the Beautiful Habit of our Great High-Priest , to Adorn and Secure your Soul for Time and Eternity . The builders of Spiritual Babel are strangely confounded in their Language ; they deny the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness , yet promise their Benefactors that they will Communicate to them the Merits of their Order . Sir Edwyn Sands , in his Religion of the West , Relates , That he heard a Capuchin Preach , and that in his Sermon ( as a high act of Charity ) he said , That he would divest himself of all his Merits , and put them on the Congregation that heard him ; but he himself would stand before God , as the greatest Sinner of them all . But what a high strain of Pride is this , to deny the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness , and yet allow the Imputation of their own Merits to others , as if Sackcloth could Adorn , but not the Son of Righteousness . Tucquet , in his Spanish History , informs us , That Philip the Second , King of Spain , was ( when Sick ) directed to take a Crucifix in one hand , and a Candle Consecrated to the Virgin Mary , that is worshipped at Monserat , in the other hand , and in this posture to meet Death , the King of Terrors . But is it not infinitely better , that the Lively Picture of Christ Crucified , as drawn in the Gospel , should be before the eyes of our Minds ? and the Son of Righteousness be grasped and held fast in the Hand of Faith , that Death may be disarmed of its Sting , and divested of its Terror . The Doctrine of Justification asserted in this Treatise , is opposed by many . Socinians deny the Death of Christ to be the Price of our Redemption : Others seem to over-look the Active Obedience of Christ , as it were not the matter of our Righteousness . The Apostle saith , That Christ was made under the Law to Redeem us , Gal. 4.4 , 5. This expression , made under the Law , is not to be Restrained to Christ's being made under the Curse of the Law , the Phrase is otherwise taken in the same Chapter , Gal. 4.21 . You that desire to be under the Law . Surely the Jews did not desire to be under the Curse of the Law , but under the Commands of the Law , as a Covenant . We are poor and weak , as well as guilty Creatures : we need not only that Christ , by enduring the Curse on the Cross , should reverse the Sentence of Death , but also , that he should obey the Law , and so take it off from us , as a Covenant of Life . If the Sentence of death should be abrogated for the time past , and the Law stand in force , as a Covenant of Life for the time to come , our State would be hopeless and desperate . Some account Faith to be too small and mean a thing for us to be Justified by ; as Naaman thought Washing in the Waters of Jordan to be too slight a Meanes to cure him of his Leprosy , 2 Kings 5.11 , 12. and therefore , by Faith , they understand all Obedience to the Gospel , that flowes from it ; as when the Jews lost the Spiritual meaning of the Sacrifices , as they did Typifie Christ , Isa. 53.10 . they thought the Offering of a Beast to be a cheap Sacrifice , therefore they would arise higher , and Offer the First-Fruit of their Body for the Sin of their Soul , Micah 6.7 . So when some consider not , or over-look the Office of Faith , as it is an Instrument to receive Christ and his Righteousness for Justification ; they debase Faith as a mean thing , and Introduce all New Obedience as the condition of Justification . This is to make a Gospel Justification like a Legal Justification , wherein Men's own obedience was the Matter of their Righteousness , and the condition of their Justification . The Wrath of God is Revealed from Heaven against us for our Vngodliness , and Vnrighteousness , Rom. 1.18 . And how might our hearts sink , if the Righteousness of God were not Revealed in the Gospel for our Comfort and Support ? * * Cartwright . Some distinguish between the Righteousness of the Law , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 8.4 . Phil. 3.9 . The Righteousness of the Law is in some Measure fulfilled in Saints , as they have Graces , and do Actions , in some measure , conformable to the Law : but yet the Scripture denies , and disavows Christians having the Righteousness that is of the Law , that is , such a perfect and compleat Righteousness as the Law requires for Justification . But it is the Righteousness of God that we must fly to , and take hold of for Justification . It is this Righteousness that gives us ground to conclude , that God will turn again and have compassion on us , Micah 7.19 . and that he will not return to destroy us , Hos. 11.9 . God will not execute the Fierceness of his Anger , but express the Heat , and Height of his Love , in adopting us into his Family , setting us at the Table to Feast , and placing us in the Throne to Reign with Christ , Luke 22.29 , 30. Rev. 3.21 . We cannot break through an Host of sins , and get to the Fountain of Life , or venture into the Presence of God , that is a Consuming Fire , if we are not Armed with this Righteousness . That your Grace may continually come into this Righteousness , as your Fortress and Castle ; Live on it as your most precious Food and generous Cordial , and , at last , be found in it , as your Glorious Garment , is the sincere desire , and shall be the earnest Prayer of

June 11th , 1696. Your Grace's most humble Servant and Oratour , Samuel Tomlyns .
Several SERMONS ON Jer. XXIII . 6. In his Days Judah shall be saved , and Israel shall dwell safely : and this is the Name whereby he shall be called , The Lord our Righteousness .

IN the Fifth Verse of this Chapter we have a Prophecy and Promise of Christ ; God saith , That he would raise up to David a Righteous Branch . David had too many corrupt Children , and degenerate Plants , that did turn off from , and walk contrary to his Piety ; but the Lord would raise up to David a Plant of Renown , a Righteous Branch . Of this Branch it is said , That he should Reign and Prosper ; his Dominions should neither have Bounds or End ; his Kingdom should neither be kept down , or beaten down in the World ; he should execute Judgment and Justice in the Earth , Psal. 2.4 . He should rescue the Elect from bondage and slavery , and break Satan , the great Oppressor in Peices ; and destroy those that obstinately adhere to him .

2ly . He should do God right , and execute his Law by writing it in the Hearts of Men by his Spirit . The Law requires Love to be rendred to God , and our Neighbour ; but our flesh is repugnant to both : Self-Love eats us up , and devours both what is due to God . and what belongs to our Neighbour : The Law makes its demand , it calls for the Love we owe God and our Fellow-Creature ; but is still contradicted , till Christ renews our Nature , and kindles in us both fervent Love to God , and sincere Love to our Neighbour . Even thus the Messiah , born after Moses , and so may be said to be his Younger Brother , raises up Seed to him , directs mens Hearts into the Love of God , and inflames their Souls to the Love of their Neighbour . In the words of the Text , we have another Promise concerning the sweet Effects and blessed Fruits of Christ's Kingdom . In his Days Judah should be saved , and Israel dwell safely . Christ's Kingdom is for the salvation of men . In Zech. 9.9 . it is said , Rejoice thou Daughter of Sion , thy King comes : But in Is. 62.11 . it is said , Behold thy Salvation comes . Christ is a saving King to enslaved and perishing sinners .

In the Text we may observe these several parts :

1. Here is a great Benefit promised , and that is salvation ; Judah shall be saved , Mal. 2.3 .

2. We have the perfection and continuance of this salvation , Israel shall dwell safely , Rom. 16.20 . Spiritual Enemies shall be so subdued , trodden under foot , and destroyed , that they shall never recover , and lift up themselves to enslave and oppress the people of God . The uncircumcised and unclean shall no more , as Conquerours , pass through the Church of God , Is. 52.1 . Her Walls shall be called Salvation , and her Gates Praise , Is . 60.18 . Saved and Redeemed Saints may serve without Fear , Luke 1.74 , 75. They shall not be cast out by Christ , John 6.37 . They shall not by Satan , or sinners , be plucked out of Christ's hands , John 10.27 , 28. They shall not , by the mutability of their own Wills , depart from God , Jer. 32.40 . So they have no ground to dread , that Christ will divorce them , that sin shall enslave them , and that Satan shall ensnare and devour them .

3. We have the Persons to whom this Promise is made , Judah and Israel : But doth the Sun of Righteousness shine only on Canaan ? Is the Salvation of the Messiah restrained to One Nation ? No , Christ is the Saviour of the World , John 4.42 . We read of a common Faith , Acts 1.9 . and a common Salvation , Jude v. 3. The Hedg is pluckt up , Luke 14.23 . The Wall of Partition is broken down , Eph. 6.14 . The Old Enclosures are thrown open , and Christ is God's Salvation to the Ends of the Earth , Isa. 49.6 . But why then is Judah and Israel mentioned ? Answ. 1. They were the Ancient , and for some time the only people of God : They were then in being , to receive and embrace the Promises . God did know , esteem , love , deal better with them than with other Nations , Amos 3.1 . Psal. 147. and the two last Verses . 2. They were as it were , the Representatives of , and the Trustees for the Church Universal ; the Oracles of God were committed to them , Rom. 3.2 . the Covenant was made with them ; the Promises of God were given to them , Rom. 9.4 . 3. Believers of the Gentiles are now grafted into this stock of the Jewish Church , they are planted among the Natural Branches ; partakers of the Olive and its fatness , &c. Rom. 17.24 . they are Fellow-Heirs of the same Body , and Partakers of God's Promise in Christ Jesus , Eph. 3.6 . and this is both the meaning , and the fulfilling of that Scripture , Ezek. 47.22 . You shall divide the Land by Lot for an Inheritance unto you , and the Strangers that sojourn among you , and that shall beget Children among you ; and they shall be unto you , as born in the Country , among the Children of Israel ; they shall have Inheritance with you among the Tribes of Israel . Canaan was not only a Type of the Eternal Inheritance , but also a Shadow of a Spiritual Canaan of the Church of God , and its Priviledges . To sojourn among the Tribes of Israel , seemeth to be the same as to be grafted in among the Branches , and to have an Inheritance among the Tribes of Israel , may well be expounded by the Gentiles being made Partakers of the Olive and its Fatness ; and that Provision that is made for the Children that Strangers should beget , that they should have an Inheritance among the Tribes of Israel , seemeth to me to point out the Church-Membership of the Children of the Gentiles , and that they shall be put into the same Place , and enjoy the same Priviledges that the Children of the Israelites had . This sense seemeth at least very probable . We never find that material Canaan was divided among the Israelites and Strangers , and as this was not practised for the time past , so it seems not possible or practicable for the time to come , that the Gentiles should have a share in such a narrow and short Land , as Canaan is , and possess it together with the Jews .

4. The Believing Gentiles are now the Israel of God , and Spiritual Jews , Gal. 6.16 . Rom. 2.29 . As there is a Spiritual , Altar , Temple , Circumcision , Spiritual Sacrifices , so there is a Spiritual Israel and Judah . True Believers are Israel , for they wrestle with God to obtain an eternal Blessing ; Gen. 12.2 . and they are Spiritual udah as they praise God for the obtaining of an everlasting Salvation , &c. Rev. 12.11 .

4thly , We have the time when these Promises shall be most eminently perform'd , and that in the Days of Christ , in his Days Judah shall be saved .

5thly , We have an honourable and glorious Name given to , and put on the Messiah ; this is the Name whereby he shall be called , the Lord our Righteousness . There is something extraordinary imported , and signified by this Name , that Jehovah that requireth Righteousness of us , should himself become Righteousness to us ; that he who hath imposed righteous Commands on us , and hath denounced for our disobedience righteous Threatnings against us , should to secure and preserve us , or be made Righteousness to us : This is admirable and wonderful , that Jehovah should provide a Laver to wash us , and work out a Righteousness to cloath and adorn us . This is such a rare and stupendious thing , that the Son of God by this gracious Condescention to us , by this merciful Provision for us , hath acquired a new , honourable and everlasting Name .

The Words afford us two Points of Doctrine ,

1. That in Christ's Days Judah and Israel , Jew and Gentile , shall be most eminently , and signally saved .

2. That Jesus Christ is , and shall be called , the Lord our Righteousness .

Doct. 1. That in Christ's Days , Judah and Israel , Jew and Gentile , shall be most eminently saved . For the prosecuting of this Doctrine ; 1. I shall shew you what Days are meant and intended by the Days of Christ . 2. What this Salvation is , that shall be given forth in his Days . 3. Why Salvation is by way of Excellency said to be bestowed in his days ; and then more eminently communicate .

1. What days are meant by the Days of Christ . Ans. The Days that begin from the incarnation of the Son of God , and continue and run on to his second coming ; these in Scripture are called his Days , Psal. 72.7 . In his Days shall the Righteous flourish ; and these days are Long days , for it followeth , and an abundance of Peace there shall be as long as the Moon endureth . So that the days of the Messiah do run parralel with the Moon as to their duration . God had promised to him , that he should prolong his Days , and the pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his Hand , Isa. 53.10 . It is a wonderful Condescention , that he whose goings forth were from everlasting , and was ancienter than days , should take an Humane Nature , and live a life in it that should be measured by days : The Time since Jesus Christ was exhibited , and manifested to the World , is called his days .

2. What is this Salvation that Jesus Christ bestoweth ? I shall shew you 1. The Nature : 2ly , The Properties and Adjuncts of this Salvation . I shall first explain the Nature of it ; This Salvation hath two parts , 1. A Privative , 2. A Positive part .

1. A Privative part . It is Salvation from the most dreadful Evils , 1. It is Salvation from Sin , Matth. 1.21 . thou shalt call his Name Jesus , for he shall save his People from their Sins . 2 Tit. 14. he gave himself to redeem us from all Iniquity . His Blood is the precious Red Ink to blot out our Transgressions ; and the most wonderful Red Seas to drown the Spiritual Egyptians ; the Host of our Iniquities in Christ , was but baptized in the deep Waters of sorrow and sufferings , but he drowned for ever all our sins . God made war with Christ , to make peace with us , Zech. 13.7 . God saves by Remission of Sins , Luke 77. and by the washing of Regeneration , and the renewing of the Holy Ghost , Tit. 3.4 , 5. God made him an instance of Severity , that we might be eternal Monuments of Mercy .

2. Christ saves from wrath . Jesus delivers from the wrath to come , 1 Thes. 1. last . Being justified by his Blood , we shall be saved from wrath , through him , Rom. 5.9 . The Apostle doth not mention whose wrath , but means the wrath of God : This wrath is so formidable , and terrible , that all other wrath is as nothing , doth not deserve the Name of wrath ; it is but a false , or painted Fire , a Bubble , an empty Name and sound . God can array all the Creatures , as his Hosts in Heaven and Earth , to fight against Sinners : He can awaken and stir up Conscience , to accuse and condemn the Sinner , and so make him both a Burden and a Terrour to himself . God can remember , and set all our Trangressions before our Sight , and fix our Eyes on this dreadful and dismaying Object , that they shall never divert or look off from it . God can pursue Sinners with punishment in this world , and meet them with more dreadful vengeance in another World ; he can strike and support the Criminal at once ; he can blow up the Fire of his Anger and preserve the Souls and Bodies of Sinners to be eternal Fuel to it ; he can make extremity , and eternity of Misery , to meet in the same Person . It is amazing wrath to make a bundle of Tares , to subsist , and continue in the Furnace for ever ; to be immortal Fuel to an eternal Fire : It is from this dreadful wrath that Jesus Christ saves his People .

2. There is a positive part of this Salvation . 1. Jesus Christ saves and quickens us . The Dead hear the Voice of the Son of God , and they that hear it shall live , John 5.25 . As God breathed the Breath of Life into Adam's formed Body , and he became a living Soul , Gen. 2.7 . so Christ breathed on his Apostles , and said , Receive you the Holy Ghost , John , 20.22 . the Life of Saints , is a Beam of , and a stream from the Life of Christ , Eccl. 2.20 . How noble is their Life ? They live by Christ's living in them ; through the Spirit they are ingrafted into Christ , are Branches of the true Tree of Life ; they are in him , who is the true God , and Eternal Life , 1 John 5.20 . 2ly , Christ saves them , and builds them , Zech. 6.12 , 13. The Branches should grow up out of his Place , and he should build the Temple of the Lord ; we fell , and were ruined in and by Adam , and we lay in Ruines and Rubbish , till Christ doth lift up his Feet to our Desolations ; doth with Pity behold , and in Mercy raise up our Ruins . Satan dwells in , and rejoices over these Ruins . Those that are pulled down with respect to God , may be said to be built up with respect to Satan ; as Ruins of a House are of no use to us , so ruined Creatures are altogether unprofitable to God , Rom. 12. O this is great Mercy , for Satan to be dispossed and ejected , and for Souls to be framed as a holy House , and to be built up as a Spiritual Temple for God to inhabit , and be worshipped in . Those that are God's Temples are animated by his Spirit , and are filled with his Glory at once ; they are framed to be a Habitation for God , and fitted to be Inhabitants with him in the Heavenly Jerusalem .

3. Christ saves waters , and improves our dry Ground , our Barren Land , Isa. 44.3 . God , saith he , will pour water on him that is thirsty , and Floods on the dry Ground . And God thus explains the meaning of this Metaphor , I will pour my Spirit on thy Seed , and my Blessing on thy Off-spring . We are by Nature a wretched , dry and barren piece of Ground ; we did ly upon improvement to none , but to the Heavenly Husbandman ; it was the second Adam only that could enrich such a hungry and dry Ground ; he that can give the Spirit , as Rivers of Living Water , John 7.37 , 38 , 39. He invites Sinners to come and drink : Thirsty Souls may here drink in the very Fountain of Grace , the Spirit , and so be enabled to send forth Spiritual Rivers , to stretch and solace others . Christ can cultivate , and manure the Wilderness , cause it to be well watered , Isa. 35.6 , 7. and so to become a pleasant Eden , a delightful and fruitful Paradise to God ; as God had a River in the Clouds to improve and enrich Canaan , Psal. 65.6 . Thou visitest the Earth , and waterest it , thou greatly enrichest it with the River of God , which is full of Water . So Christ hath a better River with him in Heaven , and this River he sends down , and lets it in , and turns it over our dry and barren Land : When Hannah was delivered from Barrenness , she calls this God's Salvation , and rejoyceth in it , 1 Sam. 2.1 .

4. Christ saves and anoints , and and perfumes his Redeemed People , Ezek. 16.9 . I throughly washed away this Blood from thee , and I anointed thee with Oyl . Here is plain allusion to those precious and sweet-smelling-Oyls that great Persons were anointed and perfumed with , Ester 2.12 . Psal. 23.5 . Christ doth not only wash away the guilt of Sin with his Blood , but also anoints his People with his Spirit , and its sweet smelling Graces . Believers are called Christians , because they partake of the Ointment of his Spirit , 2 Cor. 1.21 . And the Church is said to ascend as Pillars of Smoke , perfumed with Myrrh and Frankincense , and all the powders of the Merchant . Cant. 3.6 . Christ doth not only take the stink of our Sins , from the Nostrils of God , by his sweet smelling Sacrifice , Eph. 5.2 . but also perfumes us with the sweet Odours and Powders of his Graces . The Ointments , the Garments of Saints , cast out a sweet smell , Cant. 4.10 .

5. He saves and cloaths us , Rev. 3.18 . he puts white Raiment on us , that the shame of our Nakedness may not appear . He takes from Sinners their sordid Garments , and cloaths them with change of Raiment , Zech. 3.3 , 4. We could not provide any Wedding Cloaths for our selves , if Jesus did not give them to us , and bestow them on us . To her was granted to be cloathed in fine Linen , white and clean , which is the Righteousness of Saints , Rev. 19.8 . Jesus Christ doth not only cover us with the Robe of his Righteousness , but also adorns and beautifies us with his new Nature ; we are made Partakers of Christ , Heb. 3.14 . We have a Spiritual Understanding ; we have the Mind of Christ . 1 John 5.20 . and the Bowels or Affections of Christ , Phil. 1.5 . We are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ , Rom. 13.14 . his Mind must be put upon our Mind , his Will on our Will , his Affections on our Affections ; nothing of our own should be seen or appear , but all the Faculties of our Souls should be covered with the Livery of Jesus Christ . This Apparel wears fresher , and will last to Eternity .

6. Christ saves and adopts , John 4.12 . To as many as received him , gave he power to become the Sons of God . He was so far from envying us , or grudging of us this Priviledge of Adoption , that he vailed his own Sonship under the form of a Servant ; he was made under the Law , and died , that we might receive the Adoption of Children , Gal. 4.4 . He doth not only save Criminals from Execution , but also , makes them Heirs of a Kingdom , and an eternal Inheritance , James 2.15 . Heb. 9.5 .

2dly , I shall now shew you the Properties and Adjuncts of this Salvation .

1. It is for the present , mostly a Spiritual Salvation , our Soul 's live , Isa. 55.3 . our Souls find rest , Matth. 1.28 . our Souls are saved , 1 Pet. 1.9 . our Souls do delight themselves in Fatness , Isa. 55.2 . But the Bodies of Saints are often in this World exposed to Poverty , Hardships , Imprisonments , grievous Sufferings , and cruel Deaths ; and these Evils do cloud the Saints Adoption and vail their State of Spiritual Salvation . This caused the Heathens ( as Lactantius tells us ) to say , De Justitia . that Virtue was an empty thing . If Men had not Riches , Honours , exemption from Sufferings , freedom from outward Evils , and Victory over Enemies ; but Christ hath not made the Earth , and Plenty of Worldly Enjoyments , as a Jointure to his Spouse the Church , but tells his Disciples , that in the World they shall have Tribulations , John 16. last . that those , that will live Godly , must suffer Persecution , 2 Tim. 3.12 . there is an irrevocable Sentence passed on the Old Man , on the natural Body , that it shall return to the Dust , and this Sentence must be executed , Gen. 3.19 .

2. This is a Righteous Salvation ; this is intimated in the last part of the Verse , Judah shall be saved , and that , by him who is the Lord our Righteousness . God is just in punishing sin on Christ , that he may be just in pardoning it to us , Rom. 3.25 , 26 , 27. God will not tare Believers in pieces , according to his Threatning , Psal. 50.22 . Because the Vail of Christ's Humane Nature , his Soul and Body was divided , and rent in twain , Heb. 10.19 . God may in a righteous way , build up Sinners out of their Ruins , because the Temple of Christ's Body hath been destroyed , and pull'd down to the Dust . Jesus Christ , though a Tree of Righteousness , was cut down , that many Branches of Righteousness might spring out of this precious Root ; he was sowed in the Dust , that he might be multiplied , and many might , from this holy Grain , spring up to Everlasting Life , John 12.24 . God cloathed himself with the Garments of Vengeance , and loaded Christ with sorrows , that he might cloath us with the Garments of Salvation , &c. Isa. 1.10 . As the living Sparrow was dipt in the Blood of the slain Sparrow and so let fly , Lev. 14.5 , 6 , 7. so we have liberty in a righteous way , by being dyed in Christ's Blood . Jesus Christ can marry us , because his Soul and Body were divorced , to reconcile us to God . And he can repair and restore the beautiful image of God to us , because his Visage was marred more than any Man's , and his Form more than the Sons of Men , Isa. 52.14 . This is the excellency and glory of the Christian Religion , above all the pretended Religions in the World , that it sheweth how God may pardon sin in a condecent manner , in a way becoming of himself , and not reflect on his Holiness , reproach his Justice , or wrong his Law , Heb. 2.10 . It became him , of whom , and for whom , are all things , in bringing many Sons to Glory , to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings . Such an High-Priest became us , who is holy , harmless , undefiled , and separate from sinners , Heb. 7.26 . God is more honoured , and his Law exalted by the sufferings of Christ , than if we had fell under the Curse , and lain in Hell for ever .

3. This is a powerful Salvation : God laid the help of Sinners on one that is mighty , Psal. 89.19 . God hath raised up for us an Horn of Salvation , Luke 1.69 . one that is able to pierce through , and to push down all the Enemies of our Salvation . The Captain of our Salvation is the mighty God , Isa. 9.6 . no Enemy can stand before him , or prevail against him ; no Disease is so strong , or malignant , but the great Physitian can cure it ; no Dross cleaves so close to us , but he can separate it from us : Christ is a refining Fire to his People , and a consuming Fire to their Enemies : As the first Adam corrupts and defiles inevitably , so the second Adam can renew , cleanse , sanctify irresistibly . And infallibly he can speak so , as to cause the Deaf and Dead to hear , Isa. 29.18 . John 5.25 . He can woo so , as to cause himself to be loved , and chosen ; he can draw so , as to make Sinners to run to him at first , Isa. 55.5 . and to run after him ever after , Cant. 1.4 . The spirit of Christ is mighty in its Operations ; it acts as a spirit of Power ; it causeth Men to pass under Christ's Pastoral Rod , and brings them under the Bond of the Covenant , Ezek. 20.37 . It causeth Men to approach to God , and dwell in his House , Psal. 65.4 . It causeth Men to walk in God's ways , and to keep his Statutes , Ezek. 36.27 . This word ( Cause ) is observable and emphatical , and signifies the spirit's mighty and effectual way of working . It doth not only propose Arguments , and sollicite the Souls of the Elect in a moral way , but renews the Will , changes the Heart effectually , inclines men to yield to , and follow after God . The event is not pendulous and uncertain , and suspended on Man's free-will , but Christ undertakes that his Sheep shall hear his Voice , and he will bring them to his Fold , John 10.16 .

4. Christ's Salvation is a full and comprehensive Salvation , Luke 1.71 . That we should be saved from the Hand of our Enemies , and from all that hate us . Sin , the World and Death are our Enemies .

1. Sin is our Enemy . Our Lusts do Satan's work , if he should stand still , James 1.14 , 15. A Man is tempted , and drawn away by his own Lust ; This is a Body of Death , Rom. 7.24 . it deforms our Souls as much as Death deforms our Bodies ; it makes them corrupt , putrify , and stink in the Nostrils of God ; it renders us as unactive for God , as a dead Carcase is unserviceable to Man ; it defiles and enslaves our Souls ; lets us only do dead works , Heb. 9.14 . such works as are the fruits of spiritual death , and the seeds of eternal death : Where it prevails and reigneth , it causeth us continually to go a whoring from God , and to rise up in Rebellion against him ; it causeth us to lead a life of Vanity here , and prepares us for a life of Misery hereafter .

2. The World is an Enemy : We need the Armour of Righteousness on the Right Hand , to secure us from the danger of Prosperity , and the Aamour of Righteousness on our Left Hand , to guard us from the evil of Adversity , 2 Cor. 6.7 . Height of Prosperity , and depth of Misery , Rom. 8.39 . are dangerous snares , and may prove mortal Enemies to us , if Grace doth not prevent . The World's Musick is to draw , and its Furnace is to drive us from God ; Satan takes his Bait , and fetches his Weapons from some thing in the World . How doth it blow up , and inflame our Hearts ? fire and fuel our Lusts ? How many are made to forget God , and to think they have no want and need of him , in their Plenty and Abundance , Psal. 50.22 . Job 1.14.15 . Job 22.17 . Jer. 3.31 .

3. Death is an Enemy to God's People , 1 Cor. 15.26 . it strikes them dumb , and deprives them of the use of their Tongues , in praising God which is their Glory . Saints as well as others , when they die , go down into silence , Psal. 115.17 . Isa. 38.18 . Death disables us from working for God in a body of Flesh ; it gives a Quietus est to one half of us , and dischargeth it from the service of God . The Temple in which the spirit dwelt , is now pulled down , and sinks into Dust and Ashes ; and Death that deprives us of so great and glorious an Inhabitant in our Bodies , and takes us off from such noble service , with our Tongues and Members , must needs be our Enemy .

But Christ saves from these Enemies : Sin shall not Reign , Rom. 6.14 . and in due time it shall cease to be sin , and shall be utterly extirpated out of the People of God . As Israel's Freedom was begun in the death of the First-born of the Egyptians , and was compleated in the drowning of Pharaob and all his Host in the Red Sea ; so the liberty of Saints is begun in destroying the reign of beloved sins , that are the first-born of the Old Man , and shall be compleated by the total extirpation and destruction of all sin . We are Baptized into the Death and Burial of Christ , Rom. 6.3 . and we must be made Partakers of the saving Benefit of both . Sin shall not only die , but also be buried : A Dead Man hath lost his Command in the House , yet his Carcase may remain in it ; but when he is to be buried , his Corps is carried out , and he ceaseth any longer to be in the House . So sin shall not only cease to reign , but also to be in the soul ; we shall be washed , and free from every spot and wrinkle , Ephes. 5.25 , 26 , 27.

2. The World is foiled and overcome by Christ ; Joh. 16. & last . It could not divert or draw him from doing his Father's work and will ; and this conquered Enemy shall not have strength to captivate and destroy Believers ; they overcame by the Blood of the Lamb , Rev. 12.1 . Our victorious Saviour hath purchased conquering Strength , and merited Victory for us in the midst of all snares and temptations . We are more than Conquerors , through the Lord Jesus that hath loved us , Rom. 8.39 .

3. Christ will save his People from Death , after this Enemy hath not only swallowed them up , but digested them : Christ hath abolished Death already in himself , and will abolish it also in all his People , Hos. 13.14 . he threatens Death , that holds the Rod over , and threatens the whole World ; he menaceth Death , that he will be the plague of Death ; a mortal Disease to it . He threatens the Grave that he will destroy it , and in due time Triumphant Saints shall sing this Song , O Death , where is thy sting ? O Death , what hast thou gotten by killing our Bodies , they are alive again ? O Grave where is thy Victory ? what hast thou gotten by taking away all the shape of a Body , and crumbling it into Dust ? 3ly . This Body is now restor'd , our Particles of Dust are gathered together , and formed into a Body like the glorious Body of Christ , 1 Cor. 15.55.57 . Phil. 3.21 . Christ will , in Living Saints at the last day , swallow up Mortality of Life , 2 Cor. 5.4 . and , in dead Saints , he will swallow up Death into Victory , Isa. 25.8 .

2dly , There are those that hate Saints ; and so wicked Men and Satan do ; they hate them , because they bare the Image , and live the Life , and uphold the interest of God ; but the wicked cannot kill the Souls of the Saints , Luke 12.4 . and Satan , though he may destroy the natural Life , yet he shall not quench the Life of God in them ; and in due time , the Saints shall tread down the wicked , they shall be as Ashes under the soles of their Feet , Mal. 4.2 , 3. and the God of Peace shall shortly tread Satan under the Feet of Believers , Rom. 16.20 .

5. This is an everlasting Salvation , Isa. 45.17 . Israel shall be saved in the Lord , with an everlasting salvation ; Saints shall have a full , and an eternal Victory , as God did swear to Abraham , that his Seed should possess the Gates of their Enemies , Gen. 22.17 . When , not only the Field Army is beaten , but the strong Towns and Cities are taken , then there is a total and lasting Conquest . Saints shall be saved from Sin , Sinners and Satan for ever ; and this Salvation must needs be eternal , for it is founded on the Everlasting Righteousness , Psal. 92.24 . and the eternal Redemption of Christ , Heb. 9.12 . There is no possibility for glorified Saints to sin or fall ; there shall no Serpent creep into the Heavenly Paradise to tempt . Saints shall never make Forfeitures of it , or be driven out of it ; they shall there eat of the Tree of Life , and live for ever , Rev. 2.7 .

6. This Salvation . Salvation is joined with Vengeance executed on our spiritual Enemies , Isa. 35.4 . Your God shall come with vengeance ; God shall come with a Recompence , and save you , Isa. 61.2 . the acceptable Year of the Lord , is come with a Day of Vengeance . As Israel could not be delivered out of Egypt , or be freed from Babylon , but the First-born of Egypt , Pharaoh and all his Host must be swallowed up , and destroy'd , and Babylon's Empire must cease , and her Kingdom be destroyed , Jer. 50.18.26 . So the Elect cannot have liberty and salvation , but Satan himself must be destroy'd , Heb. 2.15 . and his works also be rootod out of the Hearts of Men , 1 John 3.5 . O what Mercy is this to Believers , that the wrath of God is turned away from them , and that the vengeance of God falls on Satan and Sin ; that Sin is condemned and executed , but Sinners are justified and saved , Rom. 8.3 . with Rom. 9.1.33 .

3. But why is it said , that Judah should be saved , and Israel dwell safely in the Days of Christ ? why is Salvation so eminently put on Gospel times .

I answer , though Saints before Christ were saved , yet still it was with an Eye to , and prospect of Christ's coming : If Christ had not been exhibited in the Flesh , and bled and died in our Natures , no Sinners could have been saved : The Faith , Hope , Salvation of Saints , did depend on Gospel-times and days ; Christ was a Lamb slain in the purpose of God , and in the Typical Sacrifices from the Foundation of the World , Rev. 13.3 . God took Christ's word , when he became a surety ; he depended on his performance of his Promises , and his Oblation of a Sacrifice ; and the Eyes of Saints was to him , and upon him , John 9.56 . Your Father Abraham ( saith Christ to the Jews ) rejoyced that he might see my day , he saw it , and was glad . He saw the day of Christ's Birth , in the Birth of Isaac : He saw the day of his Death , when Isaac was bound , laid on the Altar , and ready to be offered up in Sacrifice ; and in the Lamb that was substituted in Isaac's Room , which pointed out Christ , that was our Exchange , and so our Ransom and Redeemer . The words that Jacob spake , was the Language of Saints in the Old Testament , Gen. 49.18 . I have waited for thy Salvation , O Lord . Our Saints of the New Testament , have this Priviledge and Advantage , that they can speak as Simeon , Luke 2.29 , 30. Mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation , which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People . The Prophets were but Seeds-Men , they ministred to the Church a Promise of the Messiah to come , John 4.37.38 . but the Apostles and Ministers of the New Testament are Harvest-men ; they relate the History , and preach the glad Tidings of Christ's Incarnation , Death , Resurrection and Ascention into Heaven ; and the Saints of the Old Testament enjoyed no Spiritual Liberty , but with respect to the Ransom to be paid by Christ ; and no Legacies had been bestowed , but in prospect of the Death of Christ . There is therefore great Reason why it should be said with an Emphasis , that in Christ's Days Judah should be saved . But what is the benefit of Christ's Days ? What peculiar influence have they on Salvation ?

I answer , It may well be said , that in Christ's Days Men are saved , because 1st , That now Christ is incarnate ; he that made all things is now made Flesh , 1 John 1.2.14 . And we have a two-fold Advantage , for our Salvation , by Christ's Incarnation .

1. He is now become our Brother , Cant. 8.1 . and so , hath right to redeem us , as he is our near Kinsman , Lev. 25.47 , 48 , 49. If an Israelite did sell himself for a Servant , after he was sold , his Brother , or any that was near of Kin to him , might redeem him , and so restore him again to liberty . We are by the first Adam , and since , by our sinful choice , sold under sin ; we know of no Kinsman or Brother that could give to God a Ransom for us . It was God's infinite and free Mercy , to raise up Jesus Christ , in our Nature , to pay a Ransome for us ; we did not think or dream of such a Brother or Kinsman . No meer Creature should have undertook the work of Redemption , but he must have miscarried , and sunk under it ; but Christ is fitted now to redeem us , because he is God's Son , and our Brother .

2. Christ as our Brother , and incarnate Kinsman , is fit to be our God , or Avenger of Blood ; he that was the Kinsman of one that was slain , did claim a right to avenge his Blood on him that shed it . So Christ by assuming our Nature , is fitted to avenge us of Sin and Satan , that are our great Enemies , to destroy those that have ruined and undone us ; the same Hebrew Word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies both a Redeemer and an Avenger ; so it is said God shall come with Vengeance and save us , Isa. 5.4 .

2ly , Jesus Christ hath now made his Soul an Offering for sin , Isa. 53.10 . He came to make atonement , and is a propitiation for our sins , 1 John 2.2 . he made Peace by the Blood of his Cross , Col. 1.20 . and reconciles Enemies to God by his Death , Rom. 5.10 . And this is observable , that the Year of Jubilee began from the day of Attonement , Lev. 25.9.10 . Then Servants were restored to their Liberty and those that had alienated their Lands , recovered their sold Inheritances . Even so Christ having now made at Atonement , he can and doth proclaim a Year of Jubilee , for the Remission of Sins , and the Releasing of Sins Servants , God's Prisoners , and the Devil 's Captives ; Isa. 61.2 . as in David's Days , when a Pestilence was sent by God for numbring the People , first , God bid the Angel that came to destroy Jerusalem , to stay his Hand , 2 Sam. 24.16 . But when a Sacrifice was offered , he bid him to put up his Sword , 1 Chron. 21.27 . So in the times of the Law , God did but as it were stay his Hand : Sins were said to be passed by , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the forbearance of God , that Time is called a Time of Forbearance , and God staid his Hand from punishing those that did look to Christ to come . But now the great Sacrifice is offered up ; God's Sword is sheathed ; and he can magnify Grace , through the sacrifice and satisfaction of Christ ; it may reign through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ , Rom. 5.20.21 . Jesus Christ being lifted upon the Cross , will draw all to him , John 12.32 . All , that is very many , compared with the few , that were drawn before a Dying Saviour .

3dly , Christ hath now paid a Ransom , Matth. 20.28 . and purchased a Church by his own Blood , Acts 20.28 . And therefore Christ hath now just ground to come to the Prison Door of Sinners , and to call them forth , Isa. 49.9 . That thou maist say to the Prisoners go forth , and to them that are in darkness , shew your selves . Come with boldness into the presence of God ; appear and shew your selves with confidence in the Heavenly Sanctuary . He that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Redeemer , hath just Ground to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Deliverer , Rom. 11.26 . shall he Ransom , and not Rescue ? shall he buy , and not possess ? hath not Christ a just claim to what he hath purchased , to take possession of it ?

4thly , Christ hath now sealed , confirmed and established his Testament by means of Death , Heb. 9.15 . He that might have given a Sanction to to the Threatning , by our Blood , and have executed the Curse in our Death , hath ratified the Promises , and confirmed his Testament by his own Death . Christ hath given Vigour and Strength to the Promises , by his being Crucified through weakness , 2 Cor. 13.4 . and hath given Life to his Testament by his own Death ; and he is rising again to be his own Executor . Now he can fulfil the Promises of the New Covenant , and bestow the Legacies of his new Testament , and that especially because Christ is such a Testator , as by his death doth purchase of God , all the Legacies he bequeaths in his Testament , which no other Testator doth . All the Mercies of the Everlasting Covenant , are the sure Mercies of this Spiritual David , Isa. 55.3 . they are sure , because Jesus Christ is risen from the Dead to bestow them , Acts 13.34 . And certainly Christ may freely and lawfully give forth his own .

5hty , Now Christ is saved ; and therefore in a full capacity to save others , Zech. 1.9 . Thy King cometh to thee , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Salvatus ipsemet ut de brevi transitu in locum . Saved . Christ had many Adversaries , and did encounter with mighty Enemies ; they endeavoured totally to crush Christ , and wholly to swallow him up ; it was of great concernment to the whole Church of God , that Christ should be saved . The Holy Ghost therefore dictated that Prayer to the Saints , to be put up for Christ , Psal. 118.25 . Save now we beseech thee , we heseech thee now send Prosperity ; now was the time of War and utter Destruction , there were many associated and united against Jesus Christ , Acts 4.25 , 26 , 27. He is stiled Child Jesus , Enemies thought easily to destroy him ; Herod , Pontius Pilate , the Jews , and the Gentiles . Many Dogs were hunting down this Morning Hart , Psal. 22. and the Title of Psal. 16. And it was that which the Church desired , and Christ himself also pray'd for , that he might be delivered from their cruel and devouring Mouths , Psal. 69.29 . I am Poor and Needy , let thy Salvation set me up on high . And Christ was heard in what he pray'd for : He was taken from Prison and Judgment , Isa. 53.8 . From Man's Prison , Tribunal , and Judgment , and God did set him up on high , even in a glorious Throne , far above the reach and rage of all his Enemies ; that Christ that is so perfectly saved himself , can fully save us . He that did wrest himself out of the Hands of his Foes , can also rescue us from the Power of all our Enemies ; the day of Christ's Weakness is past , 2 Cor. 13.4 . and the day of his Power is now come , Psal. 110.3 .

6thly , Christ is now Perfected , and being made Perfect , he is fit to become the Author of Eternal Salvation to those that obey him , Heb. 5.9 . The Captain of our Salvation is made perfect through Sufferings , and can lead to Glory , Heb. 2.10 . All the Rounds or Rongs of the Spiritual Ladder , that reacheth from Earth to Heaven , are compleat , Gen. 28.12 , 13 , 14. with Rom. 5.33 , 34. Christ hath cloathed himself with our Flesh , he hath died , is risen again , is ascended to Heaven , is at the Right Hand of God , to make Intercession for us . His Priestly Garments are sprinkled with his own Blood ; and so he is fitted to enter into the Heavenly Sanctuary , and to appear in the Presence of God ; the Sons of Aaron were to have their Priestly Garments sprinkled with the Blood of a Sacrifice , before they could officiate in the Sanctuary , Exod. 20.21 . Christ's own Death did consecrate him , as a Priest for ever , and perfect him for the great work of Intercession , Heb. 7. last .

7thly , Christ is now Victorious over all his , and our Enemies ; he hath overcome the World , John 16. last . he hath made Reconciliation for Iniquity , yea , made an end of sin , Dan. 9.24 . he hath abolished Death , 2 Tim. 1.10 . by tasting it for a few Hours , he hath swallowed it up for ever : By Death , he hath destroy'd him that hath the power of Death , even the Devil , Heb. 2.15 . As a Goaler hath the power of the Law to keep a Malefactor in Prison , and the Executioner hath the power of the Law to put him to Death ; so Sinners hath broken the Law , and incurred the Penalty ; Satan hath the power of the Curse , to cut off , and destroy Sinners . But Christ hath spoiled Principalities and Powers , turned Satan out of his Office , stript him of his Power , as to those that believe . The Curse is the Armour that this Strong Man trusts in , Luke 11.22 . And Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law , by being made a Curse himself , Gal. 3.13 . And Christ hath now the Key of Hell , and Death : the Key of Hell to shut it , that the Souls of his People may not enter into it , and the Key of Death , to rescue and bring forth the Bodies of his People out of the Grave . He hath led Captivity Captive , Psal. 68.18 . and triumphed over the Enemies of our Salvation ; the Captain of our Salvation is entred in triumph into his Royal City above ; as he hath overcome in his own Person , so now he can overcome in us . His strength is perfected in our weakness : It is discovered to be most perfect , when we are most weak and low ; when we seem as Christ's Soldiers , to lye in the open Field , and to be exposed to manifold Inconveniences and Sufferings from the rage and fury of the World , then the power of Christ is spread as a Tent over us , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 2 Cor. 12.9 . Christ the Captain of our Salvation , can be present with , and mighty in all his Soldiers , and ride in triumph through the World on poor Worms . He that hath wounded the Head of the Old Serpent , and broke the strength of Satan , is able to foil all his scatter'd Forces , that yet remain , Rev. 6.2 . He rideth forth Conquering , and to Conquer , and turneth the Battel even to the Gates of Hell . Isa. 28.6 . Christ the true David doth succour his People out of the Heavenly City , 2 Sam. 18.3 and send to his Fighting Soldiers the Supplies of his Spirit , Phil. 1.19 .

8thly , Christ is alive , and lives for evermore , Rev. 1.18 . And Christ doth not live idly , but to make intercession for all that come to God by him , Heb. 7.25 . He lives to execute his Testament , sprinkle his Blood , and apply his Redemption . Paul reasoneth thus , Rom. 5.10 . If we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son , much more shall we be saved by his Life . Christ hath gone through with the most hard , difficult , and painful part of his work ; he gave his Life a Ransom , he poured out his Soul unto the Death ; and will he neglect or omit the easiest part of his work ? He may live and save us ; he needs not to bleed again , to go forth into any more Storms , or to be set up as a Mark of God ; he may sit in his Throne , he may wear his glittering Crown , and reign in his Glory , and do al the rest that is requisite to accomplish and compleat our Salvation . Because Christ liveth , his People shall live also , John 14.19 . Christ liveth , and therefore his Interest shall not die in the World . Our Redeemer liveth to quicken our Spirits , Job 19.25 , 26. Now by his Spirit , to receive our departing Souls , and to revive our dead Bodies . Christ is alive to woo his Spouse , Cant. 8.8 . and marry her , Romans 7.4 . to assault and subdue his Enemies , Isa. 42.13 , 14. Rev. 6.2 .

I shall come now to the use of the Doctrine .

Vse 1. Shall Men be most eminently saved in Christ's Days , then we may be inform'd of the wonderful Mercy of God ; of the admirable Grace of Christ , that we have such days of the Messiah . The days due to Sinners , are days of Punishment , days of Vengeance , Luke 21.22 . A day of Evil , a day of Destruction , is properly called a Sinners day , Psal. 37.13 . The Lord shall laugh at him , for he seeth that his Day is coming . Ezek. 21.25 . And thou Prophane Prince of Israel , whose day is come , when Iniquity shall have an end . By these Passages of Scripture , we may see what days Sinners deserve , and what days they might have looked for . If God had dealt with the World according to the rigour of his Justice , the Threatnings and Curse of his Law there , would have been no other days , but the days of the first Adam . In his days Sin reigns unto Death , and Death reigns , Rom. 5.14.21 . How terrible would it have been , if there had been no other days , but days for Sin and Death to Reign in ? It is through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ , that we have an Accepted time , and a day of Salvation , 2 Cor. 6.2 . Otherwise Men would do nothing else but sow the Seeds of Woe here , and reap a full Harvest of Misery hereafter . They would sin in this World , and suffer in the World to come ; they would walk contrary to God in time , and God would walk contrary to them to Eternity .

Vse 2. If Sinners are saved most eminently in Christ's Days , O then examine your selves whether Christ's Salvation be applied to you ; whether God doth cloth you with the Garments of Salvation , Isa. 61.10 . I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord , that hath cloathed me with the Garments of Salvation . Have you obtained the Salvation that is in Christ Jesus , 2 Tim. 2.10 . Try your selves , by proposing to your own Souls these following Questions .

1. Were your Eyes ever opened ; liberty of sight makes way for liberty of Soul ; the opening of Mens Eyes , is the first step that Christ takes towards their Salvation , Isa. 42.7 . He is appointed to open the Blind Eyes , to bring out the Prisoners from the Prison , and them that sit in darkness out of the Prison-house . As those Jews that were born in Babylon , if they were not better inform'd , would account Chaldea to be the Native Country of their Fathers , and that they had always dwelt there , and so be contented to stay in the Land of their Captivity : They therefore needed to have their Eyes opened , that they might know that Chaldea and the other Countries under the Babylonish Empire , were the Land of their Captivity . That God in wrath had slung them out into this strange Country , Jer. 10.16 . That their sins had driven them hither , and scattered them among their Enemies . Even so Sinners need to have their Eyes opened , that they may know whose they are , and where they are . Men do not acknowledge , and consider that they are under the Law of Sin , the power of Satan , and the wrath of God . Sinners do not know themselves to be Condemned Men and Women , shut up under a Sentence of Death , and reserved to the Day of Wrath and Execution , Job 21.30 . Men are as careless and unconcerned as if they had not degenerated and fallen from God ; as if their Natures were not corrupted and depraved ; as if Mankind never knew a better state , but were always as vitious , loose and wicked , as now they are . Could Sinners be so quiet , yea , be so merry and jovial as they are , if they knew they were God's Prisoners , and that the Day of Judgment and Vengeance was at hand . Consider therefore how it is with you ; did God ever open your Eyes , and let in Light into your dark Prison ? Did you ever feel the Chains of Guilt that are about you ? the burden of Iniquity that is upon you ? Have you ever applied the Threatnings and Curse of the Law to your own Souls , and so have in the bitterness of your Souls , cried out that you are undone . None are fit to be Christ's Patients , but such as are broken in Heart , or are capable of Christ's Comforts , if they be not first Mourners in Zion , Isa. 61.1.2 . The Prodigal came to himself , and was sensible of his Misery , before he took a Resolution that he would arise and come to his Father , Luke 25.17.18 . Did you ever see your worst and most dangerous Enemies to be within you ? Have you been made sensible of your vain Minds , hard and whorish Hearts , and carnal Affections ?

2. Were you ever effectually called ? 2 Tim. 1.9 . He hath saved and called as with an holy Calling . Hath God called you , so as to save you from your unbelief and impenitency ? Hath God spoken to you with a strong hand ? Isa. 8.11 . Hath he laid the hand of his Power on your Hearts . The Angels spake to Lot with a strong hand ; they did not only exhort him to hasten and be gone out of Sodom , but when he lingred , they laid hold on the Hand of Lot , of his Wife , and of his Two Daughters , and brought them out of Sodom , Gen. 19.15 , 16. Even so Christ speaks with a strong hand to the Spouse , Cant. 5.2.4.5 . He not only pleaded , and used Arguments why she should rise and open to him , but he put in the Hand of his Spirit by the Hole of the Door . His Hand was as a Key fitted to the Wards of the Lock ; he touched her Breasts , and moved her Bowels , wrought on her Affections , and then she rose to open to her Beloved . Hath Christ ever apprehended you ; as he did Paul , Phil. 3.12 . It is said the Converted Gentiles should follow the Church in Chains , Isa. 45.14 . They shall come after thee in Chains . Hath Christ cast sweet Chains of Light and Love about your Souls , and thereby Powerfully draw you ?

3. Did you ever fly for Refuge , and come to Christ ? The Heirs of Promise are said to fly for Refuge , to take hold of the hope set before them , Heb. 6.17 , 18. Men will not fly , if they do not see a Cause , and know a danger that is towards them . Hath it been with you , as with Noah's Dove , it did fly Abroad , but found all to be cover'd with Water , and that there was no rest for the sole of her Feet ; and therefore she returned to the Ark ; and Noah stretched out his Hand , and pluck'd her unto him into the Ark , Gen. 8.39 . So have you seen nothing but a Deluge of sin and wrath out of Christ , and therefore have fled to him , and he hath stretched out the Hard of his Spirit , and plucked you into himself ? Have you joyned , and given your selves to the Lord , Zech. 2 , 11. 2 Cor. 8.5 . For in the event Christ will save no more , but those that are in him , and of his Body , Eph. 5.23 . He is the head and Saviour of his Body . All out of Christ must certainly sink into the mighty Sea of the wrath of God , and perish everlastingly . O therefore inquire whether you have ground to conclude , that you are in him , who is the true God , and Eternal Life . 1 John 5.20 . As those Beasts that God would save , were by him inclined to come and enter into the Ark , so those that God will , such are drawn to Christ , John 6.44 .

4. Have you experienced this Salvation in the several parts of it , to be executed upon you ? Hath Christ bound up your broken Hearts , healed your wounded Spirits ? Isaiah 61.1 . Hath he refined you from your Dross ? Mal. 3.23 . Hath he circumcised your Hearts , Col. 2.11 . Have you felt Christ laying hold on your Hearts , and cutting off the filthy Fore-skin that was upon them ? Jer. 4.4 . Hath self-love been moderated , reduced within its bounds ? The Waters covered all at first , till God said , Let the Waters be gathered together into one Place , Gen. 1.9 . So self-love overspreads the Soul , till Christ doth bound and bank it in , and raises up the love of God in our Souls . What hath the Old Man suffered in you ? 1 Pet. 4.1 . Have your Lusts received a deadly wound ? Or are you made free from the Law of Sin and Death ? Rom. 8.2 . And doth it not reign in your Mortal Bodies ? Do you not obey it in the Lusts thereof , Rom. 6.12 . God justified Christ by raising him up from the Dead . So the Gift of the Spirit to quicken us , it 's the Execution of our Justification . When God passes the Sentence of Life on Men , Rom. 5.18 . then he breaths and puts the Spirit of Life into them , Ezek. 36.27 . As the Beasts saved in the Ark , were planted in the likeness of Noah's Death and Resurrection , they entred into the Ark , were buried in it , and rose and came out of it , with Noah , so have we been planted in the likeness of Christ's Death and Resurrection , Rom. 6.5 . Hath Christ pick'd up , and purged out Satan's Leaven out of our Souls , and laid his own Leaven in our Hearts , 1 Cor. 5.7 , 8. with Matth. 13.33 .

5. Have you answered Christ's ends in your Salvation ? He sayes , that we being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies , might serve him without fear , in Holiness and Righteousness before him all the days of our lives , Luke 1.74.75 . Of old in War , those that the Conquerors did save alive , did promise to become Servants . Serva , & serviam ; Save me , and I will serve thee , was the words of a foiled Enemy , in danger to be destroyed . O hath Christ saved us , when he might have destroyed us , and doth not this Grace influence and oblige our Souls ? How much did Christ deny himself , to save us ? and shall not we deny our selves to serve him ? Hath not Christ's self-denial redeemed us from Self-seeking ? 2 Cor. 5.14 , 15. He died , that those that live might not henceforth live to themselves , but to him that died for them . Hath not Christ bought our Souls , and hired our service for ever ? Hath God cloathed us with Garments of Salvation ? Isa. 61.10 . these will be also Garments of Praise , Isa. 61.3 . Polybius tells us , that if a Soldier was saved from Death in a Battel , by his Fellow-Soldiers , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Tribunes did judge , that he that was saved , should crown him that saved him , and through his whole Life , he should honour him as his Father , and do all things to him and for him , as if he were his natural Parent . Surely , if Christ hath saved us from the wrath of God , the Paw and power of Satan , we shall be induced to Honour , Obey and Glorify our Saviour and Redeemer . Every Day shall he be praised , Psal. 72.15 .

Vse 3d. If Sinners are eminently saved in Christ's Days , then I would earnestly press , and exhort you , to seek after Salvation . For Men to be saved , is the glory of Christ's Days ; and will you cast a Reproach and Infamy on Christ's Days , by neglecting of Salvation , and running upon Destruction ? Will you envy and grudge to Jesus Christ the glory of saving you ? and will you put this honour on Satan , that in a day of Light he is able to blind you , and in a day of Salvation to destroy you ? and when so much is revealed , to disparage his Baits , and to spoil his Market , that yet you see Reason to persist in your foolish and pernicious Choice , and to adhere to your bitter and mortal Enemy ? Shall Death and Hell have a Harvest ? shall Satan captivate and inslave in a Day of Salvation ? Two things I shall insist on , to prosecute this Exhortation . 1. I shall lay before you some Motives to enforce this use of Exhortation . 2. I shall lay down some Directions as to what you are to do , in order to the obtaining and assuring this Salvation to you .

1. I shall propound and press some Motives to stir you up to seek after Salvation .

Motive 1. This Salvation is a very great Salvation ; if we consider first the way of purchasing and procuring of it . The Son of God assumed the nature of a Creature , emptied himself , and cast a thick Vail over all his Glory : How was Christ's immensity , his omnipotency , his eternity , his omnisciency vailed , by taking a Nature so weak , confined to a Place , and that did exist but lately , and was to grow in Wisdom , Luke 2.52 . Christ became a Surety , a Servant , a Sacrifice ; was made Sin , and a Curse to appease God's Wrath , and redeem us from Destruction . The Son of God was arrested as a Debtor to Divine Justice ; was arrained as a Criminal , sentenced and executed as a Malefactor ; he hung on an infamous Tree , among heinous Sinners ; he became the Captive of Death , and lay in a dark and cold Grave . All this Jesus Christ yielded and submitted to , for to procure Salvation . And shall we despise or neglect a Salvation that was purchased by such an amazing Condescention , and such grievous sufferings of the Son of God ? Shall we undervalue and contemn the Travel of his Soul , and the purchase of his Blood . If the Ocean had been lessened to a Drop , it had not been so much , as for the Son of God to be made Man . If a Prince should execute Ten Thousand of his Subjects for a Crime , it had not been so much , as to adjudge his own Son to a cruel death for an Offence ; so , for God's Sword to awake against his only begotten Son , was a more strange act of Justice , than if he had executed all Mankind . And will you not set a Price on that Salvation that is the product of the sorrows and sufferings of the Son of God .

2. This Salvation is great , considering the greatness of the Evils that we are saved and freed from .

1st , It is a Salvation from the second Death , Rev. 2.11 . He that overcometh , shall not be hurt of the second Death . This is the hurting and killing Death ; the first Death only separates Soul and Body , but this Death separates God and the Soul for ever . The first Death deprives the Body of any sense or feeling of Pain , but this second Death is attended with the most acute sense and feeling of Misery and Torments . This Death kills all that is sweet and pleasant , and leaves only a Carcase of being ; a bare Stock for God to graft Sufferings and Torments on : It is sad for Men to be , only to be miserable . For to be a Footstool for God to tread on , and a Mark for him to shoot at : As Grapes when trod in the Wine-press , all that is grateful and delightful , is squeez'd out of them ; only a dry and harsh Husk remains and is left . Even so shall it be , when Sinners shall be trod in the Wine-Press of the Wrath of God , Rev. 19.5 .

2dly , Believers are preserved from a dark and dismal Prison . Peter speaks of the Spirits in Prison , 1 Pet. 3.19 . All light of Joy and Comfort is shut out of this Prison ; all wo , evil and misery is shut up in it : This Prison is not only a Place of Confinement , but also of Execution ; here is the Furnace of unquenchable Fire , Matth. 3.12 . Matth. 13.42 . Sinners fall now into the Hands of God immediately , Heb. 10.31 . The Sovereign Judge executes his own Sentence .

3dly , Christ saves from a bottomless Pit : Hell is so called , Rev. 20.3 . Sinners shall fall lower and lower , and sink deeper and deeper into Misery , and never know when they are at the bottom of their Misery ; they shall never say , that now they know the utmost that God can inflict , or the worst that they can suffer : As in Heaven there will still be new Visions of Glory , so in Hell there will be new Scenes of Misery for ever .

4thly , Christ saves and keeps from a Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone for ever , Rev. 20.10.14 . This Expression , a Lake of Fire and Brimstone , alludes to Sodom's Punishment . God destroy'd it with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven , and turn'd the Place on which Sodom and the other Cities stood , into a dead-Sea , or standing stinking Lake . It is dreadful for Sinners to be drowned in this Lake of Fire , and yet never to die . Lusts are said to drown Men in Destruction and Perdition , 1 Tim. 6.9 . and yet they exist , and continue to feel this tormenting Fire and Brimstone ; this Lake of Fire will never ebb away , or dry up .

5thly , All Sorrows , Pains , Crying , Death , and any Evil whatsoever shall pass away , be remembred no more , but be forgotten for ever , Rev. 21.4 . All the Reproaches of God's People shall cease , and their Tears shall be wiped away for ever , Isa. 25.8 .

3. This Salvation may well be called great , Heb. 2.3 . if we consider that Believers not only are freed from the greatest Evils , but also enjoy the highest and best Good . The Apostle Paul joins everlasting Glory with God's Salvation , 2 Tim. 2.10 . that the Elect may obtain the Salvation that is in Christ , together with Everlasting Glory . As Danicl's Three Companions were not only call'd out of , and saved from the Fiery Furnace , but also promoted and advanced to Honour , Dan. 3. last , so Saints shall not only be delivered from shame and sufferings , but shall wear the Crown of Life , Rev. 2.10 . sit in the Throne of Christ , Rev. 3.21 . Reign in Life , Rom. 5.17 . and shine for ever in the Kingdom of their Father , Matth. 13.43 . They shall have an Eternal Day , made by the Light of God's Countenance ; an everlasting Feast , by the manifestation and displaying of his Love , as a Banner over them . Believers are Heirs of Salvation , Heb. 1.14 . and Heirs of the Kingdom , James 2.5 .

Motive 2. We do exceedingly need this Salvation .

1. We are Children of Wrath by nature , Ephes. 2.3 . and so Hell is our Inheritance . The Wrath of God might descend , and be poured out on us , as soon as we draw our first Breath in the World ; the Vessels of Wrath are then fitted for Destruction , Rom. 9.22 . and it is wonderful Patience , that God forbears Sinners so long . God had ground for a Controversy , just cause for Enmity against us , as soon as we were born . God then saw the Plague of , and the evil Treasure in our Hearts ; such Tares might have been rooted up ; such Weeds have been rooted out , such corrupt Trees have been cut down long ago . Do Men suffer Weeds to grow up and seed .

2. We are Children of Disobedience by Practice , Ephes. 2.2 . and so Hell is our Purchase . We went astray as soon as we were born , Psal. 58.3 . Our Whorish Hearts have continually departed from the Lord , our whole unregenerate estate , hath been nothing else but Barrenness and Enmity , Idleness and Rebellion , Jer. 32.23.30 . The Children of Israel are said to have done nothing of all that God commanded them , but had only done e-evil , and provoked God to Anger . The Carnal Mind is Enmity to God , is not subject to him , nor indeed can be . They that are in the Flesh , cannot please God , Rom. 8.7.8 . Sinners only sow the Seeds of their own wo , being Fuel to the Fire of God's Anger , and fit themselves for Destruction . As a Fountain casteth out its Water , so they cast forth their wickedness . An evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart , brings forth evil things , Jer. 6.7 . Matth. 12.35 . All Mens doings , is to undo themselves .

3. Sinners owe God glory to be raised out of their shame and misery . Sins are called Debts , Matth. 6.12 . Men by transgressing , rob God of his Authority and Honour , and are bound to make Restitution to him ; and God as a Righteous Judge , owes Punishment unto them . God is a Debter to his Threatning and Justice , to take Vengeance on Transgressors ; therefore it is said , He will repay Fury to his Adversaries , Isa. 59.18 . He will render Anger to his Enemies , Isa. 66.15 . God will not always forbear Sinners , or be in Debt to them . The Wages of sin is Death , Rom. 6. last , and it becomes the Just Judge of the World , to pay the Servants of Sin their Wages . Impiety shall not be joined with Impunity . God will distribute a Portion of Sorrows , and divide an inheritance of Torments and Misery to Satan's Children , Job 31.23 . God will be glorified in their everlasting shame , Ezek. 28.22 . Dan. 12.2 .

4. Sinners are in God's Prison , they are in Satan's share , they are under the curse of the Law .

1. They are in God's Prison . There would be no need for Christ to Preach the opening of the Prison to them that are bound , Isa. 61.1 . if Men were not in God's Prison , there were no need to call them forth into Liberty , Isa. 49.9 . if they were not in Bondage . There is an outer Prison of God , from which Men may be brought , Isa. 42.7 . but there is an inner Prison , a deep Dungeon , from whence there is no Redemption . Though Transgressors now think themselves to have liberty , and walk at large , yet God's Eye is still over them , the Chains of Guilt bind their Consciences : They are Condemned Men , both by the Law for their Disobedience , and by the Gospel for their Unbelief . God's Hand hath fast hold of them ; their Iniquities are before God's Eyes to provoke him to abhor them ; they clamour loud in his Ears to pluck down his Vengeance on them , their Crimes are both Alledgers and Witnesses against them ; they cannot fly or escape from God : If they run to the ends of the Earth , they go but to the sides of their Prison . The Jews were in danger of Death , in all the Provinces of Abasuerus his Empire , by virtue of the Edict given forth against them ; yet it was possible for them to Travel out of Ahasuerus's Empire , where his Law would not reach them : But Sinners cannot get out of the Bounds of God's Empire , the whole World is his Dominion , Psal. 103. last . If Men stay in God's Prison , they shall be certainly brought forth , to be condemned and executed in the Day of Wrath , Job 21.30 .

2. Sinners are in Satan's Snare , 2 Tim. 2. last , every sweet , beloved reigning sin , is the Snare of the infernal Fowler , of this cruel Hunter . Wo be to those that continue in this Snare . There is a time when a Snare is taken up , ( as the Expression is , Amos 3.5 . ) Satan will visit his Snares , and take the Prey catched in them , into Hell : In this Den , the roaring Lion will devour what he hath taken in his Snare .

3. Sinners are under the Curse of the Law , Gal. 3.13 . We needed not Christ to Redeem us from the curse of the Law , if we were not under it ; and the curse of the Law , is the curse of the Law-giver : This is dreadful for God's Anger to be so kindled , for his Spirit to be so imbittered , as to curse his own Creature . God that wisheth evil to , and designs evil against his Creatures , is able to execute his own Curse ; his Curse is not a causeless , but a righteous Curse : It is the Curse of him that is Omniscient , that knows what Mens Offences are , and where the Offenders are : It is the Curse of him that fills Heaven and Earth ; there is no flying from him . It is the Curse of him that is wise in Heart , and therefore can devise the most dreadful Evils , and that is mighty in strength , Job 1.4 . and therefore can execute them . God lives for ever to execute this Curse , to pour wrath into , and blow eternal Flames over the Soul . The meaning and dreadful effects of this Curse , is expounded by Christ , Matth. 25.41 . Go , ye cursed , into everlasting Fire , prepared for the Devil and his Angels . Men curse , when they are weak , and not able to punish us ; when David was weak , and the Sons of Zerviah were too hard for him , 1 Sam. 3.39 . and so he could not punish Joah and Abishai for the Murder of Abner , yet he curseth them , 1 Sam. 3.28 , 29. But God that curseth not without a cause , hath an Almighty Arm to execute his own Curse .

5. There is a black , dismal Storm that hangs over the Heads of Sinners , in the Clouds of God's Threatnings , Psal. 11.6 . On the Wicked the Lord will rain Snares , Fire and Brimstone , and an Horrible Tempest ; this shall be the Portion of their Cup. They that drink in Iniquity now , Job 5.16 . shall drink in Wrath at last , Joh 21.20 . Sinners shall not be able to fly from this Storm ; God will rain Snares to take hold of them , and to hold them fast . God's Ax is at the Root of Sinners , Matth. 3.10 . his Arrows are levell'd at their Hearts ; all the Sufferings they feel now , are but the first-fruits of Wo , earnest of a more grievous Vengeance ; Harbingers and Forerunners of an Everlasting Destruction . It is terrible , when the Sins of Men are yet with them , Isa. 59.12 . when the Breach is open , to let in a Deluge of Misery on them , and the Sentence of Death stands in full force against them . O should not this affect and affright the Souls of Sinners , that God is ready to arrest them , and tear them in pieces ; to set them up as his Mark , to pierce their Hearts , and cleave their Reins with his Arrows , and to consume them with the Fire of his Anger . Though Gods Judgments are now far above , out of their sight , Psal. 10.5 . yet the Wicked shall see their Destruction , Job 21.20 .

6. Christ will come to execute the Vengeance that the Law denounces , and that Christ threatens , 2 Thes. 1.8.9 . He that came at first with Beams of Love , will come a second time in Flames of Wrath , to avenge the Quarrel of despised Grace , and of abused Mercy . Then Sinners shall feel the truth of God's Threatnings , that there will be a Day of Vengenance , Isa. 63.5 . a Day of Wrath , Rom. 2.5 . a Day of Destruction , Job 21.30 . Though Christ will appear for Salvation to those that look for him , yet he will also be revealed to remember and punish those that forget God , Psal. 50.22 . to burn Adulterous Souls , and to destroy Obstinate and impenitent Rebels .

7. You can have no true , solid or lasting joy , except you partake of this Salvation , Psal. 51.12 . Restore unto me the joy of thy Salvation . This Prayer of David is observable ; it was not his Palace , his Crown , or his Throne that would afford Joy , when God's Heart did burn with wrath , and his Face was clouded with Anger . He could not content or satisfy himself with the joy of Riches , sensual Delights , or Worldly Honour ; such joy did not go deep , would not stay , or last long . It was nothing but the joy of God's Salvation , that could satisfy him , Isa. 25.9 . We will be glad and rejoyce in thy Salvation . Hester could take no Pleasure in her Honour , in her Palace , in all her outward Enjoyments , when the Decree was passed to destroy her and her People , Esther 7.3 , 4. If Sin reign in you , Eternal Death must reign over you , and the wrath of God abide on you . What outward thing can comfort , relieve or revive you ? Will it chear a Man condemned to Death , to tell him you will give him one sweet Draught of Wine , one good Meals Meat before he be Executed .

8. You cannot dwell safely , if you are not saved . In the Text it is promised , that those that are saved shall dwell safely ; and indeed , no others can dwell safe from the fear of Evil , Prov. 1. last . Those that are in their Sins , and under Guilt , may fear still to be arrested by God their great Creditor , and to be arraigned before him as their Sovereign Judge . The dread of the First and Second Death may torment them , an d hold them continually under grievous Bondage , Heb. 2.15 . Your Tabernacles ( Sinners ) will moulder down ; your Earthly Comforts will melt away ; your Stewardships will be taken from you ; God will change your Countenances , and send you away into a miserable Eternity , into a dark and doleful Prison . You are Tenants at God's Will , you are not sure of one Days continuance in the World ; God may quickly require , and take away your Souls . If David panted and longed so much for a short Temporal Salvation , Psal. 119.81 , 82. how much more should we long for a Spiritual and Eternal Salvation , Psal. 14. last . We so need this Salvation , that it is absolutely necessary for us , Acts 4.12 . We must be saved , we can have no Pardon , but from the God of Salvation , Psal. 51.14 . and we can receive no Blessing but from the God of Salvation , Psal. 68.10 . We must see God's Salvation , Psal. 11. last , or our own Destruction , Job 21.20 . If we cannot commit our Spirits into the Hand of God as a Redeemer , Psal. 31.5 . we must fall into his Hand as a Judge , Heb. 10.31 . No outward Enjoyments here , can either be safe for us , or sweet to us , if they flow not from the God of Salvation .

God doth afford us a Day of Salvation , 2 Cor. 6.2 . this is caused by the Day Spring from on high , Luke 1.78 . by the exercise of Christ's Prophetical Office , Psal. 22.22 . John 17.6.20 . He declares the Father's Name to us ; he teaches us , that God hath chosen and appointed some to Salvation , 1 Thes. 5.9 . 2 Thes. 2.13 . that he hath prepared Salvation , Luke 2.29 , 30 , by anointing , and sending his Son to obey , suffer and satisfy . God hath raised up this Horn of Salvation , Luke 1.69 . he hath perfected the Captain and Author of Salvation , Heb. 2.10 . Heb. 5.9 . As Christ is saved himself , Zech. 9.9 . so he is in a fit and full capacity to save others . The word of Salvation is sent to us , Acts 13.26 . The Gospel of Salvation is a Supernatural Doctrine , we should have been utterly ignorant of it , if God had not sent it to us . What Grace is this , that the word of Salvation should be sent to us , that had destroyed our selves , Hos. 13.9 . that were so blind , that we did not seek after God , and so vile and filthy , that God might for ever have ceased to seek after us , that are without strength to help our selves , and yet are ungodly , and so do provoke God never to help us , or favour us , Rom. 5.6.8 . That it should be sent to us , that did not seek after , or send for it . Light came , it was not sent for , John 3.19 . O that God should send it to us , and not to so many other Nations in the World ; they hear not the Trumpet of the Jubilee , the Call of the Shepheard , the Voice of the Bridegroom . O shall the Spirit strive with us , Gen. 6.3 . and Christ's Servants endeavour to compel us , by Earnest Intreaties and Importunity , and yet shall all this be in vain ; will you not believe their Report , or come to Christ for Life ? Shall a Treaty of Peace , end in an Eternal War , and a day of Salvation issue in your everlasting Destruction . Salvation is brought near to you , and placed in Zion , and will you put the word of Salvation away from you , and thereby judge your selves unworthy of Everlasting Life , Acts 13.16 . The Cord of a Promise is let down into our Dungeon ; Christ's Chariot comes among us , Cant. 3.9 , 40. He comes near to us , preaching Peace , Ephes. 2.17 . He knocks at our Doors , Rev. 3.20 .

4. You cannot escape , if you neglect this Salvation , Heb. 2.3 . There is no other Physitian to heal you , no other Redeemer but Christ to set you free , no other Fountain in which you may wash ; no other Foundation on which you may build ; no other Wing , Shadow , or City of Refuge to secure you . God will not suffer your contempt of Christ , and neglect of Salvation , to go unpunished . God will wound the Head of such as go on in their Trespasses , Psal. 68.21 . Christ's Hand will find out all his Enemies , Psal. 21.4 . those that turn away from Christ , Prov. 1.32 . shall certainly be turned into Hell , Psal. 9.17 . God bringeth near his Salvation , offers it , and promises it to all that will look to Jesus Christ for it , Isa. 45.22 . Those therefore are worthy to perish , that turn away from Christ , and despise his Salvation .

5. Consider there is but a Remnant that shall be saved , Rom. 9.27 . few that will walk in the narrow way , that find the strait Gate , Matth. 7.13 , 14. And those that are saved , will be saved with a great deal of difficulty , 1 Pet. 4.18 . The Righteous are scarcely saved , they must bear the Cross , endure many Tribulations , have frequent Combats and Conflicts , and continual Warfare with Spiritual Enemies : They must run with the greatest speed , fight with the greatest zeal against Sin , 1 Cor. 9.26 . They have a Civil War with Lusts within , a Foreign War with the World and Satan without .

6. Consider what a great Mercy it is to obtain this Salvation ; it is a most valuable Grace , for God to choose and appoint any to Salvation , 1 Thes. 5.9 . 2 Thes. 2.13 . when he might have appointed all to perish , and left them to Destruction . O what a Mercy is this , for God to pluck out of a perishing World , Gal. 1.4 . to fish out of a dead Sea ; to cut off from a corrupt Stock ; to call out of an infected House , and a barren Wilderness . The Church represents , it as a rich Stream of Mercy , and spring of Joy , to be cloathed with Salvation , Isa. 61.10 . This is a great Mercy , for

1. Such are armed against Spiritual Conflicts , that have for a Helmet , the Hope of Salvation , Ephesians 6.17 . 1 Thes. 5.8 . This may guard their Heads from all anxious , perplexing Thoughts about their Eternal State . Hope is an Anchor cast within the Vale ; as soon as they set out , and begin their Voyage , they may cast their Anchor into their Port and Haven , and so have their Hearts established , Heb. 6.19 .

2. Those that have hope of this Salvation , are supported under Afflictions and Persecutions , 2 Tim. 18.9 . Partake thou of the Afflictions of the Gospel , according to the power of God , who both saved us , and called us . As if Paul should say , Murmure not at , faint not under the Afflictions of the Gospel , for God hath saved you from the greatest Enemies , and from the worst Evils , and all your Afflictions shall turn to your Salvation , Phil. 1.19 . They shall further advance , promote it ; they shall refine Saints from their Dross , wean them from their strange Land , and cause them to long more after their Father's House , and Heavenly Country . Have they any Reason to be discontented , whom God loves , 1 John 4.59 . and that are Heirs of Salvation , Heb. 1.14 . and of the Kingdom . James 2.5 .

3. These may die with comfort ; they have hope in Death , Prov. 14.32 . That which doth shipwrack others , shall land them safe on the calm Shores of a Blessed Eternity ; that which impoverishes others , shall enrich them . Though Death doth pluck off the Rags of Mortality , yet God shall cloath them with Robes of Glory : When their Bodies drop down into the Pit , their Souls shall be taken up into the Palace ; when their Flesh feeds Worms , their Spirits shall feast with Saints , and Angels ; though God doth kill them , yet they may trust he will be their Salvation , Joh 13.15 , 16. When the Eye of Sense shall be shut , so that Saints shall no more see Worldly Objects , yet then God will shew them his Salvation , Psal. 91. last . They shall see God's Salvation , from Sins Temptations , Troubles , Afflictions ; they shall see a freedom from Spiritual and Temporal Evils , and also be translated into an Eternal Kingdom . Christ will receive their departing Souls , and be their Guardian and Trustee till the Resurrection . O it is sweet , when God adds to the Mercies of Sixty , Seventy , Eighty Years , the enjoyment of a blessed Eternity . It is Salvation that must crown Old Age with Glory ; Death is the critical time , the Soul must then see Life or Death ; a Heaven must shine from God's pleasing Countenance , or Hell be rained from his angry Face . O how sweet is it then to see the truth of God's Promises , in the enjoyment of an Eternal Salvation !

4. Those interested in this Salvation , shall be saved in the Day of the Lord , 1 Cor. 5.6 . when Sins will find out others , and Vengeance will take hold of them , then Believers shall be saved . O what unexpressible comfort will it be , to point out Jesus Christ at the Great Day , and to say , This is our God , we have waited for him , and he will save us , and we will be glad , and rejoyce in his Salvation , Isa. 25.9 . This is a Salvation that will for ever set Souls beyond Gun-shot , out of the reach of all Dangers , Evils , Enemies : They shall then fully receive the end of their Faith , even an Eternal Salvation , 1 Pet. 1.9 . Christ will appear unto Salvation , to those that look for him , Heb. 9. last . Then Saints shall be Heirs in full possession of Salvation , Heb. 1.14 . They shall be redeemed from all Evils , or possessed of all goodness , be exalted to the Kingdoms , and be placed in the Throne .

I shall lastly give you some Directions how you may be saved .

1. You must be enlightned and convinced of your Danger ; you must see the Evils you are under , and the Danger and Destruction you are exposed to . Few do think themselves to be condemned to Death , and to be sick unto Death . That they are Children of Satan , and Enemies to God . They will not believe that they are captivated by the Devil , enslaved by Sin , and chained to the World . The Scripture teaches us , that Men are held , Rom. 7.6 . and that they are led , 1 Cor. 12.2 . they are held in the Snares of Sin , and led by Satan : Their Lusts are Bonds , their depraved Wills and corrupt Affections , are the Chains that the Devil leads them by . Men discourse , see or discern what are the true Evils that they should be saved from ; they are not sensible of the blindness and vanity of their Minds , the deceit and desperate wickedness of their Hearts ; That their Wills are perverse and rebellious , and the greatest Enemies to God and their own Souls . They will account that Troubles , Afflictions , Reproaches , Wants and Death , are Evils , but they do not perceive that their greatest Evils , and worst Enemies are within themselves . A Root of Bitterness , an evil Treasure , a Body of Death , a Fountain of Iniquity , that is in their Souls . But Sinners must know what first cleaves to them , abide in them , do defile and deform their Souls , and testify against them before God , Isa. 59.12 . Our Transgressions are with us , and as for our Iniquities we know them . Yea , Men have no liking of that which is the true Salvation . Saints are said to love God's Salvation , Psal. 70.4 . but a Carnal Creature doth not love , but loath God's Salvation ; to be delivered from his false Notions , his vain Thoughts , his corrupt Opinions , his inordinate love of himself , and of the Creatures , to be taken off from his sensual Pleasures , carnal Delights , to be brought to give his Heart to God , set his Love on Christ , to delight in Spiritual , Future , Invisible things ; this is a Salvation he dreads and hates , and if he could go to Heaven with this vain Mind , and carnal Heart , it would be a place of Exile , and of Punishment to him .

You must see your Danger ; that you are as Isaac bound , laid on the Altar , and ready to be sacrificed , as a whole Burnt-Offering , in the Flames of Wrath. You must hear the just , dreadful Sentence , Matth. 18.25 . The Lord commanded the Debtor to be sold , and Payment to be made . It is dreadful to be sold into the Prison , into a Place of Eternal Bondage . Your Heart must be broken , your Spirit wounded , your Soul burdened under the sense of the guilt and filth of Sin , else you will not have a due value of the Doctrine and Promise of Salvation , 1 Tim. 1.15 . We must account it worthy of all acceptation , more valuable than all the Riches , Pleasures , Honours of the World . If a Man were sinking , and drowning , he would not regard a Bag of Gold , or a Box of Diamonds , but prefer a Cord cast out to save him , a Boat to take him in , more than all the things of the World . Believe that your Condition is exceeding bad and dangerous . Lot's Wife looked back , as one that doubted whether Sodom would be destroyed ; and Lots Sons in Law , could not believe that the danger of Sodom was so great , and its Destruction so near , Gen. 19.14 . So Sinners believe not , that to be Carnally minded is Death ; that they that live after the Flesh , shall die ; that they that are far off from God shall perish , Psal. 73.27 . They that go a whoring from God , shall be destroyed .

2. Consider what is the great hindrance , the grand obstruction of your Salvation : Whether some Sin is not so sweet , some Lust so pleasant and delightful , that you will rather venture a miserable Eternity , than part with it ? What is it that holds you ? Rom. 7.6 . And what is it that you hold fast , Jer. 9.5 . There is some Adulterous League between you and your Lusts , between your Hearts and the Creatures , that hinders a lawful Marriage with Jesus Christ , and an interest in his Salvation . Do you not delight in some Abomination , and therefore are unwilling to be made clean , and set free from it .

3. We must fly to Christ , enter into this Ark , get into this City of Refuge . Men are said to be saved in the Lord , with an everlasting Salvation , Isa. 45.17 . We must look to Christ for Salvation , Isa. 45.22 . Come to him for Life , John 5.40 . There is a believing to Salvation , Heb. 10. last . Salvation is in Christ , 2 Tim. 2.10 . Redemption is in Christ , Rom. 3.24 . and everlasting Life , 1 John 5.11 . Trust on Christ , and not on the pieces of the Shipwrack , as they Acts 27. last . Some have Civility , Morality , a little Form of Religion ; all these are but the broken Planks of our old Shipwrackt state ; do not mistake a Truce for a Peace , Embalming for Quickening ; it is Christ only that can be our Salvation , and our Life . We must see the Son , and believe on him , John 6.40 . Acts 16.31 , that we may see Salvation , Luke 3.6 . Though Noah was a Righteous Man , yet he must leave his own Home , and enter into the Ark , that he might be saved from the Flood . So those that have most of an inherent Righteousness , must not stay at Home , nor trust in themselves , but fly to Christ , the Ark of Salvation , that they may be deliver'd from an Eternal Storm of Fire and Brimstone , Psal. 11.6 .

4. We must repent unto Salvation , 2 Cor. 1.10 . wash our Hearts from wickedness , that we may be saved , Jer. 4.14 . We cannot fly from wrath , Mat. 3.7 . If we do not escape that Corruption that is in the World through Lust , 2 Pet. 1.4 . how can we drink Spiritual Poyson , wallow in our Mires , serve those Lusts that war against our Souls , and yet be saved ? 1 Pet. 2.11 . We must crucify the Flesh , with its Affections and Lusts , Gal. 5.24 . It is these hurtful Lusts that do drown Men in Perdition and Destruction , 1 Tim. 6.9 , 10. How can we be saved , and yet retain that which keeps open the Breach , keeps up the enmity between God and us . Lusts do war against our Souls in good earnest , and we must not be in jest with Sin , or fight as those that beat the Air , 1 Pet. 2.11 . 1 Cor. 9.26 .

5. We must work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling , 2 Phil. 12 , 13. We must work upon and about our Salvation , we must work more to perfect it ; there are things lacking in our Faith , 1 Thes. 3.10 . We are defective in our Love and Holiness ; we must nor think we are rich enough , are saved enough , live enough ; we must not set any limits to Christ's Kingdom , or bounds to our growth ; God bids us open our Mouth wide , that he may fill it , Psal. 81.10 , 11. Christ came , that his Sheep might have Life , and have it more abundantly , John 10.10 . Saints should daily be drawing Spiritual Waters at the Wells of Salvation , Isa. 12.3 . We must draw , or else be dry ; we must draw , or else decay and decline , run behind hand , and become poor : What pains did Noah take , in preparing for , and building of the Ark , and yet this was but the means of Temporal Salvation . Noah was probably longer in building the Ark , then we do live bere in the World ; and he did not give over , till he had wrought out , and finished this Vessel for his Temporal Salvation ; and shall we not all our Life long , be working out , and perfecting our Spiritual Salvation . O tremble to neglect any means of Salvation , or to use them slightly . It is God that works in us both to will and do of his own meer good pleasure ; therefore we must not displease , affront or provoke him by our Laziness or Slightness . This is the great end , and the proper improvement of God's long-suffering , to account it Salvation , 2 Pet. 1.15 . that God spares us not that we might rise to Honour , gather Wealth , drink in sensual Pleasures and delight , but that we might mind and pursue an Everlasting Salvation . As God exercised long-suffering towards the Old World , while the Ark was building , 1 Pel. 3.20 . so God lengthens out his Patience , while the Elect are building up themselves on their most holy Faith , and are perfecting Holiness , in the fear of God , 1 Cor. 7.1 . Be therefore more renewed in the Spirit of your Minds , Ephes. 4.23 . Let the word of God root deeper , and let the Temple of God rise higher in you . Let your Weeds be more rooted out , your Filthiness be more purged away , your Dross be more burnt up ; take heed of minding of , and doting on Earthly things , and of forgetting , and neglecting your Eternal Salvation .

6. We should order our Conversations aright , Psal. 50. last , walk with God , walk worthy of God , to all well-pleasing , 1 Col. 10.11 . 1 Thes. 2.12 . We must keep the way of Salvation , walk in the path of Life , and in the way everlasting , Psal. 159. last . If we are guided by God's Counsel , Psal. 73. Psal. 24. and led by his Spirit , we shall be certainly received to his Glory .

7. We should often consider , that our Salvation draws every Day nearer , Rom. 13.11.12 . We advance in our Race , we draw nearer to the Mark , and Prize ; and this should mightily quicken and influence our Souls . O think often of this , that you are near the end of Time , the Borders and Confines of Eternity ; you draw nearer to the glorious Presence of God , and to an immediate and full Communion with him . Should you flag or faint near the end of your Race ; should you grow drowsy , and sleep at the Door of your Father's House , near the Borders of Immanuel's Land ? O , how should you rouse up your selves , and consider you will soon be gone from the Lion's Den , and Mountains of Leopards ? You will get out of this Barren Wilderness , into the delicious pleasant Canaan , that is above . Salvation is ready to be revealed , 1 Pet. 1.5 . a full , and perfect Salvation . Christ will come as a Saviour from Heaven , Phil. 3.20 . His Life shall then perfectly be derived to the Soul , and his Image be impressed on the Body , Phil. 3.21 . 1 Cor. 15.48 . Then you will be satisfied with his likeness , and be fitted to have an immediate and everlasting Communion with him . O think upon , and make sure your Interest in this Salvation ; you will loose the greatest good , and suffer the worst Evil , if you come short of this Salvation . Consider whether you have the things that accompany Salvation , Heb , 6.9 . Have you the Graces that are joined with a state of Salvation ? Have you Faith of God's working , Col. 2.12 . Hope of God's begetting , 1 Pet. 1.3 . Love of God's kindling , 2 Thes. 3.5 . Deut. 30.6 . Have you Evidence that you are redeemed , that is , bought again , 1 Cor. 6.20 . in that your Captivity is turned , and that you are brought again , Isa. 52.8 . Hath God saved you ? 2 Tim. 1.9 . Is God's Salvation in a considerable degree communicated to you , and executed in you ? God's Gifts and Calling are without Repentance , Rom. 11.29 . Those that God hath begun to save in Time , he will not destroy to Eternity .

Several SERMONS ON Jer. XXIII . 6. And this is his Namewhereby he shall be called , The Lord our Righteousness .

IN the former part of the Verse , we are informed what the Messiah should do ; that in his Days Judah should be saved , and Israel should dwell safely . In the latter Words , we are instructed how he should effect this ; This is the Name whereby he shall be called , The Lord our Righteousness . Salvation and Righteousness are often joyned together in the Scripture , Zech. 9.9 . He is Just , and having Salvation . My Righteousness is near , my Salvation is gone forth , Isa. 51.5 . I bring near my Righteousness , it shall not be far off , and my Salvation shall not tarry , Isa. 56.13 . Paul saith , the Gospel is the power of God to Salvation , because in it the Righteousness of God is Revealed , 1 Rom. 16 , 17. The Gospel could not offer and promise Salvation , if it did not reveal Righteousness . God will not exalt Mercy , and debase and wrong Justice . God will save in a way becoming of himself , and that shall eminently redound to his Glory ; as he will magnify Grace , so he will exalt Justice ; as Love shall shine , and Grace reign , so God's Holiness shall be crowned , his Law magnified , the truth of his Threatning be demonstrated . He that is the greatest instance , and gift of God's Love , shall also be the most Terrible Example of his Revenging Justice and Severity . In the Words , we may observe , 1. That a Name should be given to , and put on the Messiah ; This is the Name whereby he shall be called . 2. What this Name is , he shall be called Jehovah , our Righteousness .

1. This is intimated , that a Name should be given to the Messiah , God delights in the Scripture , to give several Names to the Messiah , and that

1. To describe , and set forth the greatness of his Person , Isa. 7.14 . A Virgin shall conceive , and bare a Son , and shall call his Name Immanuel , which signifies , God with us . God and Man were at the greatest distance and enmity with each other . What a wonderful thing then is expressed in this Name , that God is with us , in our Nature , made Man , and manifested in our Flesh , 1 Tim. 3.16 . He thus came down to us , to raise us up to himself . He apprehended our Nature , Heb. 2.16 . that he might apprehend our Persons , Phil. 3.12 . and espouse them to himself , Hos. 2.19 , 20. There is a wonderful Marriage of the Divine and Humane Nature in one Person , that the Son of God and Believers might be joined together in one Body , Eph. 5.23.29 , 30. An other Name of the Messiah is mentioned , Isa. 9.6 . Vnto us a Child is born , unto us a Son is given , he shall be called the Mighty God , the Everlasting Father . Here weak Flesh , and the mighty God , Time and Eternity , an Infant of Days , and the Ancient of Days , a Child lately born , and the Everlasting Father , meet in one Person : Though the Humane Nature did cloud and eclipse , yet it did not abolish , or extinguish the Majesty and glory of the Divine Nature .

2. God gives the Messiah a Name that points at , and sets out his Office ; He shall be called , the wonderful Counsellor , the Prince of Peace . Surely , he is a most excellent and wonderful Counsellor , that can direct and advise , how Enemies may be reconciled , Prisoners be enlarged , Captives be released , languishing , dying Souls may be healed ; those that are lost and entangled in a woful Wilderness , may get into the right way , and return into the Favour and Family of God , and Strangers may be adopted by , and related to God ; and he is an Admirable Prince , that can speak Peace to Enemies , and give Happiness to the Miserable , that shall quiet and satisfy their Souls .

3. God gives Christ a Name , that signifies his new Relation to a Spiritual Seed ; He shall be called the Everlasting Father , Isa. 9.6 . If we consider Christ upwards , so he is the Everlasting Son ; but if we meditate on him downwards , so he is the Everlasting Father : He propagates his new Nature , he raises up an Holy Off-spring , he begets Sons and Daughters to God , as a Second Adam , because the new Nature shall never perish , his Spiritual Life shall never be extinguished . Christ may well be stiled an Everlasting Father ; the Seed of the new Creature is incorruptible , it lives and abides for ever , in that holy Nature that springs from it , 1 Pet. 1.23 .

4. In the Words of the Text , it is said , that the Branch raised up to David should be called Jehovah , our Righteousness . A Branch should be joined to Jehovah , and so should work out Righteousness for us , and derive it to us . This is indeed a wonderful Name given to the Messiah ; and Three things are implied in it .

1. That our Righteousness is not in our selves , but without us ; it is a Robe put upon us , Isa. 1.10 . He hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness . The Righteousness of God is said to be upon all them that believe , not in them , Rom. 3.22 . How false then is that Name , that Medina on Thomas Aquinas , in Prim. Secund. Quest. 113. Artic. 21. by the way of Contempt doth put on the Lutherans , extrinsicarii Haeretici , that is Hereticks that assert an outward Righteousness , imputed for Justification .

2. This Text proves and demonstrates , that Christ is our Righteousness ; that his Obedience is the Matter of our Righteousness , and his Attoning Sacrifice , the Meritorious Cause of our Justification . God accepts us in Christ the well-beloved , Ephes. 1.6 . We are blessed in him that endured the Curse ; and are forgiven for his sake , who was made Sin , Ephes. 4. last . The first Adam was the efficient cause of our Sin , but the second Adam is the formal cause of our Righteousness .

3. This truth the Text doth further declare and hold out , that this Righteousness of Jehovah , must be made ours , we must be interested in it , we must be invested with it ; else Jehovah cannot be stiled our Righteousness . And how can this be , but by a Donation and Imputation of this Righteousness to us ? God that made Christ Sin for us , 2 Cor. 5.21 . doth also make him Righteousness to us , 1 Cor. 1.30 . We must believe into Christ , and so believe unto Righteousness . How sweetly do those Phrases answer , he that believes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , on , and into the Son , John 3. last , with his Heart , he believes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Rom. 10.10 . unto , or into Righteousness .

I shall a little further consider of , insist on , and explain this Name of Christ .

1. It is a new Name that Jehovah the Son assumes ; if Adam had not fallen , broken the Command , defaced the Image , extinguished the Life of God in his Soul , there had been no need that the Son of God should have assumed this Name . It doth not suit the state of Man standing , but the condition of Man fallen , and that in order to recover and raise him up . If the Law of God had remained written , Holiness and Righteousness had countinued flourishing in our Souls ; we should have been stiled the Friends of God , and have needed no attoning Sacrifice to reconcile us to God . But now we are destitute and void of Righteousness , and so do need that Jehovah should take this Name , and become our Righteousness . It may be enquired whether Christ doth not point at this Scripture , when he promises to write his new Name on victorious Believers , Rev. 3.12 . That this Name shall be openly legible and visible on them , and that they shall have the honour and benefit of it to Eternity .

2. This is a Name proper and peculiar to Jehovah the Son , and cannot be extended or communicated to the Father , or Spirit . The Father is said to beget us again , 1 Pet. 1.3 . And to create us after his own Image , Ephes. 2.10 . Ephes. 4.24 . And we are said to be born of , and sanctified by the Spirit , John . 3.6 . 1 Cor. 6.11 . But yet neither the Father , nor the Spirit are said to be our Righteousness . Our Saviour Christ is both the sole Worker , and Subject of that Righteousness whereby we are Justified .

3. This is a Mysterious Name ; it is asked by Agur , who knows the Name of God's Son , Prov. 30.4 . Indeed we should never have been acquainted with this secret Name of the Son , mentioned in the Text , if the Scripture had not revealed it to us : The Righteousness of God for our Justification is a great and deep Mystery , most Remote from the Sentiments of the Natural Man ; and if Christ had hid it in his heart , we should for ever have been ignorant of it , Psal. 40.9 , 10. The Son that wrought it , doth also declare and Preach it to the World . Would it not have looked like an unreasonable Presumption , and have been reputed intollerable Pride , for us to call Jehovah our Righteousness ? Could we ever have aspired to , or hoped for such a thing , had not the Scripture given Christ this Name , and taught us this Doctrine ? What an amazing Mystery is this , that when the Law of God requires us to work out a perfect Righteousness , and perform a compleat Obedience for our own Justification , that now the Son of God himself hath wrought , and brought this Righteousness , that he that might have exacted Righteousness of us , should give Righteousness to us ; that he , who , as a Law-giver , obliges us to a full Conformity to his own Law , should become a Subject to his Father , and a Servant to his own Law ? O! how surprizing is this , that he who Teaches us Duty , should himself learn Obedience ? Heb. 5.8 . and become obedient to Death , even the death of the Cross , Phil. 2.7.8 . If Christ had not been made under the Law , Gal. 4.4 . he could not have been made Righteousness to us , 1 Cor. 1.30 .

4. This is a most Honourable Name to Christ ; this is promised both as an Honour , and as a Reward to Jesus Christ , that he should justifie many , Isai. 53.11 . How glorious is this to Christ , that he is the Righteousness of the whole Church : that he provides a Garment wide , large , and long enough to cloath his whole Body ? He appears in a Garment down to the Foot , Revel. 1.13 . that can cover and adorn all his Members . Though he be but one Man , yet many may be justified by his Obedience , Rom. 5.19 . Though he be but one Sacrifice , yet his Blood is shed for many , for the Remission of sins , Matth. 26.28 . As the first Adam could defile thousands more , if the World should so long continue ; so the second Adam could justifie thousands more if they did fly to him , and trust on him . God is as well satisfied as if the Curse had been executed on them that believe , and they are as safe , as if the Law of God had been Abrogated for them . Believers are clothed with change of Rayment , Zech. 3.4 . This one Garment is styled change of Rayment ; it is as effectual to Clothe , and adorn us , as if every time we contracted New Guilt or Spotted our selves , we were furnished with a new Garment : this Righteousness of Christ is the only Righteousness of Men for Justification since their Fall ; It is an everlasting Righteousness , Dan. 9.24 . The Glory of it never fades , the Virtue of it is never Exhausted ; it is a Righteousness that hath lasted through all Ages , and will be effectual to the end of the World : It is so large a Patrimony , so rich an Inheritance , that , as Noah was , so all Believers may be Heirs of the Righteousness that is by Faith , Heb. 11.7 . and this is glorious to Christ , that he hath so filled up the Breach by his own dead Body , and made it stronger , than if the Wall of our Innoceny had never been broken .

5. This Name of the Son of God is most comfortable to us ; How woful is our Natural State ? there is none in it Righteous , no not one ; none that doth good , no not one , Rom. 3.10 , 11. All are under fin , Rom. 3.9 . all have sinned , and come short of the Glory of God , Rom. 3.23 . They have failed in the Race of Obedience , and are fallen short of the Prize of Glory . And O how Refreshing and Reviving is this , to hear that the Son of God brings near his Righteousness , Isai. 46.12 . The World is a Sea of Wickedness , an Ocean of Impiety ; Where could Righteousness be found , or how could it be attained ? But this is a most surprizing and refreshing Truth , that the Son of God Incarnate should be an Isle of Innocency , and Righteousness , standing up in the midst of a Sea of Corruption . Theodoret , in one of his Orations concerning Providence , observes this as a wonderful Work of God , to Create Isles , as so many Inns in the Sea , for Ships to apply themselves to , rest in , and receive necessary supplies from : But this is more Grace and Mercy , that we that are void of Righteousness , laden with Iniquity , and ready to sink into the Deep and Bottomless Sea of the Wrath of God , may , by Faith , saile and swim to this blessed Isle of Righteousness the Lord Jesus Christ , and there find rest and safety , from the Tossing and Threatning Waves of Divine Displeasure : It is dreadful for sin to be always and ever before the Lord , Psal. 109.14 , 15. but it is most sweet and comfortable for Christ's Blood to be sprinkled on the Thrones , and to be always before the eye of God : We were in darkness , and horrour , and ready to sink under desperation , and then doth this Sun of Righteousness arise with healing under his wings , Mal. 4.2 . his glorious beams do scatter the thick and black clouds of our Iniquities , Isai. 44.22 . Sin did reign so , as to bring us under the guilt of Eternal Death : But how comfortable is it that Reigning Grace should succeed Reigning Sin . Revenging Justice might next follow after Reigning Sin , but it is Grace that now reigns , through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ , unto Eternal Life , Rom. 5.21 . Our Iniquities were as deep Waters gone over our heads , there was no wading through them : they were a heavy burden , too heavy for us to bear , Psal. 38.4 . they were ready to sink us down into the deep Sea of the wrath of God , but in this Righteousness of Jehovah we may be lifted up , and exalted , Psal. 59.16 . As Jesus Christ once gave himself a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour unto God , Ephes. 5.2 . to God the Father continually gives Christ most precious and fragrant Incense on the account of his Obedience , and Sufferings always , to plead before the Father , Revel. 8.3 . much Incense is said there to be given him to offer with the Prayers of all Saints ; Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice makes an everlasting Perfume in the Heavenly Sanctuary . It is said of the Gentiles , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , They earnestly catched at they greedily laid hold of , they strongly grasped the Righteousness that is by Faith . This is the only Cord cast out to us sinking , and drowning Sinners , which we should catch hold of , to keep us from perishing for ever .

6. This Name of Christ shall continue , last , be victorious in the World over all the Reproaches , Slanders , and Defamations cast on Christ : the blind Malignant World called Christ a Glutton , a Wine Bibber , a Friend of Publicans and Sinners , Matth. 11.19 . they charged him as a Blasphemer , John 10.33 , 36. because he said he was the Son of God , and so made himself equal with God , John 10.33 . they stiled him a deceiver , Math. 27.63 . The Jews did black Christ all that they could , they raised Mists , yea thick Clouds , to obscure and hide his Glory , yet all this should not prevail : this Illustrious Name of Christ should wade out of all these Ecclipses , and scatter all these Clouds . Notwithstanding all the endeavours of the World to obstruct his Honour , and cloath him with shame , yet he should by Multitudes , in all Ages , be owned , acknowledged , and called Jehovah our Righteousness .

6. This Evidences that the Mighty Power of God did go along with the Gospel of Christ ; that though the Jews at this day do stile him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Hanged Man ; and the Gentiles , as Blasphemous Porphyry , did call him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Crucified Sophister ; yet all these Reproaches should be wiped off , and this glorious Name of Christ should shine out through all these thick Clouds of Infamy ; he should be known , and called , The Lord our Righteousness .

I shall observe , and insist on this Doctrine foom these latter words of the Text.

Doctrine . That Jesus Christ is , and shall be called , Jehovah our Righteousness .

The Prophet , in the Name of the Lord , promises , That the Lord would raise up to David a Righteous Branch , one that should be most Holy , and Just in his Humane Nature ; and that this Righteous Branch , the Messiah , sprung from David , according to the Flesh , should be called , Jehovah , our Righteousness : this intimates he should be Man and Jehovah too in one Person , and as such he should be owned and acknowledged .

Four things are to be spoken to for the prosecution of this Doctrine .

First , What Righteousness of Jehovah the Son is here meant , and understood .

Secondly . To Evidence and Demonstrate , that Jesus Christ , God-Man , is our Righteousness , yea , our only Righteousness for Justification .

Thirdly . How this Righteousness of Christ is made ours .

Fourthly . Who they are that shall call Christ by this Name , The Lord our Righteousness .

1. What Righteousness of Jehovah is here meant .

To this I shall Answer ;

First . Negatively .

Secondly . Affirmatively .

First , I Answer Negatively ; It is not the Essential Eternal Righteousness of the Son of God , as Osiander the Lutheran affirmed ; but this cannot be .

For , 1. This Righteousness is incommunicable , it is proper to the Divine Nature , and cannot pass , or be derived to a creature : To say , that this Righteousness is given to Believers is to deifie them , rather than to justifie them ; that is most certain , that in this sence , God will not give his Glory to another , Isa. 42.8 .

2. This Righteousness is an Adversary ; contrary to us , at Hostility with us : God , according to it , hates the Wicked , and abhors the Workers of Iniquity , Psal. 5.4 , 5. He is a swift Witness against them , Mal. 3.5 . A Terrible Judge to them , and a Consuming Fire in the execution of his Vengeance on them , Deut. 4.24 . As God is Holy , he lothes unclean Souls ; and , as he is Just , he hates guilty Creatures . If another Righteousness had not been found out , God would rise up against them as an Enemy , and break out on them for their everlasting destruction .

Secondly . I Answer Affirmatively . This Righteousness of Jehovah is not a Righteousness possessed by the Son from Eternity , but acquired in time . It is not the Righteousness that was his Patrimony , as a Son , but his Purchase , as a Servant , by the sweat of his Brows , by the travel of his Soul , by the effusion of his Blood , by the expense of his Life . This was wrought by the Son of God Incarnate , by the Mediator in the form of a Servant , as Joshua , the Type of Christ , is called the Minister , or Servant of Moses , Exod. 24.13 . Exod. 33.11 . So Jesus Christ was made under the Law , Galat. 4.4 . It is said , Isai. 53.11 . By his Knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many . This is very observable , God himself asserts , That by his knowledge his righteous servant should justifie many ; and that by virtue of his service , in bearing the Iniquities of his People . Jesus Christ did exactly perform what as a Servant he had undertaken , and so he was Righteous . Here we may observe a wonderful Mystery , that Jehovah is said to be our Righteousness ; yet God's righteous Servant also is said to justifie . These two things sweetly conspire in our Justification . God's servant did perform Obedience , and suffer on the Cross . He that took our Nature , and was a Servant in it , was only capable of doing , and dying for us : As Man , he must be subject , and suffer ; but yet as he is also Jehovah he gives an infinite Price , and vallue to his Obedience and Sufferings . The same Person was God-Man : as Man he served , and performed the Obedience by which we are justified , Rom. 5.19 . but as God he gives an infinite worth to his own Service : So both Jehovah is our Righteousness , and yet God's Righteous Servant doth also Justifie . Christ's Righteousness consists in Two things ;

First . In his Obedience to the Commands of the Law .

Secondly . In his Subjection to , and enduring of the Curse of the Law .

Jesus Christ took debitum officii , the debt of Duty , as well as debitum poenae , the dept of Punishment . And suitably unto this object of our Faith is thus expressed ; 1. Our Faith is said to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in the Righteousness of God , so the word might be render'd ; and this Phrase , the Righteousness of God , seems to be taken , and be proved from my Text , Jehovah our Righteousness . 2. Faith is said to be in the Blood of Christ , Rom. 3.25 . Whom God hath set forth for a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood . All the Garments of Christ are said to smell of Myrrh , Aloes and Cassia , Psal. 45.7 . As Christ's Garments are expounded to be his Graces , so they may also be interpreted to be the Actions of Christ , that flow from those Graces . Garments signifie Actions , so it is said , they washed their Robes white in the Blood of the the Lamb , Rev. 7.14 . So these Garments point out the Active Obedience of Jesus Christ . It is said also , That Christ gave himself an offering , and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour to God , Ephes. 5.2 . Zanchy on the place , observes the Emphasis of the Apostles words ; that Christ is said to be first an Offering , and then a Sacrifice . There were Offerings of First-fruits , and Fine Flower , and of such things as had not life , but living creatures were offered up in Sacrifice , and then their blood was spilt , and their lives taken away . Christ's being an Offering , may point out the Holiness of Christ's Life , and his being a Sacrifice , did signifie his Sufferings , and his Death . How satisfactory and refreshing is it to us , to Read and Hear of the sweet smelling Garments of Christ , and the sweet smelling Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus ? It was foretold of our Lord Jesus Christ , that his Ears , both his Ears , should be opened , Psal. 40.6 . one Ear was opened , as he was Man , to hear , and obey the Commands of the Moral Law ; and Christ's other Ear was opened , to listen to , and comply with that peculiar Commandment that was given to him .

As Mediator , to lay down his Life , Joh. 10.18 . Innocent Man owed but a single debt to God , and that was Obedience to his Law : but Fallen and Guilty Man is bound to God in a double Bond. He owes God Obedience , as he is a Creature ; and he owes God Glory to be raised out of his Sufferings , Misery and Torments , as he is a Guilty Creature . Therefore Sins are called Debts , Matth. 6.12 . because the Transgressors of the Law , for Non-payment of the Debt of Obedience , contract another , and New Debt , and that is an Obligation to endure Punishment . As they wrong , and rob God by their sins of Omission , and Commission , so they are bound to make Restitution to God by their eternal Sufferings , and Torments .

1. Jesus Christ was to obey the Commands of the Law , Joh. 17.4 . I have glorified thee on earth , I have finished the work that thou gavest me to do . Jesus Christ was to Glorifie God in the Nature of a Creature , in the Form of a Servant : he was to be a perfect Pattern of Piety , and an example of Righteousness on Earth , where there had not been a full and exact Instance of Righteousness , and Obedience since the Fall , Eccles. 7.20 . There is not a just Man on earth , that lives and sins not . The Earth hath been full of violence and wickedness before God , Gen. 6.13 . How much was it then for the Glory of God , and the Honour of his Law , that there should be a Man Perfectly Holy , and Just on Earth ? A Virgin-Soul among Whores and Adulteresses ? A Diligent Servant among Drones , and Lazy Loiterers ? A Loyal Subject among Rebels , and Enemies ? How little Honour had been given to the Law , if only the Penalty of it had been inflicted , and its Curse been executed ; but the Commands of it had never been obeyed , and fulfilled ? Is it for the Credit , or Glory of an Earthly Prince , to have no Obedience paid to his Laws , but only the Penalties annexed to them to take hold of , and be executed on all that are under his Jurisdiction ? And shall God's Laws never be obeyed ? Shall the Penalties of them only be executed ? As a Foreign Prince , if he Travels through the Territories , and Dominions of another King , doth owe him a Topical Allegiance , and must needs be subject to his Laws ; so the Son of God ( though he was a Rightful and a Glorious King ) yet Travelling through the Dominions of his Father , in the nature of a Creature , to Redeem Captives , must needs be subject to the Laws that God gave to all Mankind . The High-Priest , under the Old Testament , was an eminent Type of Christ ; he was bound to wear a Plate of Gold joyned to his Mitre on his Forehead , Exod. 25.36 , 37 , 38. This did intimate , and teach us , that the true substantial High-Priest was to be Perfectly holy and absolutely devoted to God . Tho' God may spy Faults , and observe Blemishes and Spots in the best of Saints ; yet he may look to the Forehead of Jesus our Great High-Priest , and there read nothing but Holiness to the Lord . The Law of God was perfectly impressed on Christ's Heart , and fully expressed in his Life . He loved God to the Height of utmost Perfection . He loved Men , even his own , that were in the World , with the most pure , ardent , and intense Love , John 13.1 . he was so intent , so fixed in Exalting , and Magnifying God , that when his Soul was troubled in the prospect of his Sufferings , yet he Pray'd thus , Father , glorifie thy own Name , John . 12.27 , 28 , 29. As if he should say , However I am clouded and eclipsed ; whatever bitter Cup I drink ; whatever heavy Burden I bear ; yet , Father , glorifie thy own Name . As the First Adam ruined us by his Self-seeking ; so the Second Adam raised , and Recovered us by his Self-denyal ; and Christ's Love to his People was stronger than Death . He leaped over Mountains of Difficulties , and brake through Hosts of Enemies , and Sufferings to Redeem them . He did forget himself for a time , that he might remember us to eternity : He veiled his Glory , and Majesty , to manifest his Love to us : We are all as an unclean thing , Isa. 64.6 . but Jesus Christ is that Holy Thing that was Born of the Virgin Mary , Luk. 1.35 . he came into this World without a Foreskin on his Heart , and therefore was that Holy Seed that was Figured , and Typified by Circumcision , Phil. 3.3 . And we may Glory in him , on this account . The Fountain was pure from his Conception and Birth , and the Stream that did flow from it was ever after clear and clean . It was requisite that Christ should be Holiness to God , that he might be made Righteousness to us .

2. Christ's Sufferings may well be accounted a part of his Righteousness . For ,

1. They were the Fulfilling of the Law given to him as Mediator , that he should make his Soul an Offering for Sin , and pour it out to the death , Isa. 53.10 , 12. Joh. 10.18 . As the Moral Law belonged to Christ , as a Man , he could not possess our Humane Nature in Purity , or order his Conversation with Beauty without submission to it : so the Ceremonial Law belonged to him as a Jew ; and he was obliged to die , as he was a Mediator . He must be obedient to death , even the death of the Cross , Phil. 2.7 , 8.

2. The Sufferings of Christ were part of his Righteousness , because they were the enduring of what Jesus Christ , as a Surety , did undertake to undergoe . If one Man doth bind himself in a Bond to pay the Debt of another , it is but Justice that he should satisfie it ; if he refuse , or decline it , he acts contrary to the Rules of Righteousness . So when Jesus Christ took our Debt on him , it was Righteous that he should pay it off . A Surety doth first make the Debt his own , and then binds himself to the payment of it : So Christ first took our sins themselves , and then became liable to punishment for them . As the Sacrifices of the Law had first Sins put , and laid on them , Levit. 1. v. 4. and then thereby were exposed to wounds and death . If Jesus Christ had not been made sin , he could not have been made a Curse , 2 Cor. 5.21 . Gal. 3.13 . Christ's being made a Curse seems somewhat different from his being made Sin , and was a Fruit , and Consequent of it . The Curse could not Fall , Fasten , or Abide on a Person , but where Sin opened the Door , drew , and pluckt it upon him . Jesus Christ , by becoming a Surety , was snared , was taken by the words of his own Mouth , Prov. 6.2 . Jesus Christ said to the Father , Psal. Ch. 40.7 , 8. Loe I come , that is , to be an Atoning Sacrifice : I delight to do thy will O my God ; that is , to offer up my Body once for all , Heb. 10.9 , 10. Now Jesus Christ was come into the Hand of his Father to be punished , Prov. 6.3 . It was just for God the Father to wound and bruise him ; to call the Sword of his Justice to awake against him , Zach. 13.6 , 7. verses ; the Cup could not pass from Christ , but he must drink it : the Debt must be exacted of him , Chastisement must be laid on him , Isa. 53.5 . because Jesus Christ had engaged as a Surety to draw near to God , sitting on a fiery Throne , holding a flaming Sword , and clothed with the garments of vengeance , Jer. 30.21 . Sins being laid on Christ , Isa. 53.6 . Sorrows and Sufferings were to follow , Isa. 53.4 . because he bare our sins , he must also be burthened with our sorrows . It was just with God , on this account , to wound the Man that was his Son , and to smite the Man that was his Fellow , Zech. 13.7 . God's Sword had ( as it were ) slept for a long time in the Scabbard of his long-suffering : his Justice had been silent , and not roared against Sinners . But now the Surety was come , the great Atoning Sacrifice was presented , and exhibited , it was high time for God's Sword to awake . The Times before Christ were the days of Forbearance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Rom. 3.26 . God took Christ's Word till then , but now the Day of Payment was come , and therefore Christ could not be secured from a Dark Hour , or be exempted from drinking of a bitter Cup , Matth. 26.39.42 . John 12.27 , 28. he came into the World to have such a Terrible Hour , and to walk through the Dark Valley of the shadow of Death : As he was loaded with our Sins , God must not only forsake him , Psal. 22.1 . but wound him , Isa. 53 , 5. He had not only a dark Night , as the Light of God's pleasing Countenance was hid from him , but he felt Dews , and experienc'd the Drops of the Night , Cant. 5.2 . as God's punishing hand was stretch'd out against him . Christ had not only a very Dark Night , but a very Stormy and Tempestuous Night ; as we had estranged our selves from God , and had forgotten our Relation to him , so God estranged himself from Christ , and seemed , for a time , to veile , and forget his Relation to his Son : to carry it as a Stranger , and as one unconcerned in the Sufferings of Jesus Christ , Psal. 22.1 , 2. My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me ? Why art thou so far from helping me , and from the words of my roaring ? O my God! I cry unto thee in the day time , but thou hearest not , and in the Night season , and am not silent . O! how strange is this , that God should thus withdraw himself from his own Son ? that the Father should deliver him up into the hands , and leave him to the Will of his Enemies ? That God's ear should be stopt , and his Bowels shut up against his own Son : That Jesus Christ should roar out his doleful Complaints , and yet God be , as it were , deaf and dumb to him , and inexorable towards him , when the Son was not silent to his Father day or night . Surely Christ's Cup was very bitter , his Burthen heavy , and the Fire that Roasted this Lamb of God was very hot , and scorching , or else Christ that had the Power of the God-head to support him , was now in the midst of his Enemies , and near the end of his Sufferings , would never thus have roared out . The words of the Psalmist David do exactly Point out , and Foretel that which Matthew Records , Matth. 27. v. 46. And about the Ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice , saying , Eli , Eli , Lama Sabachthani ; that is to say , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me . Yet Jesus Christ justifies the Father in forsaking of him , in not hearing of him ; But thou art holy , O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel , Psal. 22.3 . Though others tast thy Goodness , admire , and glorifie thy Grace , and thou inhabitest their Praises , yet thou art deaf to me , I feel thy Wrath and Severity . But thou art holy in all this , I am come into thy hand as a Surety , and must fall under thy weighty Arm as a God of Vengeance . This was the true reason and cause why Jesus was wanting to himself , did not plead his own Cause ; or more confute the Slanders , and wipe off the Reproaches his Enemies cast on him , clear and justifie himself from their Calumnies , False and Forged Accusations , Mark 15.3 , 4 , 5. Jesus Christ kept silence , he Answered nothing to what the High-Priest charged him with . He also Answered nothing to Pilate , so that Pilate marvelled , that he would not plead for , and defend himself ; that he carried it as if he had no Reply , no Reproofes in his Month , to vindicate himself , and silence his Adversaries . This Silence of Christ was foretold , Isa. 53.7 . He was dumb , he opened not his Mouth . The truth was , that Jesus took our Sins , and bare our Iniquities , in order to his submitting to Punishment for them , Isa. 53.6 . 1 Pet. 2.24 . Confusion of face did belong to us , Dan. 9.8.9 . Guilt might stop our Mouths , seale up our Lips . We had cause to lie down in our Shame , to cover our selves with Confusion , never to open our Mouths to deny , extenuate , or justifie our Practises , Ezek. 16. last . Christ now stood in our place , he did , as it were , assume our Person ; Silence did become us ; Our Cause was so bad , that it could not be pleaded or defended . It was Just , now , that Christ should be Condemned , Executed , Cut off for our Sins , that , as a Surety , he took on himself : though he was a Green Flourishing Fruit-bearing-Tree , yet all our Barrenness was charged , all our Corrupt Fruits were hanged on the Tree of Life by Imputation , therefore a Fire was kindled against him ; he was hewed down , and cut off from the Land of the Living , Isa. 53.8 . Christ's submitting to Circumcision , Luke . 2.21 . and to Baptisme , Matth. 3.13 , 16. that were Ordinances proper and peculiar to Sinners , did shew , that he took our Sins on him , that we , in Baptisme , might have our Sins put away , and his Righteousness put on us .

3. Christ's Sufferings may well be called , and accounted a part of his Righteousness ; because , in bearing his Sufferings , he admirably exercised his Graces , and was most active in fulfilling the Law to the utmost height and pitch of Perfection . Indeed , mere Innocence is not Rewardable , but as it is accompanied and attended with an Active Obedience , and Righteousness : He submitted to the Will of his Father , Matth. 26.42 . If this Cup may not pass from me , except I drink it , thy will be done . He evidenced , declared , and demonstrated to the world , that he loved the Father , and would do what he commanded him : the Threatning of Death against us , was changed into a Commandment given to Christ , that he should die . Therefore he would go forth to offer himself to the hands of his Enemies , and to meet Death , John 14. last . And Christ manifested wonderful Meekness and Patience towards his Enemies , and expressed admirable Goodness in Praying for his Persecutors and Murtherers , Luke 23.24 . Then said Jesus , Father forgive them , for they know not what they do . Sinners hated Christ without a cause , and he loved them without a cause . What astonishing kindness did Jesus Christ discover towards his Sheep , in that he would lay down his Life for them ? John 10.11 , 15. Was not the love of Christ , a love passing knowledge ? Ephes. 3.18 , 19. Was it ever known , that when the Butcher came to the Fold to fetch Sheep and Lambs to kill them , that the Shepherd should offer , and substitute himself in their room , and to be contented to be slain himself , that they might be spared . Some have thought , that this was a strain of Love above , and beyond what the Law requires from one Neighbour towards another . Men are to Love their Neighbours as themselves ; but Christ loved his Sheep more than himself ; he forgot , he denied himself : was swallowed up in most pure and ardent Love towards them . Love is the fulfilling of the Law , Rom. 13.10 . So that Christ was highly Righteous , and perfectly conformed to the Law in all his Sufferings and Sorrows . Thus Jesus Christ did Answer the Character , that the Church of Old gave of him , that he was white and ruddy , the chiefest amongst ten thousand , Cant. 5.10 . Jesus Christ was White in his Active , and Ruddy in his Passive Obedience , and so did at once commend us to God's Holiness , and secure us from his Wrath and Justice . As the First Adam , in Transgressing the Positive Law God gave him , not to eat of the Forbidden Fruit , did violate the whole Moral Law , he was unjust to God , injurious to himself , and cruel to all his Posterity , whom he betrayed , defiled , and ruined : So the Second Adam , in Obeying a Positive Law , to Die , Fulfilled the whole Moral Law , in perfect Love to God and Man , and absolute Denial of Himself .

2. The Second thing I am to insist on , is , to Evidence , That Jehovah the Son of God , is our Righteousness .

First . No other but he that was God Manifested in the Flesh , could now , in this degenerate state of Fallen Man , satisfie , and fulfil the Commands of the Law . The word of God is very pure , Psal. 119.140 . The Command is exceeding broad , Psal. 119.96 . The Law is very Spiritual , Rom. 7.14 . There is a wonderful depth in the Law of God , it goeth deeper than the actual consent of the Will : Others of the Ten Commandments , as the Fifth , Sixth , Seventh and Eighth , do forbid heart-evils , for the Law is Spiritual . It is the Law of an Omniscient heart-searching Lawgiver , and therefore it is not only given to the Lip , and Life , but reaches and extends to the Soul . But the Tenth Commandment is yet more deep and spiritual , it forbiddeth the First buddings and stirrings of Sin in the Soul , whereby the Will is Tempted by it self , and sollicited to consent and comply : These are the Neighings of a Carnal Heart after fleshly objects , Jer. 13.27 . I have seen thy Adulteries , and thy Neighings : These Neighings of an unclean heart do tend to Fornication , and Adultery . In these First Covetings , and Lustings , the Old Man doth ( as it were ) cast forth its seed into the Womb of the Heart ; but Lust doth not conceive , in the Language of James , James 1.14 , 15. till this Seed is received , cherished , and embraced in the Womb of the Will ; till it consents , and yields to a Temptation . Who now of the best of the Sons of Men can stand before this holy and perfect Law of God ? Dare the best of Saints in the World go to a Trial before God on the account of their Works ? Did not David himself decline such a Trial ? Did he not wave , and deprecate it ? Psal. 143.23 . Enter not into judgment with thy Servant , For in thy sight shall no flesh living be justified . But this is that excellency , and glory of Christ , that he was a Spiritual Beauty among deformed Ethiopians ; an upright Soul among crooked Creatures : one that did dwell in the Torrid Zone of Love , when the Hearts of others were Congealed , and Frozen towards God . He had the highest flame of Love , and not the least spark of Lust . But the obedience of no others is of sufficient purity , according to the Covenant of Works , to be Tried at God's Touchstone , or of Weight enough to hold in God's Ballance : But Christ's Obedience , for Purity , and Weight , will be approved before the Tribunal of God . The Eye of Omnisciency can see no fault in it ; the Holiness of God is not dissatisfied with it , but highly approves of it , and delights in it . As no meer Creature can satisfie for the Guilt of Sin , and so prevent Eternal Death ; so the obedience of no mere Creature can Merit Eternal Life . The Command of the Law must be fulfilled , as well as the Curse executed ; there must be a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Righteousness , that there may be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Justification .

2. No other but Jehovah could bear the Weight of Millions of Sins , and endure sufficient Punishment for them . The People of Israel were a Nation of heavy Iniquity , Isa. 1.4 . Laden with Transgressions . The Earth on which they did dwell , is said to Reel , and stagger like a Drunken Man ; and the Transgression of it , that is , of the Inhabitants of it , is said to be heavy on it , Isa. 24.20 . And if there was Heaviness of Iniquity in one People , What was there in the Whole World ? No other Neck could bear such a Weighty Yoke of Punishment for Transgressions but Christ's , 1 Lam. 14. No other Shoulder , or Back , could stand , or bear up under such a load of Sufferings , but the Shoulder and Back of Christ . If the weak Wood of his Humane Nature had not been overlaid with the Brass and strength of his Divine Nature ; as the Altar for Burnt-offerings was but of Shittim-wood , but was over-laid with Brass , Exod. 27.1.2.3 . the weak Humane Nature of Christ could not have endured the hot fire of God's Fierce Wrath , but it must have been consumed . The Mighty God therefore must support the frail Man Christ Jesus . For God to hide his Pleasing Countenance from Christ , was ( as it were ) the loss of a Heaven for a season ; and , for God to turn his Angry Frowning Face against Christ , was the Feeling of a Hell for a Time . Who could bear this Loss , this Punishment , but he that had Omnipotency to uphold him ? There were several things that were extraordinary in the Sufferings of Christ , so that none but he could bear , and suffer at that rate , and in that manner .

First . That Jesus Christ , when he was bruised by God , yet claimed Interest in him , and Trusted on him : In the depth of his Sorrows and Sufferings , yet he thus calls him , My God , my God , Psal. 22.1 . and saith in Heb. 2.13 . I will put my trust in him . Yea , when all left him ; and the Father too is said to forsake him ; yet he saith , I am not alone ; but the Father is with me , John 16.32 . when God did press down a weight of Sufferings on him , yet he was perswaded , that , at that very time , he put his Allmighty and Everlasting Arms under him to uphold him , Isa. 42.1 . Behold my Servant whom I uphold , Isa. 50.7 . The Lord God will help me . When God did lay Sins on him , Isa. 53.6 . yet he believed he would Justifie him from them all , Isa. 50.8 . He is near that justifieth me . Though he was now under a dark Night , yet he did believe , that God would turn his Shadow of Death into a bright and joyful Morning , Psal. 16 : 11. Thou wilt shew me the path of Life : in thy presence is fulness of joy , at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore .

Secondly . That Jesus Christ Loved God , even when he was wounded by him , and suffered such hard things from him . The Damned suffer from God , and hate him : they belch and vomit out Blaspemies against him . But Jesus Christ endured the most bitter , and grievous things from the Father's Hand , yet still loved him : This was the Fat of the Inwards of Christ's Sacrifice , Levit. 3.14 . Levit. 4.8 . that his Soul was filled with the Fear of God , Isa. xi . 2. and had such a profound Humility , and made such a deep and hearty Submission to the Will of God , Matth. 20.42 . which did greatly ennoble the Sufferings of Christ . This is very observable , that Jesus Christ , in the Celebration of his Last Supper , twice Gave Thanks to God at the Consecration of the Bread , and the Blessing of the Cup , 1 Cor. 11.24 , 26. Matth. 27. What can we conceive was the subject matter of his Thanksgiving , but that he blessed his Father for setting him forth to be a Propitiation , for Sanctifying and Sending him into the World to be an High-Priest , John 10.36 . and for Ordaining him to be a Sacrifice , 1 Pet. 1.18.19 , 20. For giving him , as Bread from Heaven , to feed Famishing Creatures , and designing his Blood as a generous Cordial to support fainting Souls . O what an excellent Spirit did Christ discover in Blessing of God , that made a Spiritual Feast on himself , as a Paschal-Lamb and Sacrifice , 1 Cor. 5.7.8 .

Thirdly . This was wonderful , that Christ that was but one Lamb , Isa. 53.7 . 1 John 29. did bear so many Sins , yea Thousands and Millions of Transgressions , and yet did not sink under them . He was a Tried Stone , Isa. 28.16 . Never was there such a Weight of Sins and Sufferings laid on any one , as on Christ , yet he did not break , or sink under this Weight . As God put Sins on Christ , Isa. 53.6 . so Christ put them away , Heb. 9.26 . Aaron did confess all the Sins of the People of Israel over the Scape-Goat , and lay them on him , Levit. 16.21 . but his Memory might fail us to a perfect Enumeration of the kinds , and sorts of their sins But God laid the Iniquities of all his People on Christ , Isa. 53.6.8 . and surely God that knew them all , remembred , and recorded them all ; did not omit , over-slip , or forget to lay any of them on Christ : therefore the number of Iniquities laid on Christ , was not to be recounted , conceived , comprehended . These many sins brought such great Sufferings on Christ , that when he took a view of the Sea of Sorrows he was to pass through , he began to be sore amaz'd , Mark 14.33 . and wen he came into the Garden he was in an Agony , Luke 22.44 . Hesychius , a Learned Greek Author , sayes , that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , properly signifies that vehement fear of Death that falls on Soldiers , when they are about to join Battel with an Enemy . Jesus Christ was to encounter the Prince of Darkness , the Legions of Hell , and his Bands and Troops on Earth ; and the sight of the Multitude of Christ's Enemies , and the Greatness of his dangers and sufferings from above , and from beneath , did put Christ into Agony . The Lamb of God was to Combate with a Roaring Lion , the Unicorns of Apostate Spirits were to set on him ; the Jews , as Bulls of Bashan , and the Romans , as Dogs , were to assault Jesus Christ , Psal. 22.12 , 13 , 16 , 21. The True Israel was now to Wrestle with the Wrath of God , the Curse of the Law , the Rage of Hell ; yet he prevailed to satisfie Justice , quench the Fire of the Wrath of God , defeat the Policy , and disarm the Power of Hell ; while Satan , the Old Serpent , nibled at Christ's Heels , he Trod upon , and bruised his Head .

Fourthly . That Jesus suffered so , that he made an end of Sin , finished the Transgression : he did so take sin on him , that he took it away , John 1.29 . so bare it , that he did bare it away for ever . The words used in Dan. 9.24 . are very emphatical ; Jesus Christ Died 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Lecalleh , to make an end of Sin ; that there should never need , or be any more Offerings for Sin . Some render the word restrain , or to Imprison : this is our safety , that sin is so Confined and Imprisoned for ever , that it shall never more be at liberty to come forth to give Evidence , or Testifie against us . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Lecathem , signifies to Seale up . This is intimated , that Transgressions ( as Rolls ) should be sealed up ; they should be kept private and secret ; the Long Rolls of our Transgressions should be so sealed up , as never more to be opened and Read .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Lecappher signifies to Reconcile , Expiate Iniquity , so as to cover it , and that not slightly , as by spreading a Cloath over it , that may be easily taken away ; but to cover , by Plaistering over a thing . The word intimates , that Christ so Covers Sin , that it is never more to be seen : It is so Blotted out by his Blood , that it is never more to be Read ; so Drowned , that it is never more to appear . Christ by his once Offering hath perfected for ever them that are Sanctified , and put an end to all Sacrifices for Sin , Heb. 10.14 , 17 , 18.

Fifthly . That Christ so suffered for Sin , that in a short time he removed the Guilt of it , Zech. 3.9 . God saith he would remove the Iniquity of that Land in one day . O! How wonderful is this , that Guilt which had been contracting , Sins that had been committing many Hundreds , yea some Thousands of years , that these should be satisfied for in one day , and should be so soon purged away ? Heb. 1.3 . That what Sinners had been Writing Hundreds of years , that Christ should blot it out in one day . When Sins had long cried loud , and clamoured in the Ears of God , that all these should be stilled , and silenced in one day .

Sixthly . For Christ by Tasting death but part of three days , to abolish it for ever , 2 Tim. 1.10 . by a short course of Obedience , to bring in everlasting Righteousness , Dan. 9.24 . and by Temporary Sufferings , to obtain an Eternal Redemption , Heb. 9.12 . this none could do but Jehovah Incarnate . In the Sacrifices of the Law there was a Remembrance again of Sins every year , Heb. 10.3 . though there were Sacrifices offered daily to make Atonement for Sin , and a Multitude of these were slain in a Year , yet on the Day of Atonement , that came the Tenth Day of the Seventh Moneth , every Year , there was a Solemn Confession , and Remembrance of Sins again , Levit. 16.21 , 27 , 29. which evidences the weakness and imperfection of all the Legal Sacrifices , that they could never take away Sin , or make the comers to those Sacrifices perfect , Heb. 10.11 . but Christ , by one Offering , perfects us for ever , Heb. 10.14 . Christ's one Sacrifice was the Truth and Substance of all the Sacrifices of the Law of the Burnt-offering , 1 John 29. of the Sin-offering , 2 Cor. 5.21 . of the Trespass-offering , Isa. 53.10 . Christ made his Soul 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Trespass-offering . Therefore , on the account of this one perfect Sacrifice , God saith he will remember Sins and Iniquities no more . Heb. 10.17 . Hence it is very rightly inferred , very justly concluded , where Remission of Sins is , there is no more Offering for Sin .

3. The Benefits that we receive by Christ's doing and suffering the will of God , do Evidence , that Christ is our Righteousness , and our only Righteousness .

1. It was Jesus Christ that gave his Life a Ransome for many , Matth. 20.28 . we did not contribute towards it , or make up any part of it . We cannot give to God a Ransom for our Bodies , to prevent Temporal Death , Psal. 49.78.9 . How then could we provide a Ransome for our Souls to prevent Eternal Death ? we could not satisfie Justice , that our Bonds might be loosed , our Prison door opened , as God the Father found out the way of Redemption , Job 33.24 . I have found a Ransome ; So God the Son paid the Ransome , and found Eternal Redemption , Heb. 9.12 . He gave his Flesh for the Life of the World , John 6.51 . he was slain , and Redeemed us to God by his Blood , Revel. 5.9 . As the Ram was the Ransom of Isaac , Gen. 22.12 , 13. Abraham's hand was staid , the Life of Isaac was spared , and the Ram was offered up in stead of him : So we were bound with Chains of Guilt , the Justice of God was ready to give us the Fatal Stroke , the Mortal Wound ; we were under the Sentence of death , and knew not how we should be preserved ; but then Jesus Christ was substituted in our Room , and this Lamb of God was offered as a Ransome for us ; therefore our Righteousness is wholly of him .

2. We do not feed on , or live by Food of our own providing ; but Christ is Living Bread , and Bread of Life to us , John 6.48.50 , 51. He came down from Heaven , that we might eat , and not die . Christ speaks of a double giving , John 6.51 . First , He gave his Flesh upwards , in Sacrifice to God his Father , so he gave his flesh for the Life of the World . Secondly , he gives it downwards , as Food and Sustenance to us . There is neither Sacrifice for God , or Bread for us to be found in this lower World , but both must come down from Heaven . By our Fall and Apostacy from God , we have brought our selves into a Barren Spiritual Wilderness , as the Israelites , when they came out of Egypt into the Wilderness , they could not subsist there , but by an extraordinary , and Miraculous Provision that God made for them . God Rained down Manna from the Clouds , and fed the Israelites with the Corn of Heaven , Psal. 78.24 . But Christ may more truly and properly be called the Corn of Heaven . This very Bread did first spring up in the Mind , and grow in the Heart of God : he laid the great Design of a Spiritual Feast for fainting and famishing Souls . He Predestinated Jesus Christ to be a Sacrifice to himself , and Food to us . This is a great and wonderful Mystery of Grace , that Bread should come down from Heaven to Nourish us . Bread should naturally Grow out of the Earth for our Souls , as well as for our Bodies . Our Righteousness should spring , and grow out of our selves , and be wrought by our selves ; but none of us have any thing of our own to relieve our selves with , to subsist upon , or to keep our selves alive by , Psal. 22.29 . none could keep alive his own Soul , we were ready to perish with Famine as the Prodigal , Luke 15.17 . Now what astonishing Kindness is this , that Jesus Christ should be a Sacrifice , that Sinners might have a Feast on him , 1 Cor. 5.7 , 8. Believers are made Spiritual Priests , Revel. 1.6 . and this is their Priviledge , Honour and Happiness , that they have an Altar to eat off , Heb. 13.10 . In the Times of the Law none might eat of a Sacrifice , that was offered for their Sins : if the Priest offered Sacrifice for his own Sins , he might not eat of any part of it , Levit. 8.10 , 11. those Sacrifices offered for Sin , did not yield any Food or Sustenance to the Worshippers that brought them . This did evidence , and argue their weakness , and imperfection , that they could not feed , or nourish those that brought them , Levit. 6.30 . it is ordained , that no Offering , whereof any of the blood is brought into the Tabernacle of the Congregation , to reconcile withall in the Holy Place , shall be eaten : it shall be burnt in the fire . But this is the Excellency of Christ's Sacrifice , that though he was made Sin , and a Trespass-offering , yet we are called to Feed on , and Eat his Body that was broken , and Sacrificed for us , Matth. 26.26 . 1 Cor. 11.24 , 25. There is still Food on Christ our Altar , it is never empty . The Altar was called God's Table , Mal. 1.12 . Ezek. 41.22 . and the Sacrifice is called his Meat . God did , as it were , Feed at this Table . The Altar Figured Christ , and he Offered his Humane Nature as a Sacrifice on the Altar of his Divine Nature ; and this True Sacrifice was God's Meat : Here Divine Justice did Feed , and was satisfied . What an Honour is this for us , to be admitted as Guests , yea , as Children , to God's Table ? and for our Faith to feed on the same Sacrifice , that Justice is satisfied with ; that may well quiet our Consciences , that Pacifies God's Wrath : The Sacrifice and Meat on the Altar is called the Fruit of it , Mal. 1.12 . This Phrase is very observable , that the Altar is compared to a Field , that did yield and bear Fruit to the Priests ; they had not Lands , and Inheritances as the other Israelites had ; but the Altar was their Inheritance , and their Field , the part of the Sacrifice offered on the Altar , that was allowed to them , for their Services was the Fruit of the Altar , that they Fed on , and were sustained by . So Christ the Altar is our Field ; on the Fruit of it , even his Sacrifice , our Souls must Live , In Rom. 10.5 . it is said . That he that doth the Law , and the things required in it , shall live by them . But Christ Teacheth us another way of Subsistence for our Souls , John 6.57 . He that eateth me shall live by me . Our Drink also is not in , or from our selves ; we are in a Pit in which there is no Water , Zech. 9.11 . Jesus Christ was Figured by the Rock that was smitten by the Rod of Moses , even the Curse of the Law , Exod. 17.6 , 7. 1 Cor. 10.3.4 . Though Christ was Moses his Minister , as a Servant , made the Law , and perfectly obeyed it , was Holy to God , Harmless to others , and undefiled in himself , yet he Felt the Rod of Moses , he endured the Curse . We were in a Dry , and Barren Wilderness , where no Water was : we must have perished with Thirst , had not Christ been Smitten . He did cleave , his Soul and Body were separated from each other , and so Spiritual Waters did gush out for us to Drink . God's Sword might have devoured our Flesh , and his Arrows have been made drunk with our blood , Deut. 32.42 . but Jesus Christ gave us his Flesh to be Meat indeed , and his Blood to be Drink indeed , John 6.53 , 54 , 55. We are too prone to dig and seek Spiritual Water in our selves , but we must look for it from Christ . The Travelling Israelites passing through the Valley of Bacha , did make it a Well , they digged deep to find Water in the Earth ; but yet at last they were disappointed , and the Rain did fill the Pools , Psal. 84.6 . They sought Water from beneath , but They received it from above . So we would find Water in our selves , but we must perish , if Christ doth not Rain upon us , Psal. 72.6 . He shall come down like the Rain on the Mown Grass : as Showers that water the Earth . When the poor and needy seek water , and there is none , and their Tongue faileth for thirst , I the Lord will hear them , I the God of Israel will not forsake them . I will make the Wilderness a Pool of Water , and the dry Land Springs of Water , Isa. 41.17 , 18. If any Man thirst , saith Christ , let him come to me and drink , John 7.37 . we cannot live by a fullness and sufficiency in our selves , but we must live by Bread from without , by eating of the Flesh , and drinking of the Blood of Christ ; And this also is given us freely . We reap that we sowed not , and eat that we did not labour for ; as the Israelites lived in the Wilderness without Plowing and Sowing .

3. We are Healed , not by any Remedy we have invented , or by any Medicine that we have prepared , but by a wonderful Remedy , that Jesus Christ hath provided . The Israelites Murmured in the Wilderness , and were for it bitten by Fiery Serpents ; and their burning poyson did kill many of them : those that were hurt , were utterly at a loss . They knew no Physical Herbs , no Soveraign Drugs , no proper Remedies to apply . They knew not how to draw out the Mortal Poyson , but were destroyed by it , Numb. 21.6 , 7 , 8. The Wilderness they were in afforded no Medicines ; but God devised , prepared , revealed a Remedy : he directed Moses to make a Brazen Serpent , and to hang it on high upon a Pole , and promised to bless this Remedy , and render it effectual , that whosoever looked to it , should be healed and live . So Mankind was bitten by Satan , that Old Serpent , in Paradise . He drew them to Discredit God's Threatning : he Leavened them with hard and base Thoughts of God : that he envied their higher Knowledge , and greater Happiness , and so put a restraint on them , Forbidding them to eate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil , and so drew them to Disobedience , and to cast off the Authority , and Yoke of God . Hereby Humane Nature was corrupted , and poysoned in our First Parents , and by them this Vermin did spread , and diffuse it self into all their Posterity , and infected the whole World . This Bite of the Old Serpent was deadly . Tribulation and Anguish belongs to every Soul that Sins , Rom. 2.9 . The wages of sin is death , Rom. 6. last . Sin hath reigned unto Death , Rom. 5. last . but God hath provided a Remedy , that we could never have imagined , or thought of ; and was most remote from the Sentiments , and Apprehension of the Natural Man : The Son of God came down from Heaven , took our Flesh , and Suffered in our Nature ; was lifted up to the Cross , and died on it ; that whosoever looks to him , and believes to him , and believes on him , may not perish , but have Everlasting Life , John 3.14 , 15. Jesus Christ was lifted up before the eyes of God , when he was Crucified , and he is lifted up before our eyes , when his Death is Preached , and he is evidently set forth as Crucified before us , Gal. 3.1 . We are not to compose Medicines , or to provide Plaisters of our own to heal our selves , but we are to look to , and make use of God's Remedy continually . Ainsworth on Numb. 21. doth probably assert , That the Israelites , as they Journied , and did remove from one Station to another , carried the Brazen Serpent along with them , and set it up again in their Camp ; and , as often as any one was bitten , he looked to it for Healing . So we must receive Christ to dwell in our hearts by Faith , Ephes. 3.17 . and still carry him about with us , that as often as we contract New Guilt , we may look to him with a Spiritual eye , and be Healed . The Life that we live in the flesh , we must live continually by the Faith of the Son of God , Galat. 2.20 . All the Healing Remedies are out of our selves , and are in Christ . His Stripes are Healing , Isa. 53.5 . he hath healing beames , Mal. 4.2 . out of the side of the Altar there came forth Living Waters , that healed the corrupt and dead Sea , Ezek. 41.1 , 2 , 8. so out of Christ's side there came forth Water and Blood , John 19.34 . The Blood of Christ is a Soveraign Remedy against the Guilt of Sin ; and the Spirit that was signified by the Water that flowed out of Christ's side , is a sovereign Remedy against the Filth , and Reigning power of Sin ; And Jesus Christ , the Tree of Life , beares Leaves for the Healing of the Nations , Revel. 22.2 . No other Tree hath Healing Leaves , but only Jesus Christ , his Word , Doctrine , Promises , are Healing Leaves . We do not Work to Cure our selves ; tho' we are Patients , yet we cannot be our own Physitians , but we are Justified by Christ's Condemnation , and live by his Death .

4. We are not Washed in any Water of our own providing , or in any Bath of our own making , but God the Father hath opened a Fountain for sin , and uncleanness , Zech. 13.1 . and this Fountain is opened where we could never have thought of , or imagined any such thing , even in the pierced side , and wounded heart of the Son of God . His Head was Crowned with Thornes : his Hands and Feet were nailed to the Cross , his Side was pierced , and Blood did flow from thence to Purifie our Souls . This is noble and precious Blood indeed , that affects Conscience , and reaches so far , as to purifie it . The Blood of Sacrifices , the Ashes of an Heifer , and Clean Water , availed only to the Purification of the Flesh , to take off Ceremonial Uncleanness : but Christ poured out his own Blood , and thereby made a Precious Laver , a Costly Bath . This Blood purgeth Conscience from sins , that are dead Works , as they are the Fruits of Spiritual Death , and the Seeds of Eternal Death . Though Conscience be stupid , and doth not feel the weight of these dead Works , yet if they remain unpurged , they will revive , and sting the Soul to death ; they will return upon it , and sink it to Hell . There is no other means to purifie , and pacifie Conscience but this Blood , and we exceedingly need it . There is a Fountain of Iniquity in us , that continually flows to defile us , Jer. 6.7 . As a Fountain casts out its Waters , so Jerusalem casts out her Wickedness . It is well for us that there is a Fountain without us in Christ , to take off that Guilt that is contracted by the Flowings of that Filthy Fountain that is within us . Christ's Blood , though it is little in quantity , yet it is mighty in Virtue . There is a deep Sea of Merit in it , Micah 7.18 , 19. Thoug it was poured out of his Body but a few hours , yet it is a Fountain that Flowes in all Ages and Generations to take away Sin . And is not this most sweet and comfortable , that Jesus Christ did not only shed his Blood , but sprinkles it also , Ezek. 36.25 . I will sprinkle clean water upon you , and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness . Clean Water to wash the Body is common , but clean Water to purifie the Soul is rare , and no where to be found but in Christ . This is wonderful Grace , that Christ would not only shed his Blood , but undertakes also to sprinkle it . He shed it with unexpressible Pain and Anguish , but he Sprinkles it with much Pleasure and Delight . As he pitied Souls , and shed his Blood for them , so he Loves Soules , and Sprinkles it on them , and Washes them in this Fountain from their Uncleanness , Revel. 1.56 . We are not clothed by our own Works , or Righteousness . Our Webs cannot become Garments , Isa. 59.6 . Our best Performances cannot clothe us . Our Righteousnesses are as filthy Rags , they cannot hide our Shame , cover our Nakedness , they are too narrow and short to do it , Isa. 64.6 . Shall we be proud of , or trust upon filthy Rags . Our own Righteousness is but a Garment full of Patches . So Piscator renders the Hebrew words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Vestimentum frustrorum panni veteris , & attriti ; A Garment of Pieces of old and worn-out Cloth . How long have we been serving in the Oldness of the Letter , Rom. 7.6 . and so our Garment may be called Old Cloth . Sometimes we do good Works , and then are apt to turn aside and to commit evil Works . There are interruptions in our obedience : Sin doth too often intervene , so that these patches of the Old Man do much blemish , and disfigure the Garment of our Righteousness . There are Breaches in our Walls , and Spots in our Garments . As we need clean Water to Purisie us , Ezek. 36.25 . so we also want clean Linnen to Clothe , and Adorn us , Revel. 19.8 . Jesus Christ invites us to come to him , to buy White Rayment , that the shame of our Nakedness may not appear , Revel. 3.18 . Christ was the Angel that commanded the Filthy Garments to be taken from Joshuah the High-Priest : he caused his Iniquities to pass away , and Clothed him with change of Rayment , Zech. 3.4 . The Garments of our Bodies do put us in mind of our Sins , and bring to Remembrance our Transgression ; therefore they are called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Bidge , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Bagad , that signifies to Rebel . Because if Man had not Apostatized from , and Rebelled against God , he had not needed Clothing , or Garments . But the Righteousness of Christ may well be called the Garment of Praise , Isa. 61.3 . It is a Garment for Beauty , and Glory , and so to be exceedingly praised ; when God puts it on us , then we begin heartily to praise God . Christ is stiled the Sun of Righteousness , Mal. 4.2 . he hath healing Beames for wounded Consciencies . The Church is said to be Clothed with the Sun , Revel. 12.1 . And is not this a Glorious Garment ? Doth it not deserve praise in it self , and call for the highest Praises from us . God provided Coats of Skins , and Clothed our First Parents with them , Gen. 3.21 . The matter of those Coats was the Skins of Beasts , that probably were slain , and offered in Sacrifice to God . This might instruct and teach them , that the Spiritual Cloathing of their Souls was to be borrowed from the Obedience , and Righteousness of the Great Atoning Sacrifice . As many as are Baptized into Christ , have put on Christ , Gal. 3.27 . Our First Parents did sow Fig-leaves together , to make Aprons to hide their shame , Gen. 3.7 . but when God provided Coats of Skin for them , then they threw away their Aprons of Fig-leaves as useless . So every Man , Naturally , seeks some Aprons of Works , and righteousness of his own to cover his Nakedness , when Conscience accuses them for sin , and the Law of God Condemns them for Iniquity . The Whore , in Prov. 7.14 . pleads , That she had Peace-offerings with her , and that day she had paid her Vowes ; and with this Apron she thought to hide the Filthiness of her Adultery . But when Men come acquainted with Jesus Christ , and have that Glorious Clothing revealed to them , which he hath proved for Souls , then they cast away their Aprons of Works , and their own Imaginary Righteousness . Paul saith , That those things that he reputed his Gains , that he thought would gain him the Favour of God , Acceptance with God , a Title to Everlasting Life , these he counted loss for Christ , Phil. 3.7 , 8 , 9. that is , he cast them away , not only as unprofitable , but as likely to be pernicious and fatal to him , as they would be to him instead of Christ , and so rob him of an Interest in him , which would be a Ruining , and utterly undoing loss to him . Paul saith farther , Yea doubtless I account all things but dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord , Phil. 3.8 . The Apostle seems to me to refer to that Scripture , Isa. 53.11 . By his knowledge shall my Righteous Servant justifie many . When Paul knew that excellent Righteousness that Christ had provided for the Justification of the Ungodly , this made him to Contemn , Loath , and Cast away his own Rigteousness , as a Man that flotes on a broken Plank , or a piece of a Shipwreck ; will cast it away when he meets with a whole Ship that will take him in , and carry him safe to the Shore .

6. We are shadowed from the Scorching Wrath of God , and secured from the Storm of Divine Vengeance , not by our own Righteousness , but by the Obedience and Righteousness of Christ . The Church saith , she sate down under the Shadow of Christ with Great Delight , Cant. 2.3 . Mr. Terry , in the History of his Travels in the East Indies , observes , That where the Heat is exceeding great , as it is in the East Indies , there the Trees do bear far larger , and longer Leaves than in these parts of the World , and that thereby they afford a stronger shadow against the vehement heat of the Sun . Since the Fall we need a strong shadow against the Scorching Wrath of God ; and it is our Lord Jesus Christ , the Tree of Life , that hath such broad and long Leaves , as to afford a most sweet , Cooling and Reviving Shadow . When the Israeites Travelled through the Black Burning Sands of Arabia , where , in some places , there grew no Trees to shadow them , God did , by a continual Miracle of his Grace , for Forty years , spread a continual Cloud over them , Psal. 105.39 . and this was designe for a Covering , to secure them from the fiery burning heat of the Sun , that they might not Faint under it , and be killed by it . Lithgow , that did Travel through Arabia , doth inform us , that the Heat is so great , by the Reflexion of the Sun-beams on those Sands , that he saw two Germans that were of their Company , and in their Caravan , to drop down dead , being overcome by the Heat of the Sun . This History instructs us how absolutely necessary God's Cloud was , which he spread over them : It was not the Tents of the Israelites that were sufficient to keep off the Burning Heat ; else God would not have provided this Miraculous Cloud ; so it is not the Tents of our Works , or Righteousness , that can keep off the Scorching Wrath of God , but it must be the Righteousness that the Clouded Son of God wrought out , in the state of his Humiliation and Abasement . As those that went from under the Shadow of this Cloud , were presently Scorched by the Sun ; so those that wave , and decline Christ's Righteousness , must needs , sooner or later , feel the Burning Wrath of God . That Cloud that Skreen'd the Israelites from the Beames of the Sun , was , it self , still exposed to the burning Heat , but the Cloud did not feel it . But our Lord Jesus Christ , that is our Shadowing Cloud , had a tender Sense , a sharp feeling of the Wrath of God for a time , that he might be a lasting and perpetual Cloud to protect and secure us from it . As the Israelites continually , for near Forty years , Travelled under the Shadow of this Cloud ; so we must , all our days , Journey under the Shadow of Christ , and his Righteousness . I have Read in Varenius his Geography , of this Great Wonder of Providence , and Mercy of God to the People in the East Indies , that they have their Winter when the Sun is over their heads , and their Summer , when the Sun is most remote from them : Then the Sky is continually clear , and the Sun shines so hot , that in some places they keep their Fairs and Markets , and do their Business in the Night , and sleep in the Day . But when the Sun is in the Zenith , and just over their heads , then they have perpetual Clouds , and much Rain ; and that if it were not for this , the Country could not be tolerably inhabited , by reason of the Great Excessive Heat : So , were not the Lord Jesus the Mediator as a perpetual Cloud over us , to shadow us by his Righteousness , the most Holy Souls could not possess and inhabit a cool and comfortable place in the Church . It is Christ , and his Satisfactory Sufferings that is the Tilt and Covering of the Chariot , in which we Ride with Christ to Heaven . King Solomon , that is Christ , made himself a Chariot , and the Covering of it was Purple . A Chariot must have something over it to keep off the Wind , Rain , and Scorching Sun . The Covering of this Chariot was Purple , that is , Cloth of a Purple Colour ; and this signified the Obedience of Christ , which was signally expressed in the shedding of his Blood . His Righteousness was as Cloth died in Purple Blood ; as Christ paved his Chariot with Love , a soft Seat for Doubting Trembling Souls to sit on ; so he Tilted it over with Righteousness Died in Blood , that Believers might be safe , and have a sure Covering , that would keep off the Scorching Heat of God's Wrath. We cannot move towards Heaven , till we get up into Christ's Chariot ; so we cannot Travel safely , but under its Purple Covering , this must be our Protection all our days . Though the Church be a Garden open towards Heaven , to receive Influences of Grace from thence , yet it Rides in a Chariot that is Covered , and guarded from scorching Beams , and dreadful storms from Heaven .

7. We are not secured from Revenging , and Destroying Justice , by any Good , or Righteousness that dwells in us , but by the Blood of Christ Sprinkled from without , and applied to our Consciences , Exod. 12.22 , 23. The Destroying Angel did not pass over the Houses of the Israelites , and spare their First-born , because of the Righteousness of the Persons within , but because of the Blood sprinkled from without . The Israelites were Idolaters in Egypt , Ezek. 23.2 . and therefore were not worthy to be delivered from thence , but fitted to be destroyed there . It was therefore the Blood of the Paschal Lamb , an eminent Type of Christ , that was their Security from Destruction . Judicious Calvin thinks , that God alludes to this in Isa. 66.19 . God saith , I will set a Sign among them ; that is , on those Jews that should escape the Wrath of God , and Destruction by it . And what is this Sign but the Blood of Christ applied to the Soul ; for we are said to be Justified by his Blood , and so to be saved from the Wrath to come , Rom. 5.9 . it is not our Inherent Righteousness that will protect us from Revenging Justice . The Spirit that dwelleth in us , even in us Saints , James saith , lusteth unto Envy , James 4.5 . In me , even in this flesh of mine , dwelleth nothing at all that is good , saith Paul , Rom. 7.18 . As Jacob did Travel towards Canaan , yet he halted on one Foot as he Journied on , Gen. 32.31 . So , though Saints do walk with God , and hold on their way towards Heaven , Job 17.9 . yet they halt on the Unregenerate side , and part With my Mind I serve the Law of God ' but with my Flesh the Law of Sin , Rom. 7. last . This is a wonderful Mystery of the Gospel , that Believers are perfected , as to the Conscience , Heb. 9.14 . Heb. 10.14 . Though the Sacrifices of the Law could not make them that brought them perfect , as touching the Conscience , Heb. 9.9 . they did Shadow Pardon , they did Typify Reconciliation ; but they could not confer and bestow Pardon , and Peace . But this is the Excellency , and Perfection of Christ's Sacrifice , that it doth Purge and Perfect Conscience ; though the Soul , and its Faculties , are not perfected by a Compleat Inherent Righteousness ; yet Conscience is Perfected , and hath no more ground to Accuse , and Condemn , than as if there were no Corruption remaining , no Sin dwelling in us . O what a Mystery of Grace is this , that Conscience should be perfected , and yet the Soul remain imperfect in Grace !

8. Our own Inherent Righteousness is so defective , and comes so short of a full Conformity to the Law , that we cannot dwell at home ; but must fly unto , and inhabit in the City of Refuge . Though the Old Man be wounded in every Member in the Saints , yet it is not Maimed , no one of our Members on Earth is perfectly cut off , 3 Cor. 5. And therefore we must not stay at home , or dare to be found in our own Righteousness , Phil. 3.9 . As the Man-slayer was not to continue at his House , Numb. 35.15 , 22 , 24 , 25. He was in hast to leave it , and fly to the City of Refuge , and there to abide till the Death of the High-Priest . Tho' a Man did , without Enmity , Hatred , or Design , but by meer Chance Kill his Neighbour , yet he must not abide at Home . Then we that have sinned knowingly , and that with the bent and purpose of our Hearts have Transgressed a Righteous Law set before us , do much more need Jesus Christ as a City of Refuge . We are in more danger of Revenging Justice , than the Man-slayer was of the Avenger of Blood . O! how much Mercy is it , that we have a City of Refuge to fly to ; tho' we have sined greatly , and heinously ? When Jesus Christ our High-Priest died , when the Temple of his Body was destroy'd , John 2.19 . then was this City of Refuge built up . It is wholly Inhabited by Creatures , that have been Guilty of Heinous , and Innumerable Transgressions . O what encouragement is this , that there is yet Room in the City of Refuge to receive Guilty Creatures that fly to it ? And what great need have we of it , not only for our Acts , that are meer Sins ; but also for the best of our Duties and Performances ? There is Iniquity that cleaves to our Holy Things , Exod. 28.36 , 37 , 38. We need an High-Priest , not only for our Deformed Facts of Sin , but for our Beautiful Acts of Worship , by reason of the Dross that is in them ; our High-Priest did bear the Iniquity of our Holy Things : they lay Heavy on him . And can we purchase Heaven by those things that we need a Pardon , and Jesus Christ endured a Heavy Punishment for ? If the Man-slayer did come forth , and was found without the Borders of the City of Refuge , the Avenger of Blood might kill him , Numb. 35.26 , 27. So if the best of Saints should go forth of Christ , the City of Refuge , and think to dwell at Home , by trusting in their own Inherent Righteousness , God's Revenging Justice might destroy them : therefore it is our wisdom and safety to abide in Christ , 1 John 2.28 . Little children , abide in him . Because we are but weak little children , not grown to perfect strength , and full stature in Grace , we are still to abide in Christ . The Apostle Paul seems to me to refer to that expression of the Man-slayer's ; being found without the Border of the City of Refuge , Numb. 35.26 . where he expresses it as his Great Design , and Desire to be found in Christ , Phil. 3.9 . The Man-slayer , and the Avenger of Blood might converse freely and comfortably together , without fear of danger , in the City of Refuge . So a God of Vengeance , and a Believing Sinner may have sweet Communion with each other in the Lord Jesus . That Just One died for the Unjust , to bring them to God ; not as Guilty Malefactors , to be punished , but as Reconciled Friends , to be Embraced , 1 Pet. 3.19 . By the better hope we draw nigh to God , Heb. 7.19 . Noah , though a sincere and Just Man , was not to stay in his Tent or House , but to leave it , and enter into the Ark , that he might not be Drowned by the Waters of the Flood ; so we must go out of our selves , fly to , and trust in Christ , as God's Ark of Salvation , that we may be deliver'd from Destruction by the Deluge of God's Wrath.

9. We do not ascend up to Heaven by a Lofty Tower , or by a Proud Babel of our own Building ; the Top of our highest Structure cannot reach Heaven as those Foolish Builders thought theirs would do , Gen. 11.3 , 4. Our Sins are increased , and grown up to Heaven , Ezra 9.6 . If our Trespass be grown up to Heaven ( as Ezra acknowledges ) if our Sins affront , provoke , and dare God to destroy us , How shall our Righteousness grow up to Heaven , to enter into it , and take possession of it ? We de serve , by our Iniquities , to be thrown down to Hell , and do not Merit , by our Righteousness , to Ascend up to Heaven . If Men could fly to Heaven by the Wings of their own Works , or get up thither by the Ladder of their own Righteousness , What need was there that God should provide , and set up a Ladder to Heaven for us ? Gen. 28.12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. Jacob was Travelling to Padan-Aram , and in a Dream God minds him of the Great Journey up to Heaven , and discovers to him a Ladder , the Foot of which did stand on Earth , and the top of which did reach Heaven . By this Ladder was signified both the Person of Christ , that was to be God-man , and so at once to stand on Earth , and reach to Heaven ; and the Office of Christ , that , as Mediator , was to Reconcile God and Man , and so joyn Earth and Heaven together . The Foot of this Ladder stood in Bethel , which signifies the House of God : In the Church Christ the Mediator is Revealed and Preached . At the top of this Ladder is the Gate of Heaven , Gen. 28.16 , 17. Heaven is only accessible , and open , over this Ladder , to those that climb , and ascend up by it . This Ladder is now Compleat in all the Rongs or Parts of it ; the Foot of the Ladder stood near the Head of Sleeping Jacob ; this might point , that the Ladder is Raised from Christ's Sleeping the sleep of Death . Jesus is now not only Born , and hath Died , but is Risen again ; and is Ascended to Heaven , sits at the Right Hand of God , to make Intercession for us , that we may see and share with him in his Glory , and be with him for ever , John 17.24 . The Apostle Paul hath , as it were , pointed at all the Rongs of this Spiritual Ladder , and shews us it is compleat , Rom. 8.33 , 34. Though Satan stands at our right hand , to accuse us for our Sins , as he did Joshua for his Filthy Garments , Zech. 3.3 . yet Jesus Christ is at God's Right Hand , to Plead , and Interceed for us . Our Sins Cry , and Satan Accuses , but the Blood of Jesus the Mediator Speaks for us , Heb. 12.24 . God that is infinitely Wise , Holy , and Just , saw our need of this Ladder , else he would not have provided it by the wonderful abasement , and grievous Sufferings of his Son : we cannot get up to Heaven by our own Righteousness . Many of the Elect continue several years in an Unconverted Estate ; all these years are lost , and so the Ladder is too short to reach Heaven ; their Righteousness doth not begin soon , and early enough , when they are Converted ; there are many stops , and Interruptions of their Obedience . The Ladder when it is begun , it is much broken ; many Rongs or Rounds of the Ladder are wanting . Who can possibly climb , or ascend up to a high place , where there are many Rongs or Rounds of a Ladder broken ? This will put a stop to them : much more are we then unable to Ascend to a Heavenly Habitation and Glory , by the Ladder of a broken Righteousness , and by Duties or Works so interrupted , blemished and Defective .

10. We do not purchase a Heavenly Kingdom , or Inheritance , by our Works of Righteousness ; but we , as Heires , possess it by the Testament and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ , Heb. 9.15 . We are Heires , not by our Doing , but by Christ's Dying . Job complaines , that God made him to possess the Iniquites of his Youth . Broughton Renders the Hebrew word , Thou makest me to Heir the Iniquities of my Youth . Job puts this Construction on all his Afflictions and Sufferings , that God made him in them to Heir the fruits of all his youthful sins . If God should deal with us according to our deservings , by bitter and sharp Afflictions , we might Heir the Sins of Youth and riper years ; and not only Heir them in Temporal Evils , but in Eternal Punishments . How much therefore do we need to be made Heires of Glory by Christ's Testament ? This is very observable , that Isaac , the Son of the Free-woman , a Type of the Children of the Covenant of Grace , is declared Heir while he was but an Infant , and had done no Works of Obedience , or Service , to oblige Abraham his Father , Gen. 21.8.10 . Sarah speakes of Isaac , as the Heir ; yea , the Sole Heir of Abraham , while he was but an Infant ; and Hagar , and Ismael , after many years service , were turned out , and cast off ; and that with a very poor pittance , a little Bread , and a Bottle of Water , Gen. 21.10 , 14. Hagar and Ismael were utterly cut off from any hope of Enjoying Abraham's Rich Estate . So , many that do live Civilly , Morally , and add some Tincture and Sprinkling of Religion ; will yet come short of Heaven : for , as many as are of the Works of the Law , are under the Curse , Gal. 3.10 . That is , those that mainly cleave to , and Build on the Works of the Law for Justification , are under the Curse by reason of the defects that are in their Works , Rom. 9.30 , 31 , 32. Israel that followed after the Law of Righteousness , hath not attained to the Law of Righteousness ; Wherefore ? Because they sought it not by Faith , but , as it were , by the Works of the Law . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; that is ,

1. They sought it by Works , that had but the shadow , shew , and appearance of Works , but were not Solid and Substantial , Isa. 1.13 . Bring no more vain oblations , or empty Sacrifices , that had only bodily service , but there was no Spiritual Worship in them ; no Faith in the Messiah to come , no Mortification of the Old Man did attend them , Revel. 3.1.3 . Thou hast a name to live , but I have not found thy Works perfect before God ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , they were not filled up with Spiritual Worship ; and gracious acts of the Soul ; they were Specious , and Glorious before Men , but vile and Contemptible before God ; they might be Pretious , as to the Matter of them , but were vile and base , as to the Form of them : as the Present , and Offering , that the Philistines made to the God of Israel , even Golden Mice . They were Pretious , as to the Matter of them , being of Gold , but contemptible as to the Form of them , for they were but Mice , Sam. 1.6.4 . So the acts of Natural men may be good , as to the matter of them , as Praying , doing Justly with all , yet may be vile as to the Form of them , because all doth flow from a Mercenary Spirit , and is designed for their own Honour , and applause ; or ,

2. Men may be said , as the Jews , to seek Justification , as it were , by the Works of the Law , because though they may Complement God , and pretend they are beholding to God's Grace for what they are , and do ; as the Pharisee said , God I thank thee that I am not as other men , Luke 18.11 . yet they put the greatest weight , and stress upon their own Works , and Righteousness for their Justification before God . So the Pharisee did make an Inventory of his Spiritual Riches , and drew up a Catalogue of his Good Works ; I am no Extortioner : not Unjust , or an Adulterer , or as this Publican : I Fast twice a week , I give Tithes of all that I Possess . This was the Foundation that he did build upon , for his acceptance before God ; this was his plea at his Bar and Tribunal : so that indeed they seek Justification as it were by the Works of the Law ; they give little to Grace , and most to Works : these are the Foundation of their Confidence , and carry the main stroke with them : but Christ Teacheth us other things ; he tells us that when we have done all that is commanded us , we should say , we are unprofitable servants , Luke 17.10 . There is a double sense that may be given of this Phrase . 1. We are unprofitable servants , that is , to our selves ; we have laid no obligation on God , we have earned no wages , no reward from him . 2. We are unprofitable servants , that is , if God would deal with us according to the defects and Sin that cleaves to our best services , he might deal with us as with unprofitable servants , Math. 25.30 . Cast ye the unprofitable servant into utter darkness : there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . Therefore Men must not trust to their own best Works , for the obtaining of the Heavenly Inheritance : God doth freely give the Kingdom to his Children ; Fear not little Flock it is your Father's pleasure to give you the Kingdom , Luke 12.32 . And Jesus Christ doth freely bequeath it , Luke 22.28 , 29. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , I bequeath to you a Kingdom . Christ's Testament doth make both Children and Heires , 1. Saints have their new nature from God's Gracious Covenant , so they are born of the Covenant that promises a new Heart , and Spirit , Ezek. 36.26 . and on this account are said to be the Children of the promise , Rom. 9.8 . And they have the Eternal Inheritance from the same gracious Covenant , and so are stiled the Heires of promise , Heb. 6 , 17.11 . We cannot obtain a blessing by our own Righteousness , and Works , but by the Sacrifice and Death of Jesus Christ , Levit. 9.22 , 23. This Text of Scripture is observable , when Aaron had offered Sacrifice , then he was to Bless the people in the Name of the Lord : the form of Blessing is expressed , Numb. 6.24 , 25 , 26. The Lord make his Face to shine , the Lord lift up the light of his Countenance upon thee . When Christ was Sacrificed , God hid his Face from him , and did forsake him , Psal. 22.1 . Christ's Sufferings purchased , and procured this Blessing for us , That God's Face may shine on us , and the light of his Countenance may be lifted up upon us . Jesus Christ bare the Curse , Galat. 3.13 . He was made a Curse , that the Blessing of Abraham might come on us Gentiles , Galat. 3.14 . God promised to Abraham , That in his seed all the Nations of the Earth should be Blessed , Gen. 22.18 . Christ was the Seed meant and intended , Galat. 3.8 . There could be no Blessing without Redemption from the Curse ; and we could not be Redeemed from the Curse , if Jesus Christ did not endure it . There are blemishes , and defects in our best Works , and they deserve a Curse , and therefore cannot earn , and merit a Blessing , but we must seek it in Christ : they that are of Faith , are Blessed with Faithful Abraham , Gal. 3.9 . It is not said they are Blessed with working Abraham , but with Faithful , believing Abraham : Abraham himself did not get the Blessing by Working , but by believing . He did not find that in his own Heart or Life , that would warrant him to Glory in himself before God . The same way that Abraham got the Blessing , all his believing seed must attain it .

Object . But here it may be Objected , Is it not said , Psal. 112.1 . Blessed is the man that Feareth the Lord , that delighteth greatly in his Commandments . and , Psal. 119.1 , 2. Blessed are the undefiled in the way , that walk in the Law of the Lord . Blessed are they that keep his Testimonies and seek him with their whole heart .

Answ. No man since the Fall , did ever earn a Blessing by his obedience to the Works of the Law : therefore Calvin excellently observes , Rom. 32. ver. 1 , 2. that all such passages are grounded on the Blessing we have by the free and full forgiveness of our Sins , Psal. 32.1 , 2. Blessed is the man whose Transgression is forgiven , whose Sin is covered . Blessed is the man to whom the Lord Imputeth not Iniquity . Paul asserts , that David describeth the Blessedness of the Man to whom the Lord imputeth Righteousness without Works , saying , Blessed are they whose Iniquities are forgiven , Rom. 4.6 , 7. No man is blessed for any Righteousness or works of his own , but as the person is a Believer in Christ , and freely Justified by Grace , through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus , Rom. 3.24 . Fearing God , walking in his Law , keeping his Testimonies , are sweet Indications , and Comfortable Characters , who the persons are that are Blessed . But it is the Forgiveness of Sin that is the true cause of our Blessedness . The Mercies that God bestows are not conferred by our Covenant , as if we had earned , and merited them ; but by his Covenant , as the Fruits of his meer and pure Grace . Observe well this distinction , which God makes between our Covenant , which is a Covenant of Works ; and his Covenant , that is a Covenant of Grace ; and that Good things are given by his Covenant , but not bestow'd by our Covenant . Weigh well the Importance of this Scripture , Ezek. 16.61 , 62.

12. We enter into Rest by Faith in Christ , and not by our own Works , Heb. 4.3 . We that have believed do enter into rest : It is not said , We that have wrought Righteousness do enter into Rest . It was the Speech of Fisher , Bishop of Rochester ; Fides Faeta Justificat , sed ante partum , * * Treat . of Justiffcation . Faith that is impregnated with Good Works doth Justifie , but yet before it brings them forth : yet Faith doth not Justifie , as it is adapted , fitted , or disposed to bring forth Good Works ; but as it respects Christ , eyes his Righteousness and Obedience : The Faith big with Good Works doth Justifie , but not because it is so , or as it is such , but by virtue of its respect to Christ , and the Free Promise . Noah , by Faith , entred into the Ark , and rested there ; it had no Rudder , or Helm , for him to handle , and manage ; no Sailes for him to trim , no Rigging for him to look after : he did nothing to Stear , or Sail the Ark up and down , but he sweetly rested by Faith in the Ark : He believed God would Stear and Guide it , that it should not be broken , dashed to pieces , sink , or miscarry . Noah , in this Temporal deliverance from the Flood , saw , and apprehended an Eternal Salvation from the Flood of Divine Vengeance , in , and by Christ , the true Ark of Salvation , and that blessed rest and security that is attained by Faith in him . Hence the Apostle saith , That Noah became Heir of the Righteousness that is by Faith , Heb. 11.7 . he did believe , that by the Righteousness , and Obedience of the Messiah to come ( as an Ark ) he should be saved from the Wrath to come . This is much to be observed , that the Sabbath , Instituted in Paradise , was the Seventh , in order , after Six Working days ; and was suited to Man's State of Innocency , and did most properly belong to the Covenant of Works , that Promiseth a Blessed Life and Rest , after perfect Works of Righteousness wrought by us , Rom. 10.5 . The man that doth those things shall live by them . But the Christian Sabbath is the First Day of the Week , before our Six Working days , and therefore is suited and fitted to the New Covenant , that Promiseth a Rest to the Consciences of them that believe , before uhey do Works of Righteousness . Those that are Justified by Faith , have peace with God , through Jesus Christ , Rom. 5.1 . Calvin doth think , that God pointed at this , in such a severe , and rigid injunction of the Sabbath . He that would not have us to be weary in well-doing , Galat. 6.9 . yet commands us to cease from our own works , Nonne eo ipso pronuntiat omnia oper a nostra mala esse . And Isaiah teaching us , that the Sabbath is violated , Quando invenitur nostra voluntas , Isa. 58.13 . When we find our own will and pleasure doth shew a necessity of ceasing from our own Wills and Works in our Justification ; Calvin thus Discourses in the 1st and 6th Book against Pighius , concerning Free-will ; we are Justified not by shewing our Good Works , but by our Evil Works being hid and covered , though not from the Eye of Omnisciency , yet from the Eye of Vindictive Justice .

3. I shall inquire how we are interested , and partake of the Righteousness of Jehovah manifested in our flesh ; how we are Entitled to it , and Invested with it ?

Answ. It is by Faith . The Righteousness of God which is by Faith of Jesus Christ unto all , and upon all that Believe . The Gentiles have attained unto the Righteousness which is of Faith , Rom. 9.30 . With the heart man believeth unto Righteousness , Rom. 10.10 . The Righteousness of God is said to be Revealed from Faith to Faith , Rom. 1.17 . This is the Righteousness from first to last that Faith cleaveth to , and buildeth on : The Just do not for a Day , a Month , or a Year only , subsist by Faith ; but they , all their days , live by Faith . So the same Righteousness is revealed to Faith at first , when it is weaker , and to Faith at last when it is stronger . It is said , We are Justified by Faith , Rom. 5.1 . This Phrase is used of no other Grace . It is not said , We are Justified by Love , Repentance , or Obedience . It is exceeding observable , that it is not said , Abraham left his Countrey , quitted his Idolatry , abandoned his Relations ; or that he Offered his Son , and it was imputed to him for Righteousness ; but that Abraham Believed God , and it was counted to him for Righteousness , Gen. 15.6 . which sheweth the peculiar dignity , and excellency of Faith . It is singularly fitted , and suited to take hold of Christ , and his Righteousness , as a Beggar 's hand to receive an Alms. When , as Love brings something to the Person beloved , it is a grateful Eccho to his Love ; it doth Retalliate , and , as it were , Recompense , Requite , and Re-pay him that Loves . But Faith brings nothing , L. Com. cap. 11. Justif . but receives all things from Free-Grace . Love poures it self out , but Faith takes in . Peter Martyr thinks , that God chose Faith to this Office , because it is a less noble Grace than Love , and so all the Glory is given by it to God . Love Gives , and Faith Receives ; and it is more noble to Give , than to Receive . Faith looks to Christ , Psal. 45.22 . Look unto me , all ye ends of the earth , and be saved . We must look unto Christ , and be healed , John 3.14 , 15. we must run to Christ , Heb. 6.18 . we must lean on Christ by Faith , Cant. 8.5 . and lean hard , lean strongly on Jesus Christ ; we must put the very stress of our Souls on Jesus Christ , and not trust partly on our selves , and partly on Christ . As in the Old Testament , Men stretched out the hand of Faith , and laid their Sins on the Head of the Sacrifice as a Type , and on Christ in Truth : So we must now stretch out the hand of Faith to Christ , come , and receive Righteousness from him , Rom. 5.17 . We have that Phrase of coming into the Righteousness of God , Psal. 69.27 . This may be farther cleared by that expression , Heb. 12.24 . Ye are come to Jesus the Mediator of the New Testament , and to the Blood of Sprinkling . By coming unto Christ , and his Blood , we come into his Righteousness ; we come into it as our Garment , we put on Christ , we are clothed with the Sun , Revel. 12.1 . We come into this Righteousness as into our Castle , Fortress , City of Refuge , wherein we are secure from the Lash of Conscience , the Accusations of Satan , the Threatnings and Curse of the Law ; God will not come into Judgment as an Accuser , as a Witness against us , Psal. 143.2 . Come not into Judgment with thy Servant , Lord . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Do not come , Ne Venias , as Pagnine renders . Lord , come not into Judgment with me ; do not bring any Charge , or Accusation against me . God will not come into Judgment as a Plaintiff against those that are come into the Righteousness of Christ : These are passed from Death to Life , and shall never come into Condemnation , John 5.24 . When we are dismaid , by looking down on , and into our selves , when we are full of Confusion , by reason of the Deformity , Filth , Nakedness , and Diseases of our Souls ; when we know not what to do , and are ready to Despair , Sink , and be Over-whelmed , then Christ Graciously calls us to look off from our selves , to him for Righteousness and Salvation . This is the will of the Father , that every one that seeth the Son , and believeth on him , may have Everlasting Life , John 6.40 . It is this sight of Christ , and his Righteousness , that revives us , when our hearts were dying within us . If we fix the eye of Faith on Christ , God himself will fix his eye on Christ our High-Priest for our comfort and advantage . The High-Priest did bear this Inscription in a Plate of Gold on his Forehead , Holiness to the Lord , Exod. 28.36 , 37 , 38. God doth now look on the Face , and Forehead of our High-Priest , who is now near to him , always before him : he beholds him as perfectly Holy , and Devoted to God for us , John 17.19 . For their sakes I sanctifie my self . So the eye of a Believing Man , and of a Righteous God do meet on Christ . Believers Feel , and Run to Christ , Isa. 55.5 . Nations that knew not thee , shall run unto thee . As the Man-slayer was to flee to the City of Refuge , and stand in the entry of the Gate of it , and there declare his Cause , and claim the Priviledge and Benefit of the City of Refuge . Then the Elders of the City having heard his Case , were to take him in , and to give him a Place , that he might dwel among them , Josh. 20.4 . So an enlightned , awakened , humbled Sinner , being sensible of his danger , flies to Jesus Christ , gets to the Gates of this Blessed City of Refuge ; there pleads his Cause , God's Invitations , Offers and Promises , and claims the Benefit of the City of Refuge . And will not Christ receive , and take such into him ? as Noah stretched out his hand , and plucked the Dove into him into the Ark , Gen. 8.9 . God provided , by his Law , that if a Servant did fly from a hard Master , those that received , and entertained him , should not restore him again to his severe Master , Deut. 23.15 . Even so Convinced , Broken-hearted Sinners do fly from the Law as a hard Master . It was given at Horeb , this is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying Drought , or Dryness ; it gives no Water of Grace , Comfort , or Refreshment . It was delivered in Sinai , which is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Seneh , signifying a Bramble , or Brier . For the Law Scratches , Wounds , Gores us by its Terrible Threatnings . Surely those that fly from this hard Master to Christ , shall not be restored to , or put under the Covenant of Works again . Those that receive the Peace-maker , shall also receive the Atonement .

But the main Influence that Faith hath on our Justification , is , as it joyns us to , and interests us in Christ . By Faith we joyn our selves to Christ , Zech. 2. xi . Jer. 50.5 . and Christ , dwells in our hearts by Faith , Ephes. 3.17 . But how doth Faith act towards Christ ?

Answ. 1. Faith seizes on Christ , as an Inheritance , Ephes. 1.11 . In whom , ( that is in Christ ) we have obtained an Inheritance as of old in the Division of the Earth , Men got Propriety in land and obtained an Inheritance in Countries , by first seizing on them , and taking Possession of them : Thence it was , that when Men sold land , and parted with their Inheritances , they drew off their shoe , and gave it to him to whom the Right of the land was Resigned , Ruth 4.7 . By this Right , this seems very properly to be signified , that the Right that was first gotten by setting the Foot on land , and first occupying of it was disclaimed , disavowed , passed over unto another . So Men get a Right in Christ , by laying hand on him , by apprehending of him , as offered by God in the Gospel , by taking possession of him , as given by God , John 6.32 . My Father giveth you the true Bread from Heaven . As God gave the Earth to the Children of Men , Psal. 115.16 . so those that first took Possession of a Countrey , thereby received God's gift , and got a Right to it ; and after Men became Interested in Land , there came a Law of God , and Confirmed this Property and Possession . God hath forbidden one Man to steal from another , to dis-seize or divest him of his Goods , House , Lands . Even so when the Soul seizes upon Christ , as offered , and given by God the Father , Rom. 9.32 . The Gospel or Law of Grace Confirms to a Believer an Interest , and Inheritance in Christ : That he that comes to Christ , shall not be cast out , shall not come into Condemnation , shall not Perish , but have Everlasting Life , John 6.37 . John 5.24 . John 3.16 . Such shall never be plucked from Christ , John 10.28 , 29. or rejected by him .

2. Faith joynes a Man to Christ , as a Member , to be Related to him as a Head , Ephes. 5.30 . We are Members of his Body , of his Flesh , and of his Bone : and Jesus Christ is the Head and Saviour of his Body Ephes. 5.23 . When persons are joined to Christ , here is a solid Foundation laid for their Justification , Isa. 45.24 , 25. Surely shall one say , In the Lord I have Righteousness . Though we have no Righteousness in our selves , yet in the Lord we have it . And in the Lord shall all the Seed of Israel be Justified , and Glory . None out of Christ can be exempted from Condemnation , and the Curse ; but we are made the Righteousness of God in him . Here is Righteousness in the Abstract , as Abraham , the great pattern of Justification , is called Righteousness , Isa. 41.2 . who hath Raised Righteousness from the East , so it is in the Hebrew ; and in the Margin , it is not said that we our selves have wrought the Righteousness of God , but we are made the Righteousness of God in Christ , 2 Cor. 5.21 . And how can that be but by imputation , if the Sin of the First Adam be imputed to his Children , though they did not then Exist ? If they were made Sinners by his actual disobedience , Rom. 5 , 19. Why may not the obedience of Christ , the Second Adam , be imputed to those that are called his Seed ? Isa. 53.10 . Why should not the Righteousness of the Second Adam affect his Children , as well as the Disobedence of the First Adam damnifie , and hurt his Children ? Especially considering the advantage lies so much on Christ's Side : He is a greater person than Adam , he is God-Man . If the Sin of a meer Man did redound to so many Millions to render them guilty , Shall not the obedience and Righteousness of Jehovah , manifested in our flesh , redound to many for their Justification . Adam's Sin was but one short Transient act of disobedience , but Christ's Righteousness is made up of many acts of Self-Denial , Holiness , Love to God and Man , and these he continued in for his whole life , that was about Thirty three years . Those that are in Christ , there is ground for imputing his Righteousness to them ; what the Head in the Natural body contrives , and designes , is imputed to the whole body . If the head doth plot Treason , this affects the whole body ; redounds to its hurt and prejudice : the whole body suffers , and is put to death for it , because this body is joined to , and united with this head ; so Christ , the Head did Design the glorifying of God by his active obedience , and the Satisfaction of his Justice , by his 〈…〉 and Christ did not only contrive , but execute and perform both . Now those that Believe are in Christ , who is the true God , and Eternal Life , 1 John 5.20 . Being in Christ they are accepted in the well-beloved , Ephes. 1.6 . They are Blessed in the Holy Seed , Gal. 3.8 . In him they have Redemption , even the forgiveness of Sins , Ephes. 1.7 . There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus , Rom. 5.1 . Christ can have no Condemned , or Cursed Members : As it was requisite that Jesus Christ should come into our Nature , that he might work Righteousness , and make Satisfaction for us ; so it is necessary , that we should come into Christ , and be joined to his Body , that we may receive and partake of his Righteousness . Of him are you in Christ Jesus , who of God is made unto us Righteousness , 1 Cor. 1.30 . Christ is made Righteousness to those that are in him . These two things may be distinguished ; Christ's being made Righteousness to us , and God's Justifying us for it : Christ's being made Righteousness to us , is the Foundation of God's Justifying , or pronouncing us Righteous : God's Judgment is according to truth : God pronounces those Righteous , to whom Christ is made Righteousness , or that are made Righteousness by his obedience , Rom. 5.19 . God doth assign , allow , impute that , which Faith hath laid hold of : as Noah entred into the Ark according to God's Command , Gen. 7.1.13 . And when he was gone in , God shut him in , Gen. 7.16 . so that no Water could flow , or get into the Ark to hurt him . Even so a Beleiver runs , and enters into Christ the Ark of Salvation , that God himself hath Built , and prepared , Luke 2.29 , 30. And the Soul that betakes himself to Christ for Righteousness , God allows , and gives him this Righteousness , and by imputing of it , God shuts in the Believer into Christ , and shuts out the guilt of Sin , and the Curse for ever , that it shall never flow into the Soul more to destroy it .

3. Faith joyns the Soul to Christ , as a Husband ; I have espoused you to one Husband , even to Christ , 2 Cor. 11.2 . He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom , John 3.29 . The Church is the Bride , the Lamb's Wife , Revel. 19.7 . Revel. 21.9 . and Christ is the Bridegroom . Is not the Name of a Woman changed when she is Marryed ? Is not the Husband's Name put upon her ? And will not Christ Communicate his Name to his Wife ? In the Text it is said , This is the Name whereby he shall be called , the Lord our Righteousness . The Maiden-Name of a Woman is swallowed up , and abolished for ever ; extinguished and forgotten for ever . What is our Name , as we are Adam's Children ? Doth not God , by Isaiah , tell us ? Isa. 48.8 . Thou wast called a Transgressor from the Womb. God might call us Backsliders , Revolters , Rebels and Enemies . And is not our own Name both reproachful , dangerous and pernicious too , if we keep and retain it ? Is it not then absolutely necessary , that we should lose our old Name , and put on the Honourable and Glorious Name of Christ , that we may be Justified in it ? 1 Cor. 6.11 . The Apostle Paul hath this expression , Justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus . The Apostle seems to me plainly to refer to the Name of Christ in the Text ; and to this Name , as communicated to , and put on the Church , Jer. 33.16 . in this Name of our Husband must we be Justified . If our old Name stick on us , and cleave to us , we must surely be Condemned in this Name , and the Wrath of God will abide upon us . But Christ's Name will draw Salvation on us , and procure a Blessing for us . As a Husband must Cloath his Wife , so Christ spreads the Skirt of the Robe of his Righteousness on , and over us , to hide our Shame , and cover our Nakedness , Ezek. 16.8 . as a Husband is a cover to the Wife , he protects her from Debts , Arrests , Law-suites ; so the Spouse of Christ is under Covert , he secures her from the wofull effects of Sin and Wrath.

4. It is by Faith that we become interested in , and related to Christ as a Surety , Heb. 7.22 . Christ is the Surety of a better Covenant and Testament : If Jesus Christ had not undertaken to stand under , feel and endure the curse of the Old violated Covenant of Works , Deut. 27. last . Gal. 3.10.13 . and to Merit for us the Blessings of the New Covenant , as a Priest of Good Things , Gal. 3.14 . Heb. 9.11 . God would never have made a New Covenant , or Tastament ; it is built on Christ's Suretyship , as a Foundation . Christ , in this , dissers from all other Testators , that he Bequeaths nothing , in his Testament , but what he Merits by his Sufferings , and purchases by his Death . For whom is Christ a Surety ? And to whom doth the Benefit of Christ's Suretyship redound , but to those that Believe on him ? their Ransom he paid , their Debt he discharged . As the Payment of a Surety is imputed to the Principal Debtor , so the Payment of Christ is imputed to all Indebted Sinners that come to Christ , and receive his Righteousness , Rom. 5.17 . it availes and advantages no others ; but God reckons Christ's Obedience and Satisfaction to every Believer . Some have conceived * * Witsus de Faedere . , that the word Imputation is borrowed from Arithmetick , and keeping of Accounts . God doth , as it were , keep a Book , Isa. 65.6 . Behold it is Written before me . Our Sins , Transgressions and Provocations , are , as Debts , set down in one Page of this Book ; and the Obedience , Sufferings and Satisfaction of Christ is set down ( as it were ) in another Page of God's Book . When God accounts the Obedience and Sufferings of Christ to us , this Ballances the Account , this Crosses the Book , and makes all even between God and us . God sets Christ's Obedience against our Disobedience ; his Righteousness against our Unrighteousness , because we come into this Righteousness by Faith , and trust on his Blood , Psal. 69.27 . Rom. 3.25 . God now saith , Poor Souls , let it be to you according to your Faith : you trust in Christ's Righteousness ; 2. Pet. 1. so let it cloath , and cover you , and secure you from all your sins , and the Curse of my Law . As Christ is one with us in Nature , as a Man ; so he is one with us in Law , as a Surety . Christ did put his Name into our Bond , and was , as a Surety , bound in our Obligation , that in a Righteous way he might blot our Sins out of God's Book , and Insert our Names into his own Testament . Jesus , as a Surety , vailed his own Innocency , covered his own Personal Purity and Righteousness , took on him our Sins , became Heir of our Punishment and Curse , that he might hide , and cover our Sins , and we become Heirs of his Righteousness and Blessings . As the Sentence of Death passed against , and was executed on Christ , our Surety , so we partake of Justification of Life , and reign in Life through Jesus Christ , Rom. 5.18 , 21. God punished our sins in Christ , and God rewards Christ's Obedience and Sufferings in us . Our Sins were punished in Christ's Condemnation , his Obedience is rewarded in our Justification . There is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Gift of Righteousness ; and for this there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the free forgiveness of many Offences , Rom. 5.16.17 . This Glorious Name , The Lord our Righteousness , being put on us , the Reproachful Chains of Guilt do fall off from us .

4. Who is it that shall call Christ by this . Name ?

Answer . 1. Such as know Jesus Christ , John 5.20 . He hath given us an understanding to know him , that is true , By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many , Isa. 53.11 . that is , many by knowing of Jesus Christ shall be Justified . Faith is called Knowledge , because those that truly know Jesus Christ , cannot but trust in him , Psal. 9.10 . This is very observable , that Christians are said to be Justified by the Knowledge of Jesus Christ ; it is not what we know in our selves , or by our selves ; it is not by the knowledge of what we are , or have done , that we are Justified : we must purely look off from our selves , and wholly fix the eye of Faith on Christ . Such as know the Insufficiency of their own Righteousness , and the All-sufficiency of Christ's Righteousness , do call him , The Lord their Righteousness .

2. Such as fly to Christ , lay hold of him , and do know their own Union with Christ , and Relation to him , such will say , Surely in the Lord we have Righteousness , Isa. 45.24 . A true Believer disclaims , disavows , and denies Righteousness to be in himself ; and Glories in this , that he hath Righteousness in Christ .

3. God may be said to call Jehovah our Righteousness , when Jesus Christ is of God made Righteousness to us , 1 Cor. 1.30 . God the Father , that Loaded Christ with our Sins , Isa. 53.6 . he Clothes us with his Righteousness , Isa. 61.10 . I will greatly Rejoyce in the Lord , for he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness . God gives Jesus Christ , and with him gives his Righteousness , Rom. 8.32 .

Quest. Is not Repentance requisite , in order to Pardon , Isa. 1.16 , 17 , 18. Wash you , make you clean , put away the euil of your doings , cease to do evll , and learn to do well . Come now , let us reason together , saith the Lord : though your sins be as Scarlet , they shall be as white as Snow ; though they be red like Crimson , they shall be as Wooll . He that confesseth and forsakes his sin , shall find mercy , Prov. 28.13 . Let the sinner forsake sake his ways , and the unrighteous Man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord , and be will have mercy upon him , and to our God , and he will abundantly pardon , Isa. 55.7 .

Answ. Repentance is necessary in its place , as an Antecedent , not as a Cause , or proper condition of Pardon . Faith precedes , in order of Nature , and Repentance infallibly follows : when we see the wonderful Grace of God , that he stops , and heales the Breach our Sins have made , with the Dead Body of his Son ; quenched the Fire of his Anger with the Blood of his Son : made War with him , to make Peace with us : Sheathed his Sword in his own Son , that he might Draw it out , Sheath it , and for ever lay it asleep towards us . This Grace of God softens hard Hearts , melts the Rebellious and Obstinate Wills of Men. When we believe that God will repent of his Righteous Enmity against us , this indures , and inclines us to Repent of our unjust and wicked Enmity against him . When we are perswaded that God is ready to heal us , Matth. 13.15 . this swayes us to desist from wounding him in his Authority and Glory ; when God declares he will turn from his Anger , this influences sinners to change their mindes towards God , and to turn from their Provocations , and Rebellions against him . How can Men possibly Love God , or subject themselves to him , if they Believe he is inexorable , inflexible , will Retain his anger , pursue his Controversy , and take Vengeance on Offenders for their former Transgressions ? If God will never open his Prison , if he will shut up his Bowels against , and pour out his Fury on Transgressors , this will harden them against God . But when they see God is not implacable , this causes them to relent , and induces them to return to God , Jer. 3.22 . God saith , Return ye backsliding Children , and I will heal your backslidings . They Eccho to God , Lo ! we come unto thee , For thou art the Lord our God . They believed God would forgive Iniquty , and this influenced them to depart from Iniquity . As God puts it away , he will not impute it , 2 Sam. 12.13 . So we must put it away , and not obey it , Isa. 2.16 , 17. As God will not remember Iniquity with anger , so we must not remember it with delight ; when God casts Sin behind his back , Isa. 38.17 . We must set no wicked thing before our eyes , Psal. 101.3 . Repentance , in Scripture , is said to be to God , and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ , Acts 20.21 . By Faith , we first return to our Lord Jesus the great Shepherd , 1 Pet. 2. last . and then by Repentance we return to God the Father , Jer. 3.22 . As by Faith we receive the Righteousness of Christ , Rom. 5.17 . So by Repentance we Recognize the Rights of God ; the Dominion he hath over us , as his Creatures , and the advantage he hath against us as Sinners . As Faith abases us , in that we must fly to Christ for Righteousness , so Repentance doth lower , stoop , and empty us , that we must have Recourse to meer pure Mercy for our Pardon . Faith humbles , as to the matter , for which we are Justified , and Repentance humbles us , as to the manner , in which we are Justified ; as we are Justified by the Obedience and Redemption of Christ , so we are also Justified freely by the Grace of God the Father , Rom. 3.24 . A Sinner then advances , and magnifies Grace , when he is cast down in himself ; when a Sinner seeth the Plague of his heart , the Spiritual Leprosy of his Soul , the Filthy Fountain of Iniquity that is in his Nature , he abhors himself for the evil Treasure , that is within , and loathes himself for all the evil things that have been brought forth out of it . The offender is now ashamed to lift up his Eyes to Heaven , Luke 18.13 . He blushes , and is ashamed to look God in the Face , Ezra . 9.6 . Innumerable evils now Compass the Sinner about , his Iniquities take hold of him , that he cannot look up , Psal. 40.12 . As we are Justified by Faith ; so we Justifie God by Repentance . 1. In his Commands , Rom. 7.12.14 . The Commandment is Holy , Just , and Good . Holy , with respect to God , Just , with respect to Man ; Good , with respect to our selves . 2. We Justifie God in all his threatenings , Psal. 51.3 , 4. David did acknowledg his Iniquity , that God might be Justified when he did Speak , and be clear when he did Judg. Whatever God had spoken against David , however he had Judged him and his House by Nathan , 2 Sam. 12.10 , 11 , 12.14 . Whatever Judgments he had denounced , as a War to rise out of his own House , and the defiling of his Wives , the death of his Child , yet David doth Justifie God in all this : Guilt did seale up his Lips , shame did cover his Face , he could enter no Action against God , complain of no wrong done by him : If God should cut down Barren Trees , if he should Execute Condemned Creatures , if he should Bury those in the Bottemless Pit , that have been long Dead in Sin , they confess they cannot spot him with Cruelty , or blot him with Injustice . Repentance is so far form lessening of , or detracting from Grace , that it commends , heightens , and exalts it , that God should Justifie a Sinner , that Arraigns himself , and judges himself to be Guilty of Innumerable Transgressions , and worthy of Eternal Death ; that God should cover those Sins in Mercy , that were laid open , and represented as exceeding Heinous and Sinful , by the Transgressor himself : the poor Publican could not plead , but only petition ; he could mention no Righteousness of his within , or good Works without : he had nothing to look , or fly to , but Mercy only . God be Mercyful to me a Sinner . It is observable , he doth not say , My God be merciful to me a Sinner , but God be Merciful to me a Sinner . Adam accused Eve , Eve accused the Serpent , and so thought in some measure to excuse themselves ; but the Publican charged himself only ; I am the Sinner : he accuses no other : though Sinning , yet presumptous Israel saith , My God we know thee , Hos. 8.2 . But this Publican pleads no relation to God , claims no Interest in him , yet he ventures to cast himself into the Arms of Mercy ; to lye down prostrate at the feet of Mercy . And was not this Free and Rich Grace , to cleanse a Spiritual Leper , to wash one that accounts himself a Lump of Guilt and Filth ? To bind up a broken heart , to Raise a Spirit bowed down , and ready utterly to sink under a weight of Guilt ? To take away Filthy garments , and to bring forth the best Robe ? to Cloath a naked Soul , to kill the fatted Calf to Feast a Famishing Sinner ? If the very Redemption of Christ , if his Attoning Sacrifice doth not detract from God's Free Grace , Rom. 3.24 . * * Vid. Bolton on the place . Surely the Sacrifice of a Broken Heart doth not Wrong , or Rob Grace of its glory ; it was the express will and Law of God , that on the very day of Attonement , when Sacrifices were offered for Typical Expiation of Sin , that the Israelites afflict their Souls , Levet . 16.29 . Much more when we Beleive that Jesus Christ hath made a real Attonement for our Sins , we must deeply afflict our Souls for our Iniquities , that kindled the Wrath of God against us ; that procured so bitter a Cup for , and pluck so Heavy a Burden on Christ , and exposed him to so grievous a storm and Tempest of Divine Vengeance : That should not be sweet to us , that was so bitter to Christ : That should not be Light to us , that lay so Heavy on Christ : Did God forsake his Son ? Psal. 22.1 . And shall not we forsake our sins ? Isa. 55.7 . The Blood of Christ purgeth Conscience from dead works , Heb. 9.14 . yet with our Faith in this Blood we must joyn Repentance from dead works , Heb. 6.1 . As a Guilty , so also a Filthy Conscience must be purged away , Heb. 10.22 . yet here we must be cautious . Repentance doth not interest us in Christ's Righteousness , neither doth it earn , or deserve Pardon . As Moses turned the Waters of Egypt into Blood , Exod. 7.19 . so the Law would turn our very Tents into Blood if there were not a Mediator , and a New Gracious Covenant . Repentance is the Gift of God , Acts 11.18 . 2 Tim. 2.25 . If this Gift doth oblige us to God , Can the exercise of it Indebt God to us ? We are not Justified by , or for our Repentance , we shall greatly mistake , if we think that Repentance , and New Obedience , do come in the Room and place of a Perfect Legal Righteousness , by Divine Acceptance : but only the wise and gracious God hath so ordained it , that there shall be an Order in disposing of the Benefits of the New Covenant . God gives Faith and Repentance first to prepare Men to receive other Benefits of the Covenant . One Grace makes way for another . God strikes the Rocky hearts of Sinners , and breaks them : he turns the Flint into a Fountain of Water , Psal. 114. last . And when God hath broken the Hard heart , then Christ binds up the Broken heart , and drops in the precious Balsom of his Blood , by wounding Sinners with his Arrows , and the Sword of his Word , he prepares them to be his Patients , and doth a Cure on them . Men must be Mourners first , before Christ can comfort them , Isa. 61.1 , 2. they must become Guilty in their own eyes , Hos. 5.15 . and confess God's Actions to be Just , and his Indictments to be True , before Christ doth purge their Consciences , and roll away their Guilt . When the Sinner is Plowed with the Spirit of Contrition , then Christ Sows it with the Seed of his Righteousness , and the Promise of Pardon .

Object . A great Objection is raised from James his Doctrine and words , against all that I have asserted , concerning Jehovah his being our Righteousness , and our being Justified by his Righteousness . Was not Abraham our Father justified by Works , when he offered up Isaac ? James 2.21 . Was not Rahab the Harlot justified by works , when she received the Messengers , and sent them out another way , James 2.25 . Again , in the 24th v. it is said , Ye see then , how that by works a Man is justified , and not by Faith only . Doth not James seem to contradict Paul ? Rom. 4.9 . We say that Faith was reckoned to Abraham for Righteousness , Rom. 4.2 . If Abraham were justified by works , he hath whereof to glory , but not before God : that is , Abraham hath not Righteousness of his own , or Works done by himself , to glory in before God ; therefore he cannot be Justified by Works . To him that worketh not , but Believeth on him that Justifieth the Ungodly , his Faith is counted for Righteousness . God imputeth Righteousness without Works , Rom. 4.5 , 6. To this Objection I shall Answer many things .

1. We must distinguish between the several sorts of Persons that Paul and James had to do with ; Paul's Discourse is bent against proud Justiciaries , that thought to build up a Righteousness of their own ; by which they designed both to adorn themselves in the eye of God's Holiness , and to secure themselves from the Sword of his Justice . And therefore Paul Teacheth , that no Righteousness of Man can weigh in God's Balance , or is pleadable at the Bar of Justice . We are all as an unclean thing , and our Righteousnesses are but as filthy rags . By the deeds of the Law shall no flesh living be Justified , Rom. 3.20.21 . Our Works before Regeneration are all as Brass Money : our Works after Regeneration are as Mixt Mettal : therefore neither of them both will pay our Rent of Obedience , or satisfie our Great Landlord . But James hath to do with Boasting , and self-deceiving Hypocrites , that pretend to Faith , but it is a barren , idle , dead Faith . They did say they had Faith , but they had no Works , James 2.14 . they could not shew , or evidence their Faith , because they had no Works . As the Body , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , without breathing , is dead , James 2.18 . so is Faith , if it doth not breath in Works . James his design was , to shame , confound , and silence these Hypocrites , and to demonstrate , that they had no true Faith at all , but did grasp a Lie , and hug an Idol of their own , instead of True Faith . Strong Faith in Abraham did shew it self , in Offering up Isaac , James 2.21 . and weak Faith in Rahab did discover it self , in aiding the Israelitish Spies , and sending them safe away , though this might have proved dangerous to her own Life , James 2.25 .

2. Paul speaketh of Faith , as it respects Christ's Righteousness , and builds , and is acted only on this before God ; James speaks of Faith , as it is to come forth , and to be demonstrated before Men. Luther compares Faith to a Queen , that is in the Bride-chamber alone with Christ the Bridegroom . But as this Queen comes forth , and walks abroad before Men , so it is attended with many Good Works , that are its Handmaids , that wait on it : it is Faith alone that Justifieth , but yet that Faith that Justifieth is not solitary , or alone , but always is fruitful in Good Works , and hath influence on the whole Life , to guide and direct it by the Light of God's Word . The life that I live in the flesh , I live by the Faith of the Son of God , Galat. 2.20 . Faith animates the very Natural Life , and runs through all the acts and parts of it , and so subordinates them to God's Will , and refers them all to his Glory . Luther says , Faith sweeps the House , and Milks the Goats .

3. The Justification that James speaks of , is not a Justification of the Person , but of the Faith of Abraham , of his sincerity and integrity , Gen. 22.12 . Now I know that thou fearest God , seeing thou hast not withheld thy Son , thy onely Son from me : Not that God acquired any new knowledge that he had not before concerning Abraham ; but it is an expression in which God condescends to our weakness ; and intimates , that if God had not known Abraham's Faith and Sincerity before , this Illustrious Fact , this Eminent Self-denying Obedience of Abraham , would evidently , and notoriously prove the Truth of Abraham's Faith , and the sincerity of his heart towards God . When Abraham did shew such readiness to offer up his Son , the Scripture was then fulfilled , That Abraham believed God , and that it was counted to him for Righteousness . This demonstrated , that the Scripture had truly asserted , that Abraham believed God , his Faith wrought with his Works , to evidence him a sincere Believer ; and his Faith was made perfect by his Works , that is , it was provided to be genuine , the strength and power of it was declared , as God's strength is said to be made perfect in weakness , 2 Cor. 12.9 . that is discovered to be perfect .

4. Paul speaks of the causes of Justification , he searches after the Springs of it , viz. Christ's Righteousness , and Faith as receiving it ; but James speaks of the effects of Justification . A Man whose Person is Justified before God , will certainly Justifie his Faith , and Sincerity before Men , by Works of Righteousness .

5. Paul speaks of the Justification of a Sinner ; James Treats of the Approbation of a Believer . Paul discourses of the Righteousness that must Justifie , viz. the Righteousness of Christ ; James Treats of the Faith that must Justifie , of what kind , and sort it must be , not an Idle , Lazy , but a Working Faith . Paul speaks of Justification before God , Rom. 3.20 , 21. James , of Justification before Men , James 2.18 . Shew me thy Faith ; prove it , if thou canst , to be a right Faith , if it bring not forth Good Works .

6. That James doth not speak of a proper Justification of the Person of a Man before God by Works , is evident by several Arguments .

1. The proper Justification of a Man is from Sins , that he hath done , not for Works of Righteousness that he hath wrought : Good Works are not shewed before God's Tribunal ; but Iniquities are Covered , Psal. 32.1 , 2. Blessed is he whose sin is covered . By Christ we have forgiveness of Sin , and are Justified from all things , from which we could not be Justified by the Law of Moses : So that a Gospel Justification is a clearing us not from a false Charge , but from a true Accusation . Our Consciences do accuse , convince , and condemn us for sin , John 8.9 . Rom. 2.14 , 15. We know our Transgressions , they are with us , Isa. 59.12 . but there is no such charge of Hypocrisie that lies before God against true Believers , and Saints . They can appeal to God , as Job , Job 10.7 . Lord , thou knowest that I am not wicked . My witness is in Heaven , my Record is on high , Job 16.19 . Thou knowest all things , thou knowest that I love thee , John 21.17 . Therefore there is no proper Justification from a false Charge before God . Works will only witness , and Justifie from a false Charge before Men.

2. Nothing will properly Justifie us , but what is Commensurate to the demands of the Law , and that which will satisfie the Justice of God . But there is no Obedience of ours that answers the Demands of the Law , or will satisfie Justice ; therefore we cannot be Justified by our Works . Yea , Works are not the cause by which we are Justified ; for he that is Justified , is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , he that worketh not , Rom. 4.5 . neither are Works a Causa sine qua non ; a Cause without which a Man is not Justified ; for he that is Justified , is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Ungodly , Rom. 4.5 . Abraham himself had been an Idolater , Josh. 24.2 . and in that sense was Ungodly .

3. Nothing will properly Justifie us , but that which did Justifie Jesus Christ : he could not be Justified except he had been fully conformable to the Commands of the Law , and endured the Curse also . Nothing will Justifie us the Debtors , but what Justified Christ our Surety : Therefore we cannot be Justified by our Works , if we could , then would Christ have Died in vain .

4. In a proper Justification we are Justified before God , Rom. 3.20 , 21. But our own Works cannot be imputed to us for a Righteousness before God , because he seeth so many Faults , Blemishes , and Defects in them , Philosophers say , there are no pure Elements , for they are mixed one with another and Divines may say , there are no pure Duties , and Performances in the best of Saints ; Paul Complains , that he did not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , go through with , finish , and perfect any Good Work .

5. Our best works need a Pardon ; and therefore cannot be our Righteousness to Justifie us ; that which needs Forgiveness , that which deserves Punishment , cannot earn a reward , and be accepted for a Justifying Righteousness : we need an High-Priest to bear the Iniquity of our Holy things .

6. If we could be Justified by our Good works , we should Justifie our selves ; but it is God's act , and not ours to Justifie , It is God that Justifieth , Rom. 8.33 .

7. In a true Justification , we receive a Righteousness , Rom. 5.17 . And an Attonement , Rom. 5.11 . But our Works cannot make an Attonement for us , or be a Righteousness to us .

8. Works both before , and after Faith , are shut out from Justification before Faith , Rom. 4.5 , 6. Rom. 3.21 , 22. The Righteousness of God is Manifested without the Law , and the Apostle Paul not only suffered loss of all that he accounted his gain , while a Pharisee , but also after he was Converted ; he Esteemed all but Dung , that he might win Christ , Phil. 3.7 , 8 , 9. He durst not then dwell at home , or be found in his own Righteousness .

9. Abraham himself had not whereof to boast , or wherein to Glory before God : He could not find such a Righteousness in his Heart , or such Works in his Life , that he durst to trust to . Hath Abraham our Father found as touching the Flesh , Rom. 4.1 . No surely , he did not find any Righteousness or Works of his own to plead before God . Therefore he that cannot find this Righteousness in himself , had need to be found in Christ , Phil. 3.9 . Though Moses was Eminently Holy , yet when he drew near to God , and saw that Terible Glory that appeared in the Mount ; he said , I exceedingly Fear , and Quake , Heb. 12.21 . He could not stand before the Law that he gave . Saints have waved a Trial before God on the account of Works , Psal. 143.2 . Though David was the Lord's servant , though he did set the Judgments of God before him , and was devoted to his Fear , Psal. 119.30 , 38. yet he deprecated a Trial before God on the account of his own Righteousness : Enter not Lord into Judgment with thy Servant . Why doth he pray so much against God's entring into Judgement with him ? The reason he gives is strong , For in thy sight shall no Man Living be Justified . For by the Law is the Knowledge of Sin , Rom. 3.20 , 21. The Law was not given to Fallen Men to Justifie them , but to discover their Sins . By the Law comes nothing else to an unregenerate Man , but the Knowledge of Sin : it allows such no Good Works at all . If the Law once discovers Sin in Men , farewel a Justification by the Law for ever . Faith cannot Justifie it self , it is so weak , and accompanied with such doubts , staggerings , and fears ; And how shall Works Justifie themselves , that have such defects and defilements cleaving to them : Observe these four Weighty Questions proposed in the Scripture , 1. The Heart is deceitful , and desperately wicked , Who can know it ? Jer. 17 9.2 . Who can say I have made my heart clean , I am pure from my Sin ? Prov. 20.9.3 . Who can understand his errours ? Psal. 19.12.4 . If thou , Lord , should mark Iniquity , who shall stand ? Psal. 130.3 , 4. Though Saints , as Job , in their pleadings with Men , held fast their Integrity , Job 27.6 . yet they have let go all confidence in their own Works , in their approaches to God : We are all as an unclean thing , and our Righteousnesses are but Filthy rags , Isa. 64.6 .

10. Abraham was long before he offered up Isaac a Beleiver and a Justified person , Gen. 15.6 . Abraham Believed in the Lord , and he counted it to him for Righteousness : it is very observable that we have no mention or Record made of Abraham's Faith and Justification till now , though he was called effectually near Twenty years before : And why is the mention of Abraham's Faith and Justification reserved till now ? I answer , God now promises him , that the Son that should come out of his own Bowels , should be his Heir , and that from this Son should Spring a Seed as Numerous as the Stars of Heaven , Gen. 15.45 . And in Isaac Christ was Typified , and promised : as Isaac was a Child Raised from the dead body of aged Abraham , and the dead womb of old Barren Sarah ; so Jesus Christ should be raised from the Dead ; the Apostle Paul plainly parrallels these two things , Rom. 4.19.24 . Abraham saw Christ's day , in the Promise , and Birth of Isaac , John 8.56 . Therefore it was exceeding proper for Moses then to record Abraham's Faith in God , when Jesus Christ was promised , by whom we Believe in God , 1 Pet. 1.21 . As Abraham could not Believe in God , but by the Promised Seed ; so we could not be Justified , but through Christ . Now , Would Abraham go from trusting in the perfect Righteousness of the promised Seed , to trust in his own defective Works , and imperfect Righteousness ? Certain it is , that there is but one way of Justification : The Righteousness of God is Revealed from Faith to Faith , Rom 1.17 . It is not from Faith to Works ; but Faith at first , and all along , and at last apprehends this Righteousness of Christ , and builds on it ; Therefore the Just is said to live by Faith . Abraham was a Believer , and Justified at his first effectual call ; yet Moses Testifies , that many years after he Believed in God , and he counted it to him for Righteousness : so that Abraham's Faith acted on God through the promised Seed , from first to last for Justification . Here the Apostle might take ground for his assertion ; that the Righteousness of God was revealed from Faith to Faith . Did Abraham begin in the Spirit , as to his Justification , and would he after this resort and repair to the Flesh to be perfected ? Did the Righteousness of the Messiah begin his Justification , and was his own Righteousness to compleat it ? What would this be but to go from a Son of Righteousness , Mal. 4.2 . to a candle of Righteousness ? From a compleat ship to a broken plank : From a beautiful and glorious garment to a Filthy Rag , Gal. 3.27 . Isa. 64.6 . From a sweet smelling Sacrifice , to stinking and lothsom Dung , Ephes. 5.2 . Phil. 3.8 , 9.

11. To assert a Second Justification before God by Works ; What is it but to confound the two Covenants , to blend the Covenant of Works , and Grace together , and to form up a Bastard-Covenant , that is not purely of Grace , or wholy of Works , but mixed , and Compounded of both ; which the Scripture dis-claims as inconsistent ? Rom. 11.6 . As Hagar , and Sarah , Ismael and Isaac , could not quietly Dwell , or peaceably abide together in one Family . Hagar dispised Sarah , Gen. 16.4 . and Ismael mocked at Isaac . Hagar first fled , Gen. 16.6 , 7. and afterwards both Hagar and Ismael were cast out of Abraham's Tent , Gen. 21.10 . It is this seems to point at , and Type out this great truth , that the Covenant of Works and Grace ( of which these two Mothers were Types , Galat. 4.24 . ) Cannot be reconciled , cannot consist together . He that Beleives hath Everlasting Life , John 5.24 . John 6.54 . And is this Title to Everlasting Life , weak or crazy ? Must it be waved or needs it to be fortified by our Works ? Is it a good Title for one that begins , but must another or better be sought in his progress ?

2. Object . A second Objection is Raised by some against Christ's being our Righteousness , that then we should be as Just , and Righteous as Christ ; yea , that we might be styled Saviours , and Redeemers of the World . I Answer , This doth not follow ; for ,

1. The First Adam's Sin is imputed to us ; yet it is not true , that we are as Great and Heinous Sinners as the First Adam . We did not Exist in our own Persons as he did : We did not receive a Law from God Immediately as he did ; or were in our own persons invested with a Lordship over all the Creatures , and placed in Paradise , as he was ; he was a publick , but we are particular , and private persons , he Sinned in his own person , we but in him . Therefore , though his Sin be imputed to us , yet his guilt was greater than ours : This parallel between the First and Second Adam may somewhat answer the Objection .

2. Jesus Christ is the Author , and Subject of this Righteousness ; but we are neither ; only it is imputed to us , and bestowed on us .

3. Jesus Christ's Righteousness is not imputed to us according to its full Value ; but our particular necessity , as a pretious Jewel given for the Redemption of a hundred Captives : None of them hath the whole Jewel given for him , but it is given for every one of the hundred Captives , according to his particular Exigence , to obtain his liberty . So Christ is said to give himself for the Church in general , Ephes. 5.25.26 . yet every Believer , according to his own need , applies Jesus Christ to himself in particular , as Paul did ; Christ ( he saith ) Loved me , and gave himself for me , Galat. 2.20 . The Righteousness of Christ is not accounted our intrinsick Righteousness , so indeed we should be Reputed Saviours . It is imputed to us not according to its universal value , but according to our particular necessity , that we by it may be accounted Righteous . It is imputed to us as the subjects have benefit by it , but not as the causes of it , as Amesius doth judiciously express it .

Object . 3. Bellarmine further Objects , that we may be perfect in this Life , and so not at all need Christ's Righteousness . We may see by this from whom our Quakers have taken their doctrine of Perfection : It came out of Anti-Christ's Forge , not out of Christ's School .

Answ. 1. This Assertion , that we may be perfect in this Life , is most false , and expresly contradicts the Scripture , That there is not a Just Man on Earth , that doth good , and sinneth not , Eccles. 7.20 . If we say we have no sin , we deceive our selves , and the Truth is not in us , 1 John 1.8 . We cannot say we have no sin , for we have Original sin yet remaining , and dwelling in us . The Leprosy of sin is not perfectly purged out of us , till the House of the Body is pulled down : How else could it be said , That the Body is dead by reason of sin ? Rom. 9.10 . If we were perfect , how could we die ? Doth it sute the Justice of God to pull and tare a perfect Creature in pieces , and to deliver it up to Corruption ? If there be no sin within , what is that which opens the Door , and lets in Death ? If there be no Bonds of sin on the Soul , how doth the Bondage of Corruption come on the Body ? God hath wisely ordered it , that Persons shall not come to the Mark of Perfection , till they also arrive at the Prize of Glory . How Foolish and False is it for Persons to say they are perfect , and yet have not attained to the Prize of Glory , but are in a frail and miserable Estate ? God designs not that Persons shall be absolutely perfect in a Natural Body . 1. That the Threatning may be fulfilled , Dust thou art , and to dust thou shalt return , Gen. 3.19 . 2. That Christians may have an Enemy to Wrestle and Conflict with whilst they are here , Ephes. 6.12 . 1 Tim. 6.12 . 3. That Believers may still act Faith on Jesus Christ , and repair to him for Help , Healing and Salvation . God will not utterly take away the Fiery Serpents , Satan , and our Lust , that we may resort to Jesus Christ for a continual Cure , and Christ may never be out of date or use with us .

1. Vse . If Jehovah be the Righteousness of the Church , this may reprove those that do not stop in , or satisfie themselves with this Righteousness . The Apostle Paul , in Galat. 3.1 . thus addresses himself to the Galatians ; O foolish Galatians ! Who hath bewitched you , that you should not obey the Truth ? before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth as Crucified . The Apostle Paul , and others , had drawn the Picture of Christ Crucified , in beautiful and lively Colours ; he had described the Causes , the Ends , the Greatness and Grievousness of Christ's Sufferings ; and he wonders that any should darken their Minds , and , as it were , bewitch their Eyes , that they should not see the Loveliness , and Excellency of this Glorious Object , and comply with the Ends and Designs of Christ's Death . Would Jesus Christ stoop so low ? Would he endure such hard , and heavy things , to have only a share in our Justification ? Shall any put in a joynt-stock with Christ ? Shall they contribute to their own Redemption and Justification ? Will Christ be a Partner only with our Works and Righteousness ? Shall a Crown be put on the head of the Creature , as well as one set on the Head of Christ ? Is this the utmost product of all Christ's bitter Sufferings , to do but half in our Justification ? Will not a Man both deceive , and indanger himself , that sets one Foot on a strong Bough , and another on a rotten one ? Will not such an one fall ? So he that leans on Christ in part , and on his own Righteousness in part , will be frustrated and disappointed ; will miscarry and perish : The Church is thus described , as leaning on her Beloved , Cant. 8.5 . It is this Arm only that can support us , and it is Christ's Righteousness that must keep us from sinking into Destruction . How ignorant are Men of their Sins , if they think these Waters are not so deep , but they can Wade through them , and not need Christ , as an Ark , to carry them over ? How blind are they , that think , their Wounds are not so dangerous , but they can heal them ? or that Judge , their Transgressions are not so heavy , but they can cast in Religious Duties and Good Works enough to fetch up the Scale from the Ground , and make a Compensation for their Offences , and to Ransom themselves from Destruction ? The Papists here are highly guilty of darkening this Glorious Name of Christ , and of Robbing him of the Honour of it : they assert , that a Man may do such Good Works before Justification , that render it meet that God should give him Grace ; and that by Good Works done after Justification he may Merit Glory . They affirm , that we are Justified , not by Forgiveness , or not imputing our Trespasses , as the Scripture saith , 2 Cor. 5.19 . but by the infusion of Righteousness into us . Alensis saith , that Justificatio est rectitudo liberi arbitrii ; that is , it is the Reforming , and Rectifying of Man's Free-will ; the bringing of the Soul to love God . But this is a proud and false Doctrine in this ( as well as other Senses ) Rome is Egypt , Revel. 11.8 . as it asserts a River of Inherent Righteousness below , and that they need not that God should Rain an Imputed Righteousness on them , as the Poet said of the Ground , and Herbs of Egypt , Nec pluvio supplicat Herba Jovi : their Ground and Herbs did not Pray to Jupiter to send Rain . A part of Egypt is satisfied with the River Nilus , and hath no Rain , as the Scriptures teach us , Zech. 14.18 . They think to climb to Heaven by a proud Babel of their own Building , and not to ascend thither by the Ladder of Christ's Righteousness . As this is a proud , so it is a false Doctrine . 1. It destroys the Parallel that the Apostle Paul makes between Christ's being made Sin , and our being made Righeousness , 2 Cor. 5.21 . as Christ was made sin , though he had not Inherent sin , but only our sins Imputed to him , so we are made Righteousness , by the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness to us , though we have not a perfect Inherent Righteousness of our own .

2. Nothing Justifies before God but a Perfect Obedience and Righteousness ; our own , at best , is not such , therefore we need Christ's Righteousness . Christ , as applying himself to us , is the efficient cause of our Righteousness , and Christ , as applied , is the formal cause of it , as Amesius in his [ Bellarminus enervatus ] excellently asserts .

3. If we are Justified by an Inherent Righteousness of our own , there would be no room , pretence , or colour , for that Objection , that the Jews , and all Natural Men are ready to make against the Doctrine of Justification . Shall we not sin then , that Grace may abound ? Rom. 6.1 . If God Justifies by pardoning our sins , and not imputing our Trespasses , then , the more we offend , then the more Glory Grace will have in forgiving our Iniquities , and so we may let the Reins loose to our Lusts . But if Paul did assert our Justification to be by infusing of Righteousness into us , the more Righteousness is Infused into us , the more we should be restrained from sin , and the less need Mercy to Pardon our sins ; and there would be no colour for such an Objection as the Jews did raise from the Apostle's Doctrine .

2. There are others that we own as Brethren , and account as sound in the main of the Doctrine of Justification , yet we may modestly enquire , whether some of their notions , or expressions , are calculated to advance the Glory of Christ's Righteousness in the Justification of the Ungodly .

1. They assert that Faith and Repentance are proper conditions of the Covenant of Grace , and of our Justification . A Condition , properly taken , is Influential into Right ; if performed , it giveth Right unto the benefit promised ; if not performed , there is no Right : and therefore is a cause , ( saith Mr. Petto in his opening of the Old and New Covenant , Page 216. ) Faith ( as he saith ) giveth no Right , John 1.12 . It receives Jesus Christ , and in him a Right and Title to the Blessings of the Covenant ; but it doth not give one . Faith is not reckoned the least of that Righteousness , whereby we are Justified ; but a means for the Applying of Jesus Christ who is our Righteousness . The Covenant , as to that Priviledge of it , Justification , is not so absolute , as to be without all means , yet may be absolute , without any condition , properly so called * * Petto , Page 217. . Believing doth not now take the place of doing in the Old Covenant , for then it must be our Righteousness unto Justification ; whereas that which Justifieth , is called the Righteousness of Faith , Rom. 10.6 . Phil. 3.9 . therefore Faith is distinct from that Righteousness it self , and is not the least Atom of it * * Page 198 , 199. . Therefore , not our Believing , but the Obedience of Jesus Christ , is that which cometh in the Room , and Stead , of that doing for Life intended in the Law , Rom. 5.19 . Christ is the Lord our Righteousness ; but to note , that it lieth wholly out of our selves , that it is not by any of our performances , but in another , even in Jesus Christ , it is said to be by Faith , as a means of Application . Faith ( though necessary ) doth receive a Title from Jesus Christ , doth not give one . * * Pag. 201. We do not claim Salvation in the Right of any act of ours , not upon the Rent of Faith — we hold and claim upon the Obedience of Christ Jesus alone , Rom. 5.18 , 19 , 21. If Faith be a proper condition , and not an instrument , let it be considered . 1. Whether we are not then Justified by Faith as a work . Now the Scripture distinguisheth , and opposeth Working and Believing , Rom. 4.5 . Therefore surely Faith is not considered as a Work in Justification . In a condition , the dignity , and perfection of the Work is properly to be attended to , but an instrument respects the Excellency of the object ; hence a weak Faith Justifies as much as a strong Faith , because we are not Justified by our own act , but by the object that we look to . Calvin in his Antidote against the 6th Session of the Council of Trent , saith , Neque et enim quicquam nostrum fides affert ad Deum , sed , quod ultro affert nobis Deus , recipit . Faith brings nothing of ours to God , but only receives what he offers : hence , saith he it is , that Faith , though imperfect , doth possess a perfect Righteousness ; because it hath no other respect but to the free Goodness of God . 2. A condition is properly to be done before we have a Right to the benefit promised ; but Faith receives Christ immediately , and feeds on him . In our very Believing , we are put into Possession of Christ , and have the Son , 1 John 5.11 , 12.3 . To have a Right , is a less benefit than we have by Faith ; for a Man may have a Right , and not have Possession , but be put to sue it : but by Faith we receive the Testimony of Christ , and receive Christ himself , John 1.32 , 33. 1 John 12.4 . That which is promised in the Covenant , cannot properly be a condition of the Covenant . In those words , They shall all know me from the greatest to the least : Faith seems to be promised , Jer. 31.34 . Faith is a manner of knowing of things upon the Testimony of another , and Faith seems to be called Knowledge , Isa. 53.11 . Besides , it seems too high a thing for us , thus to plead with God ; Lord , we have performed the condition of the Covenant , and therefore justly claim the benefit as due to us . Surely it seems most humble for us , and most for the Glory of God's Grace , and of Christ's Righteousness , that Faith should be considered rather as a Beggar 's hand , than as a Working hand : the hand Faith is not a Working hand to earn and gain a Righteousness ; but a Beggar 's hand to receive a gift : we are said to receive the Testimony of Christ , John 3.33 . to receive Christ , John 1.12 . To receive Righteousness , Rom. 5.17 . To receive the Atonement , Rom. 5.17 . To receive the remission of Sins , Acts 26.18 . All these Expressions seem to point at Faith , as an Instrument rather than as a condition ; We receive Christ as our Righteousness , as our Food , as our Ransom , as our Medicine , in the first direct acts of Faith : these things do not come after believing , but are received in , and by Believing , as a Beggar makes an Alms his own by receiving it .

And though we own a contrite Repenting Sinner to be the subject of Justification ; yet we cannot own that Repentance doth receive the Righteousness of Christ , this belongs to Faith alone , or that Repentance is a condition that puts any worth into us , as our act of Obedience , but rather that God requires it , because it empties , impoverishes , and wholly drives us out of our selves to God's free mercy , and to Christ's Atoneing Sacrifice : God requires a broken Heart , not for any worth in the matter of contrition , but because , by contrition , all conceits of self-worthiness are expelled , and the contrite man renounceth his own Works , worth , and merit , and despiseth his own doings as a broken Vessel . Such an one is most fit to receive the Grace , and free pardon of God , as Mr. Dickson well expresseth it on Psal. 51.17 . A Malefactor , though never so Penitent , is not thereby qualified to be Justified from that Capital Crime he hath committed ; but if just compensation be made , and full Satisfaction be given to the Law ( as Christ hath done ) this may be pleaded to prevent Death . Repentance is also promised in the Covenant , Ezek. 36.26 . A new Heart also will I give to you , and a new Spirit will I put within you : I will take away the Heart of Stone , and give you a Heart of Flesh , and therefore cannot be a proper condition of the Covenant of Grace . Faith and Repentance in their own Nature , do both renounce themselves , as Righteousness , or qualifications to make us meet to be Justified ; the Obedience that Christ , as a surety , hath performed , is the proper condition on which the Covenant of Grace is built : Hath Christ performed the perfect condition of the new Covenant , and yet set up imperfect ones to be performed by us , to give us a right to the Covenant and its Blessings ?

2. Some Brethren do inlarge the object of Justifying Faith , and make Christ , as King , as well as Priest , the Object of Justifying Faith ; or that we must receive Christ , as King as well as Priest , as a condition of our Justification .

Answ. We own that the Faith that Justifieth , doth receive Christ as King ; but we deny that it closeth with Christ as King , as it is Justifying . Christ , as King , subdues us to God , mortifies our Lusts , writes his Laws in our Hearts ; but these things relate to our Sanctification , not to our Justification . Christ , as Priest only , hath a proper influence on our Justification as such ; he was made under the Command , and endured the Curse of the Law . The taking of Christ for our Lord , the choosing , and accepting of him as our King , is the root , spring , and begining of our new Obedience . Our very Subjection to Christ is an imperfect and a defective act of Obedience ; we do not fully Submit to Christ : There is a Negative vote , there is a Rebellious party ; there is a Law of Sin in our Flesh . And can we look on a weak imperfect act of our Obedience , as giving us right and title to the perfect Obedience , and compleat Righteousness of Christ ? Choosing and taking Christ for King is certainly a work of ours ; and if we are Justified by it , as a condition , Are we not Justified by a Work of our own ? Is not this to bring in our Works in the root and principle of them into Justification ? And must we not beware , that though we have Works in our Superstructure , yet we have them not in our Foundation ?

3. Some set up that , which they call an Evangelical Righteousness of our own , consisting in the fulfilling the conditions of the new Law , or Covenant ; and that it is this that entitles us to the Righteousness of Christ , which they call our Legal Righteousness : Our Brethren ( I hope ) do not mean that our own Evangelical Righteousness is our immediate Righteousness , and the Righteousness of Christ our remote Righteousness . Surely Christ's Righteousness is our immediate , only perfect Righteousness for Justification . By a new Law , I hope , they do not mean , a Law that requires less duty than the Moral Law , or makes those imperfactions to be no Sins that the Moral Law doth condemn as Transgressions . All our new Obedience cannot be any proper condition of the Covenant because the performance of it is the Fruit of God's performing his promise to us , Ezek. 36.27 . I will put my Spirit into them , and cause them to walk in my Statutes , and to keep my Judgements and Commandments . Our Obedience is defective , and imperfect ; And can this be the condition of our Title to Christ's Righteousness ? Persons must beware that they do not Legalize the Covenant of Grace , yea , set up an easier Covenant of works .

2. Vse . If Jehovah be our Righteousness , then we may be informed of three things .

1. Of the wonderful wisdom . 2. Of the exact Righteousness . 3. Of the admirable Grace of God .

1. We may learn the wonderful wisdom of God , that he hath Reconciled two things , that seemed contrary , and utterly inconsistent . That the Just should be Condemned , and the Wicked Justified , Prov. 17.15 . yet both these God hath accomplished without any stain to his Holiness , reflexion on , or reproach to his Justice . Jesus Christ that knew no sin , yet was made sin , 2 Cor. 5.21 . that Just one died for the Unjust , 1 Pet. 3.18 . What was more remote from the thoughts , and hid from the minds of Natural Men , than that the Son of God should stoop from Heaven to Earth , be not only clothed with our Flesh , but also be burthened with our Sins , and the weight of our Curse : That he should come under our Iniquities , that we might come into his Righteousness . The very finding out a Surety , and the constituting of a Mediator , is a deep design of Infinite Wisdom : That another should expiate our sins , and pay a Ransom for our Souls .

2. We may be informed of the exact Righteousness , and inexorable Justice of God ; How just is God , that he would not be appeased without an Atoning Sacrifice ? that he would not dismiss Prisoners , or release Captives without a Ransom , or Justifie without an Obedience ? Rom. 3.24 , 25. Rom. 5.19 . The Debt must be exacted of Christ , the Storm must fall , the Curse must be executed on him , else he could not be our Righteousness . Christ was set forth for a Propitiation , that God might be just , and the Justifier of them that believe in Jesus , Rom. 3.25 , 26. God's Sword did awake against Christ , else it could never have been laid asleep towards us , Zech. 13.7 . Our Sins were laid on Christ , our Iniquities took hold of him , our Reproaches , whereby we reproached God , did fall on Christ , Rom. 15.3 . he could not be spared , the Cup could not pass from him : God could not release , or exempt his own Son from Sufferings . The Lord Jesus was so bound , by his own undertaking , as a Surety , that he could not use his own Tongue to plead for , and vindicate himself : he could not exert , or exercise his own power to restrain his Enemies , or to rescue himself from them . It was just that God should bruise Christ , as he became our Surety ; it is now just that God should Pardon those that fly to Christ , 1 John 1.9 . There was a Redemption of Transgressions by the Death of Christ , Heb. 9.15 . Some think this Phrase , the Redemption of Transgressions , is borrowed from that Hebrew Phrase , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Goel hadam , the Redeemer , or Avenger of Blood . Our Transgressions were Redeemed by being avenged in the Death of Christ . Sin would have for ever laid on us , if it had not been bought off by the Blood of Christ . God is said to Justifie the Ungodly , Rom. 4.6 . but it is because Jesus Christ died for the ungodly , Rom. 5.6 . God would not have been at peace with us , if the Chastisement of our peace had not fallen on Christ , Isa. 53.5 .

3. We may be informed of the admirable , and astonishing Grace of God , that Jehovah , the Son , should become our Righteousness . This Righteousness of Christ is not derived to us , doth not descend upon us as Adam's sin doth . Adam was a Natural Head , we were nearly related to him , as the Father of our Flesh , as the Root , and Fountain of our Nature ; and so we must needs be involved in his Guilt , and wrapt up in his Transgression : it is our Patrimony , and Inheritance , for we are by Nature Children of Wrath , Ephes. 2.3 . But Christ is a Supernatural Head , a Second Adam , constituted by meer Grace . We were wholly strangers , and no way Related to him but by pure Mercy . His Righteousness is wholy a Gift , Rom. 5.17 . We were born under Adam's sin ; but it is by Faith that we come into Christ's Righteousness . Guilt is spoken of as that which is past : By the Disobedience of one many have been made sinners ; but Justification is spoken of as Future , By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous , Rom. 5.19 . that is , when they fly to him , and are found in him . O what Grace is this that sinners should be cut out of their Natural Stock , and be grafted into a Supernatural Stock ? that we should not be condemned for our own sins , but be justified by the Righteousness of another . That God should Rain Vengeance on him , and Righteousness on us . That Jesus Christ should be cast into Prison himself , Isa. 53.8 . that he might call us out of Prison , Isa. 49.9 . that he should be wounded to heal us , and be bruised to bind us up , Isa. 53.9 , 10. Isa. 61.1 . that a Vail should be cast over Christ's Innocency , by our Iniquity taken on him , that a Vail might be cast over our sins , by his Righteousness imputed to us . There was an Offence committed that might have remained on us , and have destroyed us : But O what kindness is this , that there should be a Free Gift of Righteousness to relieve and justifie us , Rom. 5.15 . Christ Redeemed us from Destruction , by devoting himself to Death for us ; in the Hebrew , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifies to Redeem ; in the Arabick , Fada , fignifies to Devote ones self to Death . This Fada is the same word with the Hebrew Phada ; and , by comparing the two significations of the word in the two Languages , we learn this excellent Truth † † Vid. Oriental Lexicon . , That we are Redeemed by Christ's devoting himself to Death for us . What we our selves should have fully wrought out , that Christ hath bought , and freely gives us , Dan. 9.24 . Rom. 5.19 . O how should we admire God ? Who is a God like to him , glorious in Holiness ? Exod. 15.11 . Yet who is a God like to him , pardoning iniquity , and passing by Transgression and Sin , Mic. 7.18 , 19. As he is Holy , he hates sin ; yet , as he is Gracious , he pities Sinners . His Holiness doth not hinder , or obstruct his Mercy .

3d. Vse . Examine your selves , whether you can truly call Jehovah by this sweet and comfortable Name : Is he your Righteousness ? Are you invested with this Righteousness , and discharged from your Sins ? Put these following Questions to your selves for Trial.

1. Did you ever come to your selves ? Luke 15.17 . Did you ever feel your selves to be bound with Cords of Guilt , laden with Iniquity , ready to sink into the Bottomless Pit . Men must be Condemned before they are Justified ; be cast down , before they are lifted up ; apply the Curse to themselves , before they apply the Blessing ; hear the Sentence of Death denounced against them by the Law , before they partake of Justification of Life by the Gospel : as the World was first without the Law , and then the Israelites were under the Law , and then Christ came with Righteousness and Peace . So every Justified Sinner is first without the Law : he is alive , and full of hopes , because he is without the Law , Rom. 7.9 . he knows not the Spirituality of the Commands of the Law , nor the Severity of its Threatnings ; he hath a Calm , and Peace , because he never imputed his Numerous sins to himself , or bound his Heinous Iniquities on himself . The Soul is a dead Sea , without motion towards God , and yet is a calm and quiet Sea , without dread , and fear of God . But when God intends good to the Soul , first the Commandment comes , Rom. 7.9 . and then Sin Revives ; and a Storm is raised in the Soul : but , in due time , Faith comes , Gal. 3.25 . and then the Soul is calmed , and quieted , being Justified by Faith , we have peace with God , through our Lord Jesus Christ , Rom. 5.1 . If you were nevere burdened , you cannot be eased ; if you were never broken , you cannot be bound up ; if you were never mourners , you cannot be Comforted ; if you never tasted the bitterness of Sin , you cannot tast the sweetness of the Grace of Christ , and experience his purifying Blood , and his reviving Righteousness : If you are Justified , How did you come by Pardon , and Peace ? Can you call them Naphtali , that you got them by wrestling ? It is said , Israel shall be Justified , and saved , Isa. 45.17 . last . Jacob wrestled with the Angel for a Blessing : his Conscience might accuse him for Fraud and Lying in procuring the Blessing from blind Isaac , yet he held the Angel fast , ( said he ) and would not let him go except he did Bless him , Gen. 32.26 . And for this his Name was changed , and he was called Israel , Gen. 32.28 . When we find Sin stirring in us , when Conscience accuses , the Law curses ; God , according to the first Covenant , condemns ; To Believe on Christ for Righteousness , is , as Peter's walking on the Sea in a storm . If we have ever felt the smart of our wounds , the Schorching heat of God's Wrath , the Burning Poyson of the old Serpent in our Consciences ; If 〈◊〉 were ever arrested , arraigned , condemned , shut up , surely in the anguish of your Souls you have cryed out , ( We are destitute of Righteousness ; and where shall we find it ? we have contracted guilt , and provoked Wrath , And where shall we be Found ?

2. Were you ever divorced from , and dead to the Law , and Covenant of Works as your First Husband , and then Married to Christ ? we are first joined to the Law , and the Covenant of Works , as our First Husband ; and it makes us a jointure of Life upon condition of perfect Obedience . The Apostle compares the Law to a Husband , but the froward Heart of Man is not subject to this Husband . The more the Commands of the Law are urged on it , the more it contradicts , and Rebels . The motions of Sin are said to be by the Law , Rom. 7.5 . but the Fruits of Righteousness are by Jesus Christ , Phil. 1.11 . The Law cannot Sanctifie , or Justifie us ; this is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Rom. 8.3 . the thing that is impossible to the Law . Have you therefore been divorced from , and become dead to the Law , Rom. 7.4 . as it is a Covenant of Works ? Have you despaired of finding righteousness in your selves , and of obtaining a Blessing from the Law , and so have looked , and fled to Jesus Christ † † Heb. 12.24 . , as those that have been pursued by sin and the wrath of Ged ? Paul saith , Gal. 2.16 . Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Works of the Law , but by the Faith of Christ , Even we have Believed in Jesus Christ , that we might be Justified by the Faith of Christ , and not by the Works of the Law : For by the Works of the Law shall no Flesh be Justified .

3. Are you Sanctified ? Justification , and Sanctification always go together : as in the Natural Body , the Blood , and Spirits do flow out together ; so the Blood and Spirit of Christ are always joined , John 19.34 . Blood and Water Signifiing the Spirit came together out of Christ's Side . He comes by Water and Blood , 1 John 5.6 . else he would be but half and imperfect Saviour : As the same day that the Waters went off form the Earth , and were gathered into the Sea ; the Earth was adorned with Grass , Herbs , Flowers , Trees , Gen. 9.11 . So when a deluge of Wrath goeth off from the Soul , it is presented , adorned with the grace of the Spirit , and called a Tree of Righteousness , Isa. 61.2 Those that are Justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus , are also Justified by the Spirit of our God , 1 Cor. 6.11 . If God Loves the Soul , he makes it Lovely ; If Christ washes you , he also makes you Kings , and Priests , Revel. 1.5 , 6. You are no longer Vassals to your Lusts , but , as Kings , rule in your own Hearts . You check vain thoughts , control vile affections , subdue and yield your Spirits to God . You also are Priests , first offering up your selves , and then offering up Prayers and Praises to God . Under Christ's Priesthood of Attonement , there Springs up another Priesthood of Gratitude , and Thanksgiving . As on Christ , the Altar , God presents the Flesh , and Blood of Jesus , as Sustenance to us ; So on the same Altar we offer our Souls , and Bodies , and all Spiritual performances , as precious Sacrifices to God . Justification is joined with strength to resist , and overcome Sin , Isa. 45.24 . Surely shall one say , in the Lord I have Righteousness and strength . Jesus at once , Satisfied for Sin , and also curcified our old Man , Rom. 6.6 . Christ ruined the Natural Life of the First Adam , he destroyed that Life and Body that is the Subject of Sin ; and the Members by which it is executed . The animal Life is a great Temptation to Sin : we are enticed by the Pleasures , Profits , and Honours that belong to it . Christ therefore abolished it , as an imperfect Life in himself , that he might destroy it as a Sinful Life in us . He pulled away the Earth in which this weed growes , and pulled down ( as Sampson ) the very house in which our Lusts , as Spiritual Philistines dwell , as the first Adam's corrupt Nature passes with the guilt of Adam's first Sin , so the new Nature of Jesus Christ , passeth to Souls together with his Righteousness : In the same Testament that Christ doth dispose Remission of Sins , he doth also Bequeath a new Heart , Ezek. 36.25 , 26. If God blots Sins out of his Book , he will write his Laws also in our Hearts . If he Reverse the Sentence of Death passed on us , he will breath the Spirit of Life into us . Those that are sprinkled with Christ's Blood , are Redeemed from all Iniquity , and consecrated to God . As a Redeemed People , they are obliged to be first Fruits to God , Revel. 14.4 . and as a Regenrated People , they are enabled to be First-fruits to God , Jam. 1.18 . Where Christ washes with his Blood , he doth also anoint with his Spirit .

Are we adopted ? John 1.12 . Have we power , and right to be called the Sons of the living God ? Hos. 1.10 . Are we the Children of the Lord Almighty ? 2 Cor. 6. last . Justification is alwayes attended with Adoption . Those that receive a white stone , that is , are absolved , acquitted , Justified from all their Sins , they have also in this white Stone a new Name , Revel. 2.17 . What is this new Name , but the Name of a Child of God ? Adoption is an Amplification of our Justification . We are not only pronounced as Righteous , and owned as Friends ; but reputed and accepted as Sons , and Daughters : are nearly Related , and greatly endeared to God . Are you the Children of God not by Hagar , the Bond Woman , but by Sarah , the Free Woman ? Do you serve with a free Spirit , and not as slaves , that have no delight in God , and could wish his Law were totally abrogated ?

5. Do you love God and Christ ? Luk. 7.47 . She loved much , because much was Forgiven her . When great debts are Remitted , Heinous crimes are Pardoned , deep Spots and Stains are fetched out , this calls for highest , and hottest Love : He that covereth Transgessions seeketh . Love , Prov. 17.9 . Then surely God and Christ have sought our Love , by covering our Sins , Psal. 32.1 , 2. Our Iniquities are many ways aggravated , and so are of a Scarlet , and Crimson Dye , Isa. 1.18 . And for this deep dye to be washed and fetched out ; and for them to become as white as Snow and Wool , this is wonderful Mercy ; For a Sinner to be as much accepted with God , as if he had never Offended , and Transgressed : Our Sins as Commited against God are Talents , and as they have been multiplied , 't is a debt of Ten Thousand Talents ; and for this whole debt to be freely Forgiven , 2 Col. 13. And for the Blood of Christ to be the clean Water to purge away Sin , Ezek. 36.25 . Revel. 1.5 . this must needs warm , and inlarge the Heart , heighten and inflame the affections towards God . If you do not give your Hearts to God , if you do not set your Love on Christ , it is a plain Sign that you have not Tasted of the Grace of God , or experienced the Kindness of Christ in Forgiving your Sins .

6. What free access have you to God , and what joy and Delight have you in him ? Are your Consciences so perfected , that is , so perfectly purged , that you dare to draw nigh to God , and that with confidence ? Heb. 7.19 . Heb. 10.19 . It is a great thing to have boldness to enter into the Holiest Place , and to approach to the Highest Majesty , Heb. 12.23 . Jisus Christ died to bring us to God , 1 Pet. 3.18 . Dare we to come to God the Judge of all , as being assured he will not Condemn us ? Heb. 12.23 . Do we rejoyce in God through our Lord Jesus Christ , having now received the Atonement ? Rom. 5.11 . Do we rejoyce in what God is to us , in what he hath done for us , and in what he farther designs towards us ? Can we Feast on Mount Ebal , Deut. 27.7.13 , 14 , 15. where the Curses were Proclaimed ? Can we there Triumph , because Christ Jesus hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law , by being made a Curse for us ? Gal. 3.13 . Are we so Justified in the Lord as to glory ? Isa. 45. last . In the Lord shall all the Seed of Israel be Justified , and Glory : Can you Glory over all Accusers , and Accusations ? Do you glory in the Person in whom , and in the Righteousness by which you are Justified ? there is no exception against the Person that Justifieth , and there is no flaw or defect in the Righteousness that is imputed : Surely shall one say in the Lord I have Righteousness ; so it is in the Hebrew , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , There is a full and compleat Righteousness in Christ : as Christ Rising from the dead did carry away our Sins , so he propagates a new Nature to the Redeemed . Is our Justification matter of greatest joy to us ? Isa. 61.10 . I will greatly rejoyce in the Lord , and joy in my God , for he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness .

7. Do you much Praise and Bless God for Reconciling , and Pardoning of you ? Psal. 103.12.3 . Bless the Lord O my Soul , and all that is within me Bless his Holy Name — who forgiveth all thine iniqutites . O Lord I will Praise thee , For thou wast angry with me , but thine anger is turned away , and thou dost comfort me , Isa. 12.1 . In the times of the Gospel it is said , Men shall shew forth the Praises of the Lord , Isa. 60.6 . The time of the Gospel is as a Pleasant and Delightful Spring ; The Winter is past , the Rain is over and gone , the time of the Singing of Birds is now come , Cant. 2.11 , 12. The Spring is ( as it were ) a mediator between the extreme cold of Winter , and the excessive heat of Summer , and so is a fit Emblem of the times of the Gospel in which Christ is Revealed as a Mediator between us that are so cold , as destitute of the Love of God , and God that is a consuming Fire to Sinners , and therefore this is a fit season for the Singing of Birds . Justified Souls will sing Praises to God that heals their Backslidings ; and to Jesus Christ that is their Righteousness and Ransom : The Redeemed of the Lord shall return to Zion with Songs , Isa. 35. last . Though the Ark was heavy laden with Noah his Family , all the Birds , Beasts , living creatures , and suitable Food for them that was laid up in the Ark , yet it did not sink , but was born up by the Waters ; so what matter of Praise is it , that we that are heavy laden with Iniquity are born up by the blood of Christ , and do not sink into Predition ? We are guilty Creatures , our mouths are stopt as we are Sinners , Rom. 3.19 . But , O! what a wonderful and amazing change is this , that we should be so Justified by the Grace of God , and thorugh the Redemption of Christ , that the mouths of Spiritual Enemies , and accusers are stopt ? Rom. 8.33 , 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect , it is God that Justifieth ? Who shall condemn , it is Jesus Christ that hath died ? Our Lips were sealed up with Guilt ; now the mouths of Accusers are stopt by Christ's Satisfaction , And shall not our Lips be opened , and our Tongues loosed , to Sing aloud of God's Grace , and of Christ's Righteousness ?

8. Are we willing to go out of this World , to die , and to be with God , and Jesus Christ ? those that are Justified have Peace with God , and rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God , Rom. 5.1 , 2. Those that are in a Storm do dread the Shore , least they should be Shipwrackt ; but they that have good weather do desire it . Tho' Condemned Sinners shall be cast away on the Shores of a miserable Eternity : yet Justified Souls shall be landed safe in the Harbour of a blessed Eternity . When others pass into the Prison , Justified Persons enter into the Palace of God . When the Tares are reaped for the Furnace , Believers are reaped for , and gathered into the Garner , Matth. 3.12 . Will Justified Persons shun the Glorious Presenc of God , or slavishly dread his Tribunal ? Shall Pardoned and Adopted Persons be afraid to go home to their Father , and be put into the possession of their Heavenly Inheritance ? Are you therefore willing to be absent from the Body , and to be present with the Lord ? 2 Cor. 5 , 6 , 8. It is a great thing to be willing to part with the Body , that is one half of us , to leave it in the dark Chamber of the Grave , to feed Worms , to crumble to Dust , to sleep for a long Night , till the Morning of the Resurrection . Yet Paul saith , We are always confident , and willing to be absent from the Body , and to be present with the Lord . The sight of Christ's Face , the enjoyment of his Glory , is more to me , then Union with the Body . Can you therefore conquer the Fears of Death ? Are you willing to leave your place on Earth , to enjoy the Place prepared for you in Heaven ? to put off the Rags of Mortality , that you may be clothed with the Robes of Glory ? to quit your Tabernacle for a Heavenly House ?

4. Vse . O! desire earnestly , and seek diligently to partake of this Righteousness of Christ .

2. If you are interested in it , if Jehova be your Righteousness , O be thankful for it .

1. O seek that Jehovah may be your Righteousness : For the prosecuting of this First Branch of the Use of Exhortation , I shall do two things . 1. I shall lay down some Motives to quicken , and urge you to seek an Interest in Christ's Righteousness . 2. I shall lay down some Directions how you may partake of , and be Invested with the Righteousness of Christ .

1. Consider the great want , and need you have of this Righteousness .

1. In your Natural State , you are far from Righteousness , Isa. 46. Ye stout-hearted , that are far from Righteousness : and , You are free from Righteousness , Rom. 6.20 . that is , a Carnal Man hath nothing to do with it : they are not under the Empire , Dominion and Command of it . Men are dead Trees , and therefore can bring forth no good fruit ; but they are corrupt Trees , and are laded with evil Fruit. As they are alienated from the Life of God , they cannot act for him , or please him , Ephes. 4.8 . Rom. 8.8 . but as they have a Carnal Life , they cannot act against him , and walk contrary to him . Mens thoughts are evil from their youth , Gen. 8.21 . yea , they are born flesh , John 3.6 . yea , the Holy Ghost goes one step farther , In sin they are conceived , in iniquity they are shapen , Psal. 51.5 . they are not only idle , and do not work , Matth. 20.6 . but they are dead , and cannot work for God , 2 Col. 13. A corrupt Tree cannot bring forth good fruit , Matth. 7.17 , 18. The carnal mind is enmity to God , it is not subject to the Law of God , neither indeed can be ; they that are in the flesh cannot please God , Rom. 8.8 . A Natural Man is so far from being Sanctified by his Religious Services , that he pollutes them all , Hag. 2.14 , 15. The Sacrifice of the Wicked , that is , his best Actions , and the way of the Wicked , that is , his common Actions , are both an Abomination to the Lord , Prov. 15.8 , 9. The Law will not acknowledge in , or allow to an Unconverted Man one good Work , Rom. 3.20 . by the Law comes only the knowledge of sin . The Scripture , that is the Law , hath concluded all , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , all things of an Unregenerate Man under Sin : all done by him , all that flows from him : all the Thoughts , Intentions , Affections , Words and Actions of such . The Mind is darkness , Ephes. 5.8 . And can a blind Archer aim right at the Mark ? The Heart is Whorish , Ezek. 6.9 . And will a Whorish Heart love God , or direct any action to please him ? Can a corrupt Fountain send forth sweet waters ? Men , till Regenerate , do nothing else but sin : the Plague of the Heart infects all ; the Leprosie of the Soul defiles all that a Man doth , 1 Kings 8.38 . as a Fountain casts forth its water , so they cast forth their wickedness , Jer. 6.7 . The whole Life of Men is cursed barrenness , or wicked fruitfulness . Christ is said to be the Lamb of God , that takes away the sin of the World , 1 John 29. it is expressed in the singular number , the sin of the World ; to Note , and signifie to us , that the whole Life of an Unregenerate Man is one continued sin : wholly a course of Enmity , Provocations and Rebellions against God , Zech. 3.3 , 4 ▪ We have that expression , Take away the filthy garments . This Notes , that all the acts of an Unregenerate Man are filthy , and only filthy Garments . They are all over defiled , and therefore wholly to be taken away . But the expression is otherwise concerning the Saints , that they washed their Garments white in the blood of the Lamb , Revel. 7.14 . the Garments were not wholy cast off , or put away , but washed . There was some good in them , and yet they had Spots , and Stains to be washed out . This is the difference between an Unregenerate , and a Regenerate Man , that an Unregenerate Man needs to be dipt wholy into the Red-Sea of the Blood of Christ . All is corrupt , and defiled : he needs a general Pardon for his whole Life , for all his Thoughts , Words and Actions . But as Christ saith to Peter , A Believer that is washed , needeth not to save to wash his Feet ; but is clean every whit , as one that hath been in a Bath , and there washed his whole Body ; yet , as he comes out , and walks to his Lodging , he may defile his Feet , and need to wash them . Believers need not Pardons for their whole State , as the Unregenerate have ; but for their particular Failings , and Defects in their Actions .

2. All your Sins are Recorded till you are Justified . They are Written in God's Book ; Behold it is written before me , Isa. 65.6 . The Great King Writes the Chronicle of all his Subjects , and of all their Thoughts , Words and Actions throughout the World , and all Ages . That must needs be an Infinite Mind that can Know , and Remember so many things . Mens Iniquity is said to be Written , so to be marked before God , Jer. 2.22 . and there is a Counter-part of this Record kept in the Sinner's own Conscience , Jer. 17.1 . The sin of Judah is graven with a Pen of Iron , and the point of a Diamond . But where ? It is answered , In the Table of their heart . From hence the sin did flow , and hither did the guilt of it return . When a sin is committed , and when a Debt is contracted , Conscience keeps the Bond , and , in due time , will bring it forth , and joyn with the Judge in his Charge and Accusation . Conscience is now loaded with dead Works , yet stupid Sinners do not feel it ; a Mountain of Guilt is upon them , yet they are not sensible of it . Sinners cannot cross God's Book , or Cancel their own Bond : but the time is at hand , when the Guilt of Sin will revive , when Men shall taste the bitterness , and feel the burthen of their Iniquities .

3. Till Christ becomes your Righteousness , your Souls are shamefully naked , Revel. 3.17 . As Men are poor , they are void of an Inherent Righteousness ; and , as they are naked , they are destitute of an imputed Righteousness : they have nothing to Cloath the Soul , or hide its Sins . God's eye is a pure eye , Habb. 1.13 . and a glorious eye , Isa. 3.8 ▪ But how do Mens sins offend this pure , and affront this glorious eye of God ? What a Loathsome , Hateful and Abominable Creature is a Soul deprived of the Image of God , and depraved after the Image of Satan . Thy bodily nakedness would be abhorred by Men ; And will not thy Soul-nakedness be more detested by God ? How naked is the Mind without the Knowledge of God ? And how naked is the Will without the Love of God ? the Image of God is the Glorious Cloathing of the Soul ; the want of this Image is the shameful nakedness of the Soul . Till the Righteousness of Christ is spread over the Soul , the Glorious Image of God is not put on it .

4. Till we are Justified there is a Breach between God and us ; and this Breach stands open , and we need a Mediator to stand in this Breach , Psal. 106.23 . When the Wall of our Innocency is broken , we are exposed to the Inrodes and Invasions of Revenging Justice . Sin makes a large and wide breach between God and us ; God , as an Enemy , may enter at this Breach to destroy us ; a deluge of Wrath and Misery may pour in at it , to overwhelm us . None can stand in this Breach but Jesus Christ , as a living Advocate : and nothing can stop this Breach but the Dead Body of the Son of God . If the Sea makes a Breach in the Banks of Holland , the Law of the Countrey encourages them to throw Beds , or any other of their valuable Goods into the Breach to stop it , and they shall be recompensed for them . Sin hath made a Breach , and nothing but the Precious Life of the Son of God could stop this Breach . The awakened Sinner considers how he shall appear before God ; he inquires whether he must not bring and offer the Fruit of his Body for the Sin of his Soul , Mic. 6.6 , 7. this is indeed chargeable , to offer to stop the Breach with the Sacrifice of a Child . But this is but vain ; For , it is not our First-born , but God's only Begotten Son , that must stop , and fill up this Breach , John 3.17 , 18.

5. There is a dreadful storm that in the Cloud of the Threatning hangs over the heads of Sinners , Psal. 11 , 6. God will Rain Snares , Fire , Brimstone , and a horrible Tempest on the wicked , this shall be the portion of their Cup. This Cup shall come to their lips ; this storm shall fall on their Souls . If God Rains , the storm must needs be Terrible , Gen. 7.4 . I will Rain , so it is in the Hebrew . This intimates this Rain should be extraordinary ; it should fall with great voilence ; it should not be as an ordinary Rain , that is , as a gentle sweat through the pores of the Clouds ; but now the Windows of Heaven should be opened , Gen. 7.11 . The Sinners of the old World did not believe that God had such vast Treasures of Waters in the Clouds , so , secure Transgressours do not now Credit that there are such Treasures of Wrath laid up to punish them ; and as the Fountains of the great deep were then broken up , Gen. 7.11 . So these depths of Guilt , and Terrour that are in Conscience will one day be broken up . If God Rains , the storm is inevitable : He Rains Snares , that as Sinners cannot hinder this storm form above , so they cannot fly from it below . If God Rains Fire and Brimston , the storm will be Eternal , the Cloud of God's anger will never be wearied or wasted . If Christ be not Mens Passover , 1 Cor. 5.7 . They or their Sins connot be passed by , or passed over , Micah 7.18.19 . If their Sins did not fall on Christ , they must come down on their own heads , Psal. 68.21 . Though by reason of unbelief , God's Judgements are now far above , out of the sight of Sinners , Psal. 10.5 . yet their Eyes shall see their destruction , and they shall drink of the Wrath of the Almighty , Job . 21.20 . The long , and large Roll of the Curse will in due time fly to them , Ezek , 52.2 , 3 , 4 , and then will stay , and lie upon them for ever , Deut. 29.20 . All the Curses in this Book shall lye upon him .

6. All the Sins of Men are as so many Evidences and Witnesses against Transgressors ; these Evidences are preserved , and kept safe ; their Sins are hid , that they may not be lost , Hos. 13.12 . The Iniquity of Ephraim is bound up , his Sin is hid . Their Iniquity is bound up , that in due time it may be bound on them : their Sin is so hid , that it shall be found , brought forth , and charged on them . As the Depositions of Witnesses , and the Confessions of Criminals are sowed up , and sealed up in a bag to be produced at the Trial of an Offender ; so are the Sins of Men , Job 14.17 . So many Sins as Men have committed , and are unpardoned , so many witnesses have they provided against the day of their Trial. Jer. 14.7 . O Lord our Iniquities testifie against us . Read Isa. 59.12 . Our Sins are not only as dead records , but as living witnesses ; not only as matter of accusation , but as accusers ; they cry to Heaven to kindle wrath against us , and pluck down vengeance on us , Gen. 18.20 , 21. Sodom's Sins did cry to Heaven against it . Little do Sinners think that they are daily filling Gods Book with complaints , and accusations , and filling his Treasury with Wrath , and piling up Fuel to burn , and Torment themselves . It is nothing else but the speaking Blood of Christ , that can stop the mouths of these witnesses , and silence the clamours of their Sins .

7. Every Sin deserves Eternal death , Rom. 6. last . Death is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the wages of Sin . The word signifies Soldiers wages , Luke 3.14 . They that cleave to Satan , as their General , that stay in his Tents , Fight on his side against God , shall have Eternal death as wages paid to them . Tribulation is due to the Body , Anguish to the Soul and Conscience of every Transgressor , Rom. 2.9 . God will repay fury , Isa. 59.18 . he will render anger to his adversaries , Isa. 66.15 .

8. Consider there is Judgement to come , Heb. 6.2 . God seeth all Mens Provocations , Hos. 5.3 . Prov. 15.3 . Jer. 13. last . And he will be a swift witness against them , Mal. 3.5 . God hath not in vain Registred the Sins of Men , the Book of God , and the Eye of the Soul shall be opened , no Sin shall be forgotten , Amos 8.7 . all shall be brought to light , Eccles. 11.9 . 1 Cor. 4.5 . and be brought into Judgment , Eccles. 12.14 . There will not only be a Resurection of Bodies , but a Reviving and Remembrance of Sins . If your Sins are not pardoned , but remain before God's Face , Psal. 90.8 . They will shortly be reviewed by God , and set in order before your face , Psal. 50.21 . If you inherit the Sins of your whole life , Job 13.26 . you will be Heires of Shame , Misery , and Eternal Torments .

2. Motive : Consider what great advantages we have in these times of the Gospel , as to a participation of this Righteousness of God .

1. It is now wrought out , and perfected . Jesus Christ hath been a Faithful High-Priest , Heb. 2.17 . And a Righteous servant , Isa. 53.11 . God devolved the greatest trust on Christ , and he undertook took the hardest and most noble work , even to make Restitution to God for the wrong we had done him , and to make Reconciliation for us ; to appease the Wrath we had provoked , and to divert form us the Punishment we had deserved : The Jews thought of old , that their High-Priest was trusted with their greatest concerns ; and for fear he should be a Sadducee , or out of heedlessness , neglect any part of his Office on the day of Atonement , they used Solemnly to swear him to a full , and faithful discharge of his Office , in the great Work of that day . But our Lord Jesus Christ was by fervent love to his Father and his People , Heartily and throughly engaged in this great Work he undertook , and hath fully discharged it . He glorified God on Earth , he finished the Work he gave him to do , John 17.4 . He would not dye till he could say all was finished , John 19.30 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . How honourable a word is this to Christ ? And how Comfortable a word is this to us ? Jesus Christ , as the slain Goat , did bear our Sins , and as the Scape-Goat he did bear them away . As God did lay Sins on Christ , Isa 53.6 . so he purged them , Heb. 1.3 . and put them away . He hath been a most Righteous servant to God , his very Sufferings , that in a Moral sence , were Punishments , yet , in a Legal sence were Righteousness . Jesus Christ is perfected himself , Heb. 5.9 . And he hath by one Offering for ever perfected us , Heb. 10.14 . There is signal evidence and demonstration , that Jesus Christ hath finished his Work ; for he could not else have confidently commended , and committed his Soul to his Father , Luke 23.46 . He would not else have been welcome to him , and Received by him , John 16.10 . The World was to be convinced of Christ's Righteousness by this argument , that he did go to the Father , and they did see him no more on Earth : How could he have ventured into the glorious Presence of God , if he had not Righteously performed what he undertook ? Would not the Father have sent him back again into the World , if he had omitted , or left any thing undone ? But Christ , saith he , should be seen on Earth no more in the form of a Servant , to do any Work in a state of Humiliation . 2. The Father Raised him up from the Dead , 1. Pet. 1.21 . He Released our Surety out of the Prison of the Grave ; which he would not have done , if the debt had not been fully paid : Therefore an Angel came down from Heaven to roll away the Stone from Christ's Grave , Matth. 28.2 . This was an Officer from the great Judge of Heaven and Earth , to free our surety , and to evidence , that God was satisfied , and did allow Christ's Resurrection . 3. The Father exalted Jesus Christ by his own right Hand , Acts 5.31 . And gave him Glory , that we might be encouraged , and emboldened from thence to act our Faith and hope in God , 1 Pet. 1.21 . 4. Jesus Christ is sat down at the Right Hand of God in the Heavenly Sanctuary , Heb. 1.3 . Heb. 12.2 . What an honour was this to our High-Priest , to sit down in the true Holy of Holies ? When the High-Priest under the Law might not sit down in the Typical Holy of Holies . And Christ's siting down did shew he had done his Work , and might now take his rest . This the Apostle makes the great difference between Christ , and the Priests of the Law ; If they stood dayly Ministring , and Offering Sacrifices that could never take away Sin ; But Christ , When he had Offered one Sacrifice for ever , be sat down on the Right Hand of God , Heb. 10.11 , 12. The Priests of the Law did go on in their Ministry , they stood Offering Sacrifices , their Work was never at an end ; they could never sit down . But Christ hath Finished his Work , and therefore is sat down , and expects that all his Enemies shall be made his Footstool , Heb. 10.13 .

5. Jesus Christ as he is released , so he Preaches the opening of the Prison to us , Isa. 61.1 . God's Prison is not Forced , or Broken , but opened in a Righteous way , our Ransom being paid , Matth. 20.28 . Christ therefore now comes to the Prison-door , and saith to the Prisoners , Come forth , you that were hid in Prisondarkness , now shew your selves , and appear with boldness and confidence in the Heavenly Sanctuary , Isa. 49.9 .

2. The Righteousness of Christ is now brought , Dan. 9.24 . To bring Everlasting Righteousness , Eternal Redemption is now found , Heb. 9.12 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Jesus Christ hath found that , and brought that which is the great Foundation of our Faith , and Hope .

1. Jesus Christ hath brought this Righteousness near to us , Isa. 46.13 . I bring near my Righteousness , it shall not be far off . The Saints of the Old Testament saw the Promises a-far off , Heb. 11.13 . But we see Eye to Eye , Isa. 52.8 . The Manna came down from Heaven and lay about the Camp of Israel , Ezod. 16.14 . It was near to them , and prepared Food for them , and easy to be gathered by them . So Christ Typified by it , saith , I am the Bread that came down from Heaven , that a Man may eat , and not dye . As this Bread was in Heaven , it was high above-us , and far off from us ; but now it is come down from Heaven it is near to us , it is easie to come at . So the Rock is smitten , and the Spiritual Water flows out , follows us , is near to us , 1 Cor. 10.3 , 4. As God clave the Rocks , and gave Israel drink , as out of the Great Depths , Psal. 78.15 . The Water was deep in the Earth , but it bubbl'd up , and gushed out of the Rock plentifully , as if a great deep Sea , or the deep Waters that did lye low in the Earth did now rise , and spring up , and break out at the clefts of this Rock . The Israelites could not come at those deep Waters that lay in the Bowels of the Earth , till God did cause them to ascend , and made a vent for them . So the saving Mercies of God were a great Deep , we had neither Bucket nor Rope to reach them , or to come at them ; they were far off from us . But Christ now being smitten , this Rock now being cleft , deep Mercies ascend , flow forth , follow us , come near to us . Christ's Righteousness is brought so near to us , that we may easily come at it , and enjoy it , as the Manna was prepared Bread , some derive the Word from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Manah , he hath prepared ; this was Bread that God provided without their labour , they did not Plow or Sow for it . So Christ is God's Salvation , that he hath prepared , Luk. 2.29 , 30 , 31. As the Manna was Rained down near to the Israelites Camp ; so Christ's Righteousness is brought near to us ; we may gather , receive it , take it to our selves by Faith . It is not difficult to obtain . Look unto me all ye ends of the earth , and be saved , Isa. 45.22 . Is not that easie to be had , that may be obtained by a look ? the word of Faith is nigh to us , Rom. 10.8 . Christ's Righteousness is not remote , or a-far off , but brought very near to us , and easie to come at . And is not our Spiritual Drink near , and easie to be had ? The Rock in Exod. 17.6 . was to be smitten ; but the Rock mentioned , Numb. 20.8 . was only to be spoken to , and it should give out Water . Jesus Christ Typified by these Rocks , was to be Smitten but once , to Die but once . That which now remains to be done , is not to Smite , but to speak to the Rock by the Prayer of Faith , and it will give forth Spiritual Drink to us , Rom. 10.12 . The Lord is rich to all that call upon him ; that is , he is not only rich in the Possession , but also rich in the Distribution and Communication of Grace : he is not only Rich for himself , but for us ; and those that call on him , that speak to this Rock , do receive abundance of Grace , and of the Gift of Righteousness , Rom. 5.17 . They that call on the name of the Lord shall be saved , Joel 2. last .

2. This Righteousness is brought near to God . The Blood of the Typical Sacrifices was not carried into Heaven ; it was too mean , and vile , to be brought thither . But the Blood of Jesus Christ is carried into Heaven it self , Heb. 9.23 , 24. Our High-Priest is entred thither , and hath carried his Blood into Heaven , to present it to , and plead it before God . The very Throne of God ( as the Mercy-seat of old , the Type of it , was sprinkled with the Blood of the Typical Sacrifice , Levit. 16.14 . ) is sprinkled with the Blood of Christ . As Christ brought his Righteousness into the Church , as a Cordial to Revive us , so he brought it into Heaven as a Plea before God . As it is said , The Burnt-offerings should be continually before God , Psal. 50.8 . and did burn day and night on the Altar , it was never without a Fire , and a Sacrifice burning on it ; So Christ's Sacrifice is now always before the Lord ; Jesus Christ still represents it to , and pleads it before God : It is dreadful for our Sins to be continually before the Lord , Psal. 109.14 , 15. but it is sweet for Christ's Sacrifice to be always before the Lord ; by virtue of this our Prayers may be nigh to God day and night , 1 Kings 8.59 . till he Answer and Fulfil them .

3. This Righteousness of Christ is established to continue for ever , Heb. 10.9 . God takes away the first , even the Sacrifices of the Law , to establish the second , even the Sacrifice of Christ . This Sacrifice is fixed as the one , and only atoning Sacrifice , it is never to be removed , or to give place to any other . God hath Sworn Christ to be a Priest , Psal. 110.4 . God will never repent , or change . He will never put Christ out of Office , or substitute any other in his place . It is the higest pride to clash with God , and for any to go about to establish their own Righteousness , as the Jews did , Rom. 10.3 . and so to oppose God's Establishment . And , as this is Pride , so it is pernicious Folly , because nothing can establish the Heart , or Conscience , but the Grace of God , through the Atoneing Sacrifice of Jesus Christ , Heb. 13.9 . It is good for the heart to be established by Grace .

4. This Righteousness is now openly revealed to us . Jesus Christ is evidently set forth as Crucified before our eyes , Gal. 3.1 . God's Salvation is prepared before the Face of all People , Luke 2.31 . This is the Glory of the Gospel , that the Righteousness of God is revealed in it , Rom. 1.17 . And the Righteousness of God is now manifested without the Law , Rom. 3.21 . We have now received the Atonement , Rom. 5.11 . God hath now reconciled us , Col. 3.2 . there is a great Emphasis in the word now : The Righteousness of God is now manifested ; we have now received the Atonement , God hath now reconciled us . It intimates , that this Righteousness is now wrought out , manifested and exhibited , that God should be Righteous , in Justifying us without the Works of the Law performed by us , and without the Curse of the Law executed on us , is a deep Mystery , and a great Secret . But Christ hath not hid this Righteousness of God in his heart , but he hath declared , and preached it , Psal. 40.9 , 10. This is such a Mystery , that we should never have known , if Christ had not declared it . Surely it is most wonderful , that God , in the nature of a creature , should be subject , and obey : that he that Instructs us should learn obedience himself , Heb. 5.8 . The Father that laid Sins , inflicted Punishment , executed the Curse on Christ , was as the Master ; and the Son that endured all things , was as the Scholar . He learned , by experience , what a hard and difficult thing Obedience was , how costly and painful it was to subject himself to the Father loading him with Sins and sorrows , chastising him for our Iniquities , bruising him for our Transgressions : that such an Obedience should be rendered by the Son , is a deep Mystery , and we should never have known it , if Jesus Christ had hid it in his heart : As the Israelites did not know Manna , Dent. 8.3 . he fed thee with Manna , which thou knewest not , neither did thy Fathers know ; when they found it , and saw it first on the ground , they wondered , and cried out , What is this ? Exod. 16.4 . So the Margin renders the word very properly , and this is most suitable to the following words ; for they wist not what it was . To say , they called it Manna , for they wist not what it was , is not so good , and fit a sense . Some have conceived , that the phrase , hidden Manna , was borrowed from the Israelites Question , and Ignorance of Manna ; indeed the Jews were , and all Natural Men are ignorant of the Righteousness of God , Rom. 10.3 . The Wrath of God is indeed revealed from Heaven to all Men by Afflicting Providences , Desolating Destroying Judgments , as War , Famin , Pestilence , Inundations and Earthquakes ; but the Righteousness of God is only revealed in the Gospel . God might have stopt in the Revelation of his Wrath , and have gone no farther : but he hath proceeded to reveal his Righteousness in the Gospel , that he is Just , and the Justifier of them that believe in Jesus , Rom. 3.25 , 26. The Fountain is now opened , in which we must wash ; the Ransom is now paid , for which we must be Released ; the Obedience is now performed , by which we must be Justified ; The Sun of Righteousness is now risen with Healing under his Wings , Mal. 4.2 . The glorious beams of this Sun of Righteousness dispels not only the thinner Mists of lesser Sins , but the thickest Clouds of Heinous Iniquities , that not only hide the Light of God's Countenance from us , but would pour down a storm of Vengeance upon us .

5. The Gospel is the Ministration of Righteousness , 2 Cor. 3.9 . and the Ministry of Reconciliation , 2 Cor. 5.18 . Christ , in sprinkling Nations with the dew of the Gospel , Isa. 52. last . he doth also sprinkle them with the drops of his Blood . Jesus Christ is Justified himself , Isa. 50.8 . and so in a full capacity to Justifie us ; and that because he hath born our Iniquities , Isa. 53.11 . He that hath loosed his own pains of Death , Act. 2.24 . can loose our bonds of Iniquity . There is an exhibiting , and Communication of Righteousness for Justification , in the Dispensation of the Gospel .

3. Consider the Excellency of this Righteousness , it is clean water to wash us , Ezek. 36.25 . It is clean Linen to adorn us , Revel. 19.8 . Saints are but a Candle , or Lamp of Righteousness , but this is a Glorious Sun , Mal. 4.2 . It is a during lasting Righteousness , it is styled Everlasting Righteousness , Dan. 9.24 . This garment never wears , or decays : It hath been of price and virtue in all Former Ages , and it will last till the end of the World ; yea , we may consider whether Saints shall not call Christ by this Glorious Name ( The Lord our Righteousness ) to Eternity . A Candle wastes and consumes , but so doth not the Sun . So this Sun of Righteousness will never decay , or lose his light and glory . The Blood of Christ is still fresh , he appeares , even now , as if he had been but a Lamb lately slain , Revel. 5.6 . And because his Blood is still so fresh , and the virtue of it so lasting , therefore the Redemption that flows from it is Eternal , Heb. 9.12 . But more particularly I shall set forth the excellency of Christ's Righteousness , and the pretiousness of his Sacrifice in these Following propositions .

1. Jesus Christ's Obedience , and Righteousness , was one whole entire piece ; it was a continual Series of Holy acts , without any interuption : our Righteousness is made up of patches , and pieces ; there are interuptions in our obedience , but Christ obey'd during his whole Life , and at last became obedient to the Death of the Cross , Phil. 2.8 . As Oxen of old did draw in the Yoke , and at last were Offered in Sacrifice . 2. Christ did neither stop or pause in his Work , or stray at all from his way , John 8.29 .

2. Jesus Christ did not pay our debt by halves , but discharged it at once ; in an intire sum . The Damned are always Suffering , and yet never satisfie God : But Jesus Christ offered one Sacrifice , the vertue of which lasts for ever ; and , by this one Sacrifice he perfected us for ever , Heb. 10.12.14 . Christ hath , by this one Sacrifice , put an end to all Offerings for Sin , Heb. 10.18 . Bloody Sacraments do cease in the Church , and Bloody Sacrifices are much abolished now out of the World .

3. Jesus Christ , by his Sacrifice , hath taken down the Vail , and opened a way to the Heavenly Sanctuary . This shewed that the Sacrifices of the Law were weak and defective ; that though they were still offered , yet the Vail still stood , and the way into the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest ; those Sacrifices could not give access to God , and entrance into Heaven : But this discovered the excellency and efficacy of Christ's Sacrifice , that when he Died , Matth. 27.50 , 51. The Vail of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom ; To intimate , that now a way to Heaven was made by the renting the Vail of Christ's Flesh , and by separating of his Soul from his Body , Heb. 10.19 . Christ , by travelling to Heaven , hath made a way ; by entring into it , he hath made a door ; by landing on the Shores of a Blessed Eternity , he hath made a Harbour ; this is a way still new , a living way : This way is never stale , dead , or out of date ; the High-Priest of old did kill a Sacrifice , and with the Blood of it he entred into the Typical Holy of Holies , Levit. 16.11.14 . But the virtue of that Sacrifice was exhausted , and the way made by it was dead , so that he could not enter again a Second year , without killing of a new Sacrifice : But Christ's Sacrifice is of such virtue , that it makes a way always new , a living , lasting way into the Heavenly Sanctuary ; that Believers in all ages may make use of .

4. Jesus Christ hath carried his Blood into Heaven , and Sprinkled the Throne of God with it . The Mercy-Seat was sprinkled with the Blood of the Sacrifice , Levit. 16.14 . and this did figure , and teach , that the Throne of God must be sprinkled with the Blood of Christ , and how admirable a change doth it make ? by turning a terrible Tribunal of Justice into a sweet and amiable Throne of Grace , Heb. 4. last . Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace , Dan. 7.9 , 10. God's Throne was like the fiery flame , and his wheeles as burning fire . God's Throne hath wheels to pursue Guilty Creatures , a fiery stream issued , and came forth from before him . This is a dreadful description of God's Throne , as a Tribunal of Justice : But now as it is sprinkled with the Blood of Christ , we have a most sweet discovery of it , Revel. 22.1 . There is a pure River of Water of Life , clear as Chrystal , proceeding out of the Throne of God , and the Lamb , and there is a Rain-bow round about the Throne , Revel. 4.3 . signifying the flood of God's Wrath is abated ; and that Christ is near the Throne to prevent a condemning Sentence issuing out of it , and a storm of Vengance falling from it .

5. Jesus Christ's Blood is still speaking in Heaven and never silent , Heb. 12.24 . And this speaking Blood drowns the voice of the accuser , and the cry of our Iniquities . Christ's representing , and pleading his Sacrifice in Heaven , is his burning Incense before the throne , Revel. 8.3 . to take away the stink of our Sins from the Nostrils of God .

6. Christ by his death , hath dedicated , consecrated , and confirmed a new Testament , Heb. 9.15 , 16. The threatnings were in force before for our destruction , but the promises could not be in force for our Salvation , but by the death of Christ . God might have confirmed his threatnings by our death , but he hath confirmed his promises by the death of Christ . How different is the Language of the Law , and of the Gospel ? The Law saith , where there is an Offence , there must be of Necessity the death of the Offender : But the Gospel speakes thus ; where there is a Testament there must of Necessity be the death of the Testator . Though Christ seemed to die as a Malefactor in the eye of the World , yet he died as a Testator in the eye of God , and Believers : Though he was emptied and impoverished , stript of all ; of his Liberty , Garments , good Name , and Life , by his Enemies ; yet even then he did Bequeath all good things , and died as a Testator to enrich others . O! that Jesus Christ should as it were put himself out of Possession of all , to put us into Possession of all good things , Heb. 9.11 . A Covenant could not be made between God and Sinners , but by Blood , Heb. 13.20 . Those words may be rendred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Shepherd of the Sheep , great , through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant . That Shepherd was indeed great , that by his blood could Establish an Everlasting Covenant . Covenants used to be made by killing Sacrifices , and cutting them in twain ; and the Covenanting persons passed between the pieces of the Sacrifices , Gen. 15.9 , 10.17 , 18. Jer. 34.14 . Now Christ the great Sacrifice was cut in twain , his Soul and Body were Separated from each other , and by our passing through the parts of his Sacrifice by Faith we pass ( as the Hebrew phrase is ) into Covenant with God , Deut. 29.12 . God might have torn us in pieces for our Covenant breaking , Psal. 50.22 . But O! what Grace is this that Jesus Christ should be cut in twain for the Renewing of the Covenant between God and us . Christ's Blood is of such efficacy , that it makes the Covenant Everlasting , always new . It is styled a New Covenant , Heb. 8.8 . that which will never be Antiquated , or Abrogated . God hath now put his Covenant into the best , and most Excellent form . It was first a promise , then a Covenant , but now it is stiled , a Testament . God hath finished his Covenant-Dispensations , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; I will finish , or perfect a New Covenant . It is so finished , that there is never to be any other Edition of the Covenant , Heb. 8.8 . it hath its last and final Sanction ; it hath the strongest Confirmation , by the Blood and Death of Jesus Christ . God hath spoken in these last days by his Son , Heb. 1.12 . and there is nothing beyond this , but seeing Face to Face .

Jesus Christ , by his Righteousness , hath Merited the application of his Blood , and the bestowing of all good things on us ; this seems the fairest sence of those words , in 2 Pet. 17. ( as they ly in our Translation ) Simon Peter , to those that have obtained like precious Faith with us , through the Righteousness of God , and our Saviour Jesus Christ ; that is , through the Mighty Merit of Christ's Righteousness the Elect obtain Faith it self , the Spirit or Sanctification , the New Heart ; these are the good things that our High-Priest brings , Heb. 9.11 . Christ having fulfilled to the Father his Promise , in the Covenant of Suretyship and Redemption , he gives to the Elect a right to all the Promises of the Covenant of Grace .

8. This Righteousness of Christ gives us a Title , and Right to the Heavenly Inheritance ; it is called , Justification of Life , Rom. 5.18 . The Righteousness of God and his Kingdom are joyned together , Matth. 6.33 . God's Righteousness gives us a title to , and a fitness for God's Kingdom . Glory it self seems to be styled , The Hope of Righteousness , Galat. 5.5 . This Righteousness of God gives us ground to hope for Heaven , and the possession of it is Executive Justification in the fullness of it . Ainsworth understands those words of the Psalmist as meant of imputed Righteousness , Psal. 17. last . In Righteousness I will behold thy face . This Righteousness of Christ assures us we shall see God's Face : we must first come to the Fountain set open for sin and uncleaness , that we may arrive at the Fountain of Life . We must touch at the Purifying Fountain , that we may have access to the quickening Fountain , Psal. 36.9 . We must first draw Waters at the Wells of Salvation , Isa. 12.3 . and then the Lamb will lead us to Living Fountains of Water , and God will wipe all Tears from our eyes , Rev. 7. last .

4. Consider the great benefits that they obtain , who have the Lord to be their Righteousness . 1. They are not only Pardoned , but Justified . Pardon may be given by a Prince's Prerogative , where there is no Compensation made for a wrong , but Justification is properly by an Obedience given , and satisfaction made to the Law . Our Pardon is not only a Fruit of Mercy , but an Act of Justice . God is Just in Justifying , Rom. 3.25 , 26. Blood is sprinkled on the Mercy-Seat , Levit. 16.14 . to intimate , that God was in Christ , reconciling the world to himself , 2 Cor. 5.19 . God did not , in a way of Sovereign Prerogative , reconcile the World to himself . He did it not alone by himself , or by a meer act of his own Will ; but he was in Christ , reconciling the World to himself . Grace reigns , but it is through Righteousness , Rom. 5. last . God is highly pleased by Christ , he honoured God's Holiness by Obedience to the Commands of the Law , and Glorified God's Justice by his enduring the Curse . Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to them that believe , Rom. 10.4 . All that the Law could aim at , or require , is fulfilled in Christ : he obeyed the Precept , and felt the edge of the Threatning ; because Believers are Justified in such a Righteous way , therefore they may Glory , Isa. 45. last , against all Accusations and Accusers ; against all Dangers and Threatnings .

2. The Justified are Redeemed from the Curse , and delivered from the wrath to come .

1. They are Redeemed from the Curse , by Christ's being made a Curse , Gal. 3.13 . The Apostle used the Abstract , taking it from Deut. 21. last . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , He that is Hanged is the Curse of God , God did take order for the Burying of him the same day that he was Hanged , Deut. 21.22 , 23. Cocceius doth think , that this very Law pointed at Christ , and doth Teach us , that Jesus Christ by bearing the Curse , so abolished it , that it was Buried with him the same day in his Grave . As sin is covered , and hid , Psal. 32.1 . so the Curse also must be Buried out of God's sight .

2. They are delivered from Wrath , and that because Jesus Christ was delivered up to Sufferings and Death . God delivered up Christ to Death , Rom. 8.32 . and therefore Jesus Christ can deliver us from Wrath , 2 Thess. 1. last . The sins of the Elect met with Christ , and fell on him with great violence ; the Reproaches of them that reproached God fell on him , Rom. 15.3 . The Ark was sitted to save Noah from the Flood , that drowned others : it was Pitched within and without , Gen. 6.11 , 14. so that no water could come in . So Christ was pitched within with a perfect sinless Righteousness , and without with a spotless Obedience ; and so is able to protect us from the Deluge of God's Wrath.

3. Those that are Justified have peace with God , and may dwell safe from the fear of evil , Prov. 1. last . As in the Text it is said , Israel shall dwell safely . The chastisement of our peace was laid on Christ : We may put away our sins , because God laid them on Christ . It is a great thing to have Conscience purged from dead works , Heb. 9.14 . and to be purified from an evil Conscience , Heb. 10.22 . not to have Conscience as a continual accuser and tormentor . Augustin , in his Confessions , saith , He could remember his old sins without horrour . A Man doth not fear a Cancelled Bond. The Israelites did not dread the drowned Egyptians , when they saw them dead on the Sea-shore , Exod. 14.30 . The smart , the anguish , the burden of an accusing Conscience is not to be expressed . I have Read of one Pausanias , a Lacedemonian Captain , that killed a Virgin that was brought to him , but would not be exposed to his Lust : After this Cruel Fact , he was seized with such Horrour , that though he being a Heathen himself , had tried all the ways of Purification in use among them , yet he could not recover any Peace , but was a continual Terrour to himself . Pausanias , a Grecian Writer , hath this History in his Laconica . Varenius , in his History of Japan , cap. 5. tells us of one Angarus , a Native of Japan , that Murder'd a Man , and was seized with such Terror and Anguish of Mind , that he could not shake off , or get rid of : But , hearing of a New Religion Taught in China , and in the East Indies , he took a Voyage , and Sailed to meet with Francis Xavioeur , that by his Instructions he might get some Healing of his wounded Conscience , and was the first Instrument to bring the Christian Religion into Japan . O! what an excellent Fruit is this of Christ's Blood , to be delivered from the beginnings of Hell in Soul Torments , and to have the First-fruits of Heaven in Spiritual Peace and Joy .

4. Those that are clothed with Christ's Righteousness , have a sure and permanent state of Justification ; so that new Acts of Guilt shall not subvert and destroy it , or lay their Persons under the Sentence of Eternal Death . There is a simple hatred and guilt ; and there is a hatred and guilt redounding on the persons of Offenders . Believers , by , and for new acts of Sin , deserve to be hated of , and condemned by God ; but guilt and hatred do not redound on their Persons , but fall on their Sins . It is very observable , that though Simeon and Levi had been guilty of heinous crimes , in killing the Shechemites ; yet they being probably Good Men in the Main ; Jacob doth not Curse their Persons , but Curses their Anger , and their Wrath , Gen. 49.7 . this was so cruel , that it might have brought a Curse on them ; but Jacob , that was guided by the Holy Ghost , layes the Curse on their evil and extravagant Passions , but not on their Persons . It is expresly said , There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus , Rom. 8.1 . Jesus Christ can have no Accursed , or Condemned Members ; such are passed from death to life , and shall never come into Condemnation , John 5.24 . Jesus Christ hath Merited for Believers the Pardon of all their Sins , and Christ still appears in the Presence of God , to Answer Accusers , and to prevent Condemnation , Heb. 9.23 , 24. It would be very hard for any to assert , that New Acts of Sin do stop , or obstruct the Intercession of Christ for Believers ; If any Man sin , we have an Advocate with the Father , Jesus Christ the Righteous , 1 John 2.12 . His Righteousness doth render his Intercession powerful and prevalent for their pardon : the Lamb of God is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , taking away the sin of the World , John 1.29 . The Blood of Christ , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , doth cleanse away sin . It is God , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Rom. 8.33 . that is , Justifying , or that Justifieth . These three expressions do note a continued act of God and Christ , that Christ is still taking away sin , cleansing from it , to distill Justifying Believers from their Iniquities . The Israelites that were the Church of God , had an Atoning Sacrifice day and dight Burning on the Altar , Numb. 16.9 . Psal. 50.8 . which did not only signifie their continual need of Pardon , that sin might not fix and settle on them ; but did also import the perpetual influence and efficacy of the Blood of Christ ; for the keeping of Believers in a Justified State , and acceptance with God . If by reason of wrong steps taken , God ceaseth to Justifie , and the Blood of Christ to speak on the behalf of offending Believers , they must certainly be Condemned : If the guilt of one sin redounds on the person , and sticks on the Soul , a state of Justification is destroyed : For how can a Man be Justified , and Condemned at the same time ? if every new sin redounds on the Person , and shuts it up under Guilt , Then how can there be any such thing as a state of Justification continuing one hour ? But it is said , ordinary Infirmities are pardoned without explicit or particular acts of Repentance , but it is not so with greater sins . But should not persons do well to consider , whether God hath two ways to pardon ? whether a General Repentance will serve to remove some Sins , but a more particular Repentance is requisite , that God may pardon more heinous and grievous sins : if these affect the person , and lay him under Condemnation till deeper Repentance , and more explicit acts of Faith be put forth , What is become of a state of Justification ? Was David under Condemnation , and the Curse , while he lay long in a stupid state ? Surely he was a Justified Man , or else he was out of Christ , and fallen under the Curse . It is said that God hath given Believers everlasting life , 1 John 5.11 . and , that he who believeth hath everlasting life , John 5.24 . Is the Sentence of life , Rom. 5.18 . revoked by new acts of sin ? Is this gift of life retracted ? Is the blood of Christ wiped away from the Conscience by new Transgressions : We read that the blood of Christ purgeth away sin , 1 John 1.7 . but never that sin purgeth away the blood of Christ , and wipes it off from the Conscience . Let not any here mistake me , I am no Patron of Sin , I do not plead for careless and loose walking ; if any indulge the Flesh , they shall feel to their smart and cost , that God hath Fatherly Anger , Justice , and Severity , and the fruits of it are terrible : God hides his Face , suspends the comfortable and quickning Influences of his Spirit , so that the heart is hardened , Isa. 63.17 . the Church thus complains , Why hast thou hardened our hearts from thy Fear ? Jesus Christ withdraws himself , and leaves the Soul in a dark , doubting , and disconsolate state , Cant. 5.45.6 . There are also sharp Temporal Afflictions laid on believers , as that the Sword should not depart from David's House , and that his Concubines should be defiled by Absalom , 2 Sam. 12.10 , 11. yea , there may be much Trouble , and Terror of Conscience , because Unbelief is strengthened by this new Guilt contracted , and the Spirit of God is grieved , and doth not powerfully apply , testifie , and seal Pardon , till explicit acts of Faith and Repentance be put forth . Yet I must assert this with the Scripture , That Believers do not again , a second time , or more , receive the Spirit of bondage to fear , Rom. 8.15 . The Spirit in the Word doth not testifie to a Believer , that he is a Condemned Man , in a state of Hostility with God , and that God is his Enemy , as it testifies to Unregenerate Men. Besides , this is much to be considred , that a Believer doth not Sin according to the New Man , but according to the remainders of the Old Man : It is not the new Graft that bears corrupt fruit , but the old Stock , Rom. 7.17 . Now it is no more I that do it , but Sin that dwelleth in me . The New Man hates Sin , consents to , and delights in the Law of God as good , Rom. 7.15 , 16.19.22.25 . I my self serve the Law of God . He that is born of God committeth not Sin : He cannot Sin , because born of God , 1 John 3.9 . How then can guilt redound on the whole person , when the New Man , that is the predominant party , doth not Sin ? If it be said , that Sin committed redounds on the person according to the Old Man , this will amount to no more than Fatherly anger , and Temporary Chastisements that fall on the Old Man , that must decay , be pulled down to the dust , and perish ; but they shall not hinder the Salvation of the person , according to the New Man . It is true , that Christ doth direct us dayly to pray for Pardon of Sins , Matth. 6.12 . And David did earnestly , and frequently sollicit for Forgiveness , Psal. 51.1.7.9 . But these Scriptures may be thus understood , that Believers ( for it is of them only that I speak ) do deprecate the Fruits , and effects of Gods Fatherly anger , both in Temporal , and Spiritual Judgments . They petition for the turning away of God's Fatherly displeasure , the removing of outward Afflictions , and Spiritual Punishments , the return of the sweet sense of Gods Favour , the lifting up of the light of his Countenance on them ; the shedding abroad of his Love in them . The removing of Temporal , and Spiritual Judgements , is both a proper , and excellent Pardon . If any be otherwise minded , let them Answer a little Piece of Mr. Gilbert's written on this Subject .

Justified persons have a sure , and strong standing in the Grace , and Favour of God , Rom 5.2 . By Faith we have an entrance into this Grace , in which we stand and rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God . Justified persons are Established firmly in the favour of God : Though Hagar and Ismael were cast out of Abraham's House , Gen. 21.10 , 12 , 13. yet Isaac , the Child of the promise , was still retained . God loves Believers with the same love , that he loves Christ with , John 17. last . And God's love to Christ is not mutable , and changeable , but fixed , and certain . Justified persons may therefore challeng all accusers , Who shall lay any thing to the Charge of God's Elect ; It is God that Justifieth ? Is there any higher Judge ? Is there any other Superiour Tribunal , to which the person may be cited , and his cause drawn ? It is Jesus Christ that Died , and Rose again : He was arrested , and is released , and discharged . He was Baptized in a deep Sea of Sorrows , and Sufferings , yet was not drowned , but Swam out to the Shores of a Blessed Eternity : Yea , he is ascended into the Heavenly . Sanctuary , to plead his blood , and Represent his Righteousness ; And will not this stop the mouths of all gain-sayers , and Silence all accusers ? We may now draw near to God the Judge of all , as being assured , he will not only Justifie us , but also plead our cause against those that wrong us . Christ now being ascended , he lives to execute his own Testament , and bestow his own Legacies , Acts 5.31 . To give Repentance , and Remission of Sins . The Mercies of the new Covenant are sure Mercies , Isa. 55.3 . Acts 13.34 , 35. Because Christ is Dead , and Risen again to give them Faith . Jesus Christ in Heaven asks for the Travel of his Soul , and the Purchase of his Blood , and cannot be denied : He interceeds with Authority . There was a Crown of pure Gold about the Altar of incense , Exod. 30.3 . to intimate , that our High-Priest doth interceed effectually , and with Authority , John 17.24 . Father , I will , that those thou hast given me , may be with me , that they may see my Glory . The Apostle Paul proposeth a Farther Question ; Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ ? and he thus answereth it himself : I am perswaded that neither Life , nor Death , things present , or things to come , shall be able to separate us from the Love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord . The Love of God is fixed , the Heart of God is centred on Jesus Christ , and shall never depart , or remove from him . Christ is the strong and everlasting bond whereby Gods Love is secured , and assured to us . What greater security can God give us than his Oath to perswade us of the Immutability of his counsel : God hath twice sworn , that the Heires of promise might have strong Consolation . God saith thus to the Church , I have sworn that I will not be Wroth with thee ; that is , to destroy thee , nor Rebuke thee , so as to disinherit thee , Isa. 54.9 . And as God hath Sworn to secure us from the greatest Evils , so he Swears again to assure us of the greatest good . By my self have I Sworn ( saith God to Abraham ) that in Blessing I will Bless thee , Heb. 6.13 , 14.

Those to whom Christ is made Righteousness , do also receive the Holy Spirit . The clean Water of Christ's Blood , and the Spirit do go together , Ezek. 36.25.27 . Tit. 3.5 . 1 Cor. 6.11 . Psal. 51.12 . Some call the gift of the Spirit Executive Justification ; they mean that God executes the Sentence of Justification by bestowing the Spirit , to break off our Chaines , burn up our Dross , purge away our Filth , and make us free from the Law of Sin , and Death , Rom. 8.2 . Though the Law of Sin be a strong , and powerful Law to inslave us ; yet the Law of the Spirit of Life is more mighty to set us free ; as Jesus Christ , by his Blood , redeems us to be the Temple of God , so by his Spirit he comes into his Temple , takes Possession of it , and fills it with his Glory . As we live by the Sentence of Justification , so Christ lives in us by the Spirit of Sanctification , Gal. 2.20 . The Spirit is given as a Tree of Life , and all Graces are the Fruits of the Spirit , Gal. 5.22 . The Holy Ghost is given as the well of all Living Waters , and Spritual streames , John 4.14 . John 7.37 , 38 , 39. By Faith we drink in the very Well it self , and therefore Believers can never be totally dry : He that Believeth on me shall never thirst , John 6.35 . Observe , and compare the words of God the Father , Zech. 13.7 . with the words of the Church , Cant. 4. last . As God said once , Awake , O Sword , against my Shepherd , against the Man that is my Fellow ; smite the Shepherd : so the Church now saith daily ; Awake , O North wind ! and blow O South wind ! upon my Garden , that the Spices of it may flow forth . Because the Sword of Justice hath awaked terribly against Christ , the Spirit may sweetly awake , and blow on our Soules , excite , quicken , and draw forth Grace into act and exercise . Christ gives his people the Glory that the Father gave him , John 17.22 . Musculus understands this Glory to be the gift of the Holy Ghost . The Spirit was on Christ , Isa. 61.1 . and given to him , John 3.34 . And Christ communicates this glorious Spirit to his Members , as the soul of the whole mystical body , and this makes them one with the Father , and the Son , and perfects them in one , because they participate of the Spirit that proceeds from the Father and the Son , and have by it a new divine Nature , and do aim at , design and seek the Glory of the Father and the Son , as they do design their own Glory .

6. The Prayers of Justified persons are acceptable to , and powerful with God ; for the Spirit that testifies God's Grace to Believers , doth make Intercessions in them . As a Spirit of Grace it gives Encouragement to Prayer , as a Spirit of Supplication , it gives assistance in Prayer , Zeck. 12.10 . Rom. 8.26 . This is the Fire from Heaven , that warms our cold hearts , and kindles all our Sacrifices , that they may flame upwards . The Prayer of a Believer is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 James 5.16 . A deep in-wrought Prayer , it is not born in the lips , but springs from the Soul . Luther on Genesis well expresses it , it is not Spuma oris , sed singulus cordis ; The Foam of the Mouth ; but the Throbbing , and Sighing of the Heart . The Holy Ghost breaths in Holy Affections , and the Soul then breaths out holy desires , and expressions . Saints pray as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as those that are possessed , and acted mightily by the Spirit of God ; hence it is that they so strive , and wrestle with God ; and their prayers are so much valued and desired by Christ . Those are wonderful words , Cant. 2.14 . Christ saith to the Church , Let me see thy face , let me hear thy voice . He that seeth his Father's Face above , desires to see Petitioners Faces below : He that hears the Songs , the Hallelujahs of Angels , of Saints in Heaven ; desires to hear the Voice , the Suits of Believers on Earth . And as their Prayers are desired , so they are accepted . The Prayer of the upright is God's delight , Prov. 15.8 . They Pray in Christ's powerful Name , John 16.23 , 26. and he adds the Incense of his Merits to the Prayers of all Saints , Rev. 8.3 . and so takes away the Iniquity of their Holy Things . The Altar had a Grate of Brass , Exod. 27.4 . the use of it was , to separate the Earthy , and Grosser part of the Sacrifice , and to let the Ashes through . So Christ is an Altar that hath a Grate , he separates our sins , our defects , our weaknesses , from our services ; yea , he is the Altar on which our Offerings must be laid , and that renders our Sacrifices acceptable to God , Isa. 60.7 . It is said , that the Offerings of Believers shall ascend 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , upon Good-Will my Altar . God speaks , and puts this glorious Name on Christ : Good-Will my Altar . What an encouragement is this to Saints , that are Spiritual Priests to offer Holy Sacrifices ? seeing they have Good-Will for their Altar ? God is so pleased with , and delights in Christ , that he calls him , Good-Will my Altar .

7. All the outward and Temporal Mercies of Justified Persons are heightened and sweetened to them by the Spring from whence they flow , and they have a new tast . He delivered me ( saith David ) because he delighted in me , Psal. 18.19 . In love to my Soul ( saith Hezekiah ) he hath delivered me from the pit of corruption , having cast all my sins behind his back , Isa. 38.17 . Even Temporal Mercies are Glasses , in which they see their Father's Face , and are Stairs , or Ladders , by which their Hearts are raised to God . Jehoshaphat had an Established Kingdom , Riches and Honour in abundance ; And what was the fruit and effect of this ? his heart was lifted up in the ways of God , 2 Chron. 17.5 , 6. Earthly Enjoyments do usually fuel Men's Lusts , but they fed and inflamed Hezekiah's Love to God : they are , to Carnal Men , Weights that press them down : the Prosperity of Fools doth destroy them , Prov. 1.32 . but , through Grace , they are Wings to raise Saints Souls to God . Believers enjoy their outward Mercies by a Spiritual Right ; they have them by Promise , Heb. 11.9 . Canaan was the Land of Promise , and Abraham was Heir to it by the Righteousness of Faith , Rom. 4.13 . Sacrifices were slain that Typified Christ , and then God entred into a Covenant with Abraham , gave , and assured Canaan to him , Gen. 15.8 , 9 , 10 , 17 , 18. Believers have a Right to Earthly things by God's Promise , and Christ's Death , who is the Heir of all things , Heb. 1.2 . Earthly things are but as Cyphers ; but God adds a great Figure to them , to make them signifie something , Gen. 17.8 . I will give thee the Land of Canaan , and I will be thy God : they are to Believers but additional things , as an over-plus cast into the Kingdom of God , as the Principal , Matth. 6.33 . So the Country of Sihon , and Og the King of Bashan were given to Israel , that they might have a passage to Canaan their Inheritance , Deut. 2.30 . Deut. 3.1 . So God gives the Earth to his People , that they may have a passage through it to their Heavenly Country .

8. All the Afflictions of Justified persons , 1. Are allayed , and mitigated . Saints do acknowledge , that God punishes them less than their Iniquities do deserve , Ezra 9.13 . the Wind is not so high , the Furnace is not so hot , the Burden is not so heavy , as their sins do Merit : yet God , as a Father , accounts the Sufferings of his People to be too much , Isa. 40.1 . Thou hast received double at the hand of the Lord for thy sins . These Sufferings , that are not enough to Rigorous Justice , are too many to Fatherly Mercy : He stops his Hand , sheathes his Sword , throws away his Rod , when yet our Sins call for more Strokes and Stripes . He refines us , but not with Silver , Isa. 48.10 . he doth not so long keep us in the Furnace of Affliction till our Dross is quite separated and consumed ; for then our whole life would be nothing else but a Series of Misery , and Sufferings . 2. Our Afflictions have a new face ; they are not the fruits of pure Vindictive Justice , or Wounds from an Incensed Implacable Judge ; but Chastisements from a Father : who , tho' he Corrects in time yet is pacified , and reconciled for Eternity : Yea , Afflictions spring from God's Care of us , and Love to us . Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth , and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth . If you endure chastening , God dealeth with you as sons , Heb. 12.6 , 7. Those that are without Chastisement are Bastards , and not Sons : those that are an Illegitimate spurious seed the Father is ashamed to own , and acknowledge them , or to take any care about their breeding and education , and regards not to correct them when they do amiss : but a Lawful Posterity are better bred , duely taught , and timely corrected ; and God Chastens them with Judgment , not in Anger , Jer. 10.24 . God may be said to Correct with Judgment when he considers their Relation , and the Nearness of his People to him , Lam. 2.20 . Behold ! O Lord ! and consider , to whom hast thou done this ? and , when God considers , rather how little his People can bear , than how much they deserve ; and God hath gracious ends in Afflicting his People , 1. That they may not be Condemned , and perish with the wicked World , 1 Cor. 11.32 . We are judged and chastened of the Lord , that we may not be condemned with the World . 2. God Afflicts to purge away sin , to separate us from our dross of Iniquity , and sin of Hypocrisie , Isa. 1.25 . this is the fruit and end of Corrections to take away sin , Isa. 27.9 . to drive away that Spiritual folly that is in our hearts . God is a Refining Fire , that he may not be a consuming fire , as a Physitian takes away Blood , to allay a Feaver , and cure a Disease . 3. God designs , by Afflictions , to make us partakers of his Holiness , Heb. 12.10 , 11. that we might learn more to live to him , and be brought more to live on him , that we might less solace our selves in the Creature , and more delight in himself : that we might be more conformed to him , and be better fitted to converse with him . Though Afflictions are Punishments to the Old Man , to pull it down ; yet they are Mercies to the New Man , to build it up . A poor Man would quietly suffer his Lord to pull down an old decaying sinking Cottage , if he did believe that he designed to raise , and build up a strong and better House : all Afflictions tend but to wast , and extinguish the life of the First Adam in the Body , to make room for , and to let in the glorious life of Christ into it at the Resurrection . 4. This is a weighty and powerful consideration , to lessen , and lighten the anguish and bitterness of our Afflictions ; that Justification gives a Fatal and Mortal Blow at the root of them . The time is coming , when the Inhabitants of Zion shall not any more say , that they are sick , for their Iniquities shall be forgiven them , Isa. 33. last . God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of Saints : there shall be no more pain , sorrow , or crying , no more Death , Revel. 21.4 . No more Curse , Revel. 22.3 . The days of Saints mourning shall be at an end , Isa. 60.20 . All Afflictions are but short and momentary , and therefore but light , 2 Cor. 4.17 .

9. Death is an Advantage to Justified Persons . Death is theirs , 1 Cor. 3.22 . To die is gain , Phil. 1.21 . In Death the Wicked Fear the greatest evil , but the Righteous hope for the greatest good , Prov. 14.32 . When the Body falls under the Bondage of Corruption , the Souls of Believers are perfectly freed from the Bondage of Sin . Though it be a Mournful Seed-time to our Flesh , it is sown in corruption , 1 Cor. 15.42 . yet it is a Joyful Harvest to the Spirit , for it reaps Everlasting Life , Gal. 6.8 . Death , that is in it self , the most terrible thing , hath Colour put into its pale Cheeks ; and it is changed into a comfortable thing . Death in Christ is the purchase of all our happiness ; and Death , to Believers , is the way to possess it : by Christ's Death they are Heirs in Reversion ; by their own Death they are Heirs in Possession : that which utterly impoverishes others , greatly enriches them : that which kills the Body , perfectly cures the Soul . When our baser part shall return to the Dust , feed Worms , dwell in the darkness of the Grave ; our better part shall be called up to the Marriage Feast , to see the Face of God , and dwell in glorious Light , and Reign in a Blessed Life . Christ hath made Death Mortal , and threatens to be a Plague , a Deadly disease to it , and to be Destruction to the Grave , Hos. 13 , 14.

10. Justified Persons shall Rise by the Power of Christ their Head , and Second Adam , 1 Cor. 15.22 . His Spirit will find out the Ruines and Rubbish of its old Temple , and build it up again , as a Glorious , and Everlasting habitation for it self , Rom. 8.11 . in Saints that shall be found alive at the last day ; mortality shall be swallowed up of life , 2 Cor. 5.4 . Dead Saints shall be raised , and , in them , Death shall be swallowed up in victory , 1 Cor. 15.54 . a Body shall be formed up again ; so the Grave shall lose its Victory , this Body shall be animated , and alive , so Death shall lose its sting , 1 Cor. 15.55 . when the Soul bears the Image of Christ in Holiness , 2 Cor. 3. last . and the being in a Glorious Immortality , 1 Cor. 15.49 . then we shall be satisfied with his likeness , Psal. 17. last . then Christ will give his Members clear and full Evidences of their Adoption , Rom. 9.23 . when their Bodies shall be redeemed from the Bondage of Corruption ; and Soul and Body both shall possess a lot in the Heavenly Canaan , Dan. 12. last . As Saints die to the Lord , Rom. 14.8 . sleep in him , 1 Thes. 4.14 . so they shall be made alive in Christ , 1 Cor. 15.21 , 22.

11. Christ that is our Righteousness , will be our Judge , Acts 17.31 . and will he not clear , and acquit those , that he hath already Justified , Isa. 53.11 . Christ now over-looks the Failings of his People , he calls the Church Vndefiled , when she confessed her Infirmity , that she Slept , Cant. 5.2 . He saith to his Disciples , you have abode with me in my Temptations , Luke 22.28 . He might as truly have sald , you are those , that will presently fly , and leave me in , and under my greatest Temptation ; but Christ passes over this in the great day he mentions ; the Fruits of his Peoples charity to their honour , Matth. 25.35 , 36 , 37. He rips not up their failings and defects in Love , to their disgrace . Is it likely , that he who is our Saviour , our Mediator , our Advocate , our Bridegroom , will bring forth to Light all our Sins ? Will he not own his own Righteousness imputed to them ; Recognize his own Blood Sprinkled on them , and do Right to it ? Will he not give forth the White Stone to them , that are cloathed with Linen white , and clean ? Revel. 2 , 17. Revel. 19.8 . The new Covenant pardons , Jer. 31.34 . Ezek. 36.25 . And as there hath been Sententia Legis , the Sentence of the Law of Grace ; so there shall be Sententia Judicis , the Sentence of the Judg , to confirm , and fully execute it . Sins shall be blotted out , not only out of God's Book , and out of our Consciences , but also out of our conditions , that in them shall Remain no Footstep of Sin , or mark of Wrath. Believers could not be safe , or set beyond danger , if he were not their Judge , who was made Sin , and a Curse for them ; and procured Reconciliation and Remission , and Eternal Life to be bestowed on them : The last Act of Christ is , not only a Kingly , but a Sacerdotal , or Priestly Act : After the Priest of the Law had offered Sacrifice and Burnt Incense , then he came forth and Blessed the people : For this Reason the people waited for the coming forth of Zechary the Priest , Luke 1.21 . So our great High-Priest will Crown his Sacrifice and intercession with a Blessing , Matth. 25.34 . Come ye Blessed of my Father , Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World .

5. Consider the woful condition of those , that are not Interested in this Righteousness .

1. It is wished as the worst Curse , and denounced as the greatest Evil , for Men not to come into the Righteousness of God ; Add Iniquity to their Iniquity , and let them not come into thy Righteousness , Psal. 69.27 . It was the Sin of the Jews , that they Submitted not to the Righteousness of God , Rom. 10.3 . and this is inflicted as a suitable punishment ; Let them not come into thy Righteousness . Their own choice is turned into a dreadful imprecation ; for ,

1. Such will add Iniquity to Iniquity : as it is expressed in the Psal. 69.27 . They will do nothing else but multiply provocations , increase guilt , heighten and inflame Wrath ; run further from God , and harden themselves more against God .

2. Such as Reject Christ , and his Righteousness , are under the Law as a Covenant , Gal. 4.21 . This is their choice , this is their desire , they would be under the Law ; and this is a bad state ; for ,

1. The Law gives no strength , or Life , John 1.17 . The Law came by Moses ; but Grace and Truth by Jesus Christ . It is only an urging Letter , an exacting Command ; all the Grace to obey comes by , and from Jesus Christ : The Law doth not quicken our dead Soules , it is only a sound of words ; it gives us no power . Therefore when the Israelites heard it they could not bear it , but desired that the word should not be spoken to them any more , Heb. 12.19.20 . Hereby they confessed their guilt , impotency , insufficiency , and utter despair of keeping the Law , as it ought to be obeyed . Hagar was a young Woman , and bare Ismael by Natural strength . So the Law supposes , that we should have kept the strength , that God bestowed at our first Creation , and by it render perfect obedience to its Commands : But the new Covenant restores Life , and gives strength . So Sarah , though she was barren , and now past age , yet by Faith received strength to conceive Seed , Heb. 11.11 . But the Law gives no strength , furnishes us with no new stock to trade again with : It doth not change the Table of the Heart , it is still a Stony , hard Rebellious Heart . The Law is weak as to its commands , because our Lusts are so strong , and its Promises are weak and ineffectual ; because our Flesh is so powerful , and predominant , Rom. 8.3 . Moses did only hew , smooth , and plain the Tables , Exod. 34.1 . but he did not make them soft , they still remained Stone : So , however the Law may smooth , and polish Men's Conversations , yet their wills are still perverse , and obstinate against its Spiritual Commands , Isa. 48.4 . I knew thou wast obstinate , and hast an Iron sinew . Moses did Conquer the utmost Borders , and the out-skirts of Canaan , as the Country of Sihon , and Og the King of Bashan ; but did not pierce into the Heart of the Country , and subdue it : This was lest to Joshua , a Type of Jesus Christ . The utmost the Law doth , is but to restrain Sin in the Conversations , and to Reform the Life ; when Men serve in the oldness of the Letter ; but Sin still keeps its Throne in the Heart : Proud Hypocrisy , or raging Despair is usually found in Legalists . Though the Israelites heard the Law given by God himself , saw his dreadful , terrible Majesty , and Glory , in the giving of it , yet they presently fell to Idolatry , Exod. 32.1.4 , 5 , 6. This Idolatry so soon Commited , did shew , that the Law gave no power to obey and fullfil its own Commands .

2. The Law abates nothing , remits nothing of its demands on the account of our weakness : It requires as much service of Sick and weak Man , as if he were sound , and strong : It calls for as full payment of the poor Bankrupt Creature as if it were Rich: The Law makes no composition with , or allowance to decayed and insolent debters ; yea , though it doth Curse us for our Disobedience to , and Enmity against God , yet , at the same time it Requires us to Love God with all our Heart , Mind , Soul and Strength , Matth. 22.37 .

3. The Law , by woful experience , is found to stir up Sin , when it 's most pure and Spiritual Commands are urged upon the Conscience : The motions of Sin are said to be by the Law , Rom. 7.5 . When the strict Commands of the Law are pressed on the Conscience , indweling Sin rouses up it self ; growes more Violent , and Outragious . A Bridge , set over , and giving some check to a stream , causes its smooth calm waters to rage , and make a noise ; so Sin becomes more impetuous by that opposition that it meets withal from the Law of God . The Apostle Paul saith ; That Sin taking occasion by the Law deceived him , and so slew him , Rom. 7.7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11. When the Commandments came , Sin revived ; raised up it self more to resist , and contradict the Law of God . This was very strange , and surprizing to Paul , he was decived in this , he thought the Law would have repressed , beaten down , and mortified Sin ; but it rather fortified it . As a Man that doth not know the Nature of Burning Lime , thinks , by pouring a little water on it , to quench it ; but when he seeth that this water makes it to burn more vehemently and fiercely ; How would he , as amazed , cry out , How am I deceived , that the water should increase the Fire , that I thought would extinguish it ? So , the Law doth not weaken Sin , but rather strengthen it , and render it more violent .

4. The Law punishes every Sin with Death . Every Lust is mortal , every wrong step is fatal , and corrupt Fruit is pernitious , and destructive . Though Ismael might be guilty of many other offences , yet for a weighty reason Moses mentions but one , and that was his mocking at Isaac , and for this he was cast out , and cast off , Gen. 21.8 , 9 , 10 , 11. Ismael was Hagar's Child , and , so , a Type of them that cleave to the Covenant of Works . The Law Curses for every act of Disobedience , Deut. 27. last . One offence according to the Covenant of Works , is enough to undo , and Ruin a Man to Eternity .

5. There is no access to God by the Covenant of Works . When the Law was given , Bounds were set about Mount Sinai to keep off the people of Israel , they were charged not to break through . Death was denounced as the Punishment of those that touched the Mountain , Exod. 19.12.13.21 . The people therefore removed , and stood a-far off , Exod. 20.18 . None of the other Priests , or Worshiping Israelites might enter into the Tabernacle till Atonement was made for their Sins by Aaron the High-Priest , Levit. 16 , 17. But after that Sacrifices were Slain , Offered , and their Blood Sprinkled on the Altar and the People ; then Moses , Aaron , and Seventy of the Elders of Israel ascended Mount Sinai , and saw the Glory of the God of Israel , Exod. 24.4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. These Sacrifices were but Types of Christ's Death : he died , the Just for the Unjust , to bring us to God , 1 Pet. 3.18 . else we are shut out of the Glorious Presence of God , and cut off from all Gracious and Blessed Communion with him . God is not accessible : by the Covenant of Works guilty Creatures are kept off from him .

6. The Law genders to Bondage , Galat. 4.22 . a Spirit of Bondage to Fear attends it , Rom. 8.15 . as Hagar and Ismael had a slavish Fear of Abraham , as a Master , rather than a Conjugal Love to him as a Husband , or a Filial Love to him as a Father . Those under the Covenant of Works are still doubting of God's Favour , questioning his Love , dreading of his Wrath : They do not know whither Death will carry them , and where Judgment will fix them ; and therefore , through the Fear of Death , they are all their Life-time subject to Bondage , Heb. 2.15 . the fear of the evil that is future doth embitter to them all present Good . The Law was given in such a Manner , that it was designed to strike Fear and Terror into Sinners . The Israelites were then alone with God in the Wilderness , separated from all other Nations . This might intimate , that God and the Sinner shall be alone together , and all pleasing Company and delightful Enjoyments shall be shut out . The Thunder did roar in their Ears , and the Lightning did flash and flame in their Eyes , and the Earth did tremble under their Feet , Exod. 19.16 , 18. Whither shall a Guilty Sinner betake himself , when the Heavens do threaten Vengeance over his head , and the Earth seems sinking under his feet . The Mountain did burn with fire , Exod. 19.16 , 18. with Deut. 5.23 . this did represent the fiery Throne of God , and his burning Wrath , wherewith , as a Judge , he is Armed , to punish and destroy those that trust in their Works , and will have to do with God according to the Covenant of Works . But though the Mountain did burn , yet it was not consumed . So , guilty Creatures shall burn in the fire of God's Wrath , yet never be consumed , or cease to be . There was Blackness , Darkness and Tempest , Heb. 12.18 . These pointed at the perplexed state of a Sinner , the horrour and consternation of the Soul , when God , the Judge , doth shew his Justice and Wrath for the Violation of the Condition of the Covenant of Works . O what black darkness will cover Sinners ! O what a Terrible Storm and Tempest will one day be raised in , and fall upon their Souls . The sound of the Trumpet , that was exceeding loud , Exod. 19.19 . Heb. 12.19 . did signifie , that Sinners must be cited to , and presented before the Tribunal of God ; neither can any decline , or avoid appearing before God's Justice-Seat : Yet the Apostle calls this Mount Sinai , a Mountain , that was in it self Tangible , or might be touched , that so it was an Earthly and Material Mountain , because the Dispensation of the Law , and Covenant of Works , is but a low Dispensation : A Natural Man may Touch , and Reach this ; that God will inflict evil on those that rebel and do evil . When as the Covenant of Grace is a Spiritual , and Invisible Mountain , far above the reach and comprehension , above the sight and ken of a Natural Man . And what did all this Terror , in giving the Law , tend to , but to raise a Spirit of Bondage in sinners , and , by Fear , to drive and force sinners to some External Obedience to the Letter of the Law , which yet they perform with Regret and Reluctancy , and not with Love and delight .

7. There is no enjoyment of the Eternal Inheritance by the Law ; the Bond-woman and her Son were to be cast out , Galat. 4.20 , 21. Gen. 21.8.10 . Ismael was not admitted , or allowed to be an Heir with Isaac . He did not Inherit Abraham's Rich Estate . Moses could not bring the Israelites into , or give them possession of the Land of Canaan ; this , Joshua , the Type of Christ , did . Hagar and Ismael were turned out with a small pittance : they had but a few Loaves , and a Bottle of Water . It may seem strange , that Rich Abraham should provide no better for his Wife and Child ; but there was a Mystery in it : it served to instruct us , that those that are of the works of the Law , cannot be Heirs of Heaven : cannot possess any Spiritual Riches , or an Eternal portion in Glory ; but are put off with Temporary , Momentary Comforts and Enjoyments . What are the best things that this World affords ? What are Earthly Riches , Honours or Pleasures , compared with an Eternal Happiness ? they are but as a few Loaves of Bread , and a Bottle of Water . When Hagar and Ismael were turned out , they wandered in a Wilderness , Gen. 21.14 . O what a difference was there between the plenty and abundance of Abraham's Family , and the wants of a Barren Wilderness ? The World it self is but a Wilderness , compared with the Paradise of God , Revel. 2.7 . A Legal state under the Covenant of Works , What is it but a wretched Barren Wilderness ? In our flesh dwells no good , Rom. 7.18 . and therefore the Law promises us no good . And may not this state be fitly compared to a Wilderness , in which we are destitute of all good .

8. Though the Law be Ancient , yet it is not Abrogated , but still stands in full Force against those that are out of Christ . Though Moses was old , yet his Eye-sight did not decay , neither did his Natural Force and Vigour abate , Deut. 34.9 . This seems to point at the Perpetual Strength and standing Obligation of the Law . Mens Laws grow absolete , and out of date : by age they are silently Abrogated and Repealed : but it is not so with God's Law . As God required Moses's his Life when he was in full strength ; and then Buried him , Deut. 34.5 , 6. So Christ puts an end to the Law , as a Covenant of Works , and Buries its Curse , when it was in its full strength . As many as are of the Works of the Law , are under the Curse , Gal. 3.10 . though they are not grosly wicked , but seemingly obedient to the Letter of it , yet they cannot decline , or avoid the Curse , it will take hold of them , and be executed on them .

It is dreadful to be under the Law , tho' some inconsiderately desire to be under it , Gal. 4.21 . Dr. Addison , in his Book of the Customs of the Jews in Barbary , cap. 2. tells us of a proud Jew that said , He would stand upon his own Legs : he would not be beholding to any to Fulfil the Law for him , or to satisfie for his sins , but he would do it for himself , and go to Heaven on his own Feet . How many are there of the same mind with this Insolent and Ignorant Rabbi ? But those that stick to the Covenant of Works do put on themselves a Yoke , Acts 15.10 . that they are never able to bear : they bind on themselves a Weighty Burden , that will make their Backs to bow down alway , Rom. 11.10 . and cause their Loyns to shake , Psal. 69.23 . Can you pay your Debt of Obedience , or endure when God shall inflict upon you that Debt of Punishment that he owes you ? Can you stand , when he doth mark your Iniquities ? Psal. 130.3 . Can your hands be strong ? Can your hearts endure in the day that God shall have to do with you ? Ezek. 22.14 . and contend with you ? Job 9.3 . Tho' you are now secure , Will not your Peace then end in War ? Your Calm issue in a Storm ? your present silence terminate in the Loud Thunder of Wrath and Vengeance .

3. If you are not Interested in this Righteousness , and so not Pardoned ; God can take no Good out of his Treasury to give you in Mercy , Hos. 14.2 . These two things are joyned together to take away Iniquity , and make Good that which our Translators have rendred , Receive us graciously , it is in the Original 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and take Good ; that is , take it out of thy Treasury to bestow it on us . Good cannot be taken , and given to us , till Iniquity be taken from us . Guilt is that mighty Damm , that stops the Current of God's Goodness : It is a Lock on God's Treasury it is a Seal on the Fountain of Life : it separates between God and us , and hinders Good things from us , Isa. 59.2 . Jer. 5.25 . Do any find a Drought of Mercy , a Famin of Blessings , let them thank their Iniquities for it ? these are the great Impediment , the grand obstruction of Good things .

4. God accepts no Service , or Worship with Good Will from Persons Unjustified . God's eye must first be opened on the Person , as accepting him ; before his Ear is opened to his Prayer , as regarding and approving it : It may seem a strange expression , that God's eye should be open to a Supplication , yet this phrase is used , 1 Kings 8.52 . It intimates , that God's eye must first be opened on the Person , before his ear is opened and enclined to hear his Prayer . God first had respect to Abel , and then to his Offering , Gen. 4.4 . but God had no respect to Cain , or to his Offering , Gen. 4.5 . it is very probable at least , that God's rejecting Cain , and his Offering , was plainly to be discerned by some outward visible Sign , or Token . When God , of old , accepted a Sacrifice , he did send Fire from Heaven to consume it , Levit. 9. last . 1 King . 18.38 . but it seems God did send no Fire from Heaven to consume Cain's Offering , and so to Testifie that he was well-pleased with it , and did accept of it . Cain might take it away again , and imploy it to a common use , God did not value or regard it . The main Ingredient that is requisite to season acts of Worship , and to render them savoury to God , was wanting . Faith , in the Promised Seed , was necessary to endear the Person , and commend the Offering to God ; but , where this is not found , God saith to Worshippers , I have no pleasure in you , neither will I accept an Offering at your band , Mal. 1.10 .

5. All their Blessings are Cursed to them , Mal. 2.2 . Their prosperity doth destroy them , Prov. 1.32 . Honour heightens their Pride ; Riches Fetter and Chain their Minds and Hearts : The Cares of the World are as an Over-burden , or Lading to a Ship , that hinders them from Sailing towards the Port of Heaven ; and sinks their Souls into Perdition : Cares and Lusts are as Thorns that choak the good Seed of the Word , and hinder it from bringing any Fruit to perfection , Matth. 13.22 . The Pleasures of the World do fuel their Lusts , increase their Sensuality , and exceedingly Carnalize their Minds and Affections .

6. Every Attribute of God is terrible to them ; God's Holiness loathes them as unclean , God's Justice hates them as Rebels and Enemies , that press all the Creatures to take up Arms against their Maker ; but they themselves are Volunteers in this wicked Warfare . Infinite Wisedom doth devise devices against them , Jer. 18.11 . doth invent meanes to punish , and destroy them ; for God is wise in Heart , and mighty in strength , Joh 9.4 . Infinite Power executes , what Infinite Wisedom hath contrived . God lives to Eternity to pour out the Vials of his Wrath on them , and to measure out the Revenges of his Justice to them . A Contending time will come , Job 9.3 . God's angry Face will be unvailed , and his punishing Arm be made bare : his Fury will come up in his Face , Ezek. 38.18 . and will be terribly Executed by his Hand , Psal. 21.8 . His eares will be stopt against their cries : His Bowels be shut , his Heart be hardened against their misery . They shall never see the Light , Psal. 49.19 . They shall never see Life , John 3. last . They shall never tast of Christ's Supper , Luke 14.24 . Worms that die shall prey on their Bodies , the worm that never dies shall feed on their Souls .

7. Consider how bad it will be with those in a dying hour , that have no Interest in Christ's Righteousness : If Men are not Judicially blinded , and hardened , they cannot but be somewhat concerned about their Future state , when they walk on the Borders , and stand on the Brink of Eternity . How much are Men dismayed , and terrified at the Thoughts of Death ? Therefore they are very unwilling to step beyond Death in their thoughts , or to Travel into Eternity in their Meditations . They Fear to meet with a terrible Host of Sins , an Ocean of Wrath , a Lake of Fire and Brimstone . They bode no good to themselves at their departure out of this World . God the great Creditor Records their debts , and Conscience , his Officer , doth sometimes charge them , and arrest their Souls : They have no Spiritual Balsom then to heal their wounds ; No arm to lean on , to support their Souls : None to roll away the Burden of their Guilt , to pacify , or quiet their accusing and condemning Conscience : To Bail them when they are arrested for a debt of Ten thousand Talents ; they cannot look inward , but they see an Evil Treasure , and a Conscience loaded with Dead Works : They cannot look upward , but they see God's frowning Face , and Fiery Throne : They cannot look forward , but they see a deep pit , a dark Prison , and Revenging Justice armed for their destruction . The Covenant of Works is a continual Root of doubts and feares ; Legalists are still questioning , and asking , Who shall descend into the Deep , to satisfy them ? That the Gates of Hell are shut , that they shall not enter by , and pass through them into the Regions of Darkness , and Misery : Or , they inquire , Who shall ascend up to Heaven , to assure them that the Doer of Heaven is open , to let them into Glory ? Rom. 10.6 , 7. They have still perplexed minds , and anxious thoughts , they cannot see themselves secured from a Miserable , or assured of a Blessed Eternity : They fear they shall make a ruining , and undoing change ; be totally Shipwrackt , and cast away , Body and Soul for ever . They cannot totally suppress the thoughts of Eternity , or Comfortably entertain them : They can neither stupify nor pacifie Conscience . How often are Sinners terribly awakened , and alarm'd when Death looks them in the Face ? O! what a bitter cry of Destruction do they then lift up , Isa. 15.5 . All their Sins ( as the adversaries of Zion once did ) Lam. 1.31 . do overtake them between the Straits , when they walk through the narrow Valley of the shadow of death ; as Jesus Christ himself was in an Agony near his end , Luke 22.44 . When he saw what an Host of Infernal Enemies he must Fight through , what an Ocean of Wrath he must Swim through , this put him into a Bloody sweat : When he beheld the Frowning Face of God , the Fiery Throne , and the Flaming Sword of Justice , this drew strong Cryes and Teares from Christ , Heb. 5.7 . So if Sinners be not stupified , if they see themselves going to an Eternal execution , that they will be ever Suffering , and never die : That there will still be Food for an Everlasting Worm , and Fuel for an Eternal Fire ; This will fill them with Consternation and Horrour . Condemned Transgressors must bear their Iniquities , yet cannot stand , or bear up under this load : They cannot stay , yet dare not to depart ; they cannot hide , yet are not fit to appear ; they must stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ , Rom. 14.10 . yet cannot stand in the Judgement , Psal. 1.5 . They must appear before that Tribunal , Cor. 5.10 . where yet they cannot Confidently , or Comfortably appear , 1 Pet. 4.18 . They dread the next step they shall take , when out of the Body : where their Lot will fall , and what their Treatment will be to Eternity . Beleivers indeed do confidently commit , and commend their Soules into the Hands of their Redeemer , Psal. 31.5 . But wicked Men full sorely against their wills must fall into the Hands of an angry Creditor , and of an inexorable Judge , Heb. 10.31 . They must answer for their own Sins ; there is no other to pay their Debts , Satisfie for their Offences , Plead for their Reconciliation : All their Iniquities will overtake them in another World , and meet them at the Tribunal of God : None of them are blotted out , or passed over . God hath Sworn by himself he will never forget any of them , Amos 8.7 . God will open the Treasury of his Wrath , and shut up the Bowels of his Mercy ; he will remember Iniquity , and therefore forget to be Gracious : God will enter into Judgement with Sinners , and stand up to plead against them , Isa. 3.13 , 14. Delinquents must appear , Criminals must be brought unto Judgement , Eccles. 11.9 . and all their thoughts , words and actions must appear , and be brought into Judgement , Eccles. 12. last . God will pass a Just Condemning Sentence , and terribly Execute it on them . As the Sun was Eclypsed , and darkness covered the Earth , when Christ Died ; so the Gracious Countenance of God will be Eternally Eclypsed towards Sinners . Christ met with Affronts , Indignities , Blowes before the Tribunal of Men ; And what must Sinners look for at the Tribunal of God ? Jesus Christ was denied any refreshment when he thirsted ; So Sinners shall not obtain a drop to cool their scorched tongues , Luke 16.22 , 23 , 24 , 25. As the Waters did persue all , that were out of the Ark , till they were drowned ; So , Sin shall hunt , persue , find out and overtake Sinners for their Eternal Destruction , Psal. 140.11 . Ezek. 35.63 . Numb. 2.23 . All that is grateful , and sweet in the being of Sinners shall be consumed ; yet they themselves shall still exist to suffer more Punishment and Torment . God's Controversie with Sinners will never be at an end : His Sword will never be sheathed : The dreadful storm of Vengeance will never cease . God's Eternity will be dreadful , for he ever lives to punish : and the Soul 's own Immortality will be terrible to it ; For it shall ever exist to be punished : So that Sinners would rather sleep in the dust for ever , than to have a Resurection to Condemnation , John 5.28 . and had rather be annihilated , than suffer the Vengeance of Eternal Fire . If departing Souls did see whither they were going , and know what they must suffer , Would not their Chambers sound with these dreadful words ? We must dwell with Everlasting Fire ! we must inhabit with Eternal Burnings !

8. It is bad not to have Christ to be our Righteousness ; if we consider how many foolish devices sinners seek out to quiet and ease their Consciences ; and yet , by all these , they do but delude and cheat their Souls . Some Fast often , eat course Food , wear Hair-cloth , Whip themselves severely , lie on the Ground . Those that have not rest in Christ , they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , such as are still walking about in devices , and inventions of their own , Heb. 13.9 . to pacifie God the Judge , and to bribe Conscience his Officer . How woful is the Case of some ignorant Protestants , of the blind Papists , of the deluded Jews , the deceived Mahumetans and Heathens ? Papists think , by severity , and cruelty to their Bodies , to expiate the sins of their Souls : Some go in Pilgrimage to the Images of Saints ; some build Churches and Chappels , and appoint Priests to Pray for their Souls , while they live in Sensual Pleasures , and serve their Lusts . Some endow Religious Houses with Lands , that Masses may be said , and Supplications made for their Souls . * * Dr. Addison of the Customs of the Jews in Barbary . The Jews , in the begining of the New Year do run into Rivers , and there think to wash away their Sins : if they see a fish in the water , they will shake themselves , and , as it were , endeavour to unlade their sins on the Fish , that he may swim away with them . On the day of Atonement , the Men break the neck of a Cock , and the Women of a white Hen ; as if those Birds should bear and expiate their Sins . Some of the Jews , as Buxtorf relates in his Synagoga Judaica , do offer this Cock to the Devil to Bribe him , that he may not Accuse them , or hinder their Prayers . When a Jew is sick , and dying , the Rabbi changes his Name , and then Prays for him ; that if God were offended with one that did bear the first Name , that yet he would be pacified towards him that now passes under a New Name : as if the change of a Sick Person 's Name , did make him another Person . Indeed , the Sinner must change his Name , that he may be Pardoned ; but it is Christ's New Name that must be put on him , that he may be Justified , 1 Cor. 6.11 . Yet these things do not quiet the Minds of the Jews ; but , when they come to die , they Pray to God , That their Death may be the Expiation of all their Sins . But , how foolish is this , to put their own Death in the room and place of Christ's Death . Yet this doth not allay their Fears ; they further own , that all , or many of them , must suffer pains in another World , for Eleven or Twelve Moneths ; and that they need the help of their Living Friends to Pray them out of this place and pains . The Bannians , in the East-Indies , are Baptized in the River Ganges , for the cleansing away of their Sins ( as Mr. Lord relates in his History ) some do bring the Dead Bodies of their Friends ten days Journey , or more , to wash them in the River Ganges , that they may be purified from guilt ; others do stand in painful postures , with one Leg up ; others do Vow they will never eat any thing but what they find on the High-way . There is a Tree in the East-Indies , which the Natives do call Adam's Tree ; on the Boughes of it they do hang up sharp Irons , much like such as our Butchers do hang dead Beasts on ; the Boughs of the Tree being low , they leap up with their Naked Bodies against these Iron Hooks , and if they do take hold of their Flesh , they hang on them till the weight of their Bodies doth tear them off from these Iron Hooks : this they do , as they pretend , to Expiate Adam's Sin , in eating of the Forbidden Fruit. These things Tavernier Relates in the History of his Travels in the East-Indies . The Mahometans do Fast , go on Pilgrimage to Mecha , to Mahomet's Tomb ; they draw Water out of a Well there , and in the Water of it they think they Wash away all their sins .

Many more of such Foolish Inventions and Practices I could Instance in , at what painful , or costly service , or suffering , will an Awakened Sinner stick , to pacifie God's Wrath , and to be rid of the Fear of Eternal Torments . But there is no other Shadow for Scorched , or Rest for Weary Souls , but in Jehovah our Righteousness .

I shall now give some Directions how Persons may be driven to seek Righteousness in Christ , and partake of it through him .

1. We must consider , that we have to do with God . We must appear before his Tribunal , and be weighed in his Ballance : we must not , as Hypocrites , only look at the Eye , Judgements and Praise of Men , Luke 16.15 . Ye are they which justifie your selves before Men , sought honour one of another , John 5.44 . but it is to God that you stand or fall ; he weigheth Spirits , Prov. 16.2 . He searcheth the heart , and trieth the reins , Jer. 17.10 . Men may commend a fair Shew , a Beautiful Tomb of out-side Religion , when God seeth the Dead Souls and rotten hearts that is underneath , Mat. 23.27 . Acquaint your selves with the Holiness , Purity and Justice of God ; God is a pure Light as he is Holy , and a consuming Fire as he is a Just God . He takes pleasure in Uprightness , he hates Iniquity , the Foolish shall not stand in his sight , Evil shall not dwell with him , Psal. 5.45 . An Hypocrite shall not come before him , Job 13.16 . He will not clear the Guilty , Exod. 34.61.17 . or Justifie the Wicked , Prov. 17.15 . He not only weighs the Actions , 1 Sam. 23. but he also weighs the Spirits of Men , Prov. 16.2 . He hath Eyes that are exceeding pure , Hab. 1.13 . His eyes also are as a flame of Fire , Revel. 2.18 . to espy the secret filth of Hypocrites . God is Jealous of his Honour and Glory , Nahum . 1.2 . He is a consuming fire to Impenitent Unbelieving Sinners . We have to do with God , are to present our selves in his sight , and at his Tribunal . The Righteous Judge of the World cannot be blinded , will not be Bribed or Byassed : Shall I count them pure with the wicked Ballances ? Micaah 6.11 . Should I receive comfort in these corrupt , Idolatrous Services ? Isa. 57.6 . God will not pervert Judgment , accept or approve what Sinners would impose , and obtrude upon him . Will God allow a Faulty and Defective Righteousness ? Will he admit , and impute it for a Full , Perfect and Satisfactory Righteousness ? Will any other Righteousness but our Saviour Christ's please God's Eye , weigh in his Ballance , or be pleaded at his Tribunal ? Those that have not this Righteousness will be rejected as Reprobate Silver , Jer. 6. last .

2. Study the Purity , Spirituality , and Perfection of the Law of God . The Law of the Lord is perfect , Psal. 19.7 . The Word of God is very pure , Psal. 119.140 . The Commandment is exceeding broad , Psal. 119.96 . Though we may find out the utmost perfection that is in the Creature , yet we cannot discover the depth , and breadth of the Law of God . We cannot say we have found out the utmost of Duty that the Law requires , or the utmost of that Transgression and Iniquity that the Law forbids and condemns : it obliges to the height , of Love to God , and forbids the least and lowest Lust to the prejudice of Men , Matth. 22.37 , 39. Rom. 7.7 . The first and last Commands do eminently discover the admirable purity , and perfection of the Law of God : Can you Answer , Obey , Stand before this perfect Law of God ? Should not the Terrible Trumpet of the Law ( Exod. 19.16 . ) cause you to prize , and long for to hear the sweet Trumpet of the Jubilee , Levit. 25.9 . The Law was not given to stop or detain us , in it self , but to drive us to Christ . This was the Glory of the Law , yet this Glory of it was Vailed and hidden from the Jews : This was intimated by the Vail on Moses his Face . The Jews did not see God's end in giving the Law , 2 Cor. 3.13 . God did not intend to Justifie us , but to Accuse and Condemn us by by the Law . By the Law is the Knowledge of our Sin , not of our Righteousness , Rom. 3.20 . It discovers nothing but Sin in us , shuts up all of ours under Sin , Gal. 3.22 . all the inward Operations of our Souls , and all the Outward Acts of our Bodies it Condemns : we are ( as it were ) put in Prison , and shut up , under Condemnation , by the Law ; and all this is to cause us to find our need of , and to make us Sigh , and seek for a Redeemer to open our Prison-door , and give Liberty to our Souls , Isa. 42.7 . Isa. 49.9 . Isa. 61.1 . The Law , if rightly understood , drives us from it self . I , through the Law ( saith Paul ) am dead to the Law , Gal. 2.19 . As the Glorious Light that did shine in Moses his Face did Terrisie the Israelites , and drive them from him , discourage , or deter them from coming near to him , Exod. 34.30 , 32 , 33. So , that Glorious Purity and Holiness , that Impartial and Severe Justice , that shines in the Face of the Law , should drive us from Resting in , or trusting on the Law for Righteousness , and despair of ever being pronounced Righteous by it . Shall the Law , that was intended but for a School-Master , to direct us unto Christ , ( Gal. 3.24 . ) be made a Father , to give us an Inheritance of Righteousness ? But how many have grosly erred , and grievously mistaken about this ? they have Enervated , and Dispirited the Law of God : they have pared off a great deal of its Purity , cut off much of its Spirituality , and made it to look like the Civil Law of Man , as if it were given to check words and restrain outward acts , but was not prescribed to the heart : but the Law is like the Law-giver : as he seeth the Motions of the Mind and Will ; so , his Law forbids all evil Thoughts , and Vile Affections , and on this account it is called Spiritual , Rom. 7.14 . But the Jews , especially the Pharisees , did think the Law of God did not reach to Regulate , or Condemn those Evils , that were the meer Creatures of the Heart . How else could the Elder Brother , signifying the Pharisee , say to God his Father , Lo these many years have I served thee , neither at any time have I transgressed thy word , Luke 15.28 . Paul , when a Pharisee , thought himself , as touching the Righteousness of the Law , to be blameless , Phil. 3.6 . These accounted themselves to be such Just Men , that they needed no Repentance , Luke 15.7 . To these the Gospel is Foolishness , 1 Cor. 2.14 . Is it not folly to speak of Reconciliation , Healing , Liberty , to those that never thought themselves to be Enemies to God , to be Sick , Prisoners , or Captives ? How doth the Papists at this day pervert , and corrupt the Law of God ? they call the most Spiritual part of it , not a Command , but a Counsel : to Love God sincerely , some of them will allow to be a Command ; but , to Love him with all the Mind , Soul , Heart and Strength , this they assert to be but a Counsel , and not a Command . And without this Wicked Opinion , they cannot Maintain their other Errors , that Men may be perfect in this Life , and truly fulfil the whole Law of God . Thus Men do at this day by their Corrupt Glosses , False Distinctions , Perverse Interpretations of the Law of God , Undermine its Purity , Spirituality and Perfection ; and so clap a Vail on Moses his Face , that the Law may not be Terrible to them , but that they may draw near to it , and trust on it for their Justification . Thus Men go about to establish their own Righteousness by derogating , and detracting from the Extent and Obligation of the Law : they Lower the Law , that they may Heighten and Exalt their own Righteousness .

3. Come to , and descend into your selves , that you may find out that evil Treasure , that Root of Bitterness , that Fountain of Iniquity , that is in your selves . Abraham , as touching the Flesh , did not find a Righteousness in himself to boast of , and Glory in ; And can we find that in our selves , that Abraham could not find in himself ? Rom. 4.1 , 2. If we cannot find Righteousness in our selves , do we not need to be found in Christ , Phil. 3.9 . To stay , and trust on that Righteousness which is of God by the Faith of Christ , we must desire God ( as Luther saith ) not only to turn away his Eyes from our Sins , but also from our Services ; not only to forgive our wrong steps out of the way ; but also our slow steps in it ; when we are bought with so great a price , and encouraged to run with so Glorious a Prize set before us . We may see enough in our selves to Condemn us . We are Children of Wrath , by nature , and Children of Disobedience by practice . Every faculty is diseased , and perverted , every Work of ours is corrupted and defiled . God threatens the Jews to spread the dung of their Solemn Feasts on their faces , Mal. 2.3 . The Beasts that were brought into the Courts of the Temple on the Feast-days , did dung in them . God seems to compare the faults and failings in the Jews Spiritual Sacrifices to the dung of those Beasts that were Offered up in Sacrifice . Perhaps Paul may allude to this expression , when he accounts his own Righteousness and priviledges to be but Dung , there is some of the Dung of the Old Man that is vented in , and mixed with our best performances ; that doth stain , defile , and , in part at least , render them unsavoury before God . Sin dwells in us , is present with us : We can never shake it off , shut it out , or totally leave it behind us , when we draw near to God : We cannot put God in mind of one perfect duty , but he can put us in mind of Thousands of defective Services performed by us . If we dwell at home , and trust in our selves , Revenging Justice will break in upon us , and destroy us : If we stay abroad , do not fly to , and House our selves in Christ , a storm of Fire and Brimstone will be Rained on us , Psal. 11.6 . We needed Christ's Death on Earth , and we want his Intercession in Heaven , that the Iniquity of our Holy things may not be charged on us for our Condemnation and destruction .

4. We must beware of unbelief , as to God's threat'nings , and take heed of Carnal security . Sinners are too apt to take the shield of unbelief , and to quench all the Fiery Darts of God's threat'nings , which he casts at them . How prone are presumptuous Sinners to give God the lie ? He saith , There is no peace to the Wicked , Isa. 48. last . yet Sinners do promise themselves peace , though they walk in the Imaginations of their own evil Hearts , Deut. 29.19 . God saith of an ungodly Man , That his eyes shall see his Destruction , and he shall drink of the Wrath of the Almighty , Job 21.20 . yet he flattereth himself with vain hopes , as those , Jer. 5.12 . Evil shall not come on us , neither shall we see Sword or Famin. How dreadful is it when a Spiritual Lethargy is added to other diseases ? and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Spirit of slumber falls on Men , Rom. 11.8 . Some conceive that the Apostle alludes to those that are bit wit an Asp ; if that Serpent doth prick them they doze slumber , and die away . The Old Serpent did not only Poyson us by his bite , but also stupifie us , that we might not be sensible of our danger . Some are so deep asleep , that though they are pricked , yet it will not rouse them up , even so , many are in such a profound sleep , that though God pricks them daily with his Threat'nings , yet they are not awakened to a serrious Consideration , and dread of approaching destruction : God threatens it as a sore Judgement to the Jews , that the Prophet Ezekiel should be dumb , and that he should not be a Reprover to them , Ezek. 3.26 . And how long was he dumb ? it was till Jerusalem was taken , and smitten , Ezek. 33.21 , 22. It was but the Evening before a Messenger came with these bad tidings , that Ezekiel's mouth was opened , and he was no more dumb : Ezekiel was dumb till the Judgement denounced was executed on the Jews , and then it was too late to warn and Reprove them . And wilt thou provoke God to lay thee under such a Spiritual Judgment ? Shall Conscience be dumb , and not Reprove thee , til Divine Vengeance fall on thee for thy destruction ? Take heed that thou dost not fortify , and intrench thy self in Natural Religion , Morality , and Formal Duties , and so bear the Siege , and storm of powerful Preaching . God complains of the Jews , by Zechary , that they made their Hearts as an Adamant Stone , least they should hear the Law . The word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Signifies a Stone that keeps it self from being broken , though it have knocks , yet it preserves it self : Even so the Heart of Sinners keeps it self from being broken under the many Admonitions , and Reproofs of the Word . Beware , that such a Heart be not found in thee : Do not make light of , or a mock at , Sin . Do not put the thoughts of thy Iniquity , and of God's Wrath far from thee . Sin lies at the door , if not sooner , it will arrest thy Soul when it goes out of the Body , Gen. 4.7 . Solomon saith , That he that rolleth a Stone it shall return upon him , Prov. 26.27 . So if you Presumptuously roll away your Sins from you , God will Righteously return them upon you . God's Threat'nings are not an empty sound : Sinners shall know , to their cost , that God hath not said in vain , That he would poure out his Fury on them , Ezek. 6.10 . The day of Vengeance is in God's Heart , Isa. 63.4 . The Cup of Fury is in his Hand , Psal. 75.8 . Though there be a mixture of all fatal and deadly ingredients , yet it is without any mixture of Mercy , Rev. 14.10 . The storm of Vengeance hangs over the Heads of Sinners . Though it is said , that now God's Judgments are far above out of the sight of Sinners , Psal. 10.5 . yet they shall be so visible , that their eyes shall see their Destruction , Job 21 20. thy breath is in thy Nostrils , Isa. 2. last . and may soon go forth ; the Judge stands at the door , and may quickly enter in , James 5.9 . Wilt thou run on the point of God's Sword ? Wilt thou venture into Eternal Burnings ?

5. Beware and take heed of Carnal Reason ; that is enmity to God , and to the Righteousness of God . As the Israelites slighted the Bread that God gave them from Heaven , did account it as no Bread , Numb. 21.5 . There is no Bread ; and then they call it light Bread ; as if there were nothing solid in it ; or , as if it did afford no substantial nourishment : yea , Numb. 11.6 . they complain ; that their Souls was dried away : as if they did grow lean , weak and feeble , by reason of this poor and low sort of Food . So Carnal Reason misrepresents the Righteousness of Christ , as if it were nothing solid or substantial . The Blasphemous Papists call Imputed Righteousness , Putative Righteousness as if it did only spring up in , and were born from the Fantasies of Protestants . Proud Nature thinks the Righteousness that is wrought , and brought forth by our selves , to be the only substantial and valuable Righteousness ; but the Spiritual-minded ( as Paul ) do account the Righteousness of God ; the Righteousness that is by the Faith of Christ , to be the most Rich Possession , and valuable Food of the Soul , Phil. 3.8 , 9. My flesh , ( saith Christ ) is Meat indeed , and my Blood is drink indeed , John 6.55 . This is the true Bread , John 6.32 .

6. Beg the Spirit to convince thee of sin , John 16.8 , 9. to cut thy stock , that the Graft of the Free Promise of Righteousness may be let into thy heart , to raise a Storm in thy Soul , that all thy Carnal Confidence and Fleshly Righteousness may be Ship-wrackt . In a great and dangerous Storm , Mariners will throw Silks and Satins over-board , rather than perish themselves . Confidence in thy best Works must be cast out , that thy Soul may be preserved , and brought to the desirable Haven of Christ's Righteousness : As the Angel , that was the Son of God , Wrestled with Jacob , and put his Thigh out of Joynt , Gen. 32.25 . even so Christ , by his Spirit must powerfully Wrestle with us , to Mortisie our Carnal Confidence , and put our Thigh out of Joynt . We are apt to trust in our selves , that we are Righteous , as those , Luke 18.9 . While we thus trust in our selves , our Bone is in Joynt , we are at ease , and have a Carnal Feace ; but our Bones must be put out of Joynt , that we may have no confidence in the flesh , Phil. 3.3 . Our Heaven of Religion , and our Earth of Morality must be shaken to pieces , before we will come to Christ , Hag. 2.6 , 7. we must see our selves cast away , or else we will not enter into Christ as an Ark of Salvation .

7. We must fly to , and trust on Christ for Justification , Gal. 2.16 , 17. as God is said to pardon Iniquity , Transgression and Sin , Exod. 34.67 . so it is said of Christ , That he came to finish the Transgression , to make an end of Sins , and to make Reconciliation for Iniquity . God Pardons , but it is through Christ : He remembers Iniquity no more , Jer. 31.34 . but it is because the clean Water of Christ's Blood is sprinkled upon us , Ezek. 36.25 . We must look off from our selves , and look only to Christ : there is not any thing Inherent in us , or performed by us , that is our Righteousness : we are not Justified by what we find in our selves , but by what we know in Christ , Is. 53.11 . not by what we have done , but by what the Lord Jesus Christ hath suffered . Christ's Obedience and Righteousness is contradistinguished from , and opposed to our Inherent Righteousness , Phil. 3.8 , 9. we are not to stay in our selves , but to be found in him ; We are to be made the Righteousness of God in him , 2 Cor. 5.21 . Christ did not Merit or procure that we should have a Righteousness of our own , and in our selves to be Justified by . We are to renounce our own Righteousness as filthy rags , and to trust only on Christ's Righteousness , as our next , immediate and only Righteousness for Justification . Christ is not only the Meritorious cause of our Justification , but the very matter of our Righteousness . The Israelites did not look to the Brazen Serpent in part , and partly to a Plaister of their own providing , for help against the Bite of the Fiery Serpents , but wholly took off their eye from themselves , and Fixed it only on God's Remedy . The Man that brought a Sacrifice , was to lay his hand on the head of it , Levit. 1.4 . The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is rendred Fulciet , he shall , prop up his hand , by leaning strongly on the Head of the Sacrifice : the same word is used of Aaron laying or leaning his hand strongly on the Head of the Scape-Goat , Levit. 16.21 . So we must trust stedfastly on Christ our Sacrifice ; we must stay our selves from sinking and falling , by leaning on the Obedience and Righteousness of Christ ; this must be our only support . The Names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel were put and carried on the two shoulders of the High-Priest , Exod. 28.12 . to point at these sweet Truths , that we must be born on the Shoulders of Christ our Great High-Priest , that we may not sink down to Hell , but be carried up to Heaven by him . We must therefore greedily catch at , and strongly take hold of the Righteousness of Christ . It is said of the Gentiles , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Took hold of the Righteousness that is by Faith , as a Racer that grasps , and holds fast the Prize . We must strike the Root of Faith deep into the Righteousness of Christ . An Anchor will not hold a Ship fast , if it only ly on the ground , and do not pierce deep into it : So Faith will not establish our hearts , if it doth not penetrate , and pierce deep into Christ . We must Marry Jesus Christ , 2 Cor. 11.2 . that he may spread his Skirt over us , Ezek. 16.8 . and cover our Nakedness : that he may secure us from our Debts : and protect us from God's Arrest . By Faith we must Feed on ; and eat Christ , and be Incorporated into him , John 6.53 , 54 , 57. Surely then , Christ's Righteousness will Cloth and Cover his own Body . We must be engrafted into Christ as our Stock , and then we shall partake of Christ's Righteousness as the Fruit that this Noble Vine doth bear : as we partake of the Vital Sap of Christ for our Sanctification , so we feed on the Food of Christ , his Active and Passive Obedience , for our Justification . If the Guilt of Sin doth not set close to , and press hard on our Consciences ; the Hand of Faith will not press , and lean hard on the Head of Jesus Christ our Atoning Sacrifice .

8. We must be Humble and Repent .

1. We must be Humbled . We think our selves to be Rich , and to want nothing , Rev. 3.17 . till the Spirit doth ( as it were ) sue out the Statute of Bankrupt against us , and shew us our Poverty , that we are nothing , have nothing , can do nothing that is Spiritually Good , till Christ doth quicken us , and live in us . We have a Mountain of Pride , and Carnal Confidence that must be levelled , Isa. 40.4 . Men are naturally so high and stout , that they are not willing to stoop , submit , and be beholding wholly to the Righteousness of Christ , Rom. 10. v. 3. The Israelites in the Wilderness did Murmur , and Complain , because it was no place of Seed , Numb. 20.5 . But did they not receive Bread in a more easie way ? Was it not Rained down from Heaven on them ? yet they speak as if they had rather to go to Plow , Sow , earn and get their Bread by their own Labour , than to receive it of God's free gift . God is said to humble them , and feed them with Manna , Deut. 8.3 . they did not get their Bread by the Sweat of their Face , but received it as a daily Almes from God ; and , in this sense , God humbled them , when he fed them with Manna . Proud Sinners , ( like the Israelites ) had rather Plow , Sow , raise Bread and Righteousness out of themselves , than to receive it as a Gift from Heaven . But this Tympany of Pride must be prickt , our Rags , our Fig-leaves , our Plaisters must be pluckt away , that our Shame , Nakedness and Sores may appear . We must come to God in the most submissive manner : A Begger must not Cloath himself with Satins , or Silks , or put on Rings , or Chains of Gold ; this is a Garb that contradicts his Requests as a Begger , and will frustrate his design . We must come to God in the most humble way to beg an Alms , and sue for the gift of Righteousness , Rom. 5.17 . we must not boast of any Righteousness , or plead any Works of ours ; but acknowledge our Sores , Nakedness and Poverty .

2. We must Repent , and turn from Sin . If thou wilt not renounce the filth and dominion of sin , God may justly retain the Guilt of it , and bind it on thee . We must not love what we should loath ; retain that , which we should cast away ; continue in that which we should break off from . We must feel the weight , and tast the bitterness of sin . Christ only did bear our sins for Expiation , but we must bear them by Remorse and Godly sorrow ; Ephraim said , When he Repented , he bear on him the Reproach of his Youth , Jer. 31.19 . We must take our fins to us , charge and bind them on us , before Jesus Christ will put them away : if we see but little evil that we have committed , we shall account that God had but few Faults of ours to lay on Jesus Christ ; and so we shall make light of Christ's Sorrows and Sufferings . How can we desire God to put away our sins , 2 Sam. 12 , 13. if we will keep sin , and not put it away ? Job 20.12 , 13. Isa. 1.16 , 17. Jer. 44.15 , 16 , 17. Was Christ's Body broken for sin ? 1 Cor. 11.24 . And shall not our hearts be broken for it , and from it ? Psal. 51.17 . A broken heart will set a price on , and be a meet Patient for a bleeding and broken Christ . Christ hath little Practice , and few Patients in the World , because Men are so hard-hearted , and so few are broken in heart . We must cast out our Lusts , as Jonah , that we may not be drowned in Perdition : we must suffer in our flesh , that is , in our corrupt Nature , 1 Pet. 4.1 . that we may not suffer in our Souls and Bodies to Eternity . Tho' God will be Reconciled to Sinners , yet not to Sin : though Christ came to shew Mercy to Offenders , yet his design is to exercise Severity on the Devil's Work in us , and to destroy Iniquity , 1 John 38. yet it is not Repentance , but Faith , that receives God's Gift and Christ's Righteousness , Rom. 5.17 . Acts 26.18 . yea , Repentance being Christ's Gift , Doth not Faith receive it ? Some say , there cannot be a Fiducial act of Faith before Repentance . But must we not trust , on God , through Christ , for a new heart of flesh to be given to us ? Ezek. 36.26 . And is not this a Fiducial Act of Faith ? Can we trust on Christ for any Spiritual Grace or Good , till we trust on the Righteousness of Christ , by which we procured and receive all good things .

2d . Branch of the Vse of Exhortation : Is Jehovah become our Righteousness ? O! admire Grace in it , and bless God and Christ for it , that you have such a Foundation to Build on ; such a Sacrifice to Feed on ; such a Pretious Remedy to be Healed by ; such an Excellent Fountain to Wash in ; the Clefts of such a Rock to dwell in . Our Justification seemed impracticable , yea impossible ; we could not raise up our low Valley , or fill up the wide Breach that our Iniquities had made ; we had not wrought that Righteousness , or performed that obedience that the Law requires : We could neither make a Present to God's Holiness , or pay a Ransom to his Justice ; yet God compares the Rejection of his People , to that which is to us impossible , Jer. 31.37 . Thus saith the Lord , If Heaven above can be measured , and the foundations of the Earth be searched out beneath , I will also cast off the Seed of Israel for all that they have done , saith the Lord . O! how wonderful is this ? that when the Reception of Sinners might have been compared to things impossible , their Rejection is compared with things impossible to us . Hath God covered us with the Robe of Righteousness ? Isa. 61.10 . This should be a garment of Praise : when we put it on , we should break out into the sweetest Songs , and highest Praises of God and Christ : Meditate seriously on these following particulars ;

1. We live in the last days of the World , and in the best days of the Gospel . And this is the very season , and time , when this Scripture should be most eminently fulfilled , that Jehovah should be called our Righteousness . The excellency of Christ's Obedience , and the efficacy of his Sacrifice is now signally manifested . This Name of the Messiah is now most eminently known , his Glorious Titles and style Blazon'd ; we are plainly told that Christ hath condemned Sin , Rom. 8.3 . and that God Justifies the ungodly , because Christ Died for them , Rom. 4.5 . Rom. 5.6 . Not only Sins are blotted out , Isa. 43.5 . but Names are written in Heaven , Luke 10.20 . Things were more dark in the times of the Law , though God promised remission of Sins ; yet there was a daily remembrance of Sin in the Sacrifices Offered up , Heb. 10.3 . The day of the Law was God's forbearing time , Rom. 3.25 . but the day of the Gospel was Christ ' bearing time , 1 Pet. 2.24 . Who himsel bare our Sins in his own Body on the Tree And Christ did so bear them , that he did bear them away . He died for our Sins and he Rose again for our Justification Rom. 4. last . he purged and put away Sin Heb. 13. Heb 9.26 . Though God promised of Old to be the God of his people Gen. 17.7 . yet the Vail stood up in the times of the Law , as if Men should be shut out from Heaven , from God and his Glorious presence , but the Vail is now Rent , and the way laid open to the Heavenly Sanctuary , therefore we have more matter of , and motives to Praise , than the Church of God had of Old .

2. That we are Justified freely by God's Grace , Rom. 3 24. O! what a wonder is this that we that were called Transgressors from the Womb , Isa. 48.8 . should call Jehovah our Righteousness to Eternity ; That we that have not wrought Righteousness , yet should be made the Righteousness of God in Christ , 2 Cor. 5.21 . That we should be Justified without the Law ! Rom. 3.21 . That our Sins , that are our own , should not be imputed , but that the Righteousness , that is not our own should be imputed . We have peace with God , not because we have committed no Trespasses , but because they are not imputed , 2 Cor. 5.19 . There is much in our Hearts and Lives , that is Odious and Abominable before God , only it is hid and covered , Psal. 32.1 , 2. We have contracted a vast debt , but it is remitted , Psal. 103. c. 1. v. 2 We have committed Heinous Crimes , but they are not charged on us . There is that dwelling in us , and done by us , that exceedingly displeases God's eye and provokes his anger ; but this is not remembred against us , or put to our account . The Law imputes nothing to us , but what is our own , is inherent in us , or done by us ; but here is the Righteousness of another given , and therefore imputed to us : it doth not grow in us , or spring out of us , but is rained on us . As God commended his Goodness to Israel , that he brought them into Canaan , to possess Houses they never built , Vineyards they never planted , Wells they never digged , Dout. 6.11.12 . So God commends his Grace to us , that he gives us a Righteousness that we never wrought our selves : The Gentiles that did not follow after Righteousness , yet attained to Righteousness by Faith , Rom. 9.30 . O what astonishing Grace is this , That we that have not run the race of Obedience , should yet win , and attain the prize of Righteousness ! Though Abraham was an Idolater , Josh. 24.2 . yet he is styled Righteousness in the abstract , by reason of his Justification ; who hath called Righteousness ( so it is in the Hebrew ) from the East , Isa. 41.2 .

3. That yet it should cost Christ so dear to be The Lord our Righteousness : How greately did the Soul of Christ Travel , Isa. 53.11 . that our pardon and peace might be born ? As he was God , he suffered much in our commission of Sin ; he was greived , wearied , vexed , pressed under our Iniquities , as a Cart is pressed under the sheaves , Amos 2.13 . and that , after this , he should suffer so much more for the Expiation of them ; He was wounded , pierced , bruised , Isa. 53.10 . O how wonderful is this , that Christ , so freely , and without our sollicitation , did so readily undertake to be a Surety ! Psal. 40.6 , 7 , 8. Lo I come ! I delight to do thy will , O my God! yet this was the will of God , that the Body , Heb. 10.10 . yea , the Soul of Christ , should be Offered up , Isa. 53.10 . God himself seems to speak of this undertaking of Jesus Christ with Admiration . Jer. 30.21 . Who is this that ingageth his Heart to approach to me ? It was no small matter to approach to God as Priest , and to be a Sacrifice , to draw near to God that was a Jealous God , and Furious , as it is expressed , Nahum 1.2 . To approach to God , sitting on a Fiery Throne , holding of a Flaming Sword , Cloathed with the Garments of Vengeance : If Christ's Love had not been Fervent , and his purposes fixed , he would never have engaged his Heart to draw near to a God so terrible , and to undertake so hard a service , to make Reconciliation with an angry , and to make restitution to a wronged God . O how amazing is this Fruit of Christ's undertaking , that we may draw nigh to God , that is a consuming Fire , and yet not to be hurt , but be refined by him ! This was a great Miracle that Daniel's three Companions walked in the midst of the Fiery Furnace , and yet had no hurt , but good ; for their Bonds were broken , or consumed , Dan. 3.23.25 . And is it not as great a Miracle of Grace , that Believers walk with God , that is a consuming Fire , Heb. 12. last . and yet have no hurt , but good ? God is for them , Rom. 8.31 . How low did Jesus Christ stoop , that he might be the Lord our Righteousness ? He thus represents his own Sufferings , Psal. 22.14 . I am poured out like water ; this seems to point at his Bloody Sweat on the ground ; All my bones are out of Joint : This did intimate , that Christ's Body was so stretched out ; and extended on the Cross , that all his bones were put out of Joint . He further complains , that his Heart was melted as wax within him ; and this was by the sence he had of the Heat , and Fire of Gods Wrath. The Manna which came down from Heaven was ground in a Mill , or beaten in a Mortar , and then baked in a pan to be Food for the Israelites , Numb. 11.8 . So Jesus Christ was Bruised , Isa. 53.10 . as Manna , in the Mill , or Mortar ; yea , this Lamb of God was rosted in the Fire of his Father's Wrath , Exod. 12.8 , 9. The Sacrifices of the Law were not only killed , but burnt afterwards ; which was a kind of second death to them , Levit. 1.13 . yea , there were whole burnt Offerings , Psal. 51.19 . and this whole Burnt-Offering did signifie not only that Christ's Body was wounded ; but his Soul did suffer , and was made an Offering for Sin , Isa. 53.10 . The sense that Jesus had of his Fathers displeasure ; and forsaking of him , was a kind of second death to Christ . As Adam was a Criminal , cast out of paradice ; so Christ was as a prisoner led out of the Garden to suffer Death ; He became a Servant , that he might Justifie us , Isa. 53.11 . O how would this affect our Souls , that where we deserved all the Creatures should be withdrawn , and should serve us no more , as God threatens ! Hos. 2.8 , 9 , 10. That when the Lord of Glory should take on him the form of a servant , 2 Phil. 6.7 , 8. we deserved that the Flower , and the Wine-press would feed us no more , Hos. 8.2 . yet that then the Son of God should come down from Heaven to feed us with his Flesh , and chear us with his Blood , John 6.53 , 54 , 55.57 . Flesh is weak , and because of this , Christ is said to be Crucified through weakness , 2 Cor. 13.4 . yet this Flesh of Christ is set forth by bread that strengthens Man's Heart , Psal. 104.15 . Christ's Blood is figured by Wine in his last Supper . Though the Blood of Christ was shed with unexpressible Anguish and Pain , yet this is set forth by Wine that chears Man's Heart , Psal. 104.15 . Our strength comes out of the weakness , our comfort comes out of the Sorrow of Christ . Christ was the true Rock smitten by the Rod of Moses , the Curse of the Law : As that Rock being smitten did cleave , so Christ being smitten with the Curse , his Soul and Body did part , that water of Life might flow forth to us , and that we might enter in , and dwell safely in him , Cant. 2.14 . O my Dove , that art in the clefts of the Rock . We had vastly run in debt with God , and that God should pay himself out of the Sufferings and Blood of his Son : We had proudly exalted our selves against God , and that Christ should debase himself so low to satisfie for our pride ; and that his Self-denial should make a Recompence to God for our Self-seeking . We dishonoured God , Reproached , Blasphemed him , as a poor portion , as a hard Master , as a Righteous Law-giver : And how wonderful is , that the Reproaches , wherewith we Reproached God , should fall on Christ , Rom. 15.3 .

4. Though we are Justified so Freely , yet so Righteously . The Mercy-seat that covers the Curse of the Law , is sprinkled with Christ's Blood , Levit. 16.13 , 14. We are Justified through the Redemption that is in Christ , Rom. 3.24 . The prison is opened to them that were bound , because the Life of Christ is given as a Ransom , Matth. 20.28 . Christ died as a Testator , that we might not be executed as Criminals , and Malefactors . When Christ became a Testator , he stript himself ( as it were ) of all good , Peace , Liberty , and exposed himself to all Evil , to Sufferings , Pain , Reproaches , and Death it self , and all this was to enrich us , 2 Cor. 8.9 . and that all good things might come to us in a Righteous way , that all Blessings might Swim to us in the Blood of our Testator . Christ would have had nothing to give to us , if he had not bought off our Transgressions from us , and purchased all good for us . As Moses lifted up his Rod over it , and the Red Sea was divided , Exod. 14.16.21 . So we may by Faith lift up the Cross of Christ over the deep Sea of the Wrath of God , and it will divide , and give us passage to the Heavenly Canaan ; Grace shall Reign through Christ's Righteousness to Eternal Life , Rom. 5. last .

5. What Praise doth this call for , that God and Christ do so often call us , and so earnestly invite us to come into this Righteousness of the Son of God ? Come to me all ye that Labour , and are heavy Laden , and I will give you rest , Matth. 11.28 . Look unto me , all the ends of the Earth , and be saved , Isa. 45.22 . Christ tells us , that , This is the Work of God , that you Believe on him whom he hath sent , John 6.29 . This is the great Work that God requires , and is best pleased with . It is a pleasure to Christ to see his Seed , and to behold the Travel of his Soul , Isa. 35.11 . This satisfies Christ when he seeth Souls Feed on the Bread that he gives , to wash in the Fountain he hath opened , and to use Remedies he hath provided , and to put on the garment of Righteousness he hath prepared . He hungers after the Justification , and Salvation of Men ; and he is satisfied when Sinners trust on him for Justification , and look to him for Salvation . That Christ doth thrust forth Labourers into his Harvest to reap perishing Sinners , though they are under many fears , difficulties , dangers , discouragments , yet Christ thrusts them out into his Harvest , Matth. 9. last . And then doth charge his servants by their earnest importunity to compel guests to come in , Luke 14.23 . God's pleasure hath been fulfilled in Bruising of Christ , and now it is God's pleasure that Men should listen to , and obey his call , and run to Christ . O that it should be the pleasure of God to Bruise Christ , and to Heal us , to Condemn Christ , and to Justifie us ! O that it should be the pleasure of the Lord to exercise Severity on Christ , and extend Mercy to us . Christ charges his Servants , by their earnest importunity , to compel Guests to come into his Feast , Luke 14.23 . Famishing Sinners do not feel their wants , and they do not press into Christ's House : but the Servants are commanded by urgent and continual Solicitations , to compel them . Christ would have his House filled with Guests , and his Provisions eaten by them ; Christ counts it an Honour to him when we come to feed at his Table , and Feast on his Righteousness , then his Name is Glorified in us , 2 Thes. 1.11 , 12.

6. What Grace is this , that Jesus Christ should not only prepare , and bring Righteousness , but also apply it ; as Parents provide Clothes for their little Children , and also put them on . Christ is God's Righteous Servant , that Justifieth many , Isa. 53.11 . Christ's Righteousness Merits the very Faith that applyes it ; that sense seems to be offered by Peter's words , as they ly in our Translation , We obtain pretious faith through the Righteousness of God , even our Saviour Christ , 2 Pet. 1.1 . this procures the Spirit to plant and work Faith . Jesus Christ , by his Spirit , draws us to himself , John 12.32 . he not only opens the Fountain , but also washes Souls in it , Zech. 13.1 . Revel. 1.5 . he not only provided the Medicine , but also dresses the Wound , and binds up the broken in heart , Isa. 61. Christ presents his Sacrifice and Sufferings continually before God , which is his Burning Incense in the Heavenly Sanctuary , Revel. 8.3 . his Blood speaks in Heaven , Heb. 12.24 . and by the Spirit ( as the Finger of our Great High-Priest , Levit. 16.14 . ) it is continually , without intermission , according to the Promises , sprinkled on the Consciences of Believers on Earth , Ezek. 36.25 .

7. O Bless God for the admirable effects , the excellent fruits that are joyned with , or do follow after Christ's being made Righteousness to us . 1. That there is not only Peace , but Good-will , Luke 2.14 . not only Enmity is quenched , but Love burns . Sin 's place , and the Believing Sinner's too is changed . Sin was before God's Face , Hos. 7.2 . but is now cast behind his back , Isa. 25.17 . and Reconciled persons are set before his Face , Psal. 41.12 . This is matter of Praise , that there are such admirable effects , or consequences of Christ's being made the Lord our Righteousness . 1. That though the Curse do fall on the Creatures for our sakes , yet it falls not on those that are Justified . When God made a Promise of Christ to Adam , he does not say , Cursed art thou ; but Cursed is the Ground for thy sake , Gen. 3.15.17 . God speaks to Cain ( a Reprobate ) in other Language ; Now thou art Cursed , Gen. 4.11 . God may Curse the Creatures for our Sin , yet the Curse may not light on our persons and Souls . 2. That we are not only pardoned for the present , but secured for the future ; God did not only preserve Noah from being drowned by the Flood , but doth assure him that his Sins and the World's , should not provoke him to send a Second Flood on the World , Gen. 8.10.21 . Gen. 9.11 . So here , Christ stands in the breach , to keep out an Inundation , and Flood of Venegance , and appears at the Bar to prevent the going forth of a Condemning Sentence : As God doth see his Rainbow in the Clouds , and looks on it , and remembers his Covenant , Gen. 9.13 , 14 , 15. So Christ is a Rain-bow round about the Throne , to secure us from future storms , and Floods of Evils . That God doth not only hide his Face from our Sins , but also blot out our Iniquities ; that they may not , cannot be seen , or read for the time to come , Psal. 51.9 . 3. That not only God pronounces a Justifying Sentence in the Court of Heaven ; but the Spirit also pronounces this Sentence in the Court of Conscience : Causing the penitent Believer to hear the voice of Joy and Gladness , Psal. 51.8 . and sheds abroad the Love of God in the Heart , Rom. 5.5 . and seals him unto the day of Redemption , Ephes. 4.30 . 4. As Jesus did Engage his Heart to come nigh to God as a Surety , and Priest , Jer. 30.21 . so he now came , and doth bring us near to God , as Freinds , Supplicants and Worshippers , 1 Pet. 3.18.5 . That there is not only Peace ; but also Good-will , Luke the 14. There is Grace to Establish our Hearts against the dread of Vengeance , and the horrours of Eternal Death , Heb. 13.9 . It is sweet when no storm of Vengeance hovers and hangs over the Sinners Head ; no matter of Accusation springs up in his Heart , to make him a burden to himself , and a terrour to others ; O what sore Temptations are guilty Creatures , in the anguish of their minds exposed to ! Sometimes they could wish there were no God ; or desire themselves rather to be annilalated , then to see his frowning Face , and feel his punishing Hand to Eternity : But the Grace of God guards , and Establishes the Heart against such dreadful wishes as these .

2. That we are precious in God's eyes , Isa. 48.4 . Though we are vile in our selves , yet we are presented to God as Pretious Stones on the Shoulders and Brest-plate of our High-Priest , Exod. 28.12 , 21 , 28 , 29.

3. Though we are unclean in our selves , yet by virtue of Christ's Righteousness we are undefiled . The Church confesses her Infirmity , and acknowledges her Sin , yet Christ calls her Undefiled ; no spot or blemish did cleave , to her , because She had put on Christ for Righteousness , Cant. 5.2 .

4. Jesus Christ gives an Inherent Righteousness , as well as an Imputed Righteousness ; as God gives us for our Cloathing both Flax and Wooll , to cover our Nakedness , Hos. 2.9 . Flax is for inward , and Wool for outward Garments . Inherent Righteousness may be compared to Flax , this is near to , and dwells in the Soul : Imputed Righteousness may be compared to Wool , as it is a warm upper-Garment . We need Christ's Righteousness , as a Garment , over all our Graces , to cover the Imperfection and Defects that are in them . Our own Righteousness is compared to a Breast-plate , Ephes. 6.14 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , yet above all , over all , or upon all , we are bid to take the Shield of Faith , Ephes. 6.16 . Faith that takes hold of Christ's Righteousness is compared to a Shield ; this is a Guard , and Defence for all the other Pieces of Armour . We are liable to many Accusations , because of the weakness of , and the defects that are in our Breast-plate of Righteousness . This may be pierc't by Satan's Darts , and our Souls be wounded with Trouble and Terrour ; but it is the Shield of Faith , taking hold of the Righteousness of Christ , that must Ward our Accusations , and Guard us from Terrors . Surely , shall one say , in the Lord I have Righteousness , Isa. 45.24 . in the Hebrew it is , I have Righteousnesses , in the Plural Number . We have a Robe of Righteousness , Isa. 61.10 . this is Righteousness Imputed ; and we have a Breast-plate of Righteousness , Ephes. 6.14 . and this is Righteousness Imparted . When we call the Lord our Righteousness , then we our selves are called Trees of Righteousness , Isa. 61.3 . as we cannot stand alone , but are carried on the Shoulders of Christ our High-Priest , Exod. 28.12 . and in the Arms of Christ our Shepherd , Isa. 40.11 . so we do not grow alone by our selves , but , as Branches , on Christ our Root and Vine , John 15.1.5 .

5. 'T is a great Mercy that our Sins are blotted out , Isa. 43.25 . and God will not enter into the City , Hos. 11.9 . it is an Allusion to the Angels entring into Sodom , to find out matter of Accusation against the Sodomites , Gen. 19.3.5.18 , But as God blots out Sin for the present , so he seeks not out occasions for the future : but when God blots out our Transgressions , only our Good Deeds are Remembred and shewed , Mal. 3.16 , 17. A Book of Remembrance was Written for Good Thoughts , Words , Actions , when Sins are expunged , and forgotten for ever . Our sins are removed far from us , as far as the East is from the West , Psal. 103.12 . but our Good Works do follow us , to testifie our Sincerity , and to obtain a Reward , Revel. 14.13 . God will never remember our Iniquities , Jer. 31.34 . but he will never forget his People , Isa. 49.14 , 15. nor forget the least of their Services : If it be but a Cup of cold Water given to a Disciple of Christ , it shall not be forgotten , but Rewarded , Matth. 10. last . the greatest Sins are forgotten , and not Revenged on us ; the least Service is Remembred and Rewarded in us , John 5.29 . They that have done good shall come forth to a Resurrection of Life . Tho' they did many evil things , yet they shall be blotted out , and covered , and they shall be pardoned as if they had only done good , and nothing but good . God is Righteous to forgive us our Sins , 1 John 1.9 . But God is not unrighteous to forget our Labour and Service of Love , Heb. 6.10 .

6. What Praise doth this deserve , that our Justification is so inseparably joined with Glorification , Rom. 8.30 . Whom he hath Justified , them also he Glorified . Justified persons cannot miscarry , or Perish . The Righteousness of Christ , is called Everlasting , Dan. 9.24 . and this Everlasting Righteousness is the Foundation of an Everlasting Covenant , Heb. 13.20 . Because the Blood of Christ is still fresh , therefore the Covenant of Grace , and the way to the Heavenly Sanctuary is still new , Heb. 6.8 . Heb. 10.19 . they that do wash their Robes white in the blood of the Lamb , do enter into the Heavenly Sanctuary , and are before the Throne , Rev. 7.14.15 . As Jesus Christ being first Justified , Isa. 50.8 . 1 Tim. 3.16 . was soon after Glorified , John 17.5 . And now Father glorifie me with thy own self . So sin being blotted out , what remains to shut out Justified Persons from the Kingdom , and Glory of God ? Not to see God , is the greatest loss and penalty . Where Sin is Forgiven , How can such a Penalty remain ?

7. Bless God that Jesus Christ is Revealed to thee , and bestowed on thee as the Lord thy Righteousness . How many Thousands of Persons , yea , how many Nations do not hear of this Glorious Righteousness of Christ , are utter strangers to this pretious Name of his , and have no Interest in this Righteousness of Christ . The Soldiers took Christ's Coat , and four of them did cast Lots for it , but only one of the four did obtain it , John 19.23 , 24. So I may truly say , that scarce one in four of those , that are called Christians , do get this Spiritual Garment of Christ's Righteousness to put on , and wear . It as a sweet Expression of Augustin's on Psal. 31. Ego Sorte perveni ad tunicam Christi . I by Lot came to the possession of Christ's Coat : O happy Souls on whom the Lot of free Grace falls , and that get and possess this Coat of Christ's Righteousness ; Ephes. 1.11 . in whom ( that is in Christ ) we have obtained an Inheritance : In the Greek it is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , we obtained an Inheritance in Christ by Lot . The Apostle doth humble himself , and other Christians , and Magnifie God : he did not deserve a Portion in Christ , but the Lot of Grace fell on him . The Ephesians did not earn any thing , but the Lot of Grace fell on them . O Admire God , Glorifie Christ , that you should sit under the shadow of his Righteousless , when others are exposed to the Schorching heat of the Wrath of God : that your Iniquities should be covered , when the Sins of others are naked , and open before God : that your Transgressions should be blotted out , when all the Wickedness of others stands upon record against them till the Judgement of the great day . That you ( as Noah ) and his Family , should be born up , and carried above the Waters , when others , like the Men of the Old World , do sink into the deep , and Bottomless Sea of the Wrath of God . O what Mercy is it that God should Cloth thee with the Garment of Salvation , and cover thee with the Robe of Righteousness ! Isa. 61.10 . when others have no Ragg to hide their Shame , but will be abhorred by God , be loathed by Angels , and Saints to Eternity . O what Grace is it , that thou , like Aaron , art hid in a Cloud of Christ's Incense , Levit. 16.13 . when others Stink in God Nostils , and shall be covered with a black storming Cloud of anger for ever ! O that Jesus Christ should die for you as a Lamb , and then seek you out as a Shepherd , to Cloath you with the Fleece of his Righteousness , and to feed you with the Flesh of his Sacrifice , when others Famish their Souls by the Neglect of Christ's Feast , and Poyson their Souls by doting on , and glutting themselves with Carnal dainties , Sensual , and Sinful delights ! O what Grace is this , that Jesus Christ should , as a Surety , undertake for your debts , and as a Sacrifice bear , and bleed for our Sins : That as a Fore-runner should take up , possess , and prepare a place for you in the highest Heavens ; that by your Iniquities deserved a place in the lowest Hell . Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain to receive Blessing , Honour , Glory , and Praise , Revel. 5.9 . Debters are the Redeemed Reconciled , and Justified to Render , and ascribe it to his and Time and to Eternity .

THE Humble Sinners Supplication for Pardon , Opened and Applied , IN A SERMON PREACHED On the late FAST , June 26 , 1696. By Samuel Comlyns , M. A. a Minister of the Gospel in Marleborough .

London , Printed for Tho. Parkhurst , at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside , near Mercer's Chappel . 1696.

To the Right Honourable the Lord JAMES RVSSEL , Son to the Duke of Bedford , Grace , Mercy and Peace be multiplied , from God our Father , and from the Lord Jesus Christ . My Lord ,

EVery awakened humble Soul should with the Publican , cry earnestly , God be merciful to me a sinner . Without a pardon God's Armoury cannot be shut , or his Treasury opened . God cannot take us for his Inheritance , Exod. 34 9. Times of refreshment cannot come to us from the presence of the Lord , if our sins are not blotted out , Acts 3.19 . If our Consciences are not purged from dead works with the clean water of Christ's Blood , we cannot now walk in peace , go out of the world with comfort , enter into the heavenly Sanctuary with confidence . How therefore should pardoning mercy endear God to us , ond engage us to God ? We are naturally without strength to help our selves , and are also ungodly and so provoke God to withhold and deny his help to us . We had robbed God , and an Arrest should have followed , and an Execution have taken hold of us . It is God's Right and Royal Prerogative , That his Will should be our Supream Law , and his Glory our last End ; but how have we debased God to exalt our selves ? how have we as it were spoiled him of his Soveraignity , and justled him out of his Throne to establish our wicked wills , and obtain an absolute , unlimited and an independent liberty . But Jesus Christ died to make satisfaction for the wrong Man had done God , Psal. 69.4 . Then restored I that which I took not away . The first Adam affected to be as God in Knowledge and Independency ; the second Adam was condemned for saying he was the Son of God , Mat. 27.64 , 65 , 66. and making himself equal with God , John 5.18 . John 10.36 . So Christ paid the Debt he did not contract , and pacified the Wrath be did not provoke . And how much should pardoning mercy engage our hearts to God ? The best of men are but reconciled Enemies , released Prisoners , pardoned Malefactors . What mercy is it that he who seeth our sins with indignation , should yet himself cover them in mercy , Jer. 13. last . Psal. 85.2 . That the God that wrote down sin , Isa. 65.6 . should himself blot it out , Isa. 43.25 . Sin is a terrible writing it self , and it draws after it another more dreadful writing , Job 13.25 . Thou writest bitter things against me , and makest me to possess the sins of my Youth . The Sentence of Death did use to be written , and then read to Criminals . Sin recorded will procure a written Sentence of Condemnation . Punishment is the Eccho of sin . In this sense Sanctius takes the Hebrew word , Isa. 59.12 . Our sins answer to us . How bad will it be to possess the sins of Youth ? The word rendred Youth , Job 29.4 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifies also Reproach . It is too often that Youth is perverted so that it is a Reproach to God and to us too . How necessary therefore is a Pardon to cross God's Book , cancel our Bond , and reverse the Sentence of Death ? God that wounds us with the threatnings of his Law , heals us by the stripes of Christ . He received Wounds that God might be Just in justifying them that believe in Jesus , Rom. 3.25 , 26. How gracious is God that at once removes from us the Incentives of Wrath , and presents to us the Fuel of Love , Luke 7.47 , 48. How precious should Justification be to us , that hath a sweet retrospect to Election , and as accompanied with , a comfortable prospect of Glory ; Whom God predestinated and called , them he justified . Thus we may with admiration look back ; And whom God justifies , them he glorifies , Rom. 8.30 . And so we may with Joy look forward : Pardon springs from everlasting Love ; flows to , and issues in eternal Life . What Thankfulness therefore doth it call for ? If he justifies , we are no more to fear Crimes past , so they are no more to go on in sin for time to come . Hath not Christ born sufferings enough on the Cross , that men will load him with new Affrints and Provocations ? Those do not think Christ's Sufferings to be bitter and heavy , that can make light of , and take delight in sin . The Heart is to be Christ's habitation , Eph. 3.17 . and not the receptacle of any sweet and secret Lust . We that daily need mercy , should not daily provoke anger . As the work of Creation is attended with providence , which is a continual Creation , so the new pardon we need , and God bestows , is a continual Justification ; as the Creation would sink without a day by providence to uphold it , so Justification would cease without a daily pardon to continue it . There may be a Pardon before a Trial , to prevent Condemnation , as well as a pardon after Sentence to hinder Execution . That the Blood of Christ , which meritoriously purged sin on the Cross , Heb. 1.3 . may be applied to you , and sprinkled on you , to purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God , is the unfeigned and servent desire of ,

Your Lordship 's most Humble and Obliged Servant , SAMVEL TOMLYNS . Hilcot , July 1. 1696.
A SERMON PREACHED On the late Fast , on the 26th Day of June , 1696. PSAL. LI. 9.

Hide thy Face from my sins , and blot out all mine iniquities .

IN the Text we have the Psalmist's Petition for Pardon ; but it may be objected , 1. What need had David to beg Pardon ; had not God given it already ? Nathan told David , the Lord had put away his iniquity , 2 Sam. 12.13 . I answer , Though God had pronounced the Sentence of Justification by his Prophets , yet it seems not to be pronounced in , and sealed to David's Conscrence by the Spirits . Peace is the Fruit of the Lips , as spoken by God's Ministers , yet it is the Effect of the Spirit , as created in the Soul by it , Isaiah 57.19 . The Priest did use to sprinkle the Leper , Lev. 14.7 . But though David looked on himself as a Spiritual Leper , yet he was not satisfied with the Priest's sprikling him with the Blood of the Sacrifice ; but he sues to God himself to sprinkle him with the Blood of his Son , the thing signified ; so it is not enough for Ministers in God's Name to pronounce Pardon ; but the Spirit must Ratify it , and Establish Peace in the Soul , else the storm will not cease , the wound be healed , the burden be removed , and the Soul land at the Port of Assurance . The Psaimist in the Text doth in an humble way Address to God , That he would hide his Face from his Sins , and blot out his Iniquities ; he doth imply , that if God's Eye was fixed on his Sins , his Anger might be fired by them ; there was Fuel for God's wrath , if God would but behold it ; there was matter enough for Accusation , cause enough for Condemnation , if God would but read it ; but he begs God would turn away his Face , and shut his Eyes , not observing , or imputing what would be destructive to him ; the latter expression in the Text enlarges and encreases the Sense , and heightens the Mercy ; he doth not only Pray that God would hide his Face from his Sins , but that he would blot out all his iniquities : A Man may turn away his Face from an Object , and yet the thing still remain as it was , and be as visible , as legible as before ; but David sues to God , not only to hide his Face from seeing sin , but that he would so blot it out , that it may not any more be visible , legible , or remain to be imputed .

Doctrine . Awakened humbled Souls do cry for this , as the most valuable Mercy , that God would hide his Face from their Sins , and blot out all their iniquities : But what is it for God to hide his Face from Sin ? Answer . It is not to see and observe it with the Eye of Vindictive Justice . So it is said , God doth not behold Iniquity in Jacob , nor see Perverseness in Israel , Numb. 23.21 . God passes by Sin , as if he did not see it , Mic. 7.18 . and he passes over the sinner , as if he did not observe his iniquity , God covers all their sin , Psal. 55.2 . that it may not be seen ; he remembers it no more , that it may not be Pnnished , Jer. 31.34 .

Quest. But how can such a request be made to God ? How can he hide his Face from Sin ? Is this Practicable ? For ,

1. God is Omniscient , he seeth all the Neighings , Lewdness , Whoredoms of Souls , Jer. 13. last , Prov. 15.3 .

2. God is Holy , and hath a most pure Eye , Heb. 1.6 , 13. tho he cannot behold Evil with Approbation , yet he must needs behold it with indignation , as it provokes his Glorious Eyes , Isa. c. 3. v. 8.

3. God is a Just God , he is not regardless of his Honour , careless of his Glory , but he is said , to be Jealous and Furious , Nahu. 1.2 . He hath quick , lively , warm Resentments of what grates on his Authority , and affronts his Majesty ; he beholds mischief and spite to requite it with disdain , Psal. 10.14 . As he is the Judg of the whole World , vengeance belongs to him . Psal. 49.1 , 2.

Answer . God could not hide his Face from our Sins , if there were not a most pleasant , grateful , lovely Object provided , towards which he might turn his Face , and on which he might fix his Eye on Mountebul , where the Curises of the Law were pronounced ; there the Law was written on Stones , Plaistered over , and there an Altar was Built , and Burnt-Offerings presented to God , Deut. 27.2 , 35.6 . and we have the Truth of both in Christ , the Law is written in his Heart , Psal. 40.8 . and he gave himself an Offering , a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling Savour to God , Ephes. 5.2 . and this Sacrifice did smell the sweetest in God's Nostrils , because it was bound only with Cords of Love , and burnt in Flames of Love . Jesus Christ is the True High-Priest , Exod. 28.36 , 38. that was perfectly sanctified , purely and absolutely devoted to God . Holiness to the Lord was engraven on Christ's Heart , and was written on all his Actions , impressed on his whole Life ; and when he died for our sins , he rose again for our Justification , and ascended up to Heaven , and appears in the glorious presence of God continually , Heb. 9.23 , 24. He hath sprinkled the Tribunal of Justice with his Blood , and burns Incense continually before his Throne . God may turn his Face towards this Grateful and Lovely Object , and behold it with Complacencv and Delight , Isa. 42.1 . Matth. 3.17 . Christ's Undertaking as a Surety , was the very Foundation of this Petition ; Hide thy Face from my sins , and blot out all my iniquities . Sins must be covered with somewhat , that they might not be seen ; and what could this be but the Righteousness of our Mediator . Iniquity must be blotted out with something ; and what is that but the Blood of our Surety and Sacrifice ?

Quest. But why is it so desirable and valuable a mercy for God to hide his Face from our sins , and to blot out our iniquities ? I shall answer to each of these distinctly .

Answ. 1. It is most desirable that God would hide his Face from our sins : For , First , It is a most dreadful Evil for God to set our sins before him ; for them to be remembred by him , and to be continually before him , Psalm 109.14 , 15. This is there mentioned as the most terrible Imprecation : Moses sadly complains thus , Psalm 90.8 . Thou hast set our iniquities before thee : our secret sins in the light of thy countenance . It is sweet for Souls to walk in the Light of God's countenance , Psalm 89.15 . but it is dreadful for sin to be set in the Light of God's countenance : for God to use and exercise his Omnisciency , to view sin well , to countemplate to the utmost the Evil , the Filth , the Deformity that is in it , and all the Aggravations of it , and to set all in a full , clear and perfect Light . Here are Two Expressions , our sins , and our secret . There is no more in the Original , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but our secret . Chemnitius , in Exam. Concil. Trident. cap. de pec . Orig. doth by , our secret , understand Original Sin . Though the Fruits of it are Evident and Notorious to the World , yet the Root is secret and hidden to most in the World . One Butler that lived in London , and was for Murder Condemned to Death , being discoursed with in Newgate by Alderman Titchborn , did ingenuously confess he was an utter stranger to Original Sin ; he knew nothing of it till he was by the Alderman instructed about it . Taking the words of Moses in this sense , this Interpretation is to be given , That God took a full View both of Original and Actual Sin ; of the Root , and its Fruits ; of the Fountain , and all its Streams ; of the evil Treasure that is in the Heart , and all the Corrupt Thoughts , Words and Actions , that were as Pieces Coined out of it : God observes also the actual Sins that are Secret to , and hid from Men ; that are either wholly concealed , or palliated , and flourished , and painted over with specious excuses and pretences ; Hos. 11.7 . Tho there be a Beautiful Tomb of Professions above , yet he seeth the corrupt rotten Heart that is underneath , Matth. 23.37 . Yea ; God seeth which way the Heart doth hang and sway before sin is actually conceived and brought forth , Deut. 31.21 . I know , saith God , their imagination , which they go about , even now , before I have brought them into the Land ; God did know the Bent , the Bias , the Propension , and inclination of the Israelites Hearts toward Idolatry , before he brought them into Canaan , he knew what they would be , and do : This God did set in the light of his Countenance . Now it is Terrible for God thus to set sin before him .

For , 1. Sins thus set before his Face , do provoke him to turn away , and hide his gratious Countenance from Sinners , Deut. 31.18 . I will surely hide my Face in that Day , for all the Evils they have wrought . He doth threaten the same , Deut. 32.20 . If God doth but turn away his Face , Enemies will break in upon us , and Evils will over-whelm us , Ezel . 7.22 . Yea , by our Sins , we deserve forever to be cast away from God's Gracious and Glorious Presence . Cast me not away from thy Presence , saith David , Psal. 51.11 .

2. Sin set before God's Face , doth provoke God's Anger against the Soul ; it kindles Displeasure against the sin , and it stirs up God to pour it out on the sinner , Ezek. 38.18 . My Fury came up into my Face . Fury may be kept secret some time in God's Heart , but it will come up into his Face , and be openly manifested and expressed by the Judgments inflicted by his hand .

1. God will set his Eyes on sinners for Evil , Amos 9.8 . Behold the Eyes of the Lord are on the sinful Kingdom to destroy it from off the Earth , Psalm 34.16 . The Face of the Lord is against them that do Evil , to cut off the Remembrance of them from off the Earth .

2. God will remove sinners out of his sight , Jer. 15.1 . Cast them out of my sight , Jer. 23.39 . I will cast you out of my presence , 2 Kings 17.23 . The Lord removed Israel out of his sight , and cast Judah and Jerusalem also out of his presence , 2 Kings 24.20 . And God removed Judah out of his sight , 2 Kings 24.3 . because the King and the People did evil in his sight , 2 Kings 24.9 , 19. They were not cast out of the sight of God's Omniscient Eye , but from the Eye of his gracious and Fatherly Providence .

3. God will at last Rain a Hell from his Angry Face , 2 Thes. 1.9 . Those that known not God , and obey not the Gospel , shall be Punished with everlasting Destruction from the Presence of the Lord , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from the Face of the Lord ; the same Face shall shine a Heaven of Happiness into the Souls of the Saints , and shall Frown an Hell of Misery into the Souls of the Wicked .

2. If God hide his Face from our Sins , Love will come up into his Face , and look out at his Eyes on Believers , and Saints , Psal. 4.6 . Lord lift thou up the light of thy Countenance on us ; the Love that was secret , and hidden in the Heart , comes up into his Face , and is manifested to , and shed abroad in the Hearts of Believers by the Holy Ghost , Rom. 5.5 . Cant. 8.10 . I found Favour in his Eyes , Love and Kindness sparkles in , and looks out from the Eyes , God looks with a pleasing Countenance on his People ; the Spiritual Day doth break and Dawn , and the Sun of Righteousness doth Arise , and Shine in the Hearts of Believers , Malachy 4.2 . Psa. 130.5 , 6. and the Countenance of God is said to behold the upright , Psal. 41. last . that is , with complacency and delight ; he withdraweth not his Eyes from the Righteous , Job 36.7 . He sets his Eyes on them for good , Jer. 24.6 . I will set mine Eyes on them for good . If Sin be not set before God's Face , God may take good out of his Treasury for us , and bestow it on us , Hos. 14.2 . yea , God will set us before his Face for Ever , Psal. 41.12 . That we may still dwell in his Presence , Psal. 140. last . and behold his Face in Righteousness , Psal. 17. last . Psal. 16. last .

2. It is most desirable for God to blot out all our Iniquities ; for ,

1. It is the most dreadful Evil and Curse that can be wished , for Sin not to be bloted out , Psal. 109.14 . Let not the Iniquity of his Mother be blotted out .

2. If God do not blot out Iniquitie , he may by sudden Judgement , and sore Vengeance , blot persons out of the Land of the Living , Gen. 7.4 . Every Living Substance that I have made , I will destroy , in the Hebrew it is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , I will blot out . Corrupt Men are Evil lines of being , and it is said , It repented God that he had made Man on the Earth , it greived him at his Heart , Gen. 6.5 . Man is so cross , and contrary to the very end of his Creation , that God did blot out the Old World of Men by the Flood ; if Men are bloted out of the World in their Sins , Where must they be lodged but in a miserable Eternity ?

3. If we consider what Sin is , What a valuable Mercy is it for it to be bloted out ?

1. It is a mist , a thinner , or a thicker Cloud , according to its Nature , and aggravations , Isa. 44.22 . I have blotted out as a thick Cloud thy Transgressions , and as a Cloud thy Sins . Sin is as a hiding Cloud , it hinders the light of God's Countenance from shining on us , Isa. 59.2 . Your Sins have hid his Face from you .

2. It is as a storming Cloud , Psal. 11.6 . The Lord will rain Fire and Brimstone on the Wicked , this shall be the portion of their cup. If Men suffer here , They are cast into the hand of their Transgression , Job . 8.4 . In the Hebrew it is , That God did cast Job's Children into the hand of their Transgression . If their Iniquities are punished hereafter , they do for them fall into the hands of God , Heb. 10.31 .

2. Sin is a debt , Matth. 6.12 . Forgive us our debts . These debts are recorded in the Creditor's Book . God saith , Behold it is written before me , Isa. 65.6 . and it is registred also in the debter's Book , Jer. 17.1 . It is written , it is graven ( that is the Sin of Judah ) on the Table of their Heart . Sin is called a debt , because the Sinner owes God Glory to be raised out of his Sufferings , and Eternal Torments . And it is desirable this debt should be blotted out to prevent God's arrest , and our Eternal Imprisonment .

3. Sin is a crime , a capital crime , and that which is kept safe as matter of accusation against the Sinner . It is as it were sowed up in a bag , Job 14.17 . As the depositions of Witnesses , and the confessions of Malefactors are kept safe , against the Assizes and day of Trial. Yea , Mens Sins are sealed up among God's Treasures , Deut. 32.34 . God speaks of the Israelites bitter and corrupt Fruit , and then puts this question , Is not this laid up in store with me ? Is it not scaled up among my Treasures . God hath a Treasury of knowledg of all past things , and Sins are sealed up among these Treasures . But what a kind of capital crime is Sin ? I answer ;

1. It is Rebellion against God . I have Nourished , and brought up Children , and they have Rebelled against me . A Rebellious Subject with us , a Rebellious Son among the Jews , was put to Death : What Homage do we owe to God our King ? What Obedience should we render to God our Father ?

2. Sin is Spiritual Whoredom and Adultery , Hos. 4.12 . They have gone a Whoring from under their God : Thou hast destroyed such as go a Whoring from thee , Psal. 73.27 . Adultery was capital , it was punished with death by the Law of God ; Men loath God , and love the Creature .

3. Sin is Robbery and Stealing , Mal. 3.8 . Ye have Robbed me . God saith , My Son give me thy Heart , Prov. 23.26 . But the Heart of Men goeth after their Coveteousness , Ezek. 33.31 . Though they are by Baptism , and a Solemn Covenant , devoted to God , yet they Sacrilegiously alienate themselves from God , Isa 24.5 . They broke the Everlasting Covenant . Is it not our benefit to have our Crimes blotted out ?

4. If Sin be not blotted out , God cannot write his Laws in our Hearts , Jer. 31.33 , 34. God promiseth to write his Laws in the Heart . And why ? It is thus answered , vers. 34. For I will forgive their Iniquity , and I will Remember Sin no more . Forgiveness of Sin is the root of all the Promises , and Covenant-Blessings .

5. God cannot record any Good thoughts , words or works of ours , if Sin be not blotted out , Mal. 3.16 . A Book of Remembrance was written before him for those that feared the Lord , and thought on his Name . Sin doth so corrupt , and stain our best Works , that , nothing might be recorded for our honour or advantage . Nehemiah prays , that God would not wipe out his good deeds , Neh. 13.14 .

6. If Sins be not blotted out , the time is coming when God's Book will be opened , Revel. 20.12 . God will review Men's Sins , look on them , and read them over to Sinners for ever . Yea Conscience also will repeat them over , upbraid with them , Condemn , Lash and Scourge for them to Eternity . This is the Worm that never dies , Mark 49.46 , 48. Job saith , That his Heart should never Reproach him , Job 27.6 . But the Hearts of Unpardoned Sinners shall ever Reproach them for their folly ; Ingratitude , Perverseness , and Obstinacy against God , that they had a Heart of Stone that would not relent , Ezek. 36.26 . An Iron sinew that would not bow and yield , Isa. 48.4 . I come now to the use of the Doctrine .

1. Vse . This may inform us of the great difference that is between Saints and the Wicked of the World . David desires nothing more , than that God would hide his Face from his Sins , and that , both in a way of Mercy and Righteousness ; they long to have somewhat offered to God's Eye , that may indeed pacifie his displeasure and turn his angry Countenance away from their Sins , and they know nothing can do this but the Obedience and Sacrifice of Christ , Rom. 5.19 . But the Wicked do harden themselves in Sin , and quiet themselves under guilt quite another way . He thus feeds his unbelief , Psal. 10.11 . He hath said in his Heart , God hath Forgotten : He hideth his Face , he will never see it , verse 13. The Wicked contemn God : he hath said in his Heart thou wilt not Require it . They think God lyes on a Couch of ease , not that he sits on a Throne of Majesty , and a Tribunal of Justice : they foolishly imagin , that God will not call for an Account from Men , or call for a Sword of Justice to awaken against them . They think there is no danger from God's Frowning Face : that no Storm is to be dreaded from his Angry Countenance : they account that God is not concerned about their Transgressions : that he dislikes them as little as they , or forgets them as much as they , Faith Cures the Wound in Saints : but Unbelief Skins it over in the Wicked .

2d . Vse . 1. I would Exhort you to make the same Petition , to pursue the same Request with David , That God would hide his face from your sins , and blot out your Iniquities .

2dly , If God hath blotted out your Iniquities , O! be Thankful for so great a Mercy .

1. Consider the Evil that will follow , if God hide not his Face from our Sins .

1. Our Sins must and will be set in order before our Faces , Psal. 50.21 . I will reprove thee , and set the things thou hast done in order before thee : As a skilfulful Lawyer that is to prosecute a Traytor , he draws up the Charge , opens the Evidence , aggravates the Crime of him that is Impeached and Arraigned ; branches out all the particulars that may Black and Burden the Malefactor : so God himself will be Plaintiff , the Accuser , the Witness , and the Judge too , Isa. 3.13 , 14. Micah 1.2 , 3. Isa. 3.22 . God will search out the Iniquities of those he doth not pardon , Psal. 10.5 . God will not omit , or forget any of them , Amos 8.7 . The Lord hath Sworn , Surely I will never forget any of their works . Sinners must see their folly , their deformity , their ingratitude , all their horrid Crimes committed against God , and their eyes shall be fixed on this dismaying and terrible Object , as they shall never look off from it , or see any thing else to comfort them .

2. Thou must be cast out of God's gratious presence . The Jews that submitted not to the Righteousness of God , Rom. 10.3 . and so lay under Guilt , are said to be cast away , Rom. 2.15 . God threatned Israel to drive them out of his House , Hos. 9.15 . and to cast them away , Hos. 9. last . The dreadful casting away is at last , Matth. 13.48 . the bad Fish , to their eternal Infamy and Reproach , are cast away . This is an evil that David did most dread , and deprecate ; Cast me not away from thy presence , Psal. 51.11 . This was that which even Cain , a Reprobate , had some sence of , as a bitter evil , From thy Face shall I be hid , Gen. 4.14 . if our sins are , and remain before God's Face , we shall be banished out of his gracious Presence for ever .

3. These must behold God's Angry Frowning Face . It was terrible to Zedekiah to see the Face of the King of Babylon , that he had highly provoked ; this Jeremiah threatens , Jer. 32.4 . Thy eyes shall see his eyes . But how much more dreadful is it to see the Face of an Angry God ? David was not able to brook , and bear this : therefore he cries out , Hide thy Face from my sins . Every Frown of God was as an Arrow piercing his Heart ; as a Sword wounding his Soul . If the displeased countenance of a Father be so terrible ? What will the Ireful Look of an Incensed , and Inexorable Judge be ? Job 34.29 . When he hideth his Face , who can then behold him ? If God hide his Pleasing Countenance , who can behold his Angry Face , Psal. 76.7 . Who may stand in thy sight , when once thou art Angry .

4. If God hide not his Face from thy Sins , thy eyes must see thy Destruction , Job 21.20 . Thou that wouldest not believe the Threatnings of Vengeance , must see the Fury of God poured out on thee : thou shalt see thy Judge come in the Clouds , Revel. 1.7 . thou shalt be brought forth to Judgment , Job 21.30 . and then soon be hurried away , and led forth to Execution , Psal. 125. last . thou shalt be presented before the Face of God , and then fall into his Punishing hand .

2. Consider what Mercy will follow , if God hides his Face from thy Sins .

1. If God doth hide his Face from your sins , he will no more hide his Face as an Enemy from your Soules , Ezek. 39. last . I will no more hide my Face from them : For I have poured out my Spirit on the House of Israel . God can never totally withdraw from those , on whom he poures out his Spirit ; yea , the Spirit holds and establishes their hearts , that they can never finally depart from God . Where the Blood of Christ is sprinkled on , his Spirit is also put into the Soul , Ezek. 36.25.27 . if God hides his Angry Face , he sheweth his Pleasing Countenance : when he doth abscond hel● from us , then he manifests Heaven to us . The Angry look of God on the Sins and Soules of Sinners , is a Hell ; but the lifting up of the Light of his Countenance makes a Heaven .

2. If God hide his Face from our sins , he will not hide his Commandments from us , Psal. 119.19 . but will teach us his Statutes , Psal. 119.102 . Thou wilt guide me by thy Counsel , and afterward receive me to Glory , Psal. 73.24 .

3. This will be the end of God's afflicting of us , to hide Pride from us , Job 33.17 . to hide that from us which we are so prone to seek after ; he will hide the filthy Matter of , and Temptations to Pride from us .

4. Adversaries shall be defeated in their hopes and designs , Jer. 50.20 . The Iniquity of Israel shall be sought for , and there shall be none ; and the sins of Judah , and they shall not be found . Who should seek for Israel and Judah's sin ? I Answer , Satan , the Babylonians , the Enemies of the Church of God . The Chaldeans said , they did not offend in Killing and Captivating the Jews , because they sinned against the Lord , Jer. 50.7 . And as their sins brought them into Captivity , so they thought they would still have held them in Bondage : they sought for their sins to hold them in perpetual slavery , and to keep the Yoke on them . Satan resisted Joshua the High-Priest , and seems not only to charge him , but also to accuse the Jews ; and therefore Christ the Angel saith , The Lord that chose Jerusalem rebuke thee , Zech. 3.1 , 2. The filthy Garments are taken from Joshua , and his Iniquities did pass away , Zech. 3.4 . And God promiseth to remove the Iniquity of the Land in one day , Zech. 3.9 . and so though the Babylonians sought the Jews sins , yet they were not found .

5. God himself will be a hiding-place to those , from whose sins he hides his Face , Psal. 119.114 . Thou art my hiding-place , and my shield , Psal. 143.9 . I flee unto thee to hide me . * * The Judge himself is a Hiding-place . As the Secret of God is with their Souls to comfort them , Psal. 25.14 . so the Secret of God is on their Tabernacles , Job 29.4 . to protect them . They are the most likely Persons to be hid in the day of Wrath , Zeph. 2.3 . yea , God hides them in the very Grave , Job 14.13 . O that thou would'st hide me in the Grave until thy wrath be past . We must come to God to hide us from his own Wrath. As the Souls of Saints are hid in Heaven from eternal evils , so their Bodies are hid in the Grave from Temporal Sufferings . The Grave , that is a Prison to the Wicked , to reserve them in for Eternal Vengeance , is to Believers a Hiding-place from Temporal Afflictions .

6. If God hide his Face from our sins , we shall see his Face in Ordinances here , and in Glory hereafter .

1. They shall see God's Face in Ordinances here . David longed to see God's Power and Glory , as he had seen it in the Sanctuary , Psal. 65.2 . They may call on God , and he will be gracious to them , and they shall see his Face with joy , Job 33.26 .

2. They shall see his Face in Glory , Revel. 22.4 . They shall see his Face , and his Name shall be in their Forehead : As for me ( saith David ) Psal. 17. last . I will behold thy Face in Righteousness .

3. We have in these days of the Gospel great Incouragements , strong Inducements to prefer this Petition . God did , for a time , cloud and hide his Face from Christ , did cut him off , and blot him out of the Land of the Living , Psal. 22.1 . Isa. 53.8 . Jesus Christ entred into deep waters , Psal. 69.1 , 2. the floods of Sorrow , Reproach and Sufferings did overflow him : and now we may cry to God out of our depths , Psal. 130.1 . Out of the depths have I cried to thee , O Lord , out of a depth of Guilt , Trouble and Anguish . Jesus Christ came into the Depths , and we may confidently cry to God to raise us out of our Depths . The Blood of Christ , as to Worth and Merits , is a deep Sea ; and we may trust on God , through Christ , to drown our sins in the depth of this Red-Sea , Micah 7.19 . Thou wilt cast-all their Sins into the depths of the Sea . Christ hath provided Spiritual Red-ink enough . Though Christ shed his Blood but once , yet God may 1000 and 10000 times over dip his Pen in the Blood of Christ and blot out all our Sins we Commit . It was painful to Christ to shed his Blood , but it is pleasant to him to wash Souls in it . A dark night came on Christ , but we may wait for the dawning of a Comfortable and Joyful Morning , Psal. 130.5.6 . The Righteousness is brought by which we may be Justified , the Blood is shed in which we may be washed from all our Sins , 1 John 1.7 . Men did hide their Faces from Christ under his Sufferings , as a ghastly ungrateful object , Isa. 50.3 . Being so Buffeted , Spit on , Crowned with Thorns , but we may lift up our Faces to him being now Justified by the Father , Seated in his Throne , and Crowned with Glory .

I shall speak something by way of Direction , both how we may obtain the blotting out of our Sins , and how we ought to walk sutable , and answerable to so great a Mercy .

1. We must see and know our Sins , be sensible of them , afflicted for them , burdened under them , Psal. 51.3 . I acknowledge , or as others Render the Hebrew word , I know my Iniquity , Isa. 59.12 . As for our Iniquities we know them . Why did the Psalmist so earnestly beg that God would blot out his Transgressions , and wash him from his Iniquities ? He renders this reason of his petition , I know my Transgressions , that is , how much they offend and provoke thee , and how much they defile and deform me . He , that is not burdened , will not cry to be eased : he , that is not wounded , will not sue to be healed : he that beholds not his debt , will not press for the cancelling of his bond . And we must see Sin , and abhor and detest it , and forsake it : Shall we seek to God to put it away as Evil , and yet we harbour it in our Hearts , and indulge it in our practice , as good ? It must be hid not only from the Eye of God's vindictive Justice , but also from the Lustful Adulterous eye of our Souls .

2. You must see Christ , and Believe on him , John 6.40 . He that seeth the Son and Believeth on him shall not perish , but have Everlasting Life . The Curses of the Law are Amen to those that are out of Christ , Deut. 27. last . But the Promises of the Gospel are Yea , and Amen to those that are in Christ , 2 Cor. 1.20 . If Christ had not carried our Sins upon the Tree , 1 Pet. 2.24 . we must have born them , and they would have sunk us down into the Bottomless pit . Though God doth pardon , and put away Sin Judicially , as a King , 2 Sam. 12.13 . yet it is Jesus Christ that puts it away Meritoriously as a Priest , Heb. 9.26 . As you know your Iniquities , so , you must know Christ to take them away , Isa. 53.11 . By his knowledge shall my Righteous servant Justifie many : for he shall bear their Iniquities : He did bear them for a time , that they might not be bound on us to Eternity .

3. We must earnestly desire God , not only to hide his face from our Sins , but also to turn our eyes from beholding vanity , Psal. 119.37 . How sweetly do these two petitions harmonize , and agree ? Lord hide thy Face from my Sins , and turn away my eyes from beholding vanity . Lord sheath thy Sword towards me , and lay thy ax to the root of in-dwelling Sin . Lord forgive all my wrong steps and wandrings , and Lord order my steps in thy word , and let no Iniquity have Dominion over me , Psal. 119.133 . Lord blot my Sins out of thy Book , mortifie them in , and root them out of my Heart . I have wandred from thee , I have walked contrary to thee , too Long already , but now Lord quicken , and lead me in the way Everlasting , Psal. 119.37 . Psal. 139. last .

4. Your Sins must still be before you to humble you , Psal. 51.3 . Though they are not before God's Face to destroy you , Psal. 109.14 , 15. Though God will not Remember them , to throw you down to Hell for them , Jer. 41.14 . yet you must Remember them , Ezek. 36.31 . to cast you down to the dust for them .

5. You must set no evil thing before you , Psal. 101.3 . you must not delight in any Sin , or practise it . Shall God cast Sin behind his back , and shall you set it before your Face ?

6. You must still Set the Statutes and Laws of God before you , Psal. 119.30 . I have chosen the way of truth , thy Judgements have I set before me . As a Scholar sets his Copy before him , orders his pen , and shapes his Letters by it , so we must eye the Rule , and govern our actions by the Law of God .

2d . Branch of the use of Exortatiom : Is the blotting out of Sin so valuable a Mercy ? Is the hiding of God's Face from your Transgressions so desirable a thing ? O then be exceeding thankful for it , Hos. 14.2 . Take away Iniquity , so will we render the calves of our lips . Ascribe Glory to him that hath loved you , and washed you from your Sins in his own Blood , Revel. 1.5 , 6. This is a Mercy that seems to work things that are contrary : it shuts the Mouth , Ezek. 16. last . and yet it opens the Lips , Psal. 51.15 . it shuts the mouth from boasting , or pleading our own works , Ezek. 16. last . That thou mayest Remember and be confounded , and never open thy mouth any more : Because of thy shame , when I am pacified towards thee , for all that thou hast done . But pardon opens the lips to praise God , Psal. 51.14.15 . Deliver me from Blood Guiltiness , and my Tongue shall Sing aloud of thy Righteousness , open thou my lips , and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise . Guilt seales up the lips , and deads the Heart , as to praising of God . The Gentiles were unthankful for all their common benefits , Rom. 1.21 . but it was God's great design to bring them to Glorifie him for Reconciling , Justfying , and pardoning Mercy , Rom. 15.9 . that the Gentiles may Glorifie God for his Mercy . O therefore Glorifie God for pardoning of you .

1. That Sin which was before God's Face , Hos. 1.2 . should be cast behind his back , Isa. 8.17 .

2. You have hid your Faces from God and his Laws , Jer. 2.27 . Ezek. 22.26 . God charges the Isarelites that they hid their eyes from his Sabbaths , turned to him the back and not the Face , Ezek. 23.35 . that they cast his word behind their back , Psal. 50.17 . and cast himself behind their backs ; And is not this a strange return , a wonderful Retaliation , that God should cast the Sins of Transgressours behind his back ? Isa. 38.17 .

3. If God had not in Mercy hid his Face from your Sins , he would in Wrath have hid his Face from your Souls , Psal. 27.9 . Hide not thy Face far from me , put not away thy servant in anger . This we deserved if God not turned himself from his fierce anger , Psa. 85.3 . he might have been angry with us every day , Psal. 7.11 . we might have spent all our days in his Wrath , Psal. 90.9 . yea , God might have been angry with us for ever , and drawn out his Wrath to all Eternity , Psal. 85.65 . What Grace is this that God will not keep anger for ever ? Jer. 2.13 . but will keep Mercy for ever , Psal. 89.28 .

4. If God's anger had not been turned away , Hos. 4.4 . our Sins would have hid God's Face , Isa. 59.2 . and have turned away good things from us , Jer. 5.26 .

5. That God should hide his Face from Christ for a time , Psal. 22.23 . that he might not hide his Face from us for Eternity . Christ by his Suretyship made a breach for Sorrow and Suffering to flow in upon himself , that he might stop the breach that Wrath , and destruction might not break in , and overwhelm us .

6. Our Lusts would have drowned us in destruction , but Christ hath drowned them in the deep Read-sea of his own Blood , Tim. 1.6 . Micah 7.18.19 .

7. That God that hides his Face from ous Sins , desires to see our Faces as Supplicants and petitioners , Cant. 2.14 . yea Jesus Christ Interceeds , that we may see and partake of his Glory , John 17.24 . 2 Thes. 2.14 . That Clouds of darkness may be for ever scattered , an Inheritance in light , and Crowns of Glory be obtained .

FINIS .
BOOKS Printed for Tho. Parkhurst .

THe Great Duty of Christians to go forth without the Camp to Jesus , in several Sermons on Heb. 13.13 .

Supplication to the Soveraign Judge , the Duty of the best of Men , in several Sermons on Job 9.15 .

A Discourse , in several Sermons on 1 Pet. 3.19 . by which also he went and Preached unto the Spirits in Prison —

A Discourse of Christ's 2d . Coming , and the purging of his Kingdom , in 2 Sermons on Mat. 13.41 .

ERRATA .

PAge 8. l. 9. dele or , p. 10. l. 25. dele in , p. 12. l. 26 for Eccles. 2.20 . r. Gal. 1.14 . p. 14. l. 25. for stretch , r. refresh , p. 20. l. 6. for dyed , r. dipt , p. 27. l. 8. dele 3dly , p. 28. l. 18. for Psal. 92.24 . r. Dan. 9.24 . p. 29. l. 1. dele Salvation , p. ibid. l. 25. for Rom. 8.3 . r. Rom. 9.33 . p. 31. l. 7. for our , r. but , p. 33. l. 7. for God r. Goel , p. 34. l. 19. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 35. l. 19. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 36. l. 9. for rising , r. risen . p. 36. l. 28 , 29. r. Ludovae de Dieu in locum , p. 37. l. 20. r. the Title of the Psalm , p. 39. l. 6. for Exod. 20. r. Exod. 29. p. 40. last l. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , p. 47. l. 13. for Hearts r. Breasts , p. 49. l. 17. after will , r. save , p. 60. l. 20. for being r. bring . p. 61. l. 27. for share r. snare . p. 62. l. 25. for alledgers r. accusers , p. 74. l. 21. for vale r. Vail , p. 78. l. 1. r. few , p. ibid. l. 18. for first r. sins , p. 86. l. 12. for Jeopardy r. Leopards , p. 109. l. 22. add a Pet. 11. p. 144. l. 16. r. under the Law , p. 154. l. 2. r. Bride , p. 160. l. 15. add Cant. 3.9 , 10. p. 164. l. 8. for Cor. r. Collos. p. 189. l. 13. for right , v. rite , p. 208. in the Margin , for Bolton r. Rolloc , p. 212. last Line , for aiding r. hiding , p. 214. l. 26. for provided r. proved , p. 222. for we r. he , p. 249. l. 26. for form r. from , p. 250. l. 4. for Justified r. Sanctified , p. 270. l. 6. for form r. from , p. 296. l. 3 , 4. for to distill , r. God is still , and l. 8. for Numb. 9. r. Levit. 6.9 . p. 314. l. 15. for being r. body , p. 327. l. 9. for absolete r. obsolite , p. 362. l. 9. r. he procured , and we received all good , p. 370. l. last , for righteous r. unrighteous , p. 380. l. 26. for Pardoned r. Rewarded .