Christos angasmos, or, Christ our sanctification faithfully explained, fully confirmed, and practically applied ... being the substance of several lectures or meditations / by Tho. Pichard ...

1 Cor. 1.30 . But of him are ye in Christ Jesus , who of God is made unto us Wisdome , and Righteousness , and Sanctification , and Redemption .

THe Sacred Scriptures do hold forth our Lord Jesus Christ to be both the Treasurer and the Treasury of all our blessedness , both in this and in the other world ; all our Treasures are in him , as well as from him ; 2 Col. 3. In him are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge ; He is our life , and our life is hid with Christ in God , Col. 3.3 , 4. The beloved Apostle that leaned upon Jesus his bosome , tells us , 1 Joh. 5.11 , 12. This is the Record , that God hath given to us eternal life , and this life is in his Son . Could we ever have wisht it in a surer or sweeter place , than in the bosome of our blessed Saviour , the Son of God , and Prince of Life ? And farther , He that hath the Son , hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God , hath not life , &c. Our life of righteousness , our life of holiness , our life of glory , or our eternal life , our spiritual life in these three considerations is wrapt , or bound up in Jesus Christ , the bundle of life : As sin and death came by Adam , so righteousness and life came by Jesus Christ ; according to that of the Apostle , Rom. 5.21 . That as sin hath reigned unto death , even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord .

This pregnant Text which I am now discoursing from , more rich than Hermes Table bespangled with Emeraulds , presents ye with these four most Orient Jewels ; the Jewels of Heaven , the choice blessings of the Covenant , ( viz. Wisdome , Righteousness , Sanctification , and Redemption ; and that which is the glory of all , this Text acquaints ye with , to your inexpressible comfort , that Christ Jesus is all these in himself , and by himself to ye , and for ye ; God the Father hath made him your All in All , Col. 3.11 . Christ is all in all , all in all in in Illumination , all in all in Justification , all in all in Reconciliation , all in all in Adoption , all in all in Sanctification , 2 Tim 4.10 . all in all in Redemption , all in all in preservation to his heavenly Kingdome .

And though it be sa●d of the Saints enjoyment of God in heaven , that God , ( i. e. ) God the Father is all in all , 1 Cor. 15.28 . yet certainly , as God the Father is pleased to communicate himself in the riches of his grace through the Son to his Saints here , so he will everlastingly communicate himself in the treasures of his glory through the Son to his Saints in heaven ; as Christ is the Medium of your spiritual union with God here , so he will continue the eternal Medium of your glorious communion with God hereafter ; in his l●ght ye shall see light . The Soul-ravishing Vision of Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant , Heb. 12.24 . Domine fecisti nos pro te , & cor irrequietum est , denec venial ad te . Aug. and the Beatifical Vision of ever-blessed and glorious Deity in and through the Mediator , is no small part or portion of the Saints Coelestial happiness : God indeed is the Essence of the Soul , the Eternal Entity of our happiness , the Father of Spirits , is the only rest and centre of our immortal Spirits ; for 1 Pet. 3.18 . Christ once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God ; ( our approximation or drawing nigh to God being the ultimate end ( as to us ) of Christs passion ) yet the seeing of Christ as he is , when he shall appear in his Fathers glory , when he shall come in power and great glory , to see him as he is in his greatest glory and fullest Majesty , sitting at the right hand of the Father , and to see our humane nature in him as far exalted above , so far more glorious than those glittering morning stars , the Angels , will be no small part or measure of our blessedness , ( though not the quintess●nce , compendium or complement thereof ) 1 Joh. 3.2 . Beloved , now are we the Sons of God , and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : But we know , that when he shall appear , we shall be like him , for we shall see him as he is .

But to return ;

Our Lord Christ is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 by way of Eminency called , that one Pearl of great price , Mat. 13.46 . which the wise Merchant-man sold all that he had and bought . This Pearl eminently and virtually contains all other Pearls in it , is comprehensive of all excellent and Soveraign good , which our souls stand in need of , infinitely more precious and excellent than the rest , and infinitely to be prized and preferred above the rest : Christ not only hath , but is wisdome to the simple , rayment to the naked , riches to the poor , rest to the weary , bread of life to the hungry , water of life to the thirsty , righteousness to the guilty , sanctification to the filthy , redemption to the captive , peace and reconciliation to the enemy , power to the faint , a rock and refuge to the afflicted , a shineing Sun to the disconsolate , a saving shield to the assaulted ; in a word , a full fons of living water , of rich supply to those that labour under any distress or misery , whether inward perpl●xity , or outward calamity .

Philosophers brag much of their Elixir , Naturalists boast much of their Panacea and Catholicon , and they would bear the world in hand , as though these were Soveraign remedies against all maladies , good against all diseases ; but these , and all other , whether natural , artificial , or moral excellencies , are less than Cyphers to Jesus Christ ; compared with him , they are less than nothing , and vanity , Isa. 40.17 . 1. As Christ is God , the worlds were made by him , and for him , by his power , and for his glory , Heb. 1.2 . Col. 1.16 . 2. As Christ is Mediator God-man , so he is Heir of all things , Heb. 1.2 . whom he , that is , the Father , hath appointed heir of all things ; by whom also he made the worlds : Now can he want light that lives in the midst of the Sun ? Can he want air that lives upon the top of the highest Mountain ? Can he want water that lives at the Well head ? No more can he want light , life , grace , strength , comfort , or any good thing that lives in union and communion with Jesus Christ , in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily , Col. 2.9 . * * Qui habet habentem om●ia , habet omnia . He that hath him that owneth and possesseth all things , hath all things : 'T is an old and true saying , Si Christum noscis , nihil est , si caetera nescis , Si Christum nescis , nihil est , si caetera noscis . Hath the Father given us the Son , the Son of his eternal love , of his eternal bosome ? then we may safely make ( with the Apostle ) this sweet inference , How shall he not with him freely give us all things , Rom. 8.32 . All things pertaining to life and godliness , as the Apostle expresseth and explaineth it elsewhere , 1 Cor. 3.21 , 22 , 23. presents ye with a Christians Inventory , and with a Christians tenure .

1. A Christians Inventory : All things . A Christian hath a large dominion , a great possession ; all things are yours , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , for all things are yours : Descend from generals to particulars , then all things must be referred to , or subdivided by persons , and things . All persons are yours , that is , for your good and benefit , whether Paul , or Apollo , or Cephas , whether Ecclesiastical or secular persons , whether godly , or ungodly , whether spiritual men , or carnal men ; therefore v. 22. he adds the world , the wicked World , or rather the wicked of the world , ( who ere long shall be judged by the Saints , as Assessors with Jesus Christ the Supreme Judge ) 1 Cor. 6.2 . shall be subservient to Gods glory , and to the Saints good . Those Slaves and Scullions that rub off the rust , and scoure and cleanse the Vessels of Honor , by temptations , afflictions , imprisonments , persecutions , &c. ( though not intentionally , as to them ) yet accidentally and eventually ( by the blessing of God ) shall really promote and carry on their spiritual and eternal interest .

2. As all p●rsons , so all things are theirs , whether life , or death , or things present , or things to come , all are yours , ver. 22. What can a soul either have or wish for more ? for a man not only to enjoy the comforts of life , but also to find sweetness in death ; to find meat in this Eat●r , to find honey in this Lyon , to live in the midst of death , to lie down in peace in the arms , or rather Jaws of the King of Terrors , for this deadly Enemy , by the death of Christ , to be made one of our best friends .

Again , For a man to be rich in possession , and rich in reversion too , for a man to have an interest in all things present , and an interest in all things future also ; to have Territories as broad as the earth , and a treasure as high as heaven , and returns of glory coming in unto him , and upon him , to all eternity ; this is an incomparable rich person , and an incomparable blessed estate indeed .

2. Note the Tenure : Ye hold all in Capite , in and by union with him who is Gods Heir , and your Head , Ephes. 1. last ; and ye are Christs , and Christ is Gods , v. 23. Ye are the Bride , Christ is the Bridegroom ; ye are the Body , Christ is the Head ; as the Head of Christ is God , so the Head of the Church is Christ .

The Father in an ineffable manner communicated ( as of old , the Divine Essence and Nature ) so at his Incarnation , an unmeasurable , an overflowing fulness of the Spirit and Grace to the Son ; yea , it pleased the Father , that in him should all fulness dwell , even as Mediator , Col. 1.19 . And the Son by the Ordination and appointment of the Father , communicates , derives , and by his Spirit imparts unto his Saints , Eph. 1.3 . Eph. 3.8 . all those spiritual blessings , all those unsearchable riches , all those riches of glory , or glorious riches , Ephes. 3.16 . which he hath received of his Father for them . Some of which heavenly and choicest treasures we find lying in the field , or rather Mine of this Text , ( viz. ) Wisdome , Righteousness , Sanctification , and Redemption .

I shall now ( Deo juvante ) consider the Text it self , open the sense of the words , and draw some practical conclusions from the whole .

The Apostle having humbled and dejected the Corinthians , ver. 26 , 27. of this Chap. in calling upon them to see or consider their calling , ( for ye see your calling Brethren , &c. ) where calling is put metonymically for the persons called , that is , what manner of men they themselves were , and generally are , which God calls by the Gospel ; not the wise after the flesh , not the Mighty , not the Noble , but commonly the foolish , weak , and base , for the poor receive the Gospel . Now in this verse the Apostle comforts and cheers them , Quos antea dejecerat , nunc supra omnes mortales evehit , sed ita ut omnem ipsorum dignitatem doceat , non ab ipsis , sed à Christo emanare , idque à Deo , id est , Dei unius vi , ac beneficio . Beza in loc. and lifts up their heads above all other mortals , by informing them of their Origination from God , their Vnion with Christ , their spiritual descent from him in Christ Jesus . But of him are ye in Christ Jesus . Here the Apostle shews them the true rise of true honour , Corinthiorum animos de jecerat revocando eos ad intuendam suam ipsorum vocationem : quod fuit propemodum acsi dirisset , eos insipientes , ignobiles , infirmos omnes fuisse , & quasi non essent , quum ad Christum vocarentur . Quare nunc illos erigit , & pulchrè consolatur , d●●ens , licèt ex vobis ipsis tales fueritis ut modò estis à me descripti ; Attamen jam ex Deo estis . P. Martyr in loc. and of divine dignity , not springing from noble birth , or liberal breeding ; not from any natural , moral , or secular accomplishments or considerations whatsoever .

But from the special grace of God , the Father in Christ Jesus , manifested and put forth in a double act of divine love .

1. In Election . 2. In Regeneration .

1. In Election . God the Father did chuse all believers in Christ before the foundation of the world , Ephes. 1.4 . in that eternal compact , or Foederal transactions between the Father and the Son , Emphasis est in verbo estis q. d. à Deo vobis est principium qui ea quae non sunt , vo●at in Christo verò subsistentia , &c. Calvin . commonly called the Covenant of Redemption : Ye are of God in Christ Jesus ; ( viz. ) by vertue of the Eternal Purpose and Decree of God : The gracious purpose of God the Father in Christ , is the beginning of the wayes of God ; the Original and highest Well-head of all our holiness and happiness , as appears 2 Tim. 1.9 . where ye shall find , that both our Salvation and Calling are no other than the genuine efflux and products of Gods purpose and grace given us in Christ Jesus before the world began . So Tit. 1.2 . In hope of eternal life , which God that cannot lie , D. Jacomb in his Sermon upon Isa. 55.10 . promised before the world began . How was this life promised before the world began , but in this everlasting Covenant , wherein the Father promised unto Christ eternal life for all his Seed ?

Though the Decrees of God are immanent , Decreta Dei nihil ponunt in Actu . and not transient acts , abiding ( with reverence ) in the Mind or Breast of God , and not actually passing upon the creature , yet Gods eternal purpose in electing us in Christ is the primum mobile , the great wheel that sets all the other inferiour wheels at work , that animates , quickens , and actually moves and influenceth , and constantly carries on and perfects all other intermediate acts of grace in order to our Salvation .

Gods blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things and places , is said to be in relation unto , in correspondence with , in pursuance of his electing us in Christ , according as he hath chosen us in Christ , Ephes. 1.3 , 4. They are all Emanations from this Fountain .

Thus in the first place , ( and I think not improperly ) we may be said to be of God in Christ Jesus , viz. ) of God , originally and primarily , Neque hoc intelligit quoad creationem , sed ait de eo , quod per gratiam & Regenerationem consequnti erant . P. Martyr . in Christ Jesus , vertually and radically , by vertue of Gods electing love to us in Christ before the world began .

2. More principally , according to the purport of this place ; we are of God in Christ Jesus by the grace of Regeneration ; we are Gods workmanship , created in Christ Jesus unto good works , Ephes. 2.10 . Believers are of God , i. e. born of God in Christ Jesus ; for the Father of our Lord Jesus , as our Spiritual Father , is said to have begotten us again unto a lively hope , by the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead , Eadem sententia est cum illa , qui non ex sanguinibus neque ex voluntate carnis , &c. Pomeran . 1 Pet. 1.3 . By vertue of his Will we are elected ; and by the Power of the same Will we are called and regenerated , Jam. 1.18 . Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth , &c. One saith , This sentence is the same with that Joh. 1.13 . which were born not of blood , nor of the will of the flesh , nor of the will of man , but of God .

Let it not grieve the Saints in that they are not born of Nobles , nor descended of the blood of Princes , but rather rejoyce and raise up their sp●rits in the midst of all reproaches and sufferings , in that they are the Sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus , a Divine Off-spring , of an heavenly Extraction ; rejoyce in this , that your names are written in heaven : Ye are wise , noble , honourable , every way glorious creatures in Christ Jesus ; Eph 1.6 . In Christo Jesu ; id est , per Christum Jesum , p●opter Christum Jesum , n●m per Christum , & propter Christum , accepti & grati samus Patri . in Christ Jesus , that is , by Christ Jesus , and for Christ Jesus ; for indeed we can be no way amiable or acceptable to the Father but in the beloved . We are said not only to be Elect in Christ Jesus , but also to be sanctified in Christ Jesus , 1 Cor. 1.2 . For indeed all our good the Father hath laid up in him , and daily dispenseth the same to us by him , and through him .

Thus I have considered the former clause of the Text in haec verba , But of him are ye in Christ Jesus .

Now the latter fall under an Analytical Examen , in these words , Who of God is made unto us wisdome , righteousness , sanctification , and redemption .

For the better explaining whereof , I shall briefly speak to these four .

1. Quis. 2. Quid. 3. A Quo , or unde . 4. Quomodo .

1. The Quis : Who is made of God unto us Wisdome ; who , or what is the Antecedent to this relative ; who ? why Christ Jesus : Of him are ye in Christ Jesus ; who , or which Christ Jesus is made of God unto us wisdome , &c. Valde observandus est hic locus , in quo , ad quatuor praecipua capita revocantur omnia quae in Christo adipiscimur beneficia . Beza .

2. The Quid : What is Christ Jesus made to the Saints ; he is made indeed in effect all in all , and all things to the Saints ; specifically in this Text these four , wisdome , righteousness , sanctification , and redemption ; to which four chief Heads all the benefits , dignities and priviledges we obtain by Christ , may be reduced , as a learned Writer well observes .

Though the believing Corinthians , and all other truly sanctified in Christ Jesus , as men , are as vile as the dung , and as low as the dust , Factus est nobis à Deo sapientia , &c. i. e. ut sapientes & justi , & sancti , & liberi simus . Theohylact . in loc. yet as Christians they shine as the stars , and are exalted as high as heaven .

1. Their understandings are enlightened by the Spirit of Wisdome and Revelation , their darkness is scattered , their ignorance healed by Jesus Christ their Wisdome ; and they ( in their measure ) like the Angels of God for wisdome , though they are foolish both in the worlds matters , and in the worlds accompt ; for commonly the children of this world are wiser in their Generation than the children of light ; yet they are wise with the wisdome of Christ , the highest and purest wisdome ; they are wise for heaven , wise for eternity , wise unto salvation . This is the first excellency .

2. They are freed from the guilt and punishment of sin , both from the dominion of sin and condemnation , and reputed righteous in foro coeli , in the Court of heaven , justified , acquitted , and accepted as Heirs of eternal life and glory by Jesus Christ their righteousness , The Lord their righteousness , Jer. 23.6 .

3. They are delivered from the power of sin , and cleansed from the filth of sin , decked with grace , endued with inward holiness , beautified with this purest glory by Jesus Christ their Sanctification .

4. They are delivered from the power of darkness , from the bondage of corruption , from all the pollutions of this world , from the slavish fears of death and hell , redeemed , or ( ●t leastwise ) ere long actually shall be from all the sins , sorrows , sufferings , and miseries attendant upon , or contingent unto this mortal and frail life ; and lastly , saved from all their enemies , and from the hands of all that hate them , Luke 1.71 . by Jesus Christ their Redemption .

These are the special dignities the Saints are advanced to , and the spiritual Royalties the Saints by Christ Jesus are invested with ; who of God is made unto us wisdome , righteousness , &c.

Here is Christ displayed in all his glory , a Mine discovered in all its Treasures , a Fountain opened in all its fulness , our Mediator revealed in all his Offices ; our illumination , or wisdome , belongs to the Office of Christ , as Prophet ; both our Justification and Sanctification belong to the Office of Christ as High-Priest , and great Apostle of our profession , Heb. 3.1 . our Redemption externally from all Enemies , and internally from all sins and sorrows , respect the Office of Christ as Lord and King ; for our Saviour must be a Princely Saviour , a Saviour , and a Prince , Acts 5.31 . And the Father hath made him both Lord and Christ , Lord over the dead and living ; 't is he that delivers us from the power of darkness , and translates us into his own Kingdome , Col. 1.13 .

3. A Quo , or unde : By whom is Christ made unto us wisdome , righteousness ? &c. I answer , by God the Father , who of God is made unto us , &c.

Christ the Son , in the Oeconomy or Dispensation of the Mediatorship , must be considered as Gods servant ; he is so called , Isa. 42.1 . Behold my servant whom I uphold .

The Father broke the business to him of our Salvation ; 't was the Father that sent him into the world , and annointed him , Isa. 61.1 . He had both his Mission and Commission from his Father , him hath God the Father sealed ; 't was the Father that gave him the Spirit without measure , that filled him with an overflowing fulness of all good to us , and for us ; therefore we have this phrase here , who of God is made unto us wisdome , &c.

Neque enim Christus creatus aut factus est quoad essentiam divinam : sed ordinatus & donatus nobis ad haec bona conferenda ; ergo dicitur factus nobis . Par. 4. Quomodo . How is Jesus Christ , or may Jesus Christ be said to be made unto us wisdome , &c. who is made to us , non creatione , sed ordinatione ; not by Creation , but by appointment ; he is constituted , ordained , or appointed by the Father to be our Wisdome , ( that is ) to be our Prophet , to open our ears to Discipline , and teach us wisdome ; to be our Righteousness , that is , to be our Justifier , our High-Priest , to reconcile us to God , and make an attonement for us ; to be our Sanctification , that is , to be our Sanctifier , ( for whom he justifies by his Merit , them he sanctifies by his Spirit ) to restore our souls for us , to renew us in the Spirit of our minds by the Spirit of holiness ; Postremo dicitur nobis factus Redemtio quod ita per cum justificati , & sanctificati certam Redemtionem tandem assequamur . Beza . to be our Redemption , that is , to be a perfect and compleat Redeemer to us ; by being all this before , he will be Redemption in the abstract , a glorious Redeemer or Saviour to the uttermost at the last , Heb. 7.25 . Factus est nobis à Deo , &c. id est , qui datus est nobis à Deo ; who is made to us of God , that is , who is given to us of God , &c. to be our Wisdome , &c. Christ is not here given of the Father to us empty or scanty , but he comes to us laden and fully fraught with the blessings of heaven , and treasures of the Gospel . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Christus fidelibus non est datus vacuus , ed ad eos cum amplissimis thesau●is venit . P. M

Christ is not given as an ordinary , but as a supereminent and transcendent gift , Joh. 4.10 . He is that gift of God ; he the Peerless Pearl , and personal Gift , came down from the Father of Lights , and brought all other good and perfect gifts , real , spiritual , divine , immortal excellencies from heaven along with him , Jam. 1.17 . Joh. 1.16 , 17 , 18.

Christ doth not give 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , giftless gifts , as commonly the men of the world give , but gifts of the highest nature , and of the greatest moment : As the Father gives the Son , so the Son gives himself , Tit. 2.16 . He gave himself for us , that he might redeem us from all iniquity , and purifie unto himself a peculiar people , zealous of good works : And with himself he gives us the most suitable , the most profitable , the most permanent , the most magnificent and noble gifts ; in a word , all spiritual blessings in heavenly things and places , Ephes. 1.3 .

Thus have ye the Analysis of the Text ; the Propositions most obvious from the Text , are these :

1. That Christians are of a Divine Origination , they are of God in Christ Jesus . 2. That Christ Jesus is given of God the Father in all his fulness to true Christians . 3. That Christ Jesus is given of God the Father for our wisdome , for our illumination . 4. That Christ Jesus is given of God the Father for our justification or righteousness . 5. That Christ Jesus is given of God the Father for our sanctification or holiness . 6. That Christ Jesus is given of God the Father for our redemption , or for our deliverance from all our enemies and miseries .

To all these Propositions I have in some measure ( so far as I have received ) spoken : But the Argument I intend ( God assisting ) at this time , and in this Tract to dilate upon , is contained in the fifth Proposition , ( That Christ Jesus is made , i. e. is ordained , is given of God the Father for our sanctification . ) Reserving the rest for another Treatise , if these poor labours shall find acceptance with the Saints .

Who of God is made unto us — Sanctification .

Doct. Christ Jesus is given of God the Father for our sanctification .

In the prosecution of this precious point , I shall observe this method .

1. I shall prove the point . 2. Endeavour to shew how , or in what sense Jesus Christ is our sanctification . 3. Shew what sanctification is . 4. The difference between justification and sanctification . 5. The transcendent excellencies of sanctification . 6. The blessed fruits of sanctification . 7ly and lastly , Make application of the whole .

1. For the proof of the point , this Text is plain and clear enough ; Christ is made of God unto us sanctification . I need call in but two or three more Scriptures for farther confirmation , That out of the mouth of two or three wit●●sses every word might be established .

The Testimonies I shall alledge , are these ; Tit. 2.14 . Who gave himself for us , that he might redeem us from all iniquity , and purifie unto himself a peculiar people , H●●●ing . Co● . in loc. zealous of good works ; concerning which Text we may say , as one hath done before us , Singula verba singularem emphasin habent ; every word hath a special emphasis : The particulars herein may be reduced to these four Principals .

1. The Donum or Donativum . 2. The Donans . 3. The Donati . 4. Finis Donationis .

1. The Donum or Donativum ; the gift here said to be given is the great God , and that is here , even our Saviour Jesus Christ . The Particle 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 here , is not to be construed disjunctively , but exegetically .

2. The Donans ; the giver or restorer of that gift is also Christ himself , who gave himself .

3. The Donati ; the persons on whom this gift is bestowed ; i. e. us , who gave himself for us .

4. Finis Donationis ; the end wherefore this gift was given , is here expressed to be two-fold .

For Redemption . Purification .

1. For Redemption : That he might redeem us from all iniquity .

2. For our Purification : And purifie unto himself a peculiar people , zealous of good works .

Where Christ is a Redeemer , he is also a Purifier ; whom he justifies by his Merit and Blood from the guilt and punishment of sin , those he sanctifies by his Spirit and Word , from the contagion and filth of sin : And this he doth two wayes .

Sacramentally . Really .

1. Sacramentally : By instituting divers kinds of offerings and washings , and other ceremonial observances in the daies of old ; of these the Apostle tells us , that they sanctified to the purifying of the flesh , In soro Ecclesiae . Heb. 9.13 . making such as used them externally and Ecclesiastically pure and holy . And thus Christians may be said to be purified in and by the Ordinances of Baptisme , under the Gospel now .

2. Really : By inward , real and spiritual washing and purifying of the inner man , which consisteth in two things :

In washing away the Guilt and Filth of sin .

The one is done away in Justification , the other in Sanctification .

1. In Justification . The blood of Christ 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 cleanseth us from all sin , 1 Joh. 1.7 . So Heb. 1.3 . Christ by himself purged our sins , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; having made a purgation , or purification , that is , by making satisfaction to Divine Justice by the sacrifice of himself .

2. In Sanctification . Christ takes away the filth of sin ; sin is called , but never out of its own name pollution , uncleanness , superfluity of raughtiness , the scum of filthiness ; and in order to our purification from it , the Blood and Spirit , Word and Ordinances of our Lord Jesus are called and compared to water , to cleanse us from all filthiness of flesh and spirit ; and as God hath given us many promises to act faith upon , through Christ , for our purification ; as Ezek. 36.25 . F om all your filthiness ; and from all your Idols will I cleanse you ; and in v. 29. I will save you from all your uncleanness : So Jesus Christ hath undertaken ( by Gods appointment ) to see these purifying promises performed in his Saints , in whom they are all Yea and Amen ; and to bless and sanctifie his Word and Ordinances for his peoples purification , according to the Commandment he hath received from his Father .

Again , Ephes. 5.25 , 26 , 27. Who loved his Church , and gave himself for it , that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word , that he might present it to himself a glorious Church , not having spot or wrinkle , or any such thing , that it should be holy , and without blemish . Christ gave himself , that is , to death , ( by the will of God , as 't is expressed , Gal. 1.4 . ) that he might sanctifie it , that is , ( say the Dutch Annotations ) that he might separate her from all worldly men , and appropriate her to himself , and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word ; that is , by his Blood and Spirit , whereof the washing of water in Baptisme is a sign and seal , and withall , the means whereby the Spirit of Christ doth more and more strengthen this cleansing . The sum whereof is this ; Christ by the will of God , and our Father gave himself to death for his Church . The Blood of Christ is the meritorious cause , the Spirit of Christ is the efficient cause , Instrumenta in divinis operantur acs●no● operantur . the Word and Ordinances are as subservient causes ; they work as Instruments in the hands of Christ for the Churches sanctification ; all the vertue that is in them , or flows out to the Saints from them , they receive from the efficiency of Jesus Christ . These Pipes receive the Golden Oyl from this Candlestick .

Lastly , the end of all is this , that he might present her to himself a glorious Church without spot , or wrinkle , &c. Thus the Church must be prepared by the Bridegrooms grace , and so fitted for the Bridegrooms glory .

As the Virgins in Esther were to be purified with Oyl of Myrrhe , Esther 2.12 . and sweet Odours , before they entred into the Kings Palace , or stood in the Kings presence : So all the Virgins and followers of the Lamb are to be purified and refined by the Spirit and grace of the Lamb , and perfectly sanctified , compleatly glorified at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb , Rev. 19.7.9 . Christians , your blessed Saviour is made of God , both righteousness and sanctification to ye ; he hath both a glorious Robe of justification to impute , and a glorious Robe of sanctification to impart to all believers ; and this , without controversie , is the white Linnen of the Saints , which render them truly glorious , which commends them to God , to good men , to the holy Angels , which garment of glory and beauty they shall wear for ever in their Fathers presence .

The believing Corinthians , called to be Saints , are said to be sanctified in Christ Jesus , 1 Cor. 1 , 2.

The Church considered in her Inherent Grace , is but fair as the Moon , hath many spots in her , but in her Relation to Christ ; so she is clear as the Sun , &c. Wherefore , though the Church in her self may be said to be poor , forlorn , deformed , needy ▪ yet by Union with Christ , being implanted into him , * * Ecclesia omnem suam sanctitatem venustatem & pulchritudinem , omnia sua bona in genere à Christo Jesu sponso suo accip●re & habere dicitur . P. Mart. she is rich with her Husbands riches , holy with his holiness , comely with his comeliness , illustrious with his glory , replenisht with his fulness : He that is in Christ is a new creature , 2 Cor. 5.17 . When by faith unfeigned we are united , ingrafted into Christ the true Vine , We really partake of spiritual life and sensation from him ; we are sanctified in him , and by him : Wherefore speaks a worthy † † Sanctificamur ergo , dum in Christi corpus inserimur , extra quod non nisi pollutio est : nec aliunde etitiam nobis confertur spiritus , quam à Christo , per quem Deo adhaeremus , & in quo simus nova creaturae . Calv. Author , we are then sanctified , when we are ingrafted into Christs body , out of which , instead of sanctification , there is nothing else but pollution , and no other way but from and by Christ is the Spirit of Holiness conferr'd upon us , &c.

Christ in his most heavenly prayer , solemnly confesseth , that his Father sent him into the world for the sake of true believers , Joh. 17.18 . and that for their sakes he did sanctifie himself , i. e. dedicate and give up himself for an holy Sacrifice , that they ( viz. ) believers might be sanctified by the truth , ( that is , as most render it ) might receive remission of sins , and sanctification of the Spirit ; and in fine , the salvation of their souls , as evidently appears from Heb. 10.10 . Through the which will we are sanctified , through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all : And v. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified

All which Scriptures seem to a judicious ear to joyn in Consort , and speak one voice and language with the Text and point in hand ; That Jesus Christ is given of God the Father for our Sanctification .

Thus much for the first thing promised , ( viz. ) the proof of the point .

We come to the second general .

2. How , or in what sense Jesus Christ may be said to be our Sanctification ; or made , ordained , constituted , or given of God to be our Sanctification ?

I conceive Christ may be said to be our Sanctification in Scripture sense , these four wayes .

1. By Imputation . 2. By Vnion . 3. By Assimilation . 4. By Influence and Communication .

1. By Imputation . 'T is the saying of a Reverend man ( now with God , ) That the perfect purity of Christs Humane Nature is reckoned unto believers by free imputation of faith : M. Wilson in his Christian Dictionary Christ is made unto us Sanctification ; this is , ( saith he ) Sanctification imputed .

Jesus Christ being consecrated , and set apart of God to be the Messiah and Mediator for mankind , and having for that purpose all the bounty and fulness of the Father poured on him , being truly God , and truly Man ; and as Man , being conceived of the Holy Ghost without sin , ordained to be a Sacrifice for sin , and to sanctifie and make his people holy , is worthily in Scripture called , That Holy One , Psa. 16.10 . Act. 3 . 1● . Joh. 1.2.20 . Also he is termed the Holy of Holies , or most Holy , Dan. 9.24 . And to annoint the most Holy .

The poor imperfect Church of Christ , notwithstanding all her blots and spots ,

Uxor illuce scit radiis mariti .

Qui justificantur sanctificantur , hae gratiae individuo nexu cohaerent . Calv.

blains and blemishes contracted by original and actual sins , is reputed as a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle , or any such thing , as she shines by the rayes of the Sun of righteousness , through the sanctification or perfect holiness of her Bridegroom Jesus Christ . Jesus Christ is a believers righteousness for Justification , and his holiness for sanctification also : These two are Twins inseparable .

The Lamb of God without spot was slain , 1 Pet. 1.18 . to purge us from the guilt of sin , for without shedding of blood there could be no remission , Heb. 9.22 . And it must be a Lamb without spot and blemish , and offered up to God by the Eternal Spirit : This Lamb must be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , God-man , or else your pollutions had never been removed , your Natures never sanctified , your consciences never purged from dead works , Heb. 9.14 . But Christ by the Hypostatical union is eminently qualified , to be both vertually and efficiently your sanctification .

As the benefits of Redemption accrue to us by the Kingly Office of Christ , so the benefits of Justification and Sanctification do accrue to us by the Priestly Office of Christ , as Pareus notes : Such an High-Priest it became us , who is holy , harmless , separate from sinners , Heb. 7.26 . And such an one is Christ : He did not only satisfie divine Justice , pacifie the Fathers wrath , make reconciliation for the sins of the people ; but also , as the H●gh-Priest of old , he did , and doth still appear before the Lord in garments of glory and beauty . See Exod. 28.2 , 3 , 4 , 5. Those garments of gold , blew , purple , scarlet , &c. did consecrate Aaron to his Priestly Office : Those glorious garments , without controversie , did typifie the pure habitual and actual holiness of our great High-Priest Jesus Christ , expressed by his annointing , Isa. 61.1 . and receiving the Spirit without measure , Joh. 3.34 .

That unction and unmeasurable effusion of the Spirit upon him , did consecrate and sanctifie him to all his Offices , he was annointed for us , to be a Prophet to us , to be a King in us , to be a Priest for us ; which fulness of the Spirit of grace in our Head Christ , is reputed to every one sanctified in Christ Jesus for their sanctification or holiness , which doth also expiate and purge out of the sight of God , all their impurity or unholiness : This holy person described by his glorious titles , ( viz. ) the Son of God , the Heir of all things , the Maker of the worlds , the brightness of his Fathers glory , the express Image of his person , the upholder of all things by the Word of his Power , is said by himself to have purged our sins , Heb. 1.1 , 2 , 3. As by the merit of his passive righteousness to purge us from the guilt of sin , so by the influential efficacy of his sanctity , or inherent righteousness , to purge us from the filth of sin , and take down the power of it .

God accepts of believers in themselves impure and imperfect , as perfect and compleat in him , who is our Head and fulness .

Thus Christ is our Sanctification , by way of Imputation .

2. Jesus Christ is our sanctification by way of Union : Union with him is the ground or Basis both of our Justification and Sanctification by him : He that hath the Son , hath life , Joh. 1.5.12 . Dulcius ex ipso fonte . With him is the fountain of life , Psa. 36.9 . by Faith ( through the spirit ) a believer hath union with Christs person , and so communion with his life : He that believeth on the Son , hath everlasting life , Joh. 3. ult. Whereupon Jesus Christ is called the life , Joh. 14.6 . and our life , Col. 3.4 . our life of righteousness , our life of holiness , our life of glory , or happiness ; and this life is in his Son , 1 Ioh. 5.11 .

By believing we are united to Christ , who is our Head , Fountain , and Principle of spiritual life , or holiness , as the Head is the Principle and Fountain of sense and motion , Ephes. 4.15.16 . From him , the Head , the Apostle tells us , the whole body is fitly joyned and compacted together , and so maketh encrease to the edifying of it self in love . All the grace that is in us is but a measure or overflowing of his fulness . Christ is — principle of holiness , by which it is wrought , and also the rule unto which it is proportioned . Dr. Reynolds in his life of Christ . Heb. 12.2 . Christ is the Author and finisher of our faith ; he is the first and the last , the Alpha and Omega , both the beginner of our sanctification here on earth , and the perfecter thereof in heaven .

As the members by nerves and ligaments are firmly knit to the Head , the superstructure to the foundation , the branches to the Vine , the Wife to the Husband by the Marriage-knot , so are the Saints of God firmly and closely united to Jesus Christ in the spirit , 1 Cor. 6.17 . By vertue of which union they cannot but derive and draw down continual supplies of spiritual life from him ; for he is the life , and he is their life .

Consider a little the nature of this wonderful Union , I shall but touch it in transitu .

1. It is an Union of Nature ; we are members of his body , of his flesh , and of his bones , Heb. 2.14 . because the children are partakers of flesh and blood , he also himself likewise took part of the same : Christ condescended to assume our Humane Nature , that we might partake of his Divine Nature ; he took upon him our rag of flesh , that he might cloath us with his robe of glory .

2. It is an union of and in the spirit , 1 Cor. 6.17 . He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit ; as man and wife united make one flesh , so Christ and believers united in and by the spirit , make up one spiritual Christ .

3. It is an union of relations , and that of the neerest and sweetest : Christ is the everlasting Father , Isa 9.6 . and begets children to God in his own likeness . Christ is the Son of God , believers are the Sons of God , but Christ is the Son of Gods Nature , but we are the Sons of Gods will ; he by eternal Generation , but we by the grace of Regeneration , to conformity to whose Image we are predestinated , Rom. 8.29 . He is the first-born among many Brethren , and is not ashamed to call us Brethren , Heb. 2. which relation also bespeaks likeness , for brethren for the most part resemble brethren .

Lastly , Christ is our redeeming Kinsman , and Husband , and we are his redeemed Kindred and Spouse : These relations also import similitude , and proportion between Christ and us : Christ as our Redeemer came to deliver us , &c. that we might be like him , and serve him in holiness and righteousness , Luke 1.74 , 75. he came not only to justifie , but also to sanctifie , Tit. 2.16 . he came as Redeemer , not only to save from hell , but also to save from sin , Mat. 1.21 . not only to deliver us from eternal condemnation , but also from our vain conversation , 1 Pet. 1.18 . Isa. 61.1 , 2 , 3. not only to proclaim liberty to the Captives , and the opening of the prisons to them that are bound , Zech. 3.3.4 . but also to pull off their rotten rags , their nasty prison garments , and to cloath them with change of rayment ; to cleanse and wash them from the pollution of sin , and put upon them a robe of righteousness , and renew them with inward holiness , and so to present them as beautiful and glorious , without spot or wrinkle , &c.

To shew consent , M. Jeremy Burroughs in his Saints Treasury . p. 46. I shall take the boldness to transcribe the words of a Famous man ( now in heaven : ) Our Sanctification ( saith he ) is not only from Christ meritoriously , but efficiently , and in a kind materially too ; he doth not only merit it , and work it by his spirit , but through our union with him , there is a kind of flowing of Sanctification from him into us , as the principle of our life ; as from the liver there flows blood into all the parts of the body , so through our union with Christ , he having the fulness of the Godhead in him , from him , as from a Fountain , sanctification flows into the souls of Saints ; their sanctification comes not so much from their strugling , I wish all disconsolate souls , desponding for want of holiness , would ( in the strength of the Lord ) take his counsel . and endeavours , vows , and resolutions , as it comes flowing to them , from their closing with Christ , and union with him : There may be ( saith he ) a great deal of striving and endeavouring that may be utterly ineffectual for want of having recourse to Christ , as the Spring and Well-head of all grace and holiness .

Thus Jesus Christ is our Sanctification ; by union with him , we are sanctified in him , and daily receive supplies of grace from him .

3. Jesus Christ may be said to be our Sanctification , and to be given of God for our Sanctification , in regard of Assimilation .

1 Christ is the pattern of our Sanctification . 1. As Christ is the Author , so Christ is the Rule and Pattern of our Sanctification ; formal and compleat Sanctification consists in a souls conformity to Jesus Christ , as the Exemplar or Pattern of his obedience , Heb. 12.3 . Consider him that endured , &c. i. e. consider him as the Pattern and President of your obedience , both active and passive : Wherefore ye shall find that Christ propounds his own example , as the pattern of our obedience , Ioh. 13.15 . I have given you an example , i. e. of meekness and humility , that you should do as I have done to you . So Mat. 11.29 . Learn of me , for I am meek and lowly . Again , Phil. 2.5 . Let the same mind be in you as was in Christ ; i. e. the same opinion , judgement , affections , compassions . Once more , 1 Pet. 1.15 . As he who hath called you is holy , so be ye holy in all manner of conversation . Christ throughout his whole life was a standing rule , a walking Bible , a visible Commentary on Gods Law , whose ordinary communicable works and duties , are recorded for our imitation .

2. Holiness is the Image of Christ : 2. Holiness is the Image of Christ . Now as the face is both the fountain of that Image or Species which is shed upon the glass , and likewise it is the exact pattern and example of it too ; so Jesus Christ is both the principle of holiness , by whom it is wrought , and the pattern to which it is conforme . Now in an Image there are two things .

1. Proportion . 2. Deduction .

1. Proportion . A similitude of one thing to another .

2. Deduction . A derivation , or impression of similitude upon the one from the other , and with relation thereunto .

Now our Renovation is after the Image of Christ , 1 Cor. 15.49 . As we have born the Image of the earthly , so we shall bear the Image of the heavenly Adam , begat a Son in his own likeness , i. e. his Son was like him in corruption and mortality ; so in the Regeneration , Christ begets children to himself in his own likeness , i. e. like him in grace and holiness , in spirituality and immortality , for the seed of which we are begotten is incorruptible . 1 Pet. 1.23 When man had lost that glorious Image of God wherein he was created , he became an ugly and a miserable creature presently ; ugly , because he had lost his holiness ; miserable , because full of guilt and horror ; he durst no more draw neer to the most holy inaccessible Majesty , than stubble before the flames : No man can see his face , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 deficiuntur . and live : We all by sin are come short of Gods glory , Rom. 3.23 . both of the glory of his Image , and of the glory of his Kingdome . Now unless the Lord be pleased to exhibit this Image to us through some glass or veil , we must be for ever both desolate and destitute . And this the Lord hath graciously been pleased to do by the veil of Christs flesh ; he is God manifest in the flesh , 1 Tim. 3.16 . The glory of God now shines in upon us , and before us , in and from the face of Iesus Christ , Col. 1.15 . 2 Cor. 4.6 . Christ is the Image of the invisible God , and he that hath seen him , hath seen the Father : So that now by the Incarnation of the Son , there is a Vision of Gods glory , and a restauration of Gods Image , Ioh. 1.18 . No man hath seen God at any time , the only begotten Son , who is in the bosome of the Father , he hath declared him .

The glittering beamings of the Invisible and Eternal Glory , did and do shine most resplendently through the transparent medium of Christs Humane Nature , which seen , and taken in by the eye of Faith , do strangely irradiate and enlighten , beautifie and glorifie the soul of man , Ephes. 4.23 , 24. and renew it according to the Image of God , in righteousness and true holiness .

4ly and lastly , Jesus Christ is our Sanctification , by way of influence and communication : This is more general , and hath some connexion with , and dependance upon the former : Ye have received an Vnction from the Holy One , i. e. Christ , &c. Ioh. 1.2.20 . This Unction is like that oyntment that ran down from the head of Aaron unto the skirts of his garments , to note the plentiful effusion of the Spirit on Christ , and from Christ , unto his lowest members .

1. The Spirit of holiness was Christs right jure proprio , by vertue of the personal union ; so that Christ had a plenitude or fulness of the spirit in him , like the fulness of a fountain ; but to us the spirit belongs by an inferiour union through Christ our Head , So Bishop Down●m in his Justification . by way of influence from Christ our Head : from the grace of the Spirit is derived in such proportion , as Christ is pleased to communicate , yet 't is the same holiness for truth and substance : Simile . As it is the same light which breaketh forth in the dawning of the day , with that which inhereth in the body of the Sun , shining in his strength ; 't is in Christ in fulness , in us in measure : The Apostle tells us , 2 Cor. 3.18 . We are changed into the same likeness with Christ by the Spirit of the Lord .

2. Of this fulness of the Spirit which is in Christ , believers do receive , and grace for grace , Ioh. 1.16 . As the Child receives member for member from the Father , and as the paper receiveth letter for letter from the Press , &c. so a sanctified soul receives grace for grace , i. e. all manner of grace , exactly and proportionably from Jesus Christ . The glorious Image of Gods holiness in Christ , fashioneth and produceth it self in the hearts of the faithful ; Simile . as an Image or species of light shining on a glass , doth from thence fashion it self upon a wall by reflexion : As the head communicates real influences to the body , so Iesus Christ , who is both an head of eminence and of influence , communicates his spirit , grace , light , life , comfort to his Body the Church ; for he that sanctifieth , and they that are sanctified , are both of one : As they are one in Nature , so one in Spirit , and in spiritual likeness also .

For the farther explication and illustration of this deep and illustrious truth , ( viz. ) That Jesus Christ is our Sanctification . Before I come to the definition of Sanctification , Causa 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I shall subjoyn these particulars .

Causa 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , quae 〈◊〉 ●●ritor●a . 1. That the will of God is the inward impulsive cause of our Sanctification . 2. That the blood of Christ is the moral and meritorious cause of our Sanctification . Causa materialis . 3. That the holiness of Christ is the material cause . Causa formalis . 4. That the infusion of Holiness , or giving of the Spirit , is the formal cause . Causa Effici●●s . 5. That the Spirit of Christ is the efficient cause . Caus● Admin●●trae . 6. That the Word , Ordinances and Faith , are the ministring instrumental causes . Polan . Causae exemplares . 7. That the Death and Resurrection of Christ , are the exemplary causes or patterns . D. Am●● in 〈◊〉 , Theolog. 8 y and lastly , That the glory of God in the Consecration and Salvation of a sinful creature , is the supreme end , or final cause of our Sanctification .

1 The principal moving cause . 1. The Will of God is the principal internal moving cause of our Sanctification , Heb. 10.9 , 10. Then , said he , Lo I come to do thy will O God : He taketh away the first . that he may establish the second ; that is , he taketh away the first sort of Sacrifices and Propitiations , which was the blood of Bulls and Goats , &c. and establish the second standing Sacrifice , ( which is ) the offering up of the body of Jesus Christ once for all , by the which will we are sanctified , v. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . i. e. it was the good pleasure of the Fathers will , to appoint and accept this precious Sacrifice for our Justification , Sanctification , and compleat Salvation . This is the will of God , even our Sanctification , 1 Thes. 4.3 . This is the will of his Precept , that Christ Jesus should be our Sanctification ; this is also the will of his Purpose , and Eternal Counsel : Why did God chuse us in Christ before the foundation of the world ? the Apostle tells us , that we should be holy , Ephes. 1.4 . The principal moving cause of our Regeneration , is the will of God ; Of his own will begat he us , &c. 1 Jam. 18. What more clear ? 2 The meritorious cause . Omne donum gratiae Dei in Christo est . Ambr in Ephes. 1. Cau●a efficiens interna propter quam Deus nos regenera● , est meritum , justitia obedientia Christi . Polan .

2. The blood of Christ is the moral and meritorious cause of our Sanctification ; all blessings and graces come down from the Father of Lights through the Sun of Righteousness ; both grace and glory , holiness and happiness , flow in to us through the Channel of Christs blood : The blood of Christ is both 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; both the Price of our Redemption , and the Laver of Regeneration also ; as is evident by these Scriptures , Heb. 9.14 . How much more shall the blood of Christ , who by the Eternal Spirit offer'd up himself without spot to God , purge your consciences from dead works , &c. 1 Joh. 1.7 . The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin , f om the guilt and filth of sin . Heb. 1.3 . He by himself hath purged our sins ; Heb. 13.12 . And that he might sanctifie the people with his own blood , he suffered without the gate . As a price is said to do that , which a man doth by that power the price purchaseth , so the blood of Christ is said to cleanse us , because the Office or Power whereby he sanctified us , was conferr'd upon him sub intuitu pretii , under the condition of suffering ; for it was necessary , that Remission and Purification should be both by blood , Morte sua Christus est meritus , resurrection● efficaciter ●●generationem nobis applicat . Syntag. Polan . p. 467. Heb. 9.22 , 23. Christ by his bloody death merited , impetrated , and obtained of his Father the spirit of holiness , faith , the word , promises , and all spiritual blessings , in order to his peoples sanctification , Ephes. 1.3 , 4. Phil. 1.29 . Had it not been for this moral and meritorious cause , ( the blood of Christ ) which is the sole foundation of the Spirits efficiency , of the Faiths existence and instrumentality , of the Word and Promises operation and efficacy , we should never have felt the efficiency of the Spirit , nor the working of Faith , nor the effectual operation of the Word and Promises in the Purification of our Natures , or in the conversion of our souls to God .

This purifying vertue of the blood of Christ was typically held forth by divers kinds of offerings , and washings , oblations , and ablutions under the Law , and other ceremonial observances , which the Apostle hath reference to , Heb. 9.13 . The blood of Bulls and Goats , and the ashes of an Heifer , sprinkling the unclean , sanctified to the purifying of the flesh ; that is , it legally and carnally sanctified them , and made them externally pure and holy , as to the Church , into which they were incorporated : But that which was legally and carnally in the Type , was really , substantially , and spiritually effected in the Antitype , the sacrifice of Christs body , typified by that bloody sacrifice of beasts ; as ver. 14. following asserteth ; How much more ( saith he ) shall the blood of Christ , &c.

Thus 't is clear , that the blood of Christ is the moral and meritorious cause of our Sanctification ; yea , and the procuring cause of all oth●r blessings , causes , helps , and means , which by divine order and appointment concur to , co-operate in the production and progress of our Sanctification .

3. What is the material cause of our Sanctification ?

I answer . 3 The material cause . As the Filiation or Sonship of Christ is the material cause of our Adoption , and as the full satisfaction of Christ to the Justice of God , is the material cause of our Reconciliation ; and as the perfect righteousness of Christ , as God-man ; is the material cause of our justification , so ( I humbly suppose ) the perfect purity of Christs Humane Nature , by the Hypostatical Union , united to the divine in one person , and the unmeasurable fulness of the spirit in him , is the material cause of our Sanctification ; all the holiness that is in us , is but the beaming forth of his holiness , a ray of his glory , a measure of his spirit , a sprinkling of his Unction , an over-flowing of his fulness , for of his fulness we receive , and grace for grace , Joh. 1.16 . In a word , 't is the communication of the Divine Nature , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Divin● consortes naturae . So Montanus . 2 Pet. 1.4 . The Saints are there said to be partakers of the Divine Nature : But how ? not that we are Christed into Christ , or Godded into God , as some of late daies have most absurdly ( if not blasphemously ) imagined . We cannot be partakers of Gods Substance , or Essence , for that is incommunicable to any creature , but believers partake ( per Christ ) of the communicable divine qualities and perfections , as wisdome , knowledge , righteousness , holiness , &c. Col. 3.10 . Ephes. 4.24 . This glorious Image of God we lost in the first , and have it restored in the second Adam .

Christ received the spirit above measure , we have but some drops or drams of it ; Joh. 3 34. he was annointed with the Oyl of gladness above his fellows , yet for his fellows , whole Christ was given to us , Isa. 9.6 . To us a Child is born , to us a Son is given : His sanctification also must needs be for us , for our good and benefit ; For their sakes I sanctifie my self , ( saith Christ ) that they might be sanctified by the truth , Joh. 17.19 . Holiness in Christ is as the light in the Sun ever shining , and as water in a living fountain never sailing , S●●ile . ever running : He is b●th an ever-flowing , and an over-flowing fountain of grace to us ; as 't is endless and boundless in Christ , so it is diffusive and communicative to his members : J●s s Christ is the Candlestick , from whence the Golden Pipes do empty the golde● oyl through themselves , Zech. 4.11 , 12. Christ is this Candlestick ; See the Dutch Annotat . on the place . the two Olive-trees signifie his Kingly and Priestly Offices ; the Golden Oyl , signifieth the gifts and graces of the Spirit : It must needs be so , because it is the pleasure of the Father , that in him should all fulness dwell , Col. 1.19 . What is this fulness ? It is all the fulness of the Godhead 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 bodily , i. e. personally , substantially ; for as the Hebrews put souls for persons , as so many souls went down into Egypt , &c. so the Greeks put bodies for persons . Our Lord Jesus is his Fathers Gazophylacium , the great Magazine of infinite riches and treasures . Note here a Climax , yea three gradations , the Godhead , the fulness of the Godhead ; yea , all the fulness of the Godhead dwells in Christ bodily . Now our holiness is a stream derived from this Fountain , a part or parcel of this fulness .

4. 4 The formal cause . What is the formal cause of our Sanctification ?

I answer , 'T is the infusion of the habits of grace into us , ( as the School-men call them ) 't is the endowment of the soul with inward holiness : So Mr. Perkins , 'T is the infusion of , or communion with the spirit : So D. Reynolds , 'T is the operation of the spirit dwelling in us , as a spirit of sanctification , Luke 11.13 . Joh. 14.16 , 17. 'T is the deriving or drawing down the holiness that is in Christ our Head , by the spirit of holiness , who is the Bond of union and communion between him and us ; 't is the spirits transforming of us into the likeness of our Lord Jesus , or the delineation of the Picture of Christ , The spirit looks directly upon the glorious Image of Christ represented in the Gospel , and draws exactly the picture thereof in a Saints heart . Mr. Rich. Vines in Loc. Zech. 13.1 . by the spirit of Christ in the soul of man , 2 Cor. 3.18 . It s Synonima's in Scripture are very emphatical , 't is called a quickning , Ephes. 2.1 . a birth , Joh. 3.3 . a forming of Christ , Gal. 4.19 . a Regeneration , or begetting again , 1 Pet. 1.3 . a new heart , and a new spirit , Ezek. 36.26 . a renewing of the mind , Rom. 12.2 . a new creature , 2 Cor. 5.17 . the new man , Ephes. 4.24 . the renewing of the Holy Ghost , Tit. 3.5 . And the Divine Nature , and the Image or likeness of Christ , in respect of its Divine original and transcendent excellency .

The Father sends the Son into the world to work out eternal Redemption for us ; and to that end , to open a fountain in his side and heart for our purification ; he furnisht him with an instrumental fulness and fitness , to be the Lord our righteousness , and our Fountain of grace and holiness ; Joh. 17.4 Eph 4.8 . the Son finisheth his work , ascends up on high , receiveth gifts for men , sends the holy spirit , the sanctifier and comforter , as his Vice-Roy , to dwell in us , and abide with us for ever ; and not only to dwell in us , as our heavenly companion and comforter , Joh 14 16 17. but also to work in us as our Sanctifier , and therefore called . The Spirit of holiness , Rom. 1.4 . Joh. 16 14. He shall glorifie me ( saith Christ ) for he shal receive of mine . He receives from the Son wisdome , righteousness , holiness , all gifts and graces wherewith Christ was annointed , and bestows them upon the Saints , annoints them with this Unction , implants in them these gifts and graces , imprints vpon them the Divine Nature , and therewith sanctifies them ; which very impression of the Divine Nature ( or likeness of Christ ) on the soul of man , by the energy of the spirit , I conceive to be the very formality of sanctification .

For the better explication and dilucidation of this Argument , give me leave to shew what it is to sanctifie .

The word Sanctifie hath many acceptions , the most famous are these two : 1. To set apart . 2. To cleanse .

In each of which we suppose something privative , and something positive .

1. When it signifies to set apart , we must conceive , not only a setting a thing or a person apart from a common or prophane use , but also it s or his actual dedication to holy uses , or setting apart for God , which is the proper notion of it .

2. When it signifies to cleanse , you must not only conceive a purgation from filthiness , but also a plantation of the seed of grace , called the seed of God . The abolition of natural corruption is the privative part ; the renovation of Gods Image is the positive part of Sanctification .

1. To sanctifie , is to set apart , and dedicate . Thus Gods people are set apart , and dedicated by God , and for God .

1. Before time . 2. In time .

1. Before time . Psa. 1.4 . They are set apart by Gods Decree to be an holy seed to himself in and by Chr st , separate from the reprobate and perishing world , to be Vessels of Honor ; whereas the Reprobates are called Vessels of wrath , and dishonour , M. Burroughs in his Saints Treasury . Psa. 1.4 . Him that is godly , God hath set apart for himself ; i. e. as a good man saith , Not only actually set apart in vocation , but vertually set apart by God from eternity in Election , Ephes. 1.4 . Having chosen us in him before the foundation of the world , &c.

2. In time . They are regenerated , called , or actually sanctified , or set apart to be Vessels of Honour , sanctified , and meet for the Masters service , Wollebius in his Body of Divinity . 2 Tim. 2.21 . Sanctification is an actual Election , by which we are set apart from the miserable and vain world , to act for God by Jesus Christ , and to seek the things that make for his glory . Thus by Regeneration we are called his First-fruits , which under the Law were the Lords portion , Jam. 1.18 . Of his own will begat he us , by the word of truth , that we should be a kind of the first fruits of his new creatures ; Joh. 3.3 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . as they are born from above , so they are born for above ; they have heavenly affections , and heavenly conversations , and shall have heavenly Mansions . Joh. 14 2. The Saints of God , among other Titles , are called an holy Nation , a Royal Priesthood , and a Peculiar People , 1 Pet. 2.9 . The Priests of old were men consecrated to Minister in Gods presence . Now

1. This Consecration infers an holy preciseness , and peculiar singularity in the Saints , to keep themselves unspotted from the world , Jam. 1.28 .

2. As God doth consecrate the Saints , so they themselves having received grace from above , do willingly dedicate and consecrate themselves to God . They present their bodies , i. e. their persons , ( the body being put Synechdochically for the whole man ) as an holy and living sacrifice , Rom. 12.1 . And for this dedication , the Lord calls , when he saith , My Son , give me thine heart , &c. he is pleased to call it by the name of a gift , when 't is his due debt ; and because our free consent is a necessary fruit of his free grace , every gracious soul doth voluntarily surrender or give up it self to God , ( as the Macedonians did ) 2 Cor. 8.5 . Thus in the first place , to sanctifie is to set apart , and dedicate to an holy use .

2. To sanctifie , is to cleanse , together with its positive act , to renew , endow , or adorn with grace : The privative part is cleansing , the positive part is adorning .

First , I shall consider the privative part of Sanctification , as it is a cleansing work .

As the word Sanctifie signifies to separate , so there is a difference between the Saints , and others ; but as it signifies to cleanse , so there is a difference between the Saints , and themselves .

1. They differ from others , because they are a people set apart to live and act for God , whether they eat or drink , buy or sell , they do all for God , that is , with respect to his glory , 1 Cor. 10.31 . and so they are distinct from the men of the world , who are meerly byassed by their own principles , swayed by their own interests , and act for Carnal Self in all they do .

2. Sanctification makes a difference between them and themselves , inter them unregenerate , and themselves regenerate ; they were filthy before , but washen now ; impure before , but holy now ; Lyons before , Lambs now ; Swine before , but Doves now : May not we say to , and of , the best of Saints that are extant , as the Apostle speaks of the converted Corinthians ? 1 Cor. 6.11 . Such were some of you ; i. e. some of you had been Idolaters , Adulterers , Drunkards , Covetous , &c. but now ye are washed , justified , and sanctified in the Name , and by the Spirit of our Lord Jesus ; that is , ye are not the same men and women that ye were before , the grace of God having changed both their relations , and their qualities . As a man , lately converted , answered his old Companions , when sollicited to excess of Riot , Ego non sum Ego , 〈◊〉 . Now I am not I : As sin makes a wonderful cursed change in and upon the soul , from good to bad , yea , to stark naught ; so grace makes a wonderful blessed change in and upon the soul , from the worst , to the best relation and condition that the rational creature can attain unto . The deep and ingrained pollution of our nature is purged and done away .

1. Inchoatively , and generally , at our grand bathing in Regeneration , or first conversion , Tit. 3.5 . when the soul doth begin at first to wash it self in the Fountain of Christs blood , that Fountain opened for sin , Z●ch 13.1 . and for uncleanness ; that is the first cleansing , then the Leprosie begins to be abated , and the soul to be made white in the blood of the Lamb ; then sin hath its mortal blow .

2. Gradually , and progressively , by degrees ; the Image of Christ is drawn brighter and brighter , goes on from glory to glory in the soul of man , by the Pourtraicture of the spirit , 2 Cor. 3.18 . and as the righteousness of Justification , so the righteousness of Sanctification also is revealed , and carried on from faith to faith : The path of the just is a shining light , Pro. 4.18 . that shineth more and more unto the perfect day : As Naaman by the Prophets order went down , 2 Kin. 5.10.14 . and washt himself seven times in the streams of Jordan ; so the sinful soul of man must go down believingly , and wash it self in the blood of Christ , and in the water of the spirit , in the stream of this Jordan , if ever it will be clean . Christ washt his Disciples feet , Joh. 13.11 , 12. alluding to the custome of the Jews , who wearing Sandals , and dirtying their feet daily , were wont to wash their feet daily : So every day , while we converse in and with the world , we contract dirt and filth daily , we must be therefore washing off the dirt , by the renewed acts of faith and repentance daily ; we ought to make recourse daily to the blood , spirit , word , and promises of Christ for our Justification , and thereby cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit , 2 Cor. 7.1 .

3. Totally , or wholly , that is at our dissolution , when we shall be glorified , when the body of flesh shall lie in the dust of death , then the body of sin shall lie down with it , then the souls of the Saints shall be presented glorious , without spot , or wrinkle , be pure from sin , and perfect in holiness . Now through grace , the Saints are freed from the guilt and dominion of sin , but at death they are perfectly free from the being of it : As a worthy man well observes , D. Manton in M. Loves Funeral Sermon . That as sin brought death into the world with it , so death , by way of revenge , carries out sin : 'T is probable , the time will be in the very moment of expiring , ( saith the same Author . ) As the soul in the moment of its conjunction with the body , became sinful ; so the soul in the moment of its disjunction from the body , becomes perfectly sanctified , and is presented perfect by Christ to God ; for no unclean thing shall enter into the New Jerusalem , Rev. 21.27 . Thus much for the privative part of Sanctification , as it is a cleansing work .

2. Something ( very briefly ) of the positive work of Sanctification , as it is a decking or adorning the soul with grace ; under the Law , as there was an Altar for Oblation , so there was a Laver for Ablution ; and the Priests were commanded to wash in the great Laver , before they came to minister at the Altar , Exod. 30.18 , 19 , 20. As the Oblation , or Offering , did note Justification , so the ablution , or washing , did note our Sanctification . And moreover , the legal Priests were to be adorned with gorgeous attire , with glorious garments , when they appeared before the Lord ; which garments of glo●y and beauty , Exod. 28. without controversie , did figure out , the glorious graces of Christ , and all true Christians ; for as Christ is their King and Priest , so they ( through the riches of grace ) have Communion with him in his Offices , and therefore called a Royal Priesthood , 1 Pet. 2.9 . To be sanctified , is more than to be purified ; for besides the expulsion of sin in Sanctification , there is an infusion of grace , a new disposition and frame of soul , called a new heart , and a new spirit , Ezek. 36.25 , 26 , 27. ( i. e. ) a new mind , new apprehensions , a new will , new desires , new affections , from whence there follows newness of life and conversation .

1. There is a new heart , that is conformity to Gods Nature , when the heart of man is like the heart of God , as David is said to be a man after Gods own heart : 2 Pet. 1.4 . Conformity to the Divine Nature , is this new heart : The Nature of God , is the pattern of that Sanctification which is wrought in the heart of man .

2. There is a new life , that is , our conformity to Gods Law , or revealed Will , whose will is our Sanctification , 1 Thes. 4.3 . An holy heart breathes and breaks out into an heavenly conversation , Phil. 3.20 . Our conversation is in heaven : The first is our habitual holiness , the second is our actual . The sum is this , our habitual conformity to the Nature or Image of God , and our actual conformity to the Will of God , ( thereon depending ) is formally our Sanctification . Thus I have shewed what it is to sanctifie , and have opened the more eminent acceptations of it : We come now to the fifth thing propounded .

5. The Spi it of Christ is the efficient cause of our Sanctification .

The work of Creation is commonly ascribed to God the Father , the work of Redemption to God the Son , and the work of Sanctification to God the Holy Spirit ; yet Sanctification being a work ad extra , is common to all the persons .

1. It is ascribed to God the Father , Jude 1. to them which are called and sanctified of God the Father . 1 Pet. 1.3 . Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which according to his abundant mercy , hath begotten us again unto a lively hope , &c.

2. Christ is said to sanctifie us ; He is made of God to us Sanctification , 1 Cor. 1.2 . To the Church of God which is at Corinth , to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus , Heb. 13.12 . Wherefore Jesus , that he might sanctifie the people with his own blood , suffered without the gate .

3. The Spirit is said to sanctifie : Hence these phrases , the sanctification of the Spirit , 1 Pet. 1.2 . 2 Thes. 2.13 , 14. and the Spirit of holiness , Rom. 1.4 . The Sanctification of the Spirit , is as necessary as the mercy of the Father , or the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus .

Christ by the redundancy of his Merit hath impetrated , and obtained the Spirit of the Father , to sanctifie those whom he means to save , to purifie , and make them meet for glory , whom he died for , and justified by his blood ,

The Inchoation is from the Father , the Dispensation is by the Son , the Consummation by the Spirit : 'T is from the love of the Father , and by vertue of the Merit of the Son , that we are sanctified ; but 't is properly the Office , and the distinct personal operation of the spirit of holiness to sanctifie ; and it must be the mighty power of the eternal spirit , that converts or sanctifies , because 't is such a power as is commensurate and proportionate to the raising of the dead , Ephes. 1.19 , 20. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Supereminens magnitudo . Montan. called the exceeding greatness of his power , &c. We are not sanctified or converted , as the Papists and Arminians say , by a moral suasion , or by the bare improvement of our own free will , nor by the accession of some additional help to Nature , but by the most strong , and yet most sweet efficacy of the Almighty Spirit , Psa. 110.3 . Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power ; or as some render it , in the day of thy Armies ; 't is therefore called a Regeneration , In die Copiarum . So M. Ainsworth . a begetting a soul again , 't is a new Creation , 't is a Vivification , or quickning a man before dead in sins and trespasses , not languishing and declining , but in a moral sense stark dead ; nay , 't is a Resurrection , a rising out of the grave of sin and death : All these works of wonder , or rather this one mysterious work of Sanctification , illustrated by these Metaphors , bespeaks no less than the Almighty power of a God , Phil. 3.21 who is able to subdue all things to himself .

1. 'T is a Regeneration , or a begetting again , 1 Pet. 1.3 . Jam. 1.18 .

2. 'T is a Creation , Ephes. 2.10 . We are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus to good works : 2 Cor. 5.17 . He that is in Christ is a new creature : Behold , ( saith Christ ) I make all things new .

3. 'T is a vivification , or quickning , Eph. 2.1 . You hath he quickned , who were dead in sins and trespasses . A natural man is both legally and morally dead , till the Spirit of Life breaths upon him , and quickens him , Joh. 5.25 . That promise is still in fulfilling now , that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God , and they that hear shall live .

4. 'T is a Resurrection , Col. 3.1 . If ye then be risen with Christ , seek the things that are above ; yea , 't is more , a kind of con-session , or sitting together with Christ , Eph. 2.6 . And hath raised us up together , and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus . If we live to God , we l ve the life of heaven : Now to regenerate , to create , to make all things new , to revive a man dead , to raise up a man out of the grave ( as Lazarus ) both dead and buried ; all these are the Acts of Omnipotency , the works of a God , and all those works are done in this one work , by the invincible efficiency of the Spirit .

6. The word and faith are the Ministring and Instrumental causes of our Sanctification . The Spirit is called the Spirit of Faith . Aristotle calls the hand 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the instrument of instruments . Faith being the gift of God , and wrought by the operation of the Spirit , unites the soul to Christ , the Fountain of Holiness , and Head of Influence , and having united the soul to him , continually receives supplies from him : 'T is the hand of the soul , that useful instrument , whereby we apprehend Christ , and whereby we draw down vertue from Christ . Hence , as an Organ or Instrument , it is said to purifie , Acts 15.9 . Having purified their hearts by faith . As Faith hath the Noblest Objects , so Faith for its use and office here , is the Noblest grace ; Faith indeed infused and created in us by the Spirit , See Dr. Owens death of death , p. 126. Simile . is commonly called the Mother grace , and is it self formally a great part of our sanctification . As the woman sick of the Bloody Issue put forth her hand , and touching the Hem of Christs garment , drew vertue from him , and was healed : So that soul to whom Christ hath given the hand of Faith , doth put it forth , make application of the Merits , and mediation of Jesus Christ for his Purification , and doth in truth draw in vertue by that application , 1 Joh. 3.3 . He that hath this hope doth purifie himself , even as he is pure . Faith exerts the office of all the senses , and if all the members 't is the eye , the hand , the mouth the foot of the Soul , &c. as might be proved easily , if I should exspatiate : As Christ is all in all to the soul in the sanctification of it , so Faith , ( of all graces ) is all in all in the out-going of the soul to Christ , and in the Incomes of grace from him .

2. As Faith is the Instrumental , Causa Administra . Evangelium est medium , ce● instrumentum , quo Spiritus sanctus efficaciam suam exerit , & fidem , & conversionem operatur . Syntag. Polan . so the Word is the ministring cause or medium of sanctification , Psa. 19.7 . The Law of the Lord is perfect , converting the Soul ; the Law in all its Exhortations , Commands , Consolations , Prohibitions , Comminations and Promises , is a perfect Law , serving as a perfect means for conversion : But the Promissory and Consolatory part ●h reof , is p●incipally more purifying : Having these promises , let us cleanse our selves , &c. 2 Cor. 7.1 . 2 Pet. 1.4 . The Gospel , or Law of Faith , is vehiculum spiritus , the Chariot in which the spirit rides to give your souls a gracious visit , Gal. 3.2 . Received ye the spirit by the works of the Law , Fides quae creditur . He that makes the Clouds his Chariots , mak●s also his Word , his Ordinances , and his Ministers , his Chariots , wherein he ●●des down into these lower parts , to give the world a meeting . Mr. Al●ens Heaven Opened . p. 172. or by the hearing of faith , i. e. by the hearing of the Gospel , which is the doctrine of faith . The sanctifying spirit accompanying the holy Word ; then the Word is sanctifying , Joh. 17.17 . Sanctifie them by thy truth , thy Word is truth . When the Gospel is spoken and heard in the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit , and of Power , then is the Arm of the Lord revealed , Isa. 53.1 . then the Word of God works and grows mightily for sanctification and salvation ; then the blind eyes are opened , then are the captives released , then are the dead raised , then are the lepers cleansed , then are the devils dispossessed , then are filthy souls washed , unholy souls sanctified .

7. Causa Exemplaris . The Exemplar , or Pattern , to which our Sanctification , in the two parts of it , ( viz. ) our mortification and vivification is conformable , is the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ ; by vertue of the force and energy whereof , through the operation and application of the spirit of faith , our sanctification is effected . The Apostle Paul holds forth a clear Analogy , or proportion , between our dying to sin , and Christs dying for sin ; and between our newness of life , or vivification , and Christs Resurrection , Rom. 6.4 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. where ye may see at large the parallel between them . And the Apostle Peter tells us , We are begotten again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead .

8ly and lastly . The glory of Gods Grace in the Consecration and Salvation of a sinful creature , is the supreme end , or final cause of our Sanctification ; there is a mutual intimate coherence , and relation of these three to o●e another .

1. The glory of Gods Grace is the Supreme end , as of our Election in Christ , so of our Sanctification by him . All the Acts of Gods love in Christ , whether immanent or transient , they are all for the praise of the glory of his grace , both in this , and in the other world , Eph. 1.4.6 . And specifically Sanctification hath a direct tendency unto , and termination in the glory of God . When we keep our bodies and spirits chaste , and holy , we are then said to glorifie God , 1 Cor. 6.20 . Glorifie God in your bodies , and in your spirits , which are Gods .

2. Consecration . This is ( finis qui ) the end for which ( quoad nos ) we are sanctified , and necessary ( necessitate medii ) to our Salvation , Jam. 1.18 . We are begotten by the Will of God , that we might be a kind of the first fruits of his creatures ; that is , as Beza , Polanus , and others observe , that we might be consecrated and devoted to the Lord , separated from the common lump of mankind , as an holy offering ; at the first fruits under the Law were presented to the Lord , as an holy Offering , as the Lords own portion .

3. Salvation . This is our ultimate end : the Apostle Peter acquaints us , 1 Pet. 1.3 . We are begotten again unto a lively hope , by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ , &c. What is that lively hope we are begotten and born to in Regeneration ? he tells ye in ver. 4. Even to an inheritance incorruptible , und●filed , that fadeth not away , reserved in heaven for you . This incomparable Inheritance , See Dr. Owens Death of Death , p. 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , &c. dignified with all these transcendent Epithets , is comprehended in one word , Salvation , 2 Thes. 2.13 , 14. God hath from the beginning chosen us to Salvation , that is the end , through sanctification of the Spirit , and belief of the truth ; that is the way and means .

Thus having cleared our way , now we come to the plain and full definition of Sanctification .

Sanctification ( in the sense of the Text , and of this Tract ) is a new inward habitual frame of grace , infused by the power of the Eternal Spirit into the heart of a justified person , united to Christ , whereby he is renewed after the Image of Christ , in knowledge , righteousness , and true holiness ; and thereby enabled to die to sin , and to live to God , for the praise of Gods glorious grace in his Consecration and Salvation .

This definition is the sum of the former discourse ; every part and branch of this description hath been already proved in the aforegoing particulars , therefore I shall not actum agere , do over the same things again ; only give me leave to acquaint you , Holiness is not any single grace alone but a Constellations conjunction of all graces together in the Soul . our Sanctification , or Inherent Holiness , consists in these two things .

1. In the infusing of holy principles , divine qualities , or supernatural graces into the soul , such as the Apostle mentions in Gal. 5.22 , 23. But the fruit of the spirit is love , joy , peace , long-suffering , gentleness , goodness , faith , meekness , temperance , against such there is no Law . These habits of grace , which are severally distinguished , by the names of faith , love , hope , meekness , patience , temperance , &c. are nothing else but the new nature , the new creature , the new man , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness , Ephes. 4.24 . 1 Joh. 3.9 2 Cor. 1.21 . 1 Joh. 2.27 . These seeds of holiness , these habits of grace , are those sweet oyntments wherewith all must be annointed that ever expect to be glorified : Though men may talk much of God , and brag much of their Interest in heaven and happiness , yet without these habits and seeds of holiness ( I am sure ) they shall never reap a crop of blessedness .

2. Holiness lies in the use and lively exercise of those supernatural graces , or holy habits in the soul : Holy habits must be brought forth into holy acts , gracious habits are , and and must be attended with gracious motions , gracious operations , Act. 10.35 . 1 Joh. 1.3.7 . 2 Pet. 1.8 . Tit. 2.12 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Eth. c. 1. and a gracious Conversation ; outward works must be suitable to inward habits ; as the Phylosophers speak concerning the summum bonum , it consists ( say they ) neque in Idearum contemplatione , neque in virtutis habitu , neither in the contemplation of Idea's , nor in the habit of vertue : But the summum bonum , or chief good , ( say they ) is the operation or action of the reasonable soul , according to the best and most perfect vertue in a perfect life .

I am sure , Sanctification , which is the true felicity and beauty of the soul of man , consists in both ( viz. ) in internal holy principles , and in external holy practises . Holy habits are golden Talents that must be imployed and improved ; they are the Candles of the Lord set up in us , Where there are the seeds , there will appear the Flowers of Holiness . not to idle by , but to work and and walk by : Where is holiness of disposition ? there is , and will be holiness of Conversation : An holy heart expresseth it self in an holy life .

In the next place I shall endeavour , ( as I promised ) to shew the difference between Justification and Sanctification , and then the transcendent excellencies of Sanctification , as appears by the honourable and excellent titles the Scriptures put upon it , and cloathe it with them , as its proper Robes , and due Ornaments . And then something as to the Concomitants , adjuncts , and fruits of sanctification . And then lastly , Close all with Application .

How Justification and Sanctification d●ffer . 1. Wherein Justification and Sanctification differs .

1. They differ in their kind . 2. In order of Nature . 3. In the manner , or form , 4. They differ in degrees .

1 In genere . 1. They differ in their kind . The righteousness of Justification is in the Category of Relation ; the righteousness of Sanctification is in the predicament of quality : Justification is a change of a mans Relation and estate , not a change of a mans person ; 't is a change without a man , or upon a man , not a change within a man : But Sanctification is not properly a Relative , but a real inherent change ; not a change without a man , but a change within a man ; 't is the●● p●●sion of sin , and the infusion of grace or holiness into the soul of Man .

2. They differ in the order of nature ; 2 In ordine Naturae . in order of nature ( Divines hold ) justification precedes sanctification , though in order of time , they are both wrought together . In the description of the order of causes , Rom. 8.30 . the Link of Justification is set before Glorification in that golden Chain : Beza , Polanus , M. Jeremy Burroughs , cum multis aliis , &c. The best Expositors I have met withall , ( and many I have read upon the place ) do generally conclude , that sanctification is essentially ( though not gradually ) the same with Glorification , and must of necessity be included in it , because sanctification is the seed , glorification is the flower ; sanctification is the first fruits , glorification is the full crop or vintage ; sanctification is the New-born Babe , Eph. 4.13 . Glorification is the perfect man arrived to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ .

Sanctification is like the dawning of the day , Cum sol medium superaverat axim . like the early glittering and guilding of the Mountains by the Sun-beams ; but Glorification is the Sun shining in the Meridian , in his greatest strength and splendour : The difference between Glorification and Sanctification is not specifical , but gradual : We are justified by the Merit of Christ from the guilt , and punishment of sin , in order of Nature , before we are sanctified by the spirit from the pollution and filth of sin , and endowed with inward holiness , though in order of time , Qui justifi●●ntur sanctific●ntur . Hae gratiae individuo nexu cohaerent , as Calvin speaks , they are wrought together , as the most precious effects of the free grace of God through the blood of Christ .

3 Modo ceu forma . 3. They differ in their form . Take three Notes .

1. In Justification , a believer by the hand of Faith receives Christ , and layes hold upon him as the Lord his righteousness , and inwrappeth his soul with this glorious Robe , and Garment of Salvation ; but in Sanctification Faith is considered as a new quality , formally a part of our holiness , and as the root and beginning of good works . In Justification Faith is considered as an useful instrument , in Sanctification as a special grace , or new quality .

2. In Justification sin is taken away , in respect of guilt , Ne imputetur . and condemnation , that it be not imputed ; but in Sanctification sin is taken away , Ne regnet . as to the dominion , or reigning power of it , that it may not reign ; as in glorification , ( which is the perfection of sanctification ) sin , all the remainders of it shall be quite taken away , Ne restet . that it shall not exist , or have any being left .

3. In Justification Christs righteousness is imputed to us ; in Sanctification , a new inherent righteousness is implanted in us ; in the first our sins are pardoned , our persons absolved , acquitted , and accepted , through the imputation of Christs righteousness , Rom. 4.6 , 7. By the second our souls are renewed , our Natures changed , decked and adorned with the graces of the Spirit , Eph. 4.23 , 24. by the participation of Christs holiness . Thus Justification and Sanctification do differ in their form .

4. 4 In gradibus . Justification and Sanctification do differ in degrees . 1. Justification is one individual perfect act , contingent to all the godly : Some of our best Divines do hold , that Justification is transacted in our first union and incorporation into Christ , when the pardon of sin is sealed to a believer at once : How at once ? Bishop Downam on Justification . Burgess upon Justification . I answer with Reverend Downam , at once , as excluding degrees ; our justification is perfect at first as well as at last : Or as Learned Burgess , at once , as connoting a state we are put into , upon our believing ; And indeed thereupon , some godly learned persons take Justification for one continued act , from our vocation to our glorification , and in that sense we are justified but once .

A justified person is rectus in curia , acquitted by God the Judge of all , in foro coeli , he hath shot the Gulph , he is gone beyond the Gun-shot of condemnation , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Rom. 8.1 . to him there is not one condemnation : But Sanctification is an inchoate and successive act , carried on by degrees , and compared with Justification ; 't is but imperfect , ( though it be an immortal principle , an incorruptible seed , growing up and tending to perfection ) for here we know but in part , we see but in part , 1 Cor. 13.9 , 10 , 11 , 12. we see as in a glass darkly . Now the dust is in our eyes , much blindness and darkness in the eyes of the most enlightned , our understandings are partly light , and partly darkness ; our wills are partly flesh , and partly spirit : we find , do we not ? a contrary Principle working , a contrary Law rebelling , that when we would do good , evil is present with us , Rom. 7.21 . There is a Law in the members , Rom. 7.23 and a Law of the mind : There is a double Enemy carrying on a double interest in one soul ; there is a Jacob and an Esau , strugling and striving for Mastery in one heart ; there remains the being of sin , concupiscence , evil lusting and motions , many sins of ignorance , negligence , and of invincible infirmity in the Saints ; for whilest they abide in earthly , they abide in sinful Tabernacles : The bitter moans , groans , complaints , tears , together with the sad lapses of the Saints , do sadly evidence the truth of this , 1 Kin. 8.46 . Jam. 3.2 . 1 Ioh. 1.8 . Eccl. 7.20 . As a child , as soon as born , is a true man , though not a perfect man , he hath all the parts of a man , not the strength and stature . besides the ample testification of many Scriptures : The Saints that are sanctified in Christ Jesus , are in a sense perfect , and in a sense imperfect , they are perfect as to perfection of parts , every part and faculty of soul and body is sanctified , and yet they are in a sense imperfect , ( i. e. ) as to perfection of degrees : thus the word perfect is differently to be understood , Phil. 3.12.15 . In the 12th ver. it notes the fullest measure , or highest Achme of perfection attainable by a Christian : In the 15th ver. it notes sincerity o● integrity , which is a Christians Evangelical perfection . God ( according to the tenour of the New Covenant ) accepting his person in Christ as perfect , ( viz. ) in and through Christs perfect righteousness and intercession ; and thereupon a believers gracious desires and endeavours for performances , his will for the deed , and his sincerity for perfection .

Perfection of degrees being too great a priviledge for a Militant estate , is reserved as one of the peculiar Flowers or Jewels of the Triumphant Crown for the Saints to wear in their Fathers Kingdome : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . A precious jewel which nothing can defile , or dull its shining ; so is the state above . wherefore among the singular distinguishing Epithetes given by the Spirit of God to our inheritance , this is one , an inheritance undefiled , 1 Pet. 1.4 .

By our Justification now we have peace with God , Rom. 5.1 . all our sins past and present are actually pardoned , and this favour received , is a pledge of assurance , that for the future , by applying our selves to Christ , we shall receive remission of daily sins ; and that at the last day we shall be for ever free from all accusations and condemnation . Our Justification is perfect now ; ( though the most solemn pronunciation of it in a magnificent manner , is the work of the great day ) but our Sanctification is inchoate , imperfect and progressive here ; by the supplies of the Spirit of Grace , there must be a going on from faith to faith , from strength to strength ; but it shall be most compleat and perfect at Christs appearing : the Picture of Christ will be gloriously drawn , even to the life then ; We know , Phil. 1.6 . that when he shall appear , we shall be like him , for we shall see him as he is .

2. The righteousness of justification is equally perfect , and equally imputed to all believers ; my meaning is , all believers are alike justified , one as well and as much as another , the weak as much as the strong , the new-born Babes so much as the old Fathers , the feeblest Lambs as much as the Hee-goats of the Flock ; he that hath the least , as well as he that hath the greatest measure of the Spirit : Gemmam amplectitur Gigas , & puerulus ; licet Gigas fortiùs eam amplectitur , quàm puerulus , tamen manet gemma aequè preciosa . Luther A Giant holdeth a jewel , and so doth a Child ; the jewel is the same , though the Giant holdeth it with a stronger hand : So here , the righteousness of justification is the same , though the faith of believers is not the same , some being weak , and others strong in faith : As to inherent righteousness , there is much difference ; but as to imputed righteousness , all the Saints are equal , none have purer linnen than the rest . A believer , of the lowest form in Christs School , of the meanest stature or growth in Christ , of the weakest and dullest capacity in the mysteries of the Kingdome of Christ , So M. Burroughs on the Beatitudes , Matth. 5. is in point of justification , equal with Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , Moses , Samuel , and David , equal with all the most glorious Patriarchs , Prophets , Martyrs , and eminent Saints that are . Thou ( if a believer ) art as much acquitted from sin , and as much accepted as righteous in the sight of God , and as undoubted an Heir of , and hast as true a title to the Inheritance of heaven , as the most famous Saints that are . But there is a great deal of difference among the Sain s themselves , as to sanctification ; some Saints are children , some are strong men , 1 Cor. 15.41 . some are fathers ; one star excelleth another star in glory : There are stellae primae & secundae magnitudinis , &c. Some Saints are more sluggish and dull of hearing , more dull and dark in understanding , others are more acute and quick ; some are younglings , weaklings , and have need of milk , ( viz. ) the principles of the Oracles of God ; others are strong men , and have need of meat , can dive into , and digest the deepest mysteries revealed in the Gospel , Heb. 5.12 , 13 , 14. God having given them senses exercised to discern both good and evil : Some are more dead to duty , and in duty , others are more vigorous , more fervent in spirit , and lively ; some walk more humbly with God , more holily before God , more exactly and venerably before the world , than others do .

Some do much fully and stain their garments , others ( comparatively ) walk in white , and keep their garments clean , and also keep themselves unspotted from the world , Jam. 1. ult.

Thus great is the difference between Saint and Saint in sanctification , Cant. 5.10 My beloved is white and ruddy , white in the glory of his Deity , ruddy in the preciousness of his Humanity , and white in the beauty of his purity ▪ and ruddy in the blood of his Oblation . Owens Communion . p. 52 , 53. as great is the difference between man and man in growth and stature ; but in justification , the infant of daies , and man of grey hairs , the shrub , and the Cedar , the smaller , and greater stars , the Saints of all dimensions and denominations , of all ages and statures , are equally perfect , and shine equally bright and glorious , because the glory of that righteousness is not inherent in them , as the light is inherent in the body of the Sun ; but this robe of righteousness ( so 't is called , Isai. 61.10 . ) is imputed to them , and put upon them by the Sun of righteousness , their Elder Brother , who wove this garment of Sun-beams for them out of his own Mediatorial holiness , both in life and death .

Thus you have had some representation or Adumbration , something shadowed out , of the difference between Justification and Sanctification : Our knowledge of these mysteries ought to be distinct , and clear , and not intricate and confused , for the clearer our knowledge is , the stronger and greater will our comfort be . The great Apostle handles these two great Doctrines , ( viz. ) Justification and Sanctification , distinctly , and in order . First he begins with Justification , and treats on that Argument throughout the 3 , 4 , and 5th Chap. to the Romans . Then he falls upon the Doctrine of Sanctification , and insists on that necessary argument , throughout the 6 , 7 , and 8th Chap. to the Romans , Pareus . as a German Divine well observes . And in this method , since I have pitcht upon this Text , I have endeavoured , or made an Essay to handle them , beginning with Justification first , expressed by its Synonima , in the Text righteousness , and then proceeded to sanctification afterwards .

Let thus much suffice for the critical differences between Justification and Sanctification .

We now come in the next place , to the next general propounded to be spoken to , ( viz. ) to the excellency of Sanctification , illustrated by the high and Honourable Enc●miums , wherewith we find it dignified in the Scriptures , in which , ( as in a glass 〈◊〉 Mirror ) you may behold the incomparable beauty and worth of holiness .

1. Holiness is the N me of God , Isa. 57.15 . Thus saith the High and lofty One , that inhabiteth Eternity , whose name is Holy , I dwell in the high and holy place , &c. Gods Name is holy , Psa. 111.9 . Holy and Reverend is his Name . How often is he called Holy One , and the Holy One of Israel in the Scriptures ? His holiness is himself , when he swears by his Holiness ; ( as Psa. 89.35 . Once have I sworn by my holiness , Quicquid est in Deo , Deus est . that I will not lie unto David ) he swears by himself ; for whatsoever is in God , is God : God is essentially , infinitely , and primitively holy , the Saints only by participation of his holiness , they are called godly from God , Christians from Christ , and Saints from the sanctification of the Holy Spirit : The chosen Generation are an holy Nation , 1 Pet. 2.9 . they partake of Gods Name ( Holiness . )

2. It is called the Seed of God , 1 Joh. 3.9 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , peccatum non operatur , or , peccato non dat operam . As Beza ( i. e. ) doth not make sin his work and business . 1 Pet. 1.3 . whosoever is born of God , doth not commit sin , for his seed remaineth in him , &c. And this seed , ( viz. ) the Word of God , ( i. e. ) of which we are begotten and born again , is incorruptible or immortal , 1 Pet. 1.23 . Jam. 1.18 . Sanctification by these Texts , and elsewhere , is held out by the Metaphor of Generation . God the Father of Spirits , is the Spiritual Father that begets a soul to himself in Christ , the Word is the Seed of God , of which the soul is begotten again , ●he Ordinances are the Bed wherein the soul is begotten , Can. 1.16 . also our Bed is green , ( viz. ) flourishing Ordinances . Holiness is a Divine Seed .

3. Holiness is the Will and Word of God , or rather the Will of God revealed in his Word : The word of God is the signification of his will , and 't is the Royal Mandatory will of God , that we should be holy , 1 Thes. 4.3 . This is the will of God , even your sanctification , 1 Pet. 1.15 , 16. As he which hath called you is holy , so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ; for it is written , be ye holy , because I am holy . 'T was the great Honour of King David , that he served his Generation , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 fa●●et omnes vol●●tates meas . according to the will of God , Acts 13.22 . yea , he fulfilled all Gods wills , for the Greek is plural . So 't is the highest honour of any creature , as well as duty , whether of Angel or man , to fulfill the wills of God , the whole pleasure of his will , especially his main design , and great command , in being holy .

4. Holiness is the work of God : All Gods works ( as in Creation and Providence ) are like himself , honorable and glorious , so the Psalmist cals them , Ps. 111.2 , 3. and 't is our bounden duty to consider , and admire them : But here that old rule holds good , Operari sequitar esse . the work is like unto the worke● ; next to the highest of all Gods works , viz. the Incarnation of the Son of God , the second person in the Trinity , the work of sanctification , without controversie , is the most great and glorious , as appears by these Scriptures , 2 Cor. 5.5 . He that hath wrought us for the self-same thing , is God . This is called by way of eminency , Gods workmanship , Ephes. 2.10 . We are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus unto good works , &c. Holiness is the special , peculiar work of the holy God .

5. Holiness is the very Image of God , and this is more than all the former : The s ul as a spirit may be said ( in a sense ) to b●th● mage of God ; but the soul , as qualifie with grace , or adorned with knowledge , wisdome , righteousness , holiness , Col 3.10 . Eph 4.24 . ( in which the Image of God omisteth ) is the most lively likeness , and Image of God in the world : By these graces we should shew forth Gods vertues , 1 Pet. 2.9 . 'T is in the Greek vertues , and not prai●es . Now note : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , virtutes . An Image represents a thing in its highest excellency ; an image doth not represent the legs , feet , or inferiou● parts of a man , but his countenance , head , face , breast , the most Noble parts : So our sanctification , or inherent righ●eousness , represents God in his chiefest ●x●elency , as he is glorious in holiness , Exod. 15.11 . In the works of Creation , and Providence , we see the footsteps , at most , the back-parts of the Almighty ; but in the Saints we see his face or Image , though not perfectly drawn , and to the life . An holy soul represents God in the most lively way , Simile . as the Image of a man in his child is more lively seen than in a piece of wood , or stone ; so the Image of God is more lively seen , and more gloriously drawn in the hearts of his Saints ( next to Christ , Col. 1.15 . Heb. 1.3 . who is the Image of the Invisible God , ) &c. than in all the creatures in the world besides .

6. Holiness is the life of God , and this is m re , a man may see his Image , but no man can see his life . Grace is called the life of God , Ephes 4.18 . Being alienated from the life of God . N w w at is G ds ●i●e ? and w●at is a Saints life ? Go s life consists in this , in willing himself th● chiefest and high●st good , and in acting for his own glory , as them ●m●te end , Vita est in se reflexio and in ordering all things to this blessed end ; this is the excellency of the life of God ; and a Saint ( through grace ) lives this life , he propounds God to be his chiefest good , and the glory of God , as the utmost end of all his actings , and the w ll of God revealed in the Word , he makes his Rule , and drives on all his designs to this end : And this is the excellency of the life of Sanctification which a Saint ( in his measure ) lives ; he acts from right principles by a right line , to a right end ; the perfection of which life the blessed spirits live in heaven .

7. Sanctification or holiness is the Nature of God ; 2 Pet. 1.4 . we are said to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , partakers , or Communicants of the Divine Nature , a very high expression . This place I have already opened , and cleared it of absurdities : By Divine Nature , in a word is meant , the Divine qualities , &c. Grace is nothing else but the reflexion , or the sparkling forth of the Divine Nature that is in God himself ; 't is a ray from his glory , a beam from his Sun ; every Saint is a Diamond of Christs own pointing , shining with light and lustre ( in some measure ) like himself : One spark of this Divine Nature is of greater worth and value , than rubies , than the Topaz of Ethiopia ( in a word ) than all the treasures of the earth ; nil , to be compared to it .

8. Sanctification is the Glory of God in the soul of man , which is higher yet than all the former , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , deficiuntur . Rom. 3.23 . all have sinned , and are come short of the glory of God , ( i. e. ) of the glorious estate of holiness , in which we were created ; and also of the glorious estate of happiness . Adam was planted in a glorious place , Paradise , & adorned with a glorious Ornament ( viz. ) holiness , the Image and Glory of God , but through sin he fel from both . Now holiness the glory of man , and the glory of God ( as to man ) lieth in the dust , but when in sanctification the Image of God is renewed in , and restored to the soul , the glory of God and man returns again . Holiness is Gods great Title of Honour , Exod. 15.11 . Who is like unto thee among the Gods , glorious in holiness ? &c. God is said in Scripture to be rich in mercy , plenteous in redemption , Eph. 2.4 . Psa. 130.7 . Psa. 147.5 . Exod 15.11 great in power , infinite in understanding , but glorious in holiness . 'T is the glory of all his works , Psal. 145.17 . The Lord is righteous in all his wayes , and holy in all his works ; his holiness shines forth in all his Providences : 'T is the glory of all his Attributes ; his blessed Attributes are , as it were , enamelled with holiness ; else his Soveraignty would look like Tyranny , else his patience would look like indulgence of sin , else his Justice would look like cruelty , else his special distinguishing mercy would look like respecting of persons , or partiality : All the Attributes of God run in the Channel of his holiness , and partake of its tincture : This glorious Attribute is the ground of the Songs of praise , which are sung to his glory by the Seraphins , Isa. 6.2 , 3. Holy , holy , holy is the Lord of Hosts , the whole earth is full of his glory , which is repeated , Rev. 4.8 . Holy , holy , holy Lord God Almighty , which was , and is , and is to come . Why is Gods day honourable , but that 't is holy ? Why is Christs Spouse beautiful , but that she is holy ? Why are the Angels of God such glorious creatures , but that they are holy ? take away holiness , and they would soon turn devils of darkness : As sin is the basest filth , dishonor , and shame , so è contrario , holiness is the highest honour , the greatest glory , in or upon any rational soul . Upon all these considerations , how glorious is Holiness ? But to proceed .

9. Sanctification exalts a Saint above his Neighbour , it lif●s him up above the Sphere and Region of other men , Prov. 12.26 . The righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour . Perhaps a Saint is a po●r mean man in the world , and his Neighbour a rich man , a great man , a Knight or Lord , worth several hundreds or th●usands a year ; but y●t the righteous , a person vested with the righteousness of Sanctification , is far more excellent in the esteem of God , than the graceless great ones of the earth , for all their Lands and Lordships , for all their their Noble Par●ntage , for all their Eschutcheons , Ensigns , Psa. 16.3 . and Titles of Honour , the Saints are the excellent in the earth : The Saints , in regard of Sa ntship , are Gods peculiar treasure , his choice Jewels ; Mal. 3.17 . all others God reckons but as Luggage and Lumber : The vast difference between man and man , lies in this ; one in all his glory , is but a branch of the old stock , and hath but the Image of the earthly ; but the other is transplanted into a new stock , the tree of life , 1 Cor. 15.49 . and hath the Image of the heavenly engraven in his soul .

10. Sanctification must needs be excellent , because 't is one great end , and precious attainment of the death of Christ , Tit. 2.14 . Christ gave himself for us , not only to redeem us ; but also to purifie us . Again , Christ came into the world , and was incarnate , not only to save us from our enemies , and from the hands of all that hate us , which implies Redemption ; but also , that we mi●h● serve him without fear in holiness , and righteousnesse all the dayes of our life , and this takes in Sa●ctifi●●●●on . Further , the Apostle John tels us , that for this purpose the S●n of God ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) appeared that he might u●loose , or dissolve the works of the Devil , 1 Joh. 3.8 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Dissolvere opera Diaboli . Montan .

See the Dutch Annot on the place .

What are these works of the Devil , which Christ came t● dissolve ? they are lusts , and sins : Christ dissolves these works two wayes :

1. By suffering the punishment of them in his own person , Heb 2.14.15 .

2. By regenerating his people by his Spirit , and thereby delivering them from the dominion and slavery of sin . The Apostle Paul tels us , that Christ gave himself for his Church that he might sanctifie it , and present it a glorious Chu●ch , without spot or wrinkle , &c. Ephes. 5.25 , 26. And without controversie , Sanctification is as honourable and glorious Attainment , H●b 12.14 . as any of the Benefits that accrue to the Saints by the death of Christ ; for , ( in short ) there is no seeing ●he Face of God without it : without holinesse no man shall see the Lord .

11. The excellency of Sanctification consists in this , in that it is a principle of union and communion with God ; 1 Joh. 1.3 . None but the sanctified in Christ ●esus c●n have fellowship with the Father , and his Son Jesus Christ . Whilst a person is prophane , unsanctified , what communion can be between Light and Darkness , between Christ and Belial ? It was an old saying , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . between an holy God , and an impure sinner ? God is Light in the abstract , 1 Joh. 1.5 . and an impure sinner is darkness in the abstract , Ephes. 5. Holinesse is the principle of Union and Communion between God and man ; Ephes. 2.13 . when we are converted , sanctified , 1 Cor 6.17 He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit . the soul is made nigh to God , ( who before was afar off ) and is now joined to the Lord in the Spirit .

As a man cannot have communion with the Beasts , because they live not the same life , nor the Beasts with the Plants , because they live a contrary life , no more can a natural man have communion with God , because he lives not the same life ; but the Saints , through sanctification of the Spirit , live a spiritual life , the life of God , and are therefore fitted for Communion with him , and for the communications of his goodnesse to them .

12. Sanctification turns moral Vertues into Graces : Some persons are naturally meek , patient , As 't was said of Augustus Caesar ; He turned brick into Marble . sober , temperate , &c. Some natural persons are morally just and righteous in their dealing and Conversation in the World , honest Dealers , good Pay-masters , make their word their deed . All this a man may be , and do , & yet perish for ever : but when once Wisdome enters into thy heart , whence once Sanctification in the power of it , comes into thy soul , there is a great change wrought . The new soul acts and works in natural and moral Actions , from inward renewed principles . The principle of Grace ( the true Elixir ) turns moral Vertues into Graces , and dignifies a mans natural Endowments , and moral actions with a tincture of holinesse , which makes a sweet perfume in Gods Nostrils : hee now acts from God , and for God in all he doth ; whether he eats , or drinks , or buys , or sels , 1 Cor. 10.31 . all is for the glory of God . As carnal hearts are alwayes carnal in spiritual performances , ( for the streams never run higher than the Head ) : so on the contrary , gracious hearts are spiritual in natural and moral actions : The reason is , the new man hath a new principle to act from , and a new End to act for , and aim at , but before he was sanctified , he had neither .

13. Another excellency of Sanctification , is this , That the righteousnesse of Sanctification , next to the righteousnesse of Christ for justification , will be of the greatest worth , and value , support and comfort at death and judgment .

At Death and Judgment , the rich mans Riches , the wise mans wisdome , the ambitious mans honours , the voluptuous mans pleasures , the hypocrites formality , the civil mans civility , and the moral mans morality : These Lying Idols and rotten sticks which unholy persons have made their hope , their stay , and the Rock of their Confidence , shall then all fail them , and sink quite under them : but then shall the pure in heart see God , Mar. 5.8 . Mat. 13.43 . then shall the Righteous lift up their heads like Princes , and shine as the Sun in the presence of their Father ; a dram of saving Grace will be then more valuable and more comfortable , th●n mountains of Gold , than millions of Worlds . This was a River of comfort flowing in upon Ezekiahs heart , as he lay upon his sick-bed ( for ought he then knew ) upon his death-bed , ( viz. ) the review of his sanctified heart & life : Isa. 38.3 . Remember , O Lord , how I have walked before thee in truth , and with a perfect heart , &c.

Beloved , There will be a great Cry at midnight , the Bridegroom comes , go forth to meet him , Matth. 25.6 . The coming of Christ to Judgment will be very sudden , and very terrible to secure sinners : if you , with the foolish Virgins , have only oyl in your Lamps , a blaze of profession without : and not with the wise , oyl in your Vessels , the true stock , and treasure of grace in your hearts , Mat. 25.12 . Mat. 7.22.23 . Read those words , and Tremble . you will cry most dolefully , and shriek most dreadfully at that day ; but Christ will not hear you , hee will take no notice of you ; The King of glory will enter his Presence-chamber with all his Saints : and shut the door against you , ver. 10. And the door was shut , then knock never so hard , Grace is the Bridegrooms favour , by which they are admitted into his Chamber of Glory . cry never so loud , the door is shut , there 's no hope of entrance , the Lord will Answer , I know you not , vers. 12. Then your sop will be sorrow ; weeping and wailing , and gnashing of teeth , for madnesse and anguish will be y●ur portion ; no grace , no glory . Wherefore Si●s , for the Lords sake , and for your own souls-sake , look about you , the coming of the Lord draweth nigh ; If ever ye hope in earnest to be saved , be sure you are truly and throughly sanctified , for there is no hope of salvation without sanctification of the Spirit , and belief of the Truth , 2 Thes. 2.13 , 14.

14. And lastly , To name no more : Sanctification is the early dawning of Salvation , the very beginning of Heaven . In that golden Chain , Rom. 8.30 . there is mention made of Calling , Justification , and of Glorification , but nothing of Sanctification , to note , that sanctification is Heaven begun already : it is not only the way to Heaven , but 't is Heaven it self , the more holy thou art , the more thou dost live the life of God ; and the more thou dost anticipate the life of Heaven , that Glorious life , which the Angels of God , and the blessed spirits of just men made perfect , live there . Heb 12.22.23 .

Thus through the assistance of God , wee have hinted something of the transcendent excellency of Sanctification , which we have in , by , and from our Lord Jesus , who is made of God , ( or given of the Father to be ) our Sanctification .

Holinesse is the Name of God , the Seed of God , the Will and Word of God ; it is the Work of God , 't is the very Image of God , it is the Life of God , 't is the Nature of God , 't is the Glory of God .

Again , Sanctification renders one man far m●re excellent than another : 't is one grand Attainment of the death of Chr st , 't is the principal of Union and Communion with God . Sanctification turns moral Vertues into Graces : 'T is the second best Cordial of Comfort at De●th and Judgment . Lastly , 't is the dawning of Salvation , the Aurora of Glory .

THat Christ is given of the Father to be our Sanctification , we have proved : how Christ may be said to be our Sanctification we have shewed : what are the several Causes concurring to our Sanctification , we have explained : The definition of Sanctification wee have given : Something of its glory and excellency we shadowed forth in the last Discourse : and now are arrived at the last Stage , the last General , in the doctrinal part propounded , ( viz. ) what are the sweet streams that issue from this Fountain ? They may also serve for Tryals of your estate . What are the precious Fruits that grow upon this Tree of Sanctification . You may also call them the inseparable Concomitants , and Adjuncts of Sanctification ( if you please . )

1. If you have received the spirit of Sanctification , ye have also received the spirit of Supplication , Zech. 12.10 . The Spirit is entitled both the spirit of Grace , and the spirit of Supplication , where he is the former , there he is the other also ; where he dwels as the spirit of holinesse , there he dwels as the spirit of prayer . Every sanctified heart is an Harp or Cymbal , to sound forth Gods praises : an habitation of God through the Spirit , Ephes. 2. ult. and the Temple of the Holy Ghost . The Temple of old was an holy place , a place of relative and Typical holiness , and an house of Prayer . Every gracious heart ( like Gods Altar ) offers up to God the sweet sacrifice and incense of praises and Prayers . Every new-born Babe , ( for the most part ) comes into the world crying . The word Abba , signifieth Fa her , in the Syriack tongue , which the Apostle here reteineth , which also young Children retein almost in all Languages . Annotat. I am sure every spiritual new-born Babe cryes Abba Father , Rom. 8.15 . Gal. 4.6 . And because ye are sons , God hath sent the spirit of his Son into your hearts , crying Abba Father .

Now , if ye are Prayer-less persons , ye are graceless persons : persons without Prayer , 'T was the saying of an old Disciple , A man of much prayer , is a man of much Grace . are persons without Holiness : or though ye pray , yet if ye pray not in the Spirit , ( according to the caution ) Ephes. 6.18 . ( i. e. ) in Faith , in fervency , with the vigor and intension of the Spirit , or inner-man , if it be not Jam. 5.16 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . If ye have no Communion ravishing , have yee Communion sanctifying ? an inwrought prayer ( as the phrase is ) if yee wrestle not with God in the strength of God , ( as Jacob did ) if ye have no holy boldness , or Confidence at Gods Throne ; if ye never feel the sweet melting , quickening , warming , moving , breathings of the Spirit in your souls ; In a word , if ye find no growing conformity in your hearts to the divine Nature by Duty , no sweet sanctifying , refreshing communion with God in Duty : 't is an evident sign to me , the Spirit of holiness dwels not in yee ; and consequently , if ye have not the spirit of Christ , ye are none of his , Rom. 8.9 . But as for such as pray in the Spirit , as make conscience of this Duty , and of the spiritual performance of it , and find the rellish of God , and Heaven in private prayer , 't is one happy sign and symptome of their translation from death to life , from a state of Nature to a state of Grace .

There are diversities of Gifts , but the same Spirit . 1 Cor. 1● . 4 . Secondly , If the spirit of Sanctification dwels in thee , the same Spirit , as a spirit of Illumination dwels in thee . If Jesus Christ be thy sanctification , he is thy wisdome also ; as thy holiness to sanctifie thee , so thy wisdome to instruct thee . It is the godly or holy man that feels the vertue and influence of that blessed Promise , I will instruct then , and teach thee in the way that thou shouldst go , I will guide thee by mine eye , Psalm . 32.6 , 8. verses compared together .

That Text is famous for this purpose , * * Non acumine proprii sensus rectè s●pere homines sed illuminatione Spiritus . Buling . in loc. What Unction is ? per unctionem , Gratiam So. S. intelligit . Beza in loc. 1 Joh. 2.20 . Ye have received an Unction from the Holy One and ye know all things .

By this Unction ( or annointing ) is meant , the gracious operation of the holy Spiri● , whereby they that are regenerate or sanctified , are also enlightened with the saving Knowledge of Christ . This is compared to the p●uring out of costly Ointment , Psalm 45.8 . and 137.2 .

Unction properly signifies the separation and consecration of a person to the Lord , tog ther with the gifts of Wisdome , Knowledge , Faith , Love , &c. Wherefore it must follow , that a person annointed , consecrated unto God , is also illuminated by God , if his person be sanctified , his eyes are opened , annointed with Eye-salve ; if anno●nted with Grace , then instructed in Knowledge ; 2 Cor. 1.21 . Rev. 3.18 . if a V ssel full of Grace , then a Vessel full of oyl : a burning lamp , and shining light ; For in Vnction , sanctification and illumination are both together inseparably and indivisibly , as light and heat in the Sun-beams . The holy oyl of Grace casts a sweet perfume , and splendid light in the hearts and lives of the annointed . By vertue of this Unction , Darkness is now in a great measure scattered , and the man is made light in the Lord , Ephes. 5.8 . An enlightned soul admires , how foolish he was , and ignorant , even bruitish in his knowledge before Conversion , he neither knew God , nor himself , he neither knew his present danger , nor his future misery ▪ he neither saw sin as a vicious , or as a Penal evil , neither the evil in it , nor the evil after it ; but went on like a Fool to the stocks , like an Oxe to the slaughter , and ran like a mad man toward the Gulf of Ruine . Before sanct●fication , he neither saw his want of Christ , nor knew the worth of Christ . The glory of Christs Person , the beauty of his wayes , the merits of his Blood , the benefits of his Offices , the comforts of his Spirit , the sweetness of his Fellowship , the savour of his Ointments , the blessings of his Kingdome : All these ( before Conversion ) were hid from his eyes , for the God of this world had blinded him , 2 Cor. 4.4 . Besides the natural Veil of darkness he brought into the world with him ; he is blinded by another , ( viz. ) a diabolical : but in and by Conversion , comes in illumination , in turning from Satan to God , his eyes are opened , and his understanding turns from darknesse to light , Acts 26.18 . Now the eyes of his understanding being enlightned by the spirit of Wisdome and Revelation , Ephes. 1.17 , 18. He comes to know , what is the hope of his Calling , and the riches of the glory of his Inheritance in the Saints . Every word is a word of weight : 1 John 5.20 . Phil. 1.9 , 10. he hath now a visive faculty , an understanding given him to know things that are excellent : he hath now a new spiritual , clear affectionate knowledge of , and a more distinct piercing knowledge in the Mysteries of the Gospel , than ever he had before . An enlightned head , and a sanctified heart go both together . This is the second effect , or rather sweet Concomitant of Sanctification ; ( viz. ) Illumination .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , id est . eandem fidem ex ejusdem spiritus affl●tu & dono Beza . 3. The third Effect , or rather Concomitant , or Adjunct of our Sanctification is Faith ; hee that hath the spirit of Holiness , hath also the spirit of Faith : 2 Cor. 4.13 . wee having the same spirit of Faith ; the spirit of Sanctification is also the Author of Faith , for Fa th is formally a special part of Sanctification , 1 Joh. 5.1 . Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ , is born of God ; that is , our faith in Christ , is a certain sign and evidence of our Regeneration . He that believeth that Jesus is the Christ , i. e. the promised Messiah , Blasphemia , & pessima Haeresis erat apud Judaeos Consiteri Iesum Mariae filium esse Christum . is born of God . The learned upon the place observe , that there was a great Controversie in the Apostle Johns days , whether Jesus the Son of Mary , was the Christ the promised Messiah , or not ? And the blasphemous and blinded Jewes counted it the worst of Heresies , to confess Jesus the Son of Mary to be Christ .

The Jews were many wayes offended in him , offended in the vileness of his Appearance , in the humility of his Conversation , in the ignobleness of his Parentage , in the sharpness and Authority of his Doctrine , in the knowledge of his Countrey , ( as I might demonstrate easily ) ; when Christ shall come ( say they ) we know not whence hee is , but we know , whence this man is , i. e. of what Parentage , and of what Countrey , John 7.27 . The Scriptures had fore-told , that the promised Messiah , when he came should redeem Israel , restore all things , pardon sins , seek and save that which was lost , proclaim liberty to the Captives , Comfort those that mourn , bind up the broken-hearted , bring in everlasting Righteousness , and save his people with an everlasting salvation . But the obstinate and heretical Jewes would not grant all this to the son of Mary ; They denyed Christ to be the true Messiah ; They Traduced the Son of God , and blasphemously in thought and word reputed him an Impostor . Therefore 't is said , 1 John 11.12 , 13. verses : He came to his own , and his own received him not ; Hee came to his own creature man , and generally the generation of mankind did not receive him , but refuse him , so some expound it : but others , as Calvin give a better sense ; Thus , he came to his own , ( i. e. ) to his own Country men the Jewes ( of whom according to the flesh he came , who is over all , God blessed for ever ) but they received him not , ( i. e. ) * * Rom. 9.5 . Sed rectius sentiunt , qui referunt ad solos Judaeos , Calvin . 1 Joh. 11. as their King and Saviour , but to as many as received him , to them gave he power 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , not only power , but also dignity , priviledge to become the sons of God , even to as many as believed in his Name ; and who are these that thus believe in Christ , and receive him into their hearts ? Why , such as are not born of blood , of an high and noble Parentage , which the Jews gloried in , being descended from Abraham , nor of the flesh , nor of the will of man ; not by any principle of corrupted nature , not by the meer power of our own will , but by the will and grace or gracious will of God , Jam 1.18 . Ephes. 2.4 . we are born again , or sanctified . Now who are they , that are born of the will of God ? Why , they that believe in Christ , and receive him by Faith into their hearts , as God hath promised , and propounded him in the Gospel , as Prophet , Priest and King , in all his Offices ; or as the Text hath it , as wisdome , righteousness , sanctification and redemption .

Secundum diversos respectus fides regenerationis nostrae pars est : ex regeneratione tanquam ex fonte manat fides . Calv. Through Faith the soul doth receive in , and conceive with the incorruptible seed of the Word of God , whereby Christ is formed , the new creature is produced , the soul is regenerate , or born again into a new and divine life : wherefore , if you are born again , or sanctified ( which is the same ) you have faith in Christ crucified at Jerusalem .

1. You do believe that Jesus is the Christ .

2. You do believe on Jesus Christ .

1. You do believe that Jesus is the Christ , that Jesus is the Saviour , that there is no salvation by any other , Acts 4.12 . That he was annointed by the Father , as Prophet , Priest and King , Isa. 61.1 . for the perfecting of your salvation , for the obtaining of eternal Redemption for you , Heb. Ego saepe & libenter hoc inculco , ut extra Christum , oculos & aures claudatis , & di●atis , nullum vos scrire Deum , nisi qui fuit in Gremio Mariae , & suxit ubera ejus . Luther . Credere quod sit Christus , est ab eo sperare quacunque de Messia promissa sunt . Calv. Comment. in 1 John 5.1 . ● 12. Luther hath a notable speech upon Psal. 130. Often and willingly ( saith he ) do I inculcate this , that you should shut your eyes and your ears , and say you know no God out of Christ , none but he that was in the lap of Mary , and sucked her breasts : He means none out of him . It is not a mystical Christ within you , but the man Christ Jesus without you , who was conceived by the Holy Ghost , born of the Virgin Mary , crucified at Jerusalem , rose again , and ascended up into Glory , that you must believe in for the remission of all your sins , for the justification of your persons , and for your eternal life . Wee finde it recorded in Scripture , and in History , that this was the Grand Test of a Believer in the Primitive times . Dost thou believe that Jesus is the Christ , or that Jesus Christ is the son of God ? because in those dayes it was little less than Death among the Jews , thus to own and confesse Christ .

2. If you are born again or sanctified : you do believe on Jesus , you believe on the Name of the Son of God . This is Gods great Commandment , and our great Duty , 1 John 3.23 . As God doth offer and propound him in the Gospel , so accordingly ye do receive him into your hearts , with all his Offices , with all his Graces , with all his inconveniencies . You look upon Gods Terms as holy , equitable , and most advantagious to you ; Ye trust to Christ , and rely on him alone for wisdome , righteousnesse , sanctification , and redemption . Hag. 2.7 . Cant. 5.10 . Isa. 63.1 . Heb 7.25 . Heb. 2.17 . Heb. 5.2 . God tenders his Son in the Gospel as the desire of all Nations , as the chiefest , or Standard-bearer among Ten thousand , as the most mighty , merciful , and every way glorious and compleat Saviour : God hath made him your All in All , He is of God made unto us wisdome , righteousnesse , &c. Now God requires you should honour the Son , as he hath honoured him , for in honouring the Son , you honour the Father , ( and that in the highest manner ) ; God expects you should receive him as he hath offered him ; Oh then give glory to him , by receiving him , * * Justifying faith is defined ( in short ) to bee a Cordial , accepting of Christ as Lord & Saviour , in all his Offices , &c. So Dr. Preston , Mr. Wil. Strong , Mr. Baxter , &c. by accepting of him for your Lord and Saviour . Embrace your blessed Saviour in the armes of Faith , vail your souls to him , close with him , cling , and cleave to him , glory and rejoice in him , draw down vertue daily from him , lay all your wants upon him , the oftner you come to him , the more welcome , and the suller and richer you shal go from him ; As God hath made him your All in All , Joh. 1.16 . so believe in him , and make use of him as your All in All.

Now is this precious faith , this faith unfeigned , this faith of Gods Elect wrought in your souls , yea , or not . Know assuredly , if you are sanctified in Christ Jesus , if you are Gods workmanship , created in Christ Jesus , &c. Ephes. 2.10 . This precious grace is wrought in you , called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the work of God * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . John . 6.29 . This is the work of God , that you believe in him whom he hath sent . Where this precious Faith is , 't is alwayes found with these precious principal properties , or vital operations : 1. It Animates , 2. It Purifies , 3. It Fructifies , 4. It Pacifies , 5. It Operates , 6. Amplifies , 7. It Corroborates , 8. It Exhilarates .

1. Faith Animates , enlivens and quickens the soul of man , it is such a principle of spiritual Life , that a Believer doth not so much live , as Christ by faith lives in him . The spirit of Faith I am certain , if not faith it self ( which of all graces leads the Chorum ) is the forma informans , whereby a man before both legally and morally dead , is now enlivened , and lives to God , Gal. 2.20 . Hab. 2.4 . Rom. 1.17 . Heb. 10.38 . Our whole life here is a life of Faith , our life hereafter is a life of Vision or Sight ; here we walk by faith , and not by sight , 2 Cor. 5.7 . How sweet and heavenly is that Life which is derived from , and maintained by the life of Christ himself .

2. Faith purifies , where there is life there is motion ; where faith is , there is purification . A Believer having a vital principle , like a living Fountain labours to work out the mud of sin , to cleanse and purge it self from inward filthinesse , so as not to approve it , allow it , or mingle with it , Acts 15.9 . having purified their hearts by faith ; as sicknesse is poyson to the blood and spirits , so is sin to the soul ; now as all the spirits in their natural motions tend to self-preservation , so the spirit of faith or the spirit by faith musters together , and stirs up all the powers of the Inner-man for self-purification , without purification there can be no preservation , and Faith is the principal grace that purifies .

3. Faith fructifies , a living faith is a working , a fructifying or a fruit-bearing faith , as the Apostle James demonstrates , James 2.14 , to the end . They that are purified by faith in the blood of Christ , are zealous of good works : Tit. 2.14 . How many Believers at large are there , that look green and fair , and make a brave flourish afar off , but come near them , and well observe them , view their hearts and their lives , or their hearts by their lives , and works , and you shall finde them like the barren Fig-tree which Jesus saw , full of leaves , but without fruit to relieve him in his hunger ; the Curse of barrenness will strike to the hearts of such Professors , as it did to the heart of that Fig-tree . Psal. 36.9 . Jer. 2.13 . Joh. 15.1 . Rev. 23.2 . By Faith we have Union with Christ the fountain of Life , the fountain of living waters , the True Vine , and Tree of Life , that grows in the midst of the Paradise of God . All these Metaphors bespeak abundant fruitfulness , and that of the choicest fruit . The grapes of Canaan , the graces of the Spirit , the works of Righteousness , and Acts of charity and mercy to the praise and glory of God by Jesus Christ . In a word , have you faith in Christ Jesus , and hope in Heaven , why then yee bring forth fruit , as they do all the world over , that have recieved the grace of God in truth . Consider well , 1 Col. 4.5 , 6.

4. Faith pacifies , as well as fructifies : as it fructifies a barren Desart , and makes the wilderness and solitary place to blossom as the Rose , as Lebanon , Psa. 35.1 , 2 Sharon and Carmel ; so it pacifies a troubled Conscience , it stils the rage and surges of this Sea . As once Christ said to the Winds and Waves , so faith in the name and power of Christ speaks to the perplexed soul , peace , and bee still , and there is a great calm . Christians would live more the life of peace , if they lived more the life of Faith , the more of faith , the less of ●ervile fear , being justified by faith we have peace with God , &c. Rom. 5.1 . Phil. 4.7 . And this peace of God passeth all understanding . When the Clouds of Temptation , and the winds and waves of passion are up , a few thoughts of Faith will quiet all , as Dr. Tho. Goodwin , in his Vanity of Thoughts . a worthy Man observes . There is no peace , saith my God , to the wicked , Isa. 57.21 . but a true Believer hath peace with God through Jesus Christ the Prince of peace , he hath peace in Heaven , and peace on Earth , peace with God , and peace with his own conscience , for the Kingdome of God is righteousness , peace and joy in the Holy Ghost , Rom. 14.17 .

5. Faith operates , it acts and works by love , Gal. 5.6 . for , in Jesus Christ , neither Circumcision availeth any thing , nor uncircumcision , Magnes amoris amor . but faith which worketh by love . Faith worketh love , wee love God , when by faith wee apprehend that God loveth us first , 1 John 4.19 . we love him , because hee first loved us , and as faith works love , so it works by love ; Faith is the great Wheel , the principal Grace , that animates , actuates , moves influences , love , patience , zeal , and every other grace , that sets all other wheels a going , that quickens and strengthens all other graces in their proper respective motions and operations .

The words of Dr. Bates , in his Sermon upon Heb. 11.6 . In the 11 Chapter to the Hebrews , Faith is represented as the principle of Obedience , conveying vigor and strength to other graces , whereby they become operative to several ends and Objects ; Hence those Acts which immediately spring from other graces as their proper stock , are attributed to faith , that being the principle of their heavenly working , in this respect ; as the success of an Army redounds to the Generals Honor , so the victory which is effected by other Christian qualities , is here ascribed to Faith , which animates them , and leads them forth as their chief Captain .

6. Faith Amplifies , dilates , enlargeth the heart to run the wayes of Gods Commandments , 1 John 5.1 . and 3. verses compared together , whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God , &c. vers. 1. For this is the love of God , that we keep his Commandments , &c. verse 3. Faith is the ground of Love , and Love the Author of Obedience ; holy obedience is the daughter of a lively Faith : when and where Christ dwels in the heart by faith , that soul being rooted and grounded in love , comprehends with all Saints , ( secundum quid ) what is the breadth , and length , and depth , and heighth of the love of Christ , Ephes. 3.17 , 18 , 19. Which love like a fire in his bones , like a flame in his bowels , enflames his soul with love to God and Christ , opens , and enlargeth his heart to duties of obedience , to serve the Lord with a most free and Princely spirit . The soul of an affectionate Believer , runs swiftly , chearfully , nobly in the wayes of God , like the Chariots of Aminnadib , Cant. 6.12 . Faith thus argues , Amminadib , i. e. my voluntary , free , bounteous , or noble people . Ainsworth in Cant. 6.12 . Psal. 103.3 , 4. Ephe. 1.3 . Hath God loved me in his Son from everlasting ? and will hee love me to everlasting ? Hath God in Christ forgiven such a wretch as I , all mine iniquities ? redeemed my life from destruction , and crowned me ( even me ) with loving-kindness and tender mercies ? yea , with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus ? Then what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ? Nothing I can do , nothing I can suffer too much for him ; I am , and will be his for ever , at his Command , and for his service . Thus the faith of a sanctified Person reasons .

7. Faith Corroborates , it strengthens the weak , it revives the faint , it supports the desponding and sinking spirit . The Psalmist in great tryals and troubles had great experience of the supports of faith , Psalm 27.13 . I had fainted unless I had believed , to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the Living . Love keeps you from dissembling , Hope keeps you from desponding , Patience keeps you from tyring , but 't is Faith that keeps you from fainting . When a * * 2 Chron. 2.20 . Psal. 57.7 . My heart is fixed , in some translations , 't suffultum est cor meum , my heart is underpropt . great multitude from beyond the Sea , on this side Syria came up against Judah , and the people were in sore distress ; Jehosaphat their good King encouraged the people , saying , believe in the Lord your God , so shall ye be established , believe his Prophets , so shall ye prosper , 2 Chron. 20.20 . Faith in God is the souls establishment ; wherefore , a Believer shall not be affraid of evil tydings , his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord : his heart is established , he shall not be affraid , until he see his desire upon his enemies : Thus the Psalmist swee●ly sings , Psalm 112.7 , 8. The fixation of the soul by faith on God , on Christ , on his Attributes , on his Promises yields the surest strength , the speediest and sweetest relief and succour in the Crisis of any Exigence . When David for fear of Saul was got into a Wood , Jonathan leaves his Father , 1 Sam. 23.16 . and privately came to David into the Wood , and strengthened his hand in God . So , when a Believer is in a wood of fears and dangers , he strengthens his hand , the hand of his faith in God ; and the more his faith is up , the more his f●ars are down . Divines use to compare , the base fears of m●n , and the embondaging fears of Death , to the Lead that weighs the Net under water ; and faith to the Cork that keeps up the Net from sinking . Hope , the eldest daughter of Faith , is an Anchor , sure and stedfast , Heb. 6.19 . but Faith is the Ro●k , which this Anchor rests on , according to the Proverb : were it not for Hope , heart would break ; and the Scripture tels us , Faith is both 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 substantia , & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . argumentum . Heb. 11.1 . Rom. 8.24 . We are saved by hope : but Hope receives all its subsistence & strength from Faith . Faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen , Heb. 11.1 .

8. Faith exhilarates , comforts , cheers the soul , fils it with joy and peace in believing , Rom. 15.13 . The God of hope fils the soul with joy and peace in believing . Faith is as a twinkling star in a dark Night , as a shining Sun in a cloudy Day , as Rivers of water in a dry place , as the shadow of a great Rock in a weary Land . The Apostle Peter elegantly expresseth the soul exulting operation of saving faith , 1 Pet. 1.8 . Whom ( that is Christ ) having not seen ye love , in whom , though now ye see him not , yet believing , ye rejoice with joy unspeakable , and full of glory . Faith opens a crevis of light , and springs a Mine of * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Exa●tatis gaudio ineffabili & gloriosa . Beza . exulting joy in the most insulting danger . When once a Believer is justified by faith , and hath peace with God , hee then rejoiceth in the most glorious Hope , ( viz. ) in the hope of the glory of God , and not only so , but he glories also in tribulations , hee glories in them , and he glories over them , because the love of God is shed abroad 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , effusa est , is poured forth into his heart by the Holy Ghost , Rom. 5.1 , 2 , and 5. verses . by faith in Christ , and by communion with Christ in his Conquests , hee knows he shal be more than a Conqueror over all his Enemies , Rom. 8.37 . * * Neque enim simpliciter dirit 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , sed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : idest , ut vertit Cyprianus Epist. 26. supervincimus . Amplius quam victores sumus . Beza . 't is not only said Conquerours , but more than Conquerors , as Cyprian and Beza , on the place .

Thus I have endeavoured to present you with some of the precious properties and vital operations of precious Faith , which every one that is born of God , ( or sanctified ) doth enjoy to his inestimable benefit . Faith is an inseparable Concomitant with , and an infallible evidence of our Sanctification ; for whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ , is born of God , 1 John 5.1 . This is the third Adjunct , and evidence of our Regeneration .

4th . Effect and evidence of our sanctification , is love to God and to the Brethren . As Christ dwels in the heart by faith , Ephes. 3.17 . so the soul sweetly reposeth it self in the bosome of God by love , 1 John 4 7 , 8. Beloved , let us love one another , for love is of God , and every one that loveth is born of God , and knoweth God ; he that loveth not , knoweth not God , for God is Love . You see love to God , and to the Brethren is both a sure sign , and a genuine effect of Regeneration ( which is synomminous with Sanctification . ) This grace of Love is the very soul of all Religion , the very life of the new Creature , the closure of the soul with God in the sweetest manner ; he that hath most of this grace hath most of all graces . This is one of the precious things promised in the new Covenant , Deut. 30.6 . ( viz. ) An heart to love the Lord ; the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart , and the heart of thy seed , to love the Lord thy God , with all thy heart and with all thy soul . This is made a special effect and evidence of thy spiritual Circumcision , or Sanctification ; In Sanctification , as the understanding is enlightned to know God , so the will and affections are renewed , changed , rightly ordered , and enclined to love God as his chiefest good , and as his utmost End : Corn , and Wine , and Oyl , and all the world is then counted nothing to the light of Gods countenance . Psalm 4.6 , 7. Ca●t . 5. ●0 . All other Beloveds are no body to Jesus Christ , the chiefest of ten thousands .

A sanctified soul exactly viewing , and well weighing the glittering pomp and splendor of this world , all natural and moral excellencies on the one hand , and Jesus Christ on the other , cryes out with the Martyr Lambert , Foxes Acti and Monuments . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , propter eminentiam cognitionis Christi Iesu . Mont. None but Christ , none but Christ ; Counts all things 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 dogs-meat , garbage , to the excellency of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ , Phil. 3.8 .

A Christian loves himself , his Relations and worldly comforts with a common love , but God and Jesus Christ with a special love . He loves his temporal Enjoiments secondarily and subordinately , but he loves God and Christ primarily , intensively and superlatively ; yea , so highly intensive is his love to God his Father , to Christ his Saviour , to the holy Spirit his souls Comforter , to Heaven and heavenly things , his only Treasure ; that his love to other things ( comparatively ) may be called an Hatred , ( i. e. ) a much inferiour , a far more remiss love . See Luke 14.26 . more distinctly .

First , Amore d●sideris . A sanctified heart loves God with a love of desire ; The strength of the heart goeth out in love , this is called the breathing , thirsting , and panting of the heart after God , Psalm 42.1 , 2. The soul that loves God above all things , desires God above all things , both intensivè with the greatest vigor , and Adequatè as its Adequate and compleat Object : Whom have I in Heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee .

2. A sanctified heart loves God with a love of Union , Amore unionis . as the heart of Shechem clave to Dinah , Gen. 34.3 . So an holy soul cleaves unto God in Christ . Barnabas exhorted the Disciples , that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord , Acts 11.23 . As the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David , 1 Sam. 1.18 . So this Love , is as it were a knitting of the soul with God : Faith makes a mystical union of Persons , Love makes a moral union of affections . This is the very essence of Gospel-love ; Amor non est , nisi donum amantis in amatum . God bestows himself on us , and we freely surrender our selves to God .

Thirdly , A sanctified heart loves God with a love of good will , or Benevolence ; we wish , and will , Amore Benevolentiae . give and ascribe all honour and praise , all glory and dominion unto him . This is the genuine product of his love in Christ to us , as Revel. 1.5 , 6. Vnto him that loved us , and washed us from our sins in his own blood , and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father , to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever . Amen . Lord ! saith an holy soul , Cant 2.16 let all thine be mine , and let all mine be thine ; and let thine be for thy glory ; let every person and creature and thing in Heaven above , and in earth beneath be a shril Trumpet , a loud Cymbal to sound forth thy praises .

Amore complacentiae , & acquiescentiae . Fourthly , A sanctified heart loves God with a love of Complacence and Rest . Where we love , the eye of the soul ( the mind ) is fixed with a delightful stay , ubi amor , ibi oculus , the Object dwels in the eye : we are still looking where we love ; Anima plu● est ubi amat , quàm ubi animat . When I awake ( saith the Psalmist ) I am still with thee , in my contemplations and affections ; My meditation of him shall be sweet : I will be glad in the Lord , Psalm 104. 34. Love goeth forth upon the feet of Desire , and rests in the bosome of Delight . There is an holy acquiescence of the heart in God : God saith of his Saints , This is my Rest for ever , here will I dwell ; the Saint saith of God , Psal. 132.14 . Psal. 116.7 . Psal. 91 . 9● Ephes. 2 ▪ ult. Return to thy rest , O my soul ; A Saint makes God the most High his Habitation , and a Saints heart is the Habitation of God through the Spirit . Here lyes the sweetness of holiness , the marrow and fatness of Religion . This World would be a Dungeon , and Heaven it self a melancholly shade , without the love of God ; 't is this , that makes Heaven and Earth sweet unto the sanctified , Heaven would be no Heaven , God could not be the joy , if he were not the love of Saints , Psal. 16. ult. but there both love and joy shall be full . But whilst the Saints are solacing themselves with Heaven , and delighting themselves in God , other men are following after other Lovers . The covetous man makes Mammon his God , the voluptuous man makes Pleasure his God , the Ambitious man makes Honour his God , the Formalist and Hypocrite makes Common grace , self-righteousness , a bare profession , or the meer externals of Devotion , his God , and Saviour ; because every one of these make some of these their only Treasure and Happiness : They dote upon them , addict themselves to them , trust to them and in them , and love them more than God . But a Saint that knows God , makes Jehovah his God , he hath but one , the living and true God , to honour , love , Psal. 36.9 . Psal. 87.7 . Col. 3.3 . and serve , who is the fountain of his life , and blessedness , in whom all his springs are , in whom with Jesus Christ all his Comforts live ; and from whom by Jesus Christ all his felicity is conveyed , to make him happy in both worlds . The new creature hath a new heart , according to that full and free Promise , Ezek. 36.26 . A new heart will I give you , and a new spirit will I put within you : which new heart I take to bee the Genus of all the following graces . And where there is this new heart , there will bee new Affections , new longings , and earnest breathings of soul after God , Christ , Heaven , and Immortality , for behold , saith Christ , I make all things new , Rev. 21.5 .

Love of the Brethren , an evidence of Regeneration . Secondly , As a sanctified person loves his God , so also he loves his Brother ; this is made one great evidence of our happy and new Translation , 1 John 3.14 . We know that we have passed from death to life , because we love the Brethren : he that loveth not his Brother , abideth in death . Qui diligit fratrem magis novit d lectionem , quâ diligit , quam fratrem quem diligit . Aug de Trinit. Many a be-nighted soul ( I have read and heard ) upon the plank of this evidence , have been kept from sinking down into the Whirl-pool of despair ; it hath been a refreshing Cordial to many a doubting Christian upon their Death-beds : 1 Joh. 4.7 . Every one that loveth is born of God , and knoweth God ; and in v. 20. the Apostle draws down a negative inference from the Premises : If a man say , I love God , and hateth his brother , he is a lyar ; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen , how can he love God whom he hath not seen ? That interrogation is a plain Negation : if the amiable and visible workmanship of God be not loved , 't is impossible the invisible Author of that wo●kmanship should .

Query , Who are the Brethren intended in this Epistle ?

Answ. 1. There are Brethren by Nation , Acts 7.23.25 . Rom. 9 3.

2. Brethren by Nature descended of the sam● Parents , Matth. 1.2 .

3. Brethren by Office , 2 Pet. 3.15 . 2 Cor. 1.1 . &c.

4. Bre hren by Grace and super-natural Relation , and so understand the Term here .

Query , How shall we know whether we truly love the Brethren , which is so great a sign of our new birth ?

Answ. I answer Affirmatively :

1. When we love them as such . The Brethren for their spiritual brotherhood , Christians for their Christianity , the Saints for their Sanctification , 1 John 5.1 . He that loveth him that begat , loveth him also that is begotten of him ; he that loves the Father , loves the Image of the Father in the Childe ; Hee that loves the Person , loves the picture for the Persons sake . Grace must be the principal Load-stone of our affection : not Beauty , birth , sweetness of disposition , Breeding , Learning , Wealth , Honour , or any outward , or carnal accomplishments whatsoever .

Secondly , When we love and delight in them above all other people : Psalm 16.2 , 3. David a King , cals them the Excellent , in whom was all his delight ; and Christ prefers his spiritual before his own natural Relations , M●t. 12.47 , 48 , 49 , 50.

3. When wee love those of the Brotherhood most , that are most gracious , if grace allures Love , ( Caeteris paribus ) the more of the former , the more of the latter . Christ loved all his Disciples , John 13.1 . but John eminently gracious , was eminently beloved : wherefore called the beloved Disciple , John 21.20 .

Noscitur ex Com●te , qui no● digno ●itur ex se . 4. When we singularly and peculiarly love their society above all other ; I am ( said David ) a Companion to all them that fear thee . The sanctified can have no intimate contenting fellowship with the unholy ; Psalm 26.4 , 5. I have not sate with vain persons , &c. I have hated the Congregation of evil doers , , and will not sit with the wicked . Again , Psalm 15.4 . In whose eyes a vile person is contemned ; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord . This is one Character of an Inhabitant in Gods holy Hill .

5. When we are willing in some cases to lay down our lives for the Brethren : A Christian is bound not only to lay down his life for Christ , and for his Gospel , when God cals him to it , but also in some special Cases for the Brother-hood , * * Significat in eo ●●obari nostram charitatem , si amorem nostri in fratres transferimus , ita ut sui quisque quodammodo oblitus , aliis C●nsulat . Calv. in loc. 1 John 3.16 . Hereby perceive we the love of God , because he laid down his life for us : and wee ought to lay down our lives for the Brethren . If our love to the Brethren be singular , and to the life , ( as Christs was to us ) we shal lay down our lives for them ; 't is not a common or cold love of the Brethren that evinceth your Regeneration , every new born babe doth ( with John ) desire to decrease , so that Christ Mystical may encrease , that the Kingdome of Christ be enlarged , the generation of the Righteous multiplied , amplified , and preserved , though it be , ( that in the promoting of it ) he himself , his Honour , his Name , his Li●e must lie in the dust of Death .

To these things I have spoken more fully from another Subject , I pass on to the fifth particular .

5. A sanctified , or regenerate person overcomes the world , 1 John 5.4 . Hee that is born of God overcometh the world . 1. Here we have two Adversaries , the Regenerate , and the World . Secondly , the Victor , 1. The regenerate who are chiefly defensive , as the whole Armor of God is chiefly defensive , Ephes. 6.14 . to 19. verses . 2. The world on the other part , principally offensive , John 15.18 , 19 , 20.

Now , what is the world ? 1. Partly , the men of the world ; these lie in wickedness , 1 Joh. 5.19 . these hate the Saints , because they are not of the world , but chosen out of the world by Christ , John 19.19 .

1. By the world understand wicked worldlings with their persecutions of the Saints .

2. Partly , the lusts of the world , So Calv. & Zanch , in loc. in Charms and A●lurements , 1 John 2.16 . the lust of the flesh , the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life , i. e , all the delights , pleasures , and Contentments , which the flesh or body desires . Thus the world with all its oppositions and insinuations , frowns and flatteries sets upon the Saints .

Secondly , The Victor , he that is born of God overcometh the world , he carrieth away the Conquest . Whilst the Saints are in the world , h ey are in an estate militant , there is carried on a spiritual War between two Antagonists , ( viz ) the Spirit of Regeneration in the Saints , and the Spirit of the World with all his worldly lusts and allurements : which Syren songs do draw in , and drown , which Cups of fornication do choak and poyson millions in the world . Now hee that is born of God by the spirit of faith dwelling in him , both as the Forma informans , & forma Assistens , is empowred to subdue corruptions within , and to vanquish temptations from without : so that by partaking of the divine Nature , he escapes the pollutions that is in the world through lust , 2 Pet. 1.4 . as the Apostle speaks . A sanctified man hath in him the spirit of sanctity , and a spirit of magnanimity ( indeed his sanctity is his Magnanimity ) which makes him so high , that the world cannot master him , Inimicos dei , jam hoc ipso quod non cessimus , vicimus . Cyprian . and so holy , that the VVorld cannot ( in some sence ) defile him . Thus in his measure he keeps himself unspotted from the world , James 1. ult. by the world is here meant , whatso●ver resists the Commands of God : Neither the worlds frowns , nor favours , neither ●s Comminatious , nor its Invitations , Quicquid mandatis Dei resistit . Polan . neither the ●ears of the world , nor the flatteries of the world can turn a regenerate person from the f●ith of Christ , nor from obedience to the Gospel , nor bring h●m unto their Bow . In the German Reformation , when some perswaded Erasmus to write to Luther , to bring him back to Popery , or else at leastwise to write against his Doctrine ; Erasmus answers , Luther was too great for him to write to , or against . A Gracious spirit is too great a spirit , for the great O●es of the world to force by power , or to bribe by favour , into a base compliance with them against the honour of their God , and the conscience of their Duty .

The Aegyptians were wont to paint their Judges without hands , and eyes : without hands , they must not take bribes : without eyes , in judgment they must not be partial . Thus a godly man that hath made God his portion , is hand-lelss and eye-less : he is hand-less , the world doth not , shall not bribe him : he is eye-less , he beholds none of the worlds Terrors , so as to daunt him .

Thus a sanctified , or regenerate person , in the strength of Christ overcomes the world .

6. A regenerate or sanctified person hath the honour of Sonship . Sanctification layes the foundation of our Adoption : when we are born again , we are born Gods Children ; we bear the Image of Christ by grace , as we have have borne the Image of Adam by nature , when we are converted , ( ipso facto ) we are adopted . Regeneration is the root or stock from which , and on which , this Peer-less , and never fading flower Adoption grows . When a sinner becomes a Saint , at that very moment a childe of wrath is made a son of God , a member of the first is made a member of the second Adam ; a relative change is contemporary with a real . Behold ( ye Saints ) this priviledge with admiration ; Behold ! What manner of love is this , 1 Joh. 3.1 . that we should be called the sons of God , &c.

When Christ had converted the Paralytick , he cals him Son ; Mat. 9 2. When Christ had converted the Menstruous woman ( which appears by her faith in touching him , and drawing in vertue from him ) he cals her daughter , Mark 5.34 . daughter , be of good chear , &c. The new creature hath both the white stone , and the new name , the white stone of Absolution , the new name of Adoption . There be some Honours a man can never attain to , unless he be born of Nobles , or descended of the blood of Princes : Fortuitum est nas●i a principibus . I cannot teach you to be Princes in this sense , 't is a rare thing to be born of Princes : but sure I am , unless ye be born again , not of bloods , or of the will of ma● , but by the will , and of the Spirit of God , 1 John 13.3 John 3. ye shall not see the Kingdome of God , much less become the s●ns of God , or Kings and Priests to God , Rev. 1 6. and least of all live and reign as Princes , and Peers of state in Glory . Now every sanctified soul to his great Comfort may draw up this Syllogisme : He that hath the disposition , and the Affections , and doth the work of a childe of God , is a childe of God ; But I have the disposition , and the Affections , and do the work of a childe of God ; Therefore I am a child of God .

If ye are right in the Assumption , ye are thrice happy in the Conclusion .

7th . Eff ct of Sanctification . Holinesse brings the soul to its right frame and Temper , Psalm 23.3 . He restoreth my soul , &c. Sanctification is the souls restauration , not only to joy and comfort , but also to its former soundness , health and vigour , which was impaired by the fall . The health of the Bodie consists in the right and sound constitution of of it : when all the members are in their due positure , and all the humours in their right temperature , then the body is in health ; so the health of the soul consists in the rectification , or right Constitution of all the faculties . So Dr. Sybs . By the fall they all suffered deordination , disorder , deformity , confusion : by Regeneration , they are set in joint again , renewed , rightly ordered , and re-inclined to their proper , and right objects . Grace coming into the soul ( like Physick taken down into the body ) works out the peccant humours , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . heals the soul of its old distempers , cleanseth it of its former filthiness , and superfluity of naughtinesse , repairs nature by restoring to it the divine Nature , and so makes the soul hail and healthful in Gods service ; for indeed , none but the vessel of Honour , which is sanctified , is meet for the Masters use . Sin is the souls sickness : what sickness is to the body , that sin is to the soul . Sin is compared to the worst of sicknesses , to the plague of the heart , the noysome pestilence , the running Leprosie . A sick person cannot walk , nor work with comfort , nor rellish the sweetness of meat and drink , nor enjoy himself in any of his enjoyments . Wherefore health is counted , the greatest temporal blessing ; far greater than wealth , honour , beauty , &c. Now sin being a spiritual distemper , like a disease Physicians call a Corruption of the whole substance of animals , vitals , Corruptio totius substantiae . naturals ; an unholy sinner cannot walk in Heavens way , nor work the works of God , nor savour the things of the Spirit , nor rellish the sweetness of Communion with God , nor the pleasures of Piety ; his spirit is corrupted : this internal Palate and appetite are vitiated , the whole man is quite out of frame and order , he loves ( like a Swine ) to rowt in the dung and filth , and cannot delight in God , nor in his holy Law . Things that are in themselves most excellent , the great and glorious Mysteries of the Gospel , he looks upon as things contemptible and vile ; but sin in in its lusts and acts , viler than the vilest filth he lives in , as his Element , and counts his greatest pleasure and Glory ; Phil. 3.11 , 19. he glories in his shame . O Lord ! how sadly is man fallen ? But in sanctification the man is quite altered , the minde is informed , the will is reformed , the affections are rightly ordered , the conscience is purged , the Inner-man is recovered to its right temper : yea , the members of the body ( which before were weapons of unrighteousness ) are now made sub-servient to the Spirits Dictates : And the whole man ( body soul and spirit ) being sanctified , Membra sunt Arma . is now made ready for every good work , to which ( before sanctification ) it was altogether reprobate . ( Beloved Friends , ) are your souls thus well and healthy ? are they recovered to their right temper ? are ye sound in the faith ? are ye sincere at heart ? is the habitual frame of your hearts right with God , and for God , or not ? deal impartially with your own souls . 'T is true , a man that is generally lively and healthy , may now and then by accident , get colds and surfets , have fits of weakness , and for some time labour under some infirmities ; but a strong Constitution will rub along , wear off , and cast out the disease at last ; so an holy , a spiritually healthy man , through humane frailty , and strong temptation , may for a time decay in grace , yea languish very much ; hee may get cold , his love to God , his zeal for God may chil and cool , his faith may weaken , his hope may almost fail , his patience may tire , &c. And through the immoderate cares of this li●e , and inordinate affection to the Creature , he may get a Surfet , he may fall into sin , yea fowly fall into great sins , Nemo esse sine delicto potest , quamdiù indument● carni oneratus est . Lactant. de vero cultu . and labour under the sense of a wounded spirit a long time . Notwithstanding all this , the immortal seed of God in him , ( of which he is begotten ) by the supplyes of the Spirit of Life , will revive and corroborate the man again . The divine Nature in him will get head , exert its influence , and repair the man again ; Grace like Leaven will ferment the whole lump , the whole soul , and work out the disease of sin ; Psalm 1.3 . Rev. 22.1 . ( in a word ) the withering stock of Grace within ( like a Tree planted by the River of Life ) will spring , and flourish , scent , and bud again .

8. Blessed effect or Priviledge . If thou art sanctified , or regenerated , thou hast a true and undoubted Title to the Kingdome , 3 Joh. 3.5 . Except ye are born again ye cannot see , ye cannot enter into the Kingdome of God . This Negative is inclusive of the Affirmative . If ye are born again , ye shall both see , and enter into Gods Kingdome . This Kingdome of God ( if born again ) is thy Inheritance . If thou hast the sanctification of the Spirit , thou art begotten again unto a lively hope ; this lively is also a most glorious hope ; here hope is put for the object hoped for ; and what is that ? the 3d. v. informs ye , an inheritance , incorruptible , undefiled , which fadeth not away , reserved in hea-for ye . The children of Regeneration are most certainly , and unquestionably the children of the Kingdome : Sanctification is the Genuine and Evangelical Title to salvation ; see 2 Thes. 2.14 . When ye are born from above , ye are at that instant born for above , ye are born children of God , brethren of Christ . Companions with Angels , and heirs of Glory : Nay , let me tell ye more , Sanctification is the very entrance into the Kingdome of God : Sanctificatio est Ing●estus in Regnum Dei . Ca●v . Phil 3.20 . Holinesse is not only the way to Heaven , but it is Heaven it self . A sanctified person lives the life of Heaven , * his conversation is in Heaven , he lives rhe Life of God , whilst his body is here on earth ; it is life eternal ( in the ptesent tense ) in specie , and in primitiis , in the kind and first-fruits of it , to know God in Christ , John 17.3 . When ye begin to be holy , ye then begin to enter into the white cloud of Glory . Ah then ! seeing every one would be happy , who would not be holy ? Holinesse becometh thine House ( O Lord ) for ever : Without holinesse no man shall see the Lord ( that is ) with joy hereafter ▪ Heb. 12.14 . No , nor any enjoyment of the favour and fellowship with God here . An unsanctified person is very miserable , he misseth heaven in both Worlds , he hath nether holiness , nor happiness , he hath neither the seed , nor the flower , neither the first-fruits , nor the Vintage : he hath not a grain of saving Grace , no sweet dews falling from heaven on him , not a drop of the water of Life to comfort him : But his soul is like the Heath in the Desart , and shall not see when good cometh , but shall inhabit the dry and parched places in the wildernesse , in a salt land , and not inhabited , Jer. 17.6 . A most dismal state : saltness , and barrenness is his doom here , fire and brimstone is his portion for ever : Certainly , an unholy man must needs be very miserable .

Lastly , True sanctification is an abiding , flourishing , progressive Principle ,

1. It is an abiding Principle : it lives and abides in it self , Semen manen● . and it also quickens the soul in the life , and keeps the soul in the love of God for ever , 1 Pet. 1.23 . A man externally sanctified may fall away , and come to nothing , like a barren Tree he may lose in time both leaves and fruit : but a man internally sanctified , can never fall away , neither totally , nor finally ; for the Name , and Nature of God , the Mark and Seal of God , the Image and Seed of God is in him : And this is incorruptible and immortal ; * * 1 Pet. 4.14 . the spirit of Glory and of God rests upon him , the spirit of Holiness dwels and abides in his soul for ever , the Father , Son , and Spirit , ( according to their omnipotency , faithfulness , and immutability ) will never suffer their seed , seal , nature , image to be lost . Though Hymenaeus and Philetus , ( hypocrites and hereticks ) may err concerning the truth , overthrow the faith of some , and throw themselves and others down to H●ll : Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure , having this seal , the Lord knoweth who are his , 2 Tim. 2.17 , 18 , 19. The love of God in Election , and in Vocation ( or Sanctification ) is like himself , unchangeable . The Gifts , Joh. 13.1 . Rom. 11.29 . and Calling of God are without Repentance . There may be partial and gradual Apostacy in some of the Saints of God , they may backslide in their apprehensions , in their affections , and in their conversations , as is too too manifest by the Scripture-evidence , and by sad experience : but to backslide totally from all the truths of God , and from all the profession of the Gospel , and with the mind and will , with the consent of the whole soul , and finally to fall away , bid an eternal farewell , or depart from God for ever ; This cannot , shall not be .

Among others , consult these Texts : Heb. 12.6 , 2. He that is the Author , will also be the Finisher of our faith ; 1 Phil. 6. Hee that hath begun the good work in ye , will also perfect it . And Jer. 32.40 . And I will make ( saith God ) an everlasting Covenant with them , that I will not turn away from them to do them good , but I will put my fear in their hearts , and they shall not depart from me . Here God in the Riches of his Grace through Christ , undertakes both for himself and his Saints : 1. For himself ; I will not turn away from them to do them good . 2. For his Saints : I will put my fear into their hearts , that they shall not depart from me . Though they fall , they shall rise again , though they step aside into the wayes of death , God will bring them back , and give them repentance unto life ; They may turn from God for a season , but they shall never finally depart from him ; The Gates of Hell shall never prevail against them : that is , either the infernal spirits , Eph. 6.12 . called principalities and powers , or the strength of Death and powers of the Grave shall never dissolve the Union between Christ and them : for I am perswaded , that neither Death , nor Life , nor Angels , nor Principalities , nor Powers , nor things present , nor things to come , Rom. 8.38 , 39. nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord .

2. It is a flourishing and progressive Principle ; Psalm 92.12 , 13 , 14. The Motto of the Palm-tree is , Depressa Resurgo . The Righteous shall flourish like the Palm-tree , he shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon : Those that be planted in the house of the Lord , shall flourish in the Courts of our God , they shall bring forth fruit in old age : they shall be fat and flourishing . Cant. 8.16 . Awake , O North-wind , and come thou South , blow upon my Garden that the spices thereof may flow out : in adversity , in prosperity , under desertion , under consolation , come smiles , come frowns , come the warm summer of joy , or the cold winter of sorrow : All the gales and blasts of Divine Providence , shall sweetly conspire to open the Spices of Gods Garden to ripen , and diffuse the savour of the graces of the Spirit in the hearts of Saints : the North-wind is ripening , the South wind is refreshing , by both , the Spices shall flow out . Grace small at first , like a grain of Mustard-seed , in tract of time will grow to a Tree of so great a bulk , that the Fowls of the Ayr may lodge in the branches of it : and of so high a stature , s● to reach from earth to Heaven . A spark of Grace ( like a spark of fire ) is kept alive in a sea of water ; * * Cant. 8.7 . Many waters shall not quench it , neither shall the floods drown it . I give to them ( saith Christ ) eternal life , and they shall never perish , &c. John 10.28 , 26.

Lastly , Where-ever the Image of Christ is , it is progressive . The picture or likeness of a man in a frame grows not , 't is alwayes at a stand , but the image of a man in his childe is far different , 't is lively , vigorous , and progressive ; 't is the property ( as well as duty ) of every real Saint , to perfect Holinesse in the fear of God , 2 Cor. 7.1 . to forget the things behind , to reach forth unto those before , to press on towards the Mark : Phil. 3.13.14 . Rom. 1.17 , Psal. 84.7 . 2 Cor. 3.18 . Gratia Consummata est Gloria perficiens . As the wicked grow worse and worse , the Saints grow better and better , they go on from faith to faith , from strength to strength , and from Glory to Glory , till they are swallowed up in Heavens Glory . The path of the just is as the shining light , that shi●eth more and more unto the perfect day , Prov. 4.18 . Well then , cast up your Accompts , examine your hearts , consider your waves . Are ye stars or Meteors ? are ye burning Lamps , shining Lights , or Dark-lanthorns ? grow , ( I am sure ) ye do , either in sin , or holiness , upward , or downward , Hell-ward , or Heaven-ward : And go ye do daily , either forward , or backward , either toward the Mount of God , the H●ll of Holiness , , or towards the Lake of Fire , the burning Tophet . If ye are Saints , rise up , Ascend , your Lord is risen , Why seek ye the living among the dead ? If ye are sanctified by him ▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Comes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 privat . & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Terra , A Saint i● not an earthly , but an heavenly-minded man . Grace like fire , is alwaies ascending to its Center . ye are risen with him ; If ye then be risen with Christ , seek those things which are above , Col. 3.1 . Set your affections on things above , and not on things beneath , or on the earth ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. e. minde the things above , and not the things on , or of the earth .

If ye are redeemed from the earth , your Contemplation , your Communion , your Conversation is , and ought to be above , where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God ; And the nearer ●o●e , the * * Omnis ascensus ( in this sence ) as well as descensus , velocior in fine , quam in principio . swifter should your pace bee : Gird your Loins , Trim your Lamps , fill your Vessels , prepare your Souls , do all diligence , make your Calling and Election sure , for * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . doing these things , ye shall never fall , but have an abundant entrance into the everlasting Kingdome , &c. 2 Pet. 1.10 , 11. so doing , ye shall have Magnificent and Royal Entrance , the Gate of Heaven opened , full Assurance , and most ample Reception into Glorie . Thus having gone through the Doctrinal part of the Propos● ion , we proceed to App ication .

Now for Application .

If Jesus Christ be given of God the Father for our Sanctification ; Then in the first place , Use 1 by way of Information : Ye that are the Saints of God , hence learn to give distinct Glory in Believing , to the several Persons in the Blessed Trinity . Get right apprehensions of the Divine Persons , and of the several endearments , with which their Personal operations are clothed and represented , and so worship , and glorifie the Trinity of Persons , in the Unity of the Divine Essence . God is most honoured , your minds most enlightened , and your hearts most warmed and comforted , when your thoughts are most distinct , explicit and clear in this matter : in so doing * * Tuum Nomen sanctificetur rect● per nomen intelligimus benefi●ia personarum Patris officiū , merita & beneficia filii Mediatoris , & officium ac ben●ficia Spiritus sancti , quae in Scripturâ revelantur , & praedicantur . M. Chemnit . Harm . Evangel. p 610. Col. 1.12 Joh. 16.14 . you hallow , or sanctifie the Name of God indeed . The Saints are Gods gift , the Sons purchase , the Spirits charge . God in the Eternal Compact , gave the Saints to Christ , to save , and Christ gives them to the Spirit to sanctifie , and so * * Tuum Nomen sanctificetur rect● per nomen intelligimus benefi●ia personarum Patris officiū , merita & beneficia filii Mediatoris , & officium ac ben●ficia Spiritus sancti , quae in Scripturâ revelantur , & praedicantur . M. Chemnit . Harm . Evangel. p 610. Col. 1.12 Joh. 16.14 . fit them for Glory . If the Father had not loved you before all worlds , the Son had not Redeemed you , and if the Son had not Redeemed you , the Spirit had never Sanctified you ; and the Spirit works as the Sons Spirit , He ( that is the Spirit ) shall glorifie me , ( saith Christ ) for he shall receive of mine , &c. Now Consider the love of the Father in Election , the merit of the Son in Redemption , and the efficacy of the Spirit in Sanctification ; and give distinct glory to each Person .

1. Consider the love of the Father in Election : 'T is from the love of the Father that we are blessed with all Spiritual blessings , Eph. 1.3 , 4. &c. that we are chosen in Christ , that we might be holy , &c. Christ himself was a gift of the Fathers love , for God so loved the world , John 3.16 that he gave his only begotten Son , &c. this was unutterable , and unconceivable love indeed : wherefore give due praise to the Father .

2. Consider the wonderful love and merit of the Son , his love was transcendent , his merit was Infinite , Rev. 1.5 , 6 wherefore to him that hath loved us , and washed us from our sins in his own blood , and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God , and his Father , to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever , Amen . It was superlative love in Christ to lay down his precious life , to spill his precious blood for you , Gal. 2.20 . Christ by the merit of his blood ( the price of your Sanctification ) hath impetrated and obtained of the Father , the holy Spirit , with all the gifts and graces of the same for your sanctification and salvation ; see John 16.7 , 13. John 14.16 , 17.

3. Consider the infinite power and efficacy of the Spirit : The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead , ( called the Spirit of Holiness Rom. 1.4 . ) quickens the Saints to a new life , and dwelleth in them Rom. 8.11 . This new life of holiness which is in Christ Jesus , is by the Spirit of life imparted to you , Rom. 8.2 . For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus , Rom. 8. 2 hath made me free from the law of sin and death . Holiness in us is the fruit of Christs Purchase , the product of his merit , the sprinkling of his Unction , a parcel of his Fulness , and a measure of his Spirit ; we have as great need of his Spirit to sanctifie us , as of his blood to justifie us ; yea , the Eternal Spirit was indispensibly needful to sanctifie and dignifie the blessed Sacrifice , of Christs Humane Nature upon the Cross , or else I must profess my Ignorance of that Text , Heb. 9.14 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Supe eminens magnitudo virtutis ejus . So Montanus . 'T is not only the power , but the exceeding greatness of the Spirits power to raise up a person , morally dead to an estate of newness of life ; 't is a work proportionate to that power God wrought in Christ , when he raised him from the dead ▪ and set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly places , Eph. 1.19 , 20. Notwithstanding the Fathers E●ection , and the Sons Redemption , yet without the Spirits Efficacy , we had all at this day , lain rotting , ( ●ike stinking Carrion ) in the Grave of sin and death . Gods Mercy , Christs Merit , and the ●pirits efficacy , It is very observable that all the three Persons challenge an equal share in the working of holiness in the creature , it being such a part of Gods G●orie . Mr. Burroughs Saints Treasury . p. 16. must have their distinct glory . The Father is said to sanctifie , the Son to Sanctifie , the Spirit to sanctifie ; but with their distinct Idioms or Characters , our sanctification is from the Father in the Son and by the Spirit ; the Inchoation is from the Father , he is the prime ●●i●inal , the Dispensation is by the Son , he is the way of Communication , the Application and Consummation is by the Spirit ; he receives of the Father and the Son , and shows it unto us , that is , he works grace or holiness in us . Thus all the persons work jointly , and yet distinctly , the love of the Father makes way for the Mediatorship of the Son , and the Mediatorship of the Son for the Office of the Spirit . The Sanctification of the Spir t is as necessary as the blood of Jesus , you may see 1 Pet. 1.2 . how all the persons have their distinct operations . Communion with the Spirit is as sweet and choice a priviledge as the Grace of our Lord Jesus , or the Love of God the Father . 2 Cor. 13.14 . Thus sanctifie the Name of God , give Glory to the Father , Son and Spirit , to the Triuni Deo , the three one God , ( three in Persons , one in Essence and Nature ) for your Sanctification .

I● Jesus Christ be made of God Sanctification Use 2 to us , ( the Procuring , Meritorious and Moral cause of our Sanctification ) then primarily and principally , let your thoughts ascend to God the Father , as the supreme original of your Sanctification ; let not your thoughts stop or stay till they center in him . 'T is the Father , who of his own will hath begotten us by the Word of Truth ; Jam. 1.18 . 't is God the Father of our Lord Jesus , who of his aboundant Mercy hath begotten us again , &c. 1 Pet. 1.3 Therefore we ought to bless and exalt his aboundant Mercy as the Apostle doth : 'T is the Father , the Heavenly Husbandman , that purgeth the Branches , John 15.1 , 2. that they might bring forth fruit .

As we ought to believe in Christ the Mediatour , so in God as the first Fountain and Authour of Grace , and as the ultimate end of our happiness .

1. As the Fountain of all Grace , John 3.16 . God so loved the world , that he gave , &c. Ephes. 2.4 , 5. God who is rich in mercy , for his great love wherewith he loved us , when we were dead in sins , Ephes. 2.4 , 5. Rom. 4.24 hath quickened us together with Christ . We must believe in him that raised our Lord Jesus from the dead : He that believeth in me , So Dr. M ●ton Expounds it in his Commentary on Jude . believeth not in me , but in him that sent me ; there not is not negative , but corrective , not only in me , but his thoughts must ascend to the Father also , who manifests himself in me : for God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself , &c. 2 Cor. 5.19 .

2. You must believe in God as the ultimate end of your happiness . Christ suffered for sins , 1 Pet. 3.18 the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God . When the Mediatour brings the Soul into peace with God , by Justification , and into the likeness and fellowship of God by Sanctification , he hath attained the utmost end of his Mediatourship , and the Soul hath attained its chiefest good , and utmost happiness : therefore is it said , that the Saints by Christ do believe in God , 1 Pet. 1.21 &c.

I would not wittingly or willingly speak a word for a world to detract any thing from the honour of my blessed Saviour , or from the glory of the sacred Comforter ; but to rectifie your understandings , and to heighten your apprehensions of the Fathers love , because many Christians carry all things in the Name of Christ , and of the Spirit , ( being more apprehensive of the Sons love , and of the Spirit 's grace ) than of the Fathers aboundant mercy ; Give me therefore leave to subjoin these four weighty Reasons .

Reas. 1. Because all grace begins with the Father : he is the first in order of Being , and the first in order of Working , the Fountain of the Trinity ( as we may conceive ) 't is the Father that floweth out to us in Christ by the Spirit : he is the Father of lights , Jam. 1.17 . And the Text tells ye , we are of God in Christ Jesus : 't is true , Christ as the second Person , is coequal with the Father , in power and glory : but Christ as Mediatour must be considered as the Fathers Servant , Isa. 42.1 . as his elect or chosen Instrument .

Reas. 2. Glorifie the Father , for whatsoever good Christ hath done for you , or in you , all is done with respect to the Fathers love and grant . 2 Tim. 1.9 Joh. 17.2 . God hath saved us according to his own Purpose and Grace , given us in Christ Jesus . God gave Christ power over all Flesh , that he should give eternal life to those God had given him . Righteousness , Holiness , Heaven and Happiness , is the Fathers free Grant or Donative . Rev. 19.18 To her it was granted to be covered with fine Linnen , the Righteousness of the Saints : and fear not little Flock , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 't is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdome , Luke 12.32 . or that Kingdome . 'T is very observable , that in all Christs expressions of love to us , he still expresseth obedience to his Fathers Will , there is a double ground of hope , as Stella speaks , See Stella at large , de amore Dei . cap. 18. the Son loveth us , because the Father requireth it : and the Father loveth us , because the Son asketh it .

Reas. 3. It is a great support and comfort to a Believer in the act of believing , to consider the Love of the Father , as well as the Merit of the Son . Two are better than one , 1 Joh. 2.23 , 24. 2 Ep. Joh. 9. 't is often made a great priviledge to have both the Father and the Son . The Fathers love the Sons Merit , severally and apart considered will not yeild that full joy and peace in believing , as both conjoyned . There 's no coming to God but by Christ , for God out of Christ is consuming fire : Again Christ separated from the Father doth not yeild so firm a ground of confidence . The Fathers Act with the Sons Merit gives us full security . Christ and the Father also are a Believers Guardians , John 10.28 , 29 , 30. a double cord is not broken easily ; this two-fold custody is the best security .

The Father is represented as the offended Party by mans sin . Conscience quakes and trembles : now for a soul to know that God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself : and that Christ came from Heaven to do his Fathers Will , and that the Father hath made him over to us in all his fulness , as wisdome , righteousness , sanctification and redemption : This settles the soul in peace , Thou wilt keep him in peace , peace ( so it is in the Hebrew ) whose minde is stayed on thee . Isa. 26.3 . It pleas●d the Father that in him should all fulness dwell . peace , in perfect peace , Isa. 26.3 .

Reas. 4. Because in the Fathers love there are many engaging Circumstances , not to be found in the other Persons .

1. In the Fathers Love and Acts of Grace , there is an Original fulness : Christs fulness as Mediatour , is but drawn out of the Fathers plenty Col. 1.19 .

2. The fulness of the Son in the dispensing of it , is limited by the Fathers will , all that Christ dispensed was according to the charge and commandment of the Father , Mat. 20.23 . To sit on my right-hand left is not mine to give ( saith Christ ) save to those for whom it is prepared of my Father . Christ as Mediatour was limited by the Fathers Will : To what end did God give Christ power over all Flesh ? but to give eternal life , to as many a God had given him , to none other . Joh. 17.2 . Now it is sweet to think , that the Father himself loveth us , who is first in Order , and whose Will is absolute , and that he hath laid up an inexhaustible treasure in his Son for us .

3. In the Fathers Acts you have the purest and freest apprehensions of love . 'T was the Father that began , and ( as we conceive ) broke the business of our Redemption , and that sent his Son into the world to accomplish it . The Son as Mediatour can have an higher motive than his own love ( viz. ) the Fathers Will , but the Father can have no higher motive than his own Love . After the Apostle had treated of Election , Predestination to Adoption , Remission of sins , &c. Eph. 1.11 , 12. he concludes all under the Will of God . The 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , or the good pleasure of the Fathers Will , was the Well-head , or Fountain , Cause of all those acts of Grace that passed out unto the creature by the personal operations of the Son and Spirit . The love of the Father was antecedent to the merit of Christ , and to the operation of the Spirit ; therefore in the Fathers Acts of Grace , ye have the apprehensions of the first and freest love : you have great reason therefore from Spiritual , Scriptural Considerations to glorifie and praise the Father , as the original Authour of all your holiness and happiness . Thus much for the second Use .

Use 3 If Jesus be given of God for our Sanctification , then we may safely infer , that Sanctification is neither an easie , nor a common work .

1. Sanctification is no easie work . God takes it to be his prerogative , I am the Lord that sanctifies you , Levit. 21.8 . Grace is his own proper immediate creature , mans Will contributeth nothing to the worke , but resistance and rebellion , Domine errare per me potui , redire non potui . Aust. Meditat. wherefore God makes the soul willing in the day of his power , Psal. 110.3 . and outward means work not , unless the mighty power of the Spirit works with them , or else , why should the same Word Preached by the same Minister , mollifie some , and harden others ? Zech. 13.1 . Christ must come from Heaven , and open a Fountain in his own side and heart for our purification : Heb. 9.14 Nothing but the blood of Christ can purge your Consciences from dead works . If any other means had been effectual , Christ had never been made of God Sanctification to us . 'T is observable , Sanctification is not onely expressed by a Creation , ( i. e. ) Luke 11.21 , 22. 1 Joh. 4.4 a making of things out of nothing , but also by a victory , or a powerful overcoming of opposition : In Creation , as there was nothing to help , so there was nothing to resist or hinder , but when God comes to sanctifie or convert a soul , besides a Death in sin , God finds a strength of resistance against Grace . Therefore Sanctification is wrought by the power of the Almighty : We deserve it not , it comes from the Fathers Good-will , and Christs Merit ; and we work it not , 't is wrought in us by the power of the Holy Ghost .

2. Sanctification is not a common work : the making of man at first was not a Common but a special work , Gen. 1.26 let us make man after our own likenesse , the making of other creatures was by the word of power , but the making of man was an act of counsel . And sure I am the forming of Christ in the soul , the new workmanship created in Christ Jesus , Ephes. 2.10 to good works is one of the greatest and most glorious works of God , farre surpassing the Creation of Heaven and Earth : Wherein God shews himself an Artist to the uttermost . Sanctification is the decking of the soul with Christs Image , a representation of God in his highest Excellency : and this is not a common but a special Priviledge , a divine Ornament which God bestows on none , but upon his choice Favourites : a special and peculiar people . 1 Pet. 2.9 .

Let all such that are in some measure sanctified , Use 4 or that truely desire to be sanctified , wait on God till the work be accomplished . Though your wills be perverse and obstinate , God can bend and bow them . God never made a Creature too strong for himself : he that hath begun the good-work in you will perfect it : he is able to do this thing in us , Phil. 1.6 . and for us , and he is faithful in the performance of his Promises to us .

1. He is able : Who hath resisted his will : Rom. 9.19 Isa. 59.1 Phil. 3.21 1 Thes. 5.24 . Heb. 10.23 His hand is not shortned : He by the mighty power of his Spirit can subdue us and all things to himself .

2. He is faithful , Faithful is he that hath promised , who also will do it . Believe O ye doubting desponding Souls in the veracity , fidelity , and immutability of the great and good God : Hear what God , and not what the Tempter speaks . God hath promised to work in you to will and to do , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Et velle , & perficere . These words are a M●osis . Phil. 2.13 . That Assertion carries along with it the nature of a Promise : Hath not the living and true God Promised in the New Covenant to sprinkle you with clean water , to circumcise your hearts , to put his Law into our mindes ; to write his Law in our hearts ; to take away the heart of stone ; to give us the ministration of his Spirit ; not to quench the smoaking Flax , that is , to kindle it ; not to break the bruised Reed , that is , to strengthen it : and to send forth Judgement unto Victory , that is , to carry on the work of Sanctification in the Soul , ( in spight of all opposition ) till it be compleat in Glory . Oh then ! What remains ? but that we should all act Faith upon Gods power and faithfulness , in making good his Promises , or else wee shall discomfort our selves needlesly , and dishonour God exceedingly . And withal remember , 't is very expedient to turn these Promises into Prayers , and act Faith on them in Prayer . The Promises are as so many Bills under Gods own hand , which in the name of Christ we ought to present to the Father , and to put them in suit ; at the throne of Grace . Thus come in Faith , and ye shall go away with Comfo●t .

Use 5 ( As a consequent of the former ) let such as are distressed through the sense of Sin , and for want of holiness look up to Christ Jesus for Sanctification : he of God is made unto us Sanctification , Joh. 6. Joh. 14.1 believe in the Mediatour , in him whom God hath sent ; honour the Son as ye honour the Father , God hath so appointed it : Look up to him all ye the ends of the Earth and be saved , Isa. 45.22 so look up to him , and ye shall be also sanctified : be daily looking up to Jesus the Authour and Finisher of your Faith ; the Alpha and Omega of your holiness , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aspicientes in illum . Isa. 61.1 . 1 Joh. 1.7 Heb. 12.2 . Look up to Christ , for the Spirit of Sanctification from Christ , if ever ye would partake of his Unction . The Christal stream , wherein we are washed and made clean , flows out of Christs own heart . The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin : Faith makes Application of this blood , and so it purifies : you may be poring long enough on your own filthiness , and be filthy and dejected still , unless you look up to this Fountain , and see Christ given of God for your Sanctification ; you must apprehend him as the Lord your Righteousness , and also as the High-Priest of your holiness , else your Consciences will never be pure , nor peaceable : Naaman by the Prophets order , was to go down and dip himself seven times in Jordan , if he would be cured , 2 Kings 5.10 . So by Gods order and appointment you must go down daily by the renewed Acts of believing to this Fountain , and bathe and wash thy unclean Soul in the streams of this Jordan , ( I mean Christs blood ) if ever thou wouldest be healed of thy sinful Leprosie .

My sixth Use shall be to press us all to a serious sense of Use 6 our absolute need of holiness : Sanctification is not a thing indifferent , which a man may have , or not have , and yet be happy ; no such matter : You must be holy , if ye will be happy ; 't is the unum necessarium , the one thing needful . Luk. 10 42 Prov. 4.7 Sanctification is the principal thing : Sanctification is the Wedding-Garment , which renders ye amiable in the eyes of the King of Heaven : without this , the King will say , Binde him hand and foot , and cast him into outer darkness . Mat. 22.12 , 13. Certainly , this Wedding-garment is woven of the glorious beams of the Sun of Righteousness , 't is both the Righteousness of Christ imputed and imparted ; Christs Righteousness ( say others ) with Faith and Holiness . So Calvin and other Modern Writers . The Graces of the Spirit are as Parliament-Robes . The Peers ( say some ) by rule of Peereage , are not to sit in Parliament without their Robes . The Graces of the spirit are the Jewels of the Covenant , and Robes of Heaven ; No living or reigning there ; no sitting in Heaven as Peers of State , as Kings and Priests without these Robes of Glory ; the Righteousness of Christ for Justification , and the Graces of Christ for Sanctification , without all this white Linnen , the Righteousness of the Saints . Sanctification is the Seal or Mark of Heaven . There is a Necesse est put upon Sanctification .

1. For the honour of God , of each Person in the Trinity .

2. For our own happiness .

1. For the honour of the Father , that his choice be not disparaged . 2. For the honour of the Son , that his Members be not deformed , nor polluted . 3. For the honour of the Holy Spirit , that his charge may not miscarry , or fall short of Glory .

1. For the Honour of the Father whose choice we are , we are chosen in Christ to be holy , Ephes. 1.4 . and chosen to the Sanctification of the Spirit , 2 Thes. 2.14 . Meere morality hath something of Majesty in it in the eye of nature . Those abominable Bruits at Rome could not practice their filthy lascivious pranks , while grave Cato was on the Theatre ; the most carnal men have some inward respect for holiness , for all their quarrelling with it , and dislike of it . Now should not Gods chosen be an holy People , and live holily , they would be a dishonour to his Name , a scandal to his Gospel a cloud to his Glory . God therefore chiefly aims at our holiness in all his dispensations . I shall instance in these three . 1. God Chuseth us . 2. Calleth us . 3. Correcteth us , that we might be holy .

1. God Chuseth us , the chosen Generation are to be an holy Nation , and to shew forth Gods vertues . God chuseth us that we should be of a choice Spirit , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 virtutes , 1 Pet. 2.9 he loved us with a singular love , that we should be persons of singular lives to him .

2. God calleth us that wee may be holy , that hee may put the honour of holiness upon us , in the eye of the whole world ; Be ye holy in all manner of conversations , as he is holy ; 1 Pet. 1.15 Mat. 5.16 〈◊〉 demum est vera religio imitari Deum quem Colis . Lactan. Let your light so shine before men , that they seeing your good-works . &c. That is true Religion , when we imitate God whom we worship . 'T is impossible God should set his love upon a person altogether unlike himself , similitude is the ground of Fellowship , can two walk together except they are agreed , for what communion hath light with darkness , or Christ with Belial ? Surely , none at all .

3. Why doth the Lord many times correct his people , but that they might be holy ; this is the sweet fruit that grows upon the sowre tree of affliction ; this is all the fruit to take away their sin , Isa. 27.9 . and more expresly , Heb. 12.10 . To make them partakers of his Holiness . We are Threshed , that our husks may fly off ; Winnowed , that we may be purged ; Tried in the Furnace , that our Graces may be brightned , and our dross , our lusts consumed , God never afflicts his people but for their profit ; ( Though we may not ) yet God many times seeth we have great need of affliction , 1 Pet. 1.6 because we have need of sanctification , many times the Saints get such deep spots in their Consciences , and stains in their Garments , that nothing but the Salt and Vinegar of afflition will rub them out : God had rather see his people in a suffering , than in a sinful state ; he had rather hear them cry , than see them filthy : and better a thousandfold to be preserved in Brine , than to rot in Honey .

2. Sanctification is absolutely needful for the honour of God the Son , least his members should be deformed , and polluted ; head and members must be proportionate like to one another ; Dan. 2.31 , 32 , 33 it were monstruous that Christ should have such a strange body ; as Nebuchadnezars Image , which he saw in his Dream , the head of Gold , the arms and breasts of Silver , the thighs of Brasse , the feet of Iron and Clay : so strange and odd it is , that Christ should have such a mis-shapen Body , altogether unlike himself : 't is not for Christs honour to be the head either of a monstrous or ulcerous body : by how much we retain of sin , by so much we dishonour our Redeemer , and put him to shame : therefore all Christs aim is to make us holy . Christ pitched on Sanctification as the fittest blessing to bestow upon us , to make us holy and so to make us in and with himself honourable . Every distinct society must have some distinct honour ; now Christ hath set apart his Church as a distinct society to himself ; He bestows not on her worldly pomp or splendour , other societies have enough of that , but he beautifies her with holiness the best Ornament : For holiness becometh thine House O Lord for ever , Psal. 93.5 . This is a farre greater gift , than any outward greatness , for moral excellencies do far transcend civil or natural . Rom. 10.12 Eph. 2.4 Rom. 11.33 Exod. 24.6 God is said to be rich in Mercy , plentious in Redemption , aboundant in Goodness and Truth , infinite in Power , unsearchable in Counsel , but he is glorious in Holiness , Exod. 15.11 . Gods Goodness is his Treasure , but his Holiness is his Glory . Again Christ in giving us Sanctification , did not onely respect its Excellency , but also our want of it . Christ came into the world to repair and make up the ruines of the Fall ; in the Fall we lost not onely Gods Love , but also Gods Image ; therefore that the Plaister might be as broad as the sore , he died not onely to reconcile us , but also to sanctifie us , that he might sanctifie the people with his own blood , he suffered without the Gate , Heb. 13.12 . Exod. 30.17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 His blood was not only 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Price , but also 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Laver , wherein to wash us , and make us clean ; as under the Law there was both a Laver , and an Altar ; to shew that we must bee sanctified as well as justified . Christ came into the world not only to abolish the guilt of sin , The Son of God appeared . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ut dissolvat opera Diaboli . Si hodie quoque in Helvetiis Thermae Taberien . ses , &c. valetudinarios ●eflituunt , id quidem divinae tribuendam est b●nignitati ; nam nullae res Terrenae vim in se habent saluta●em homin ●us , nisi effi●aces r●d dantur per po ea●iam omnipotentis B●ling . in Joh. 5.4 Numb. 35 6 , 25. which makes against our Interest , Peace , and Comfort ; but also to destroy the power of sin , and cleanse us of the filth of sin , which makes against Christs Glory : Christ dyed that the Gospel , and all the precious Ordinances and Promises of the same might be under a blessing and conduce to the advancement of holiness , Ephes. 5.26 . That he might Sanctifie us by the washing of water through the Word .

Christ hath procured a Treasure of Grace to be conveyed to the Church by the spiritual use of Ord●nances , John 17.19 . I Sanctifie my self for their sakes ( saith Christ ) that they might be Sanctified through the Truth . That prophane Wretch Celsus , decries Christianity , as though it were a Nursery of wickedness , and a Seminary of all looseness ; such abom●nable thoughts he had of the Doctrine of Free-Grace . Origen wisely answers him : The Gospel is not an Invitation of a Thief to debauch men , but the Invitation of a Physitian to cure men of their enormities : 'T is an Hospital , to heal them of their Diseases , a Fountain to cleanse them of their Filthiness When ever ye come to hear the Wo d , or to the use of any Ordinance , expect then to re●p th : fruits of Christs purchase ; look upon the Ordinances as sprinkled by Christs blood , as influenced by Christs Spirit .

When ye come to this Pool of Bethesda there wait , and wait earnestly for the Angels stirring of the waters , as the impotent folk did , John 5.2 , 3 , 4. the Angel of the Covenant , Christ in his Prophetical Office , must stir in these waters of the Sanctuary , manifest his Power and Presence in them , and stir in thy heart also ▪ Open thy immortal Gates , move and melt thy bowels for thee , if ever they are effectual .

'T is very observable , that under the Law all the Cities of Refuge , were Cities of Levites , and Schools of Instruction . And there the Man-Slayer must stay till the death of the High-Priest ; So , in like manner , if yee flie from the Pa●s●er of Blood , ( the Law and Wrath of God ) to Jesus Christ for Refuse , for Reconciliation , for Justification , as your High-Priest ; you must come to Christ also for teaching , as your Prophet , ye must learn the Trade of holiness in Christs School , as well as look for reconciliation by Christs Crosse . To conclude , Your Head is holy , so must the members be , or else ye exceedingly dishonour your Head , and disgrace his Glorie .

3. 'T is for the honour of God the holy Spirit ; the Father and the Son have committed the Saints to the Spirits charge , to this very end and purpose , that they might be sanctified : Sanctification is made the Spirits personal operation , 2 Thes. 2.14 . 1 Pet. 1.2 . The Spirit is to shape and fashion all the Vessels of Mercy , and prepare them for Glory , he is to deck the Spouse of Christ with the jewels of the Covenant . 'T is the great advantage the Saints have in the Oeconomy or dispensation of Grace , that they have the Father , to purpose it , the Son to purchase it , and the Spirit to work it , the Father , Word , and Spirit are all one , and agree in one for our sanctification . Now 't is a great grief to the Spirit , when the work of Grace doth not go on and prosper in the soul ; for , 't is he that worketh us to this very thing , and therefore is called the Spirit of holinesse , 'T is not for the Spirits honour , that Gods Nursery or Plantation committed to his care and charge should not thrive and flourish . 'T is not for the Spirits honour to dwell in defiled Temples , nor to let the people go naked without their Ornaments : 'T is not for the Spirits honour , that any committed by the Father and the Son to his charge , should perish or miscarry , should fall away either totally from all Grace , finally for all time , for ever , to miss of heaven in the end . The Father hath left the Son in charge to be the Captain of our salvation , Heb. 2. and to bring many children to Glory . The Son hath left the Spirit in charge with all his Fathers children , to gu●de them by his Counsel , and to bring them to his Glory . When Christ ( as man ) left earth , and went to Heaven , he comforts his Disciples by sending another Comforter , and who he is , Christ tels ye , even the Spirit of truth , to guide his people into all truth ; for he shall not speak from himself , but whatsoever he shall hear , that shall he speak , and he will shew you things to come , he shall glorifie me , for he shall receive of mine , and shall shew it unto you ; all things that the Father hath are mine : therefore said I , that he shall take of mine , and shall shew it unto you , John 16.13 , 14 , 15. The Spirit of Christ is Christs Pro-rex , or Viceroy by Commission from his Father and himself , to rule and govern the affairs of his providential Kingdom , Ezek. 1.20 , 21. The spirit of the living creature was in the wheels : The Spirit acts the Angels ( called living Creatures ) , and the living creatures or Angels , act and move the wheels , ( that is ) the Transactions of divine Providence in the world , and Christ by the Spirit governs and guides his Subjects in his spiritual Kingdome ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , aux viae vobis erit in omnem veritatem . So Beza in John 16.13 . the Spirit is Dux viae , the Captain of the way , to lead his people into all truth , their Glorious Guest to dwell with them , and to abide with them for ever , John 14.16 , 17. and by his inhabitation and constant influence and operation , to perfect his own work in them , and ripen their souls for Heaven . Thus our sanctification is absolutely necessary for the honour of the Father , Son , and Spirit .

2. Our sanctification is absolutely , and indispensibly needfull , as for the honour of God , so also for our attainment of true happiness : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the masculine ●rticles must be refered to 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Holi● is . N●gat que●q●am poss videre D●●m sine sanctimon a ● moniam am 〈◊〉 oculis 〈◊〉 deb●mus Deum , quam qui reformati fuerint ad ejus imaginem . Calv. Grace and Glory , holiness and happiness , sanctification and salvation , individuo nexu cohaerent , These are tyed and twisted together with a knot inseparable , and indissoluble . There is no going to Heaven , without holiness no man shall see the Lord , Heb. 12.14 . Some there are , which ignorantly , and fondly do restrein the word Saints , to the Saints departed ; the Saints in Heaven ; but we must be Saints here , or else can never expect to be Saints hereafter . The Apostle denyes ( saith Calvin ) that any one can see God without holiness , because he shall see God with no other eyes , than those which shall be renewed according to his Image ; the Image of God , is b● begun on earth , 't is perfectly and compleatly drawn by the Vision of God in Heaven . Be sure you are real Saints sanctified in Christ Jesus , and not only nominal , and notional , as too many are : your Saintship is all the evidence you have to shew for your inheritance : be sure then , you keep your evidence fair , and clear , without blots and blurs : Unless ye are begotten again unto a lively hope ; what have ye to do with that inheritance , gilded with so many glorious Epithets ? 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Math. 5.8 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 1 Pet. 1.2 , 3. How can they see God that have not a pure heart , nor a pure eye ( indeed , the pure heart is the pure eye ) The Degree of Vision will be according to the degree of sanctification ; the more gracious we are in this , the more glorious wee shall be in the other world . The Apostle tels us , Col. 1.12 . we must be made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light : What should a carnal heart do with Heaven ? that knows no other heaven , but to eat , drink , and wallow in sensual delights : ( as the Glutton at a feast cryed , There 's no heaven like to this ) ; We must not look for a Turkish Paradise in Heaven , but for a pure sin-less state , not to bathe our souls in carnal pleasures , but to be Consorts of the immaculate Lamb ; and Competitioners with the Angels : Perfection of Grace , As one saith , Consortes Agni , Angellorum Candidati . and fulness of joy in the presence of Gods Glory is the Saints heaven . Swine know not what to do with Pearls , nor carnal creatures with the life and joyes above . Suppose that which is not to be supposed ; were it possible an unsanctified person should go to heaven , that holy place and holy Company would be an hell to him , Coelum est altera Gehenna damnatorum . he would be as weary of heaven , as ever water was of running , ( according to the Proverb : ) If the faint Image of God in his Saints , if the glympse of Gods presence in his Ordinances , be so irksome and unpleasant to an unholy soul here , Oh how terrible and contrary to his spirit , would the most glorious Presence of God in heaven be ? where the Seraphims cry continually , Holy , holy , holy , Lord God of Sabaoth , &c. where God displayes his holiness in the greatest splendor and glory . God is perfect light , Isa. 6.3 . Revel. 4 8. 1 Joh. 1.5 . the man is darkness , they could never agree together . An unsanctified person indeed may desire Heaven , as a disproportionate good , as a place better to be tolerated than the torments of hell : he may desire heaven as a privation of suffering and misery , but not as a privation of all sin , nor as the perfection of Grace and holiness ; nor as it is the nearest union of the soul with God , and the highest fruition of the chiefe good . Thus for him to desire , or long for Heaven , is against the very grain and hair of his spirit , altogether inconsistent with , and contrary to his old unrenewed nature . Now on the contrary , the Saints , whose eyes are enlighted with the eye-salve , and by the prospective of Faith , Rev. 3.18 . have had a view of this King and Kingdome , Isa. 33.17 . these make a right Scheam or draught of Heaven , 2 Cor. 5.17 . If any man be in Christ , he is a new Creature . Gloria quam habebunt conformem Christi corpori incomprehensibilis est . Calv. in Phil. 3.21 . and their believing hopes of interest in this Kingdome , and of communion with this Company that is above , do engage them to purification , 1 John 3.2 , 3. He that hopes and longs to see Christ , as he is , and to be like him , both for constitution of soul and temper of body , he must ever labour to be holy , and he will be trying , and practising here on earth , to conform to Christ before-hand .

He that expects that his vile body shall be made like Christs Glorious body , (1) in spirituality , purity , clarity , strength , splendor and Glory , he will possess his Vessel in sanctification and honour ; hee dares not use his body meerly as a streiner for meats and drinks , nor as an unclean channel for lusts to pass through ; but he will honour it , as a Temple of the holy Ghost ; h●s mind that shall see God , he will not fi●l with chaffe and vanity , with worldly cares , or unclean ●houghts , his affections that should cleave to God intensively , and inseparably , he will not prostitute to every base object : he will labour to keep his garments clean , to walk without spot , and blamelesse , till the coming of the Lord .

Thus with respect to the fruition of our hopes , and the attainment of our happiness , we are engaged , and not engaged only , but enclined , and sweetly constrained also to habitual , and actual holiness , or as the Apostle excellently phraseth it , to cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit , 2 Cor. 7 1. and perfect holiliness in the fear of the Lord .

Use 7. In the seventh place : This point informs us of the excellency of Sanctification , or Holiness ; ye have heard already much of its absolute necessity , now something of its transcendent Excellency . Holiness is the Name of God , the Will of God , the Work of God , the Seed of God , the Nature of God , the Image of God , the life of God , the Glory of God , the lustre and splendor of the soul , the health and vigour of the soul , the soul of man is the Physical Image of God , but the holiness of the soul is the Ethical or qualitative image of God . 'T is the seed of Glory , the beginning of Heaven , the first fruits and fore-runners of eternal Life . 'T is a known Maxim , That which partakes of the nature of the whole , Quicquid participat de naturâ totius , est pars totius . is a part of the whole : the filings of Gold are Gold ramenta auri sunt preciosa , Grace is very precious , true sanctifying saving grace is Glory ; The holy people are the most precious honourable people in the world ; Isa. 43.4 . Since thou wast precious in my sight , thou hast been honourable , and I have loved thee , &c. Prov. 12.26 . The righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour .

See how many honourable Titles God doth honour his Saints in Scripture with ; 1. They are his portion , Deut. 32.9 . 2. They are his pleasant portion , Jer. 12.10 . 3. They are his inheritance , Isa. 19.25 . others are the works of his hands , but the Saints are his inheritance . 4. They are the dearly beloved of his soul , Jer. 12.7 . 5. They are his Treasure , his peculiar treasure , Exod. 19.5 . and his peculiar people , 1 Pet. Segallah , et 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , are the same . 2.9 . Titus 2.14 . 6. They are the Apple of his Eye , Zech. 2.8 . whoso toucheth you , toucheth the Apple of mine Eye . 7. They are his Glory , Isa. 46.13 . 8. They are the house of Gods Glory , Isa. 60.7 . 9. They are a Crown of Glory , Isa. 62.3 . 10. They are the Throne of God , Exod. 17.16 . the words may be read thus : because the hand upon the Throne of the Lord , and so by many they are translated . 11. The Throne of Glory , Jer. 4.21 . 12. The Ornament of God , Exek. 7.20 . 13. The Beauty of his Ornament , Exek. 7.20 . 14. The Beauty of his Ornament set in Majesty , Ezek. 7.20 . 15. A Crown of Glory , Isa. 62.3 . 16. A Royal Diadem , Isa. 62.3 . 17. Lastly , The excellent in the Earth , Psalm 16.3 . the Saints that are in the earth , are the excellent in the earth , the Jewels of the world : you may enlarge in your own Thoughts .

This then serves to inform the mistaken and blind world , that Grace is no disgrace , that holiness is no dis-enobling , but a most generous , princely and glorious thing . Brave spirits ( as the world accounts them ) think preciseness , an inglorious , and the power of Godliness a base thing , that taketh off from their Grandure and Generosity . * * Coguntur esse mali , nè viles habeantur . Salvian . Salvian complains that in his time , the Great Ones were deter'd from serious holiness , because it was Contemptible . It was Gentleman-like to be wicked , but Peasant , or Vassal-like to be Godly ; whereas the service of God is the noblest and sweetest liberty , but the service of sin the vilest slavery : Though your jolly spirits think they are the freest men on earth ; The Apostle nips their Courage with that Cooling-Card , 2 Pet. 2.19 . While they promise them liberty , they themselves are the servants of Corruption ; for of whom a man is overcome , of the same is he brought in bondage . They are the slaves of Satan in the bonds of lust : I wish that all Prodigals and presumptuous sinners , would seriously mind that Text : But ( my Brethren ) I trust , that ye have otherwise learned Christ ; If so be , ye have heard him , and have been taught by him , as the truth is in Jesus , then ye do put off , concerning the former conversation , the old man , &c. ye do put on the new man , which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in sanctitate veritatis . vulg. or holiness of Truth , Ephes. 4.22.23 , 24.

I trust the Lord hath given ye an understanding to know things that are excellent , and to approve them , that ye may be sincere , and without offence till the day of Christ ; as the Apostles prays for the Phillippians , Phil. 1.9 , 10. Many excellent Gifts the Father of Lights bestows upon his Children ; indeed every good and perfect gift comes from him . Jam. 1.17 . Christ himself is the first Best Gift of God ; A Gift of Gifts , and sanctification in , or by Christ Jesus , Joh. 1.10 . I take to be the next Best . Now you that are righteous with this inherent Righteousness , 1 Cor. 1.2 . hold on your way , and prosper , the Lord be with ye , The Angel of his presence save ye , The Spirit of Jesus guide ye to the Hill of holiness , and help you to perfect holiness in the fear of God . You are under the vertue of sure and sweet promises for your great encouragement in Heavens way : The Righteous shall hold on his way , and he that hath clean bands shall be stronger and stronger , Job 17.9 . The Lord strengthen your hearts , See these Texts : Isa. 40. 2 last verses . Phil. 1.6 . Heb. 12.2 . Ezek. 36.27 . and quicken your speed , by these powerful and precious Promises : and give ye a prosperous arrival at the fair Havens of rest and peace . Amen .

We come now to close the whole with these two uses :

1. By way of Conviction , 2. By way of Caution . Though I know the Rules of Method , and the exigence of the Subject , Command me , yet I shall not proceed directly by way of Examination , because that hath been already done , from that Text , Rom. 1.7 . To all that be at Rome , beloved of God called to be Saints : from whence the doctrine of calling hath been discussed , the nature of Saintship , and the signs and tryals of Sanctification have been largely shewn . We shall therefore ( God willing ) proceed to the next in order , viz. the Use of Conviction .

Use 8. This Doctrine of Sanctification we have so long insisted on , serveth for Conviction . If those that are Gods , and Christs , are sanctified in Christ Jesus ; if God the Father hath given them Christ his Son for their sanctification , to make them holy : Then this Point brings doleful news , sad tidings in the mouth of it to three sorts of Persons : To the Prophane , To the Persecutors , To the Scorners .

1. The profane , who mock at sin and slight holiness , 1. The prophane . are hereby convicted and condemned . God hath no Birthright for such profane Esaus . The people , who are the Lords portion , are an holy Nation , washed from their filthinesse : If ye are converted , ye are washed and sanctified , in the name and by the spirit of the Lord Jesus , 1 Cor. 6.11 . but prophane ones have a spot upon them , which is not the spot of Gods Children , Deut. 32.5 . see what St. John speaketh of such kinde of persons , as wallow in their filthiness . 1 John 3.8 . He that committeth sin , is of the Devil , for the Devil sinneth from the beginning ; he that tradeth in sin , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 qui operam dat ▪ peccato . So Beza . and maketh sin his constant businesse , work , or practise , as a workman doth his calling , and followeth the same daily and deliberately . A godly man may slip into sin through humane frailty , and in the hurry of temptation may be overtaken with a fault : But it is the profane man that is a trader in sin , and a constant worker of iniquity . Though such men may presume that they belong to God , yet our Saviour expresly speaks , they are the Devils Children , John 8.44 . Ye are of your father the Devil , for his works ye do , &c. These men have not the least pretence of a claim to Heaven , they come exceeding short of Hypocrites , who pretend to holiness , and seem to be so ; but the prophane are neither civil , nor moral . Such gross sinners are called Dogs and Swine . They are weltring in the gall of bitterness , and bound fast with the bond of iniquity , as Peter told Simon Magus , Acts 8.23 . All that such kinde of sinners have to say ( for the most part ) for themselves , is this , 1. That God is merciful . 2. That their hearts are better than their lives .

To the first I answer , that God is holy , and just , as well as mercifull and gracious . The Lamb will turn a Lion , the Saviour of the world will come as a terrible Judge in flaming fire to render vengeance to the ignorant , and disobedient , 2 Thes. 1.8 . And if the righteous scarcely be saved , where shall the wicked and ungodly appear ? 1 Pet. 4.18 . They shall appear indeed , but like as chaffe before the Whirl-wind , and as stubble before the flames . All the Attributes of God , as justice , mercy , &c. do run in the channel of his Holiness . Sinners do little think , that Gods mercy is an holy mercy , which in a saving manner he will dispence to none out of Christ ; Sinners do err exceedingly to think , that God is prodigal either of his own mercy , or of his Sons Blood ; 't is only the sanctified in Christ Jesus , exclusively , who shall be the objects of his saving mercy , the mercy of God , and the merit of Christ , are most sacred and precious things , 1 Pet. 1.18 . The former is bestowed on none , the latter is spilt for none but an holy and a peculiar people . Justice must be satisfied , 1 Pet. 2.9 . else mercy can be never dispensed : if the merit of Christ be thine , then the mercy of the Father is thine , otherwise though the Ocean of Gods pardoning mercy be boundless and bottomless , thou shalt not taste one drop of it . Well then , wouldst thou know that God will be mercifull to thy soul at the last day , it highly concerns thee to know Christ , in the power of his Resurrection , and in the fellowship of his sufferings in this thy Day . Phil. 3.10 .

2. To the other Plea : That their hearts are better than their lives .

I answer , This is to appeal to a witness , that cannot be found ; to a witness , that is , ( as to us ) invisible : 't is as if a man should lay claim to another mans Land , and pretend he hath lost the evidences ; the guilt of the prophane is written in Capital legible letters , upon the frontispiece of his Conversation , every eye may see it :

Vita est index animi , index futuri , & index aterni .

See Mat. 12. from 34 to v. 37.

Cor instar Promptuarit est bonorum , & malorum . Pareus .

As a good tree brings forth good fruit , so a bad tree brings forth bad fruit : Men do not gather grapes of thorns , nor figs of thistles . As a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things , so an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil things . A good man speaks good words , and doth good works ; and the Apostle tels us , Rom. 2.6 . God will reward every man according to his deeds . Your hearts can never be good , when your tongues and lives be bad ; Your Lord Christ speaks expresly , out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh .

The doom of the prophane is dreadful , to instance but in two particulars .

1. The unclean shall not enter into , or pass over the way of holiness , Isa. 35.8 . And an high way shall be there , and a way , and it shall be called the way of holiness ; See the Dutch Annotat , on the place . the unclean shall not pass over it , &c. The meaning of that place is this , The true Church shall be no barren Wildernesse , or untrodden Desart , but in it shall be shewed the true way to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ ; who cleanseth us from all our sins , and giveth us his holy Spirit , to regenerate , and renew us to an holy life , but the unclean , or prophane shall not pass in this high way of Holiness ; The dogs shall be without , out of the pale of the true Church , Revel. 22.15 .

2. The unclean shall not enter into the new Jerusalem . That most holy place , and blessed state is an heavenly Mansion , and preferment for Doves ; not for Vultures ; for sheep , not for Goats or Swine . not for the unclean , but for the holy . Regnum coelosum clausum est incredul●s , blasphemis , execratis , & iis , qui secundum carnem , ambu●ant , sed idem apertum est electis , & vocatis sanctis . Pignet . No Anathema must be there , Revel. 21.27 . And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth , neither whatsoever worketh abomination , or maketh a lye , but they which are written in the Lambs book of life . The inheritance above is a possession for the sanctified , and none else , Acts 26.18 . that goodly Countrey the Eternal Canadn , is divided among the Saints , 't is the peculiar portion of an holy p●culiar people : but the Flaming Tophet , the Lake that burneth with fire and brimstone is the lot of the prophane .

2. This Point brings sad tidings to the persecutors , that hate holy persons , and holy things for the sake of holinesse ; 2. The Persecutors . who labour to deface the Image , and spiritual worship of Christ , to pull down the honour and glory of God in the world , and to root out holinesse from the earth . Christianos ad leones . Et pu●onos Deus Apostolos novissimos elegit veluti Bestiarios . Tertul. John 19.12 . Whatsoever these mens pretences are , as 1. State-policy , as Haman told King Ahasuerus , when he thought to exterminate the whole Jewish Race ; 't is not for the Kings profit that these men should live ; Or 2. Fear of Rebellion , these are no friends to Cesar ; as hath been the old Calumny : these are Enemies to Government ; This unjust charge the Jews insinuate against Christ before Pilate : If thou let this man go , thou art not Cesars friend ? whosoever maketh himself a King , speaketh against Cesar . Whereas the Scepters and Crowns of Princes have no better friends under heaven , than Religion , and religious men : Or 3. Expediency of an uniformity in all modes in Religion : whereas 't is as possible for all men to come into the world with the self-same faces for figure and feature , as for all men in the same Nation to agree in the same , and in all the modes and circumstances of the same Religion : as the Emperour wisely told that Satyrist , objecting , why he had so many men of so many opinions in his Army , yet notwithstanding 't is the white of holinesse which they shoot at . The shining lustre of the Saints spiritual worship , and holy Conversation draws a Cloud over theirs , and puts a check upon them : therefore they hate and persecute .

The original moral cause of defaming the names , of spoiling the goods , of confiscating the estates , of hating and persecuting the persons of the Saints , is the inbred enmity in the seed of the Serpent against the seed of the woman , Gen. 3.15 . And the Apostle speaking of Isaac the Son of the Promise , and of Ishmael the Son of the Bond Woman , hath this expression , Gal. 4.29 . But as then , he that was born after the flesh , persecuted him that was born after the spirit , even so it is now . 'T is said of the Panther , that he hates a man with such antipathy , that he will run at the very picture of a man to tear it in peeces ; so vile ungodly wretches , acted by the Divel ( the old murtherer , John 8.44 . ) hate the very picture of Christ whereever they see it . These ( beloved ) are very far off from the blessed estate of sanctification ( of which we have been speaking ) that ( were it in their power ) they would not suffer a Saint to breath , nor permit holiness to spring , and blossome in the earth : Oh that such poor creatures were made sensible , what sad work they make , what a pittiful trade they drive .

Persecution is , 1 A very wicked practise . 2 A very fruitless practise . 3 A very dreadful practise .

1. A very wicked practise , condemned not only by Scriptures , Hanc veniam petimusque , damusque vicissim . by the light of Nature , by the Rules of common Equity , but also condemned by the Ancient Fathers , and Councels .

First , we begin with Tertullian . See ( saith he ) doth not this amount to the elogy of irreligiousnesse , Videte , ne , & hoc ad irreligiositatis elogium concurrat , adimere libertatem Religionis , & interdicere optionem divinitatis , ut non liceat mibi colere quod velim , sed cogar colere quod nolim . Tertul. Apol. cap 23. or may not we well call it , a most irreligious thing , to take away the liberty of my Religion , and forbid me the choice of my Divinity , so that it may not be lawfull for me , to worship what I will , but I must be forced to worship what I am unwilling to . And in many other places this external compulsion he ascribes to prophaneness . * * Lex nova non se vindicat ultore gladio . Clemens Alexand. Stromat . 8. Clemens Alexander , and Lactantius also consented to that Maxime of Tertullian , The Law of Christ doth not right it self with a punishing sword .

Athanasius , speaking of the Arians , who at first forced men to their Heresie by prisons , Atque ita seipsam quam non sic pia , nec Dei cultrix manif●stat . Athan . in his Ep. ad Solitar . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Epiphan. and punishments , concludes of that Sect , it evidently declares it self thereby to be neither pious , nor to have any reverence of God . Epiphanius gives this as the Character of the semi-Arrians ; they persecute them that teach the truth , not confuting them with words , but delivering them that believe aright to hatred , wars , and swords , having now brought destruction , not to one City , or Countrey alone , but to many .

Again , The Councel of Sardis Ep. ad Alexand . expresly affirms , that they disswaded the Emperour from interposing his secular power to compel them that dissented : Praecipit sancta Synodus , Nemini deinceps , vim inferre : Cui enim vult , Deus miseretur , & quem vult indu , rat . And the Councel at Toledo , by one of their Canons condemned the ugly trade of persecution . The holy Synod commandeth , that none hereafter shall by force be compelled to the faith , for God hath mercy , on whom he will have mercy , and whom he will he hardneth .

These instances ( among many more producible ) I have named , whereby 't is evident , that persecution was long since condemned , as wicked , both by Fathers and Councels . Ye shall ever finde it the black mark of the Beast , and false Prophet , to persecute the Image of Jesus .

2. As it is a wicked , so it is a fruitlesse Practice .

The silly persecutor doth but beat the air , plow the sand , and kick against the pricks : his work is senslesse , and fruitlesse ; though he may bring others to the fire , he doth but labour in the fire , ( as the Prophet speaks : ) his work will be burnt up , and come to nothing , as with the Children of Israel in the Land of Aegypt , Exod. 1.12 . the more they were afflicted , the more they multiplied : So the more the Saints are persecuted , the more they are augmented ; this is a strange ( yet a true ) Paradox ; the more they are depressed , Depressa resa●go . and oppressed , the more they grow ( like Camomile ) the more they rise up ( like the Palm-tree ) ; 't is apparent by all stories in all Ages , that the more precious blood hath been spilt , Sanguis Ma tyrum semen Ecclesiae . the more precious seed ( multiplying into an innumerable off-spring ) hath been sown . All along , the Blood of the Martyrs hath been the seed of the Church . This , not only the Pagan Emperours of old , notwithstanding all the havock they made of the Lambs of Christ ; but also the mightiest Christian Emperour , that ever sweyed the Western Scepter had experience of .

Charles th● fifth son of Pepin , King of France , Emper●ur o● Germany , after all his Warrs , Slaughters , stirs , and Buzzles in the world to extirpate the Protestant faith , at last was weary , and le●t the matter much as he found it ; and betook himself to a private life . And when in his retirement , he came to dye , he dep●●ted in the same faith , ( as the renowned Historian Thuanus relates ) which in his life-time he had persecuted ; Se quidem in 〈…〉 prop● 〈…〉 it , & Patris haereditate , & passionis merito , altro cont● 〈…〉 terum sibi donare , ex cujus dono , illud sibi merito v●●●iret ; 〈◊〉 fiduciâ fretus , minimè confundatur , &c. Thuan. Hist. lib. 21. Casting himself with his whole soul upon God , he thus reasoned ; That for his part , he was on the account of any merits of his own , unworthy to obtain the Kingdome of Heauen ; but his Lord , and God , who had a double right unto it , one by inheritance of his Father , the other by the merit of his own Passion , Contented himself with the one Granted the other unto him ; by whose Grant , he rightly laid claim thereunto , and resting in this faith , or Confidence , he was not confounded , &c.

Another instance is out of Sulpitias Severus , * * Non ●x pr●ss 〈…〉 co●si●● & 〈…〉 p. qui● 〈…〉 foe●● dissention h●● ag●●tam 〈…〉 erat . Su p. Severus , in the end of his second Book , Ithacius , w●●h some other Bishops his Associates , procured Maximus the Tyrant , to put Priscillianus a Grostick , with some others to dea●h : and to banish some of their follow rs : w●●t follow thereon ? Hoc modo , ( saith the Histori●n ) homines luce indignissimi , pessimo exemplo necati , aut exiliis mulctati ; O● this manner , were those most unworthy wretches , either slain , or punished by banishment , by a very bad precedent : and what wa● the success of this Fury ? He tels us , the Heresie , was so far from being expressed by it , that it was the more confirmed and propogated . And what ensued hereupon in the Chu ch it self ? the Author tels us in the end of hi E clesiastical story . Amongst ours , a lasting war of discord was kindled ; which after , now it hath been carried on for fifteen yeares with shameful Contentions , could by no means be allayed .

Those that have read the Germane , French ; and Brittish Annals , will set to their seals , that this is true , that persecution hath ever been a vain unprofitable Work , a beggarly , poor Trade , none have thriven by it , that have followed it , yea , a most destructive Trade . How have Countreys , and Kingdomes been inveloped in blood and war , in confusion and distraction , where this phrensie hath reigned , and raged .

3. Persecution of the Saints of God for Conscience-sake , is not only a most wicked , and fruitlesse , but also a most dreadful practise , and that for two Reasons , ( to name no more : )

1. Christ espouses his Saints injuries ; he takes them as done unto himself : Saul ▪ Saul , why persecutest thou me ? said Christ to Saul . As a Christian shares with Christ in all his dishonours , Acts 9.4 . Psal 69.9 . He that toucheth you , toucheth the Apple of mine eye , Zech. 2.8 . The reproaches of them that reproach thee , are faln upon me : so , Christ partakes with Christians in all their persecutions , he accounts himself concern'd in all their injuries . Now , is it not dreadfull to be an enemy to Jesus Christ ? Is it not dreadfull to be found a fighter against God ? Is it not dreadful to war against Heaven ? to pull down Almighty and eternal Vengeance on a mans head ?

2. As the Persecutors ordain their Arrows against the Saints , ( their cruel Laws , Edicts , Fines , Pains , Penalties , as they have done ) in one part of the world , or other in all Ages : so God hath ( by way of requital ) ordained his Arrows against the persecutors ; ( if they turn not ) God hath prepared for them the instruments of Death , the Scripture speaks expresly , he ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors , Psalm 7.13 . And those Arrows , ( viz. divine judgments ) shall be sharp in the hearts of Christs Enemies . 'T is confessed , an ignorant persecutor may be pardoned upon great Repentance ; there is mercy for such . Videtur innuere Paulus , nullum esse veniae locum , nisi ubi suppetit ignorantiae excusatio . Calvin . his verbi● neque Paulus piaculum suum extenuat , neque innocentiae suae vocationem trihuit ; sed aequitatem , & misericordiam praedicat , quae miserta incredulitatis & insertiae , peccantem , ( sed errore , potius quam mal●volentiâ ) revocavit . Bulinger . 1 Tim. 1.13 . Paul was a blasphemer , a persecutor , and injurious , and he obtained mercy , because he did it ignorantly through unbelief ; but a knowing persecutor , convinc'd of the Truth he persecutes , and totally falling from it , and maliciously hating the truth , and persecuting the professors of it unto the death ; This mans Crime is ( I think ) unpardonable . Satan hath set the seal of Hell upon him : or else I know not what to make of that Text , Heb. 10.26 , 27. For if we sin wilfully , after we have received the knowledge of the Truth , there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins , but a certain fearful looking for of Judgment , and fiery indignation ▪ which shall devour the Adversaries .

3. This Point serves to convict and condemn the Scorner , that scoffs at holinesse , Prov 14.9 . Fools make a mock at sin , ( and as the wise man speaks ) that is , ( as Expositors upon the place ) make a laughing-stock , or a may-game at it , they slight Holinesse the highest Excellency , and make nothing of it . But 't is bad jesting with edg-tools : ●●●●ulum est 〈…〉 Scoffing is the over-flowing of Gall and malice , and a black mark , let it be found , where it will ; especially , when Religion or holiness is made a by-word , or Reproach , to sit in the seat of the Scorner , is an high degree of wickedn●ss , and utterly inconsistent with a godly state , and bespeak a man at present to be in a cursed state , To sit in the Throne of the persecutor , Psal. 1.1 . and in the Chair of the Scorner , are Diabolical preferments equally dreadful and damnable . Indeed scorning seems to have some precedency , for it makes way for persecuting . First , men hate and scorn the wayes of God ( which is the scum of Rancor , and malice ) and then they persecute them . Scorners do a sad work , and they will have sad wages .

1. They do a sad work , when they deride men for their Holiness , they deride men for that which is the express Image , and Glory of God , for God is Glorious in Holinesse , Exod. 15 11. yea , in so doing , they deride God in his highest Excellency , and consequently sin against him with an high hand . Holy Brethren , as the Saints are called , Heb. 3.1 . should be no more a disgrace , than Holy Father , as God himself 〈◊〉 , John 17.11 . You hate God more than his Saints , if you hate them for their holiness ; for holiness in the Saints shineth but wi●h a faint and weak lustre , Q●i f●cit 〈…〉 but GoD being the fountain of Holiness , it must needs sp〈…〉 with infinite lustre , & splendour , Holy , and reverend is thy Name , Psalm 111.9 , Gods Name is Reverend , because holy , so holiness ought to be matter of our greatest respect and reverence , and not of reproach , and scorn . A word to Scorners .

Let all scorners return speedily , yet there may be mercy for them . The Spirit of God bewails your condition , and calls upon ye to return ; You that are the worst sort of Sinners , hear what the Spirit saith , Prov. 1.22 , 23. How long will scorners delight in scorning , and fools hate knowledge ? turn ye at my reproof , &c. Now when God calls , * * Cum Deus loquitur cum risu , legas cum luctu . if you refuse and will not regard his Counsel , he will laugh at your calamity , and mock , when your fear cometh . See Prov. 1.24 , 25 , 26 , 27. You that make a mock at holiness , God will make a mock of you , if ye turn not .

2. Scorners will have sad wages if they turn not . Prov. 3.34 . Behold , he scorneth the scorners , but giveth grace to the lowly : as they scorn God maliciously , so behold , ( a note of Attention ) God will scorn them with perfect detestation and abhorrency . As 't is the greatest mercy for God to accept a mans person , to receive him into Grace and Favour ; so 't is the greatest misery for God to refuse , and scorn a mans person with indignation .

3. As a Consequent of the former , the scoffing Ishmaels must be cast out : as scorners cast themselves out of Gods love , so God will ; cast them out of his presence , and Kingdome Without are dogs , Revel. 22.15 . the dogs not only , that tear in pieces the Saints persons , but the dogs that bark at the shining splendo of the Saints holiness ; these are without , and shall without repentance , be without for ever . These dogs bark not at the Moon so much , as against the Sun of Righteousness .

Ejice Ancillam . &c. The son of the Bond-woman was cast out , Gen. 21.9 , 10. he must not be an Heir with the son of Sarah , ( the marrow of that Ejection Typical , was spiritual and Eternal ) no more must scorners that live , and die so , have any co-partnership with the Saints in their inheritance . So much is more than intimated in that Allegory , Gal. 4.30 . Oh then , let none that ever intend to be sanctified , or saved , presume to deride the Name of Holinesse ; but let them honour , and reverence it , as the most honourable Title under Heaven , yea , as a Divine thing : 2 Pet. 1 4. for 't is the sparkling forth of the Divine Nature .

Thus much for Conviction .

Now we are come to the last Use .

Lastly , in the ninth and last place . This Doctrine of Sanctification serveth for Caution , 9th . Use . to prevent mistakes . I shall lay it thus :

If Jesus Christ be given of God for our sanctification , then it concerns us all to look into our sanctification : let us all be sure that we are sanctified , if we miscarry here , we miscarry irr●coverably , we miscarry everlastingly ; and to use the Apostles words : Let us therefore fear least a Promise being left us of entring into his Rest , any of us should seem to come short of it , Heb. 4.1 . Let us all concern our selves to know this , that God hath set apart him that is godly for himself , as the Psalmist speaks , Psalm 4.3 . he is eternally set apart in Election , and actually set apart for God in Vocation . As the Beasts worshippers have the Beasts mark , so Gods Children have Gods seal , and impress , 2 Tim. 2.19 . The foundation of God standeth sure , having this Seal , the Lord knoweth who are his ; and let every one that nameth the Name of the Lord , depart from iniquity . Gods Seal hath a double Motto , and noting his peoples preservation , the Lord knoweth who are his ; the other noting their sanctification , they depart from iniquity . There are many wild flowers in the Field , gay and beautiful ; that look like right flowers in the Garden , but are not the same . Some Mettals , as Copper , and Brass , burnisht , look like Gold at a distance : but though all Gold glisters , yet all is not Gold that glisters : so , many things at a distance look like Sanctification , Omne simile non est idem . but at a nearer view , and by an exacter tryal , and scrutiny , they appear in their colours , to be quite contrary , not only diversa , but adversa also . I might mention many , but I shall name these four only , inclusive of all the rest , which in my reading I have received from worthy hands : Civility . Formality . Restreining Grace . Temporary , or Common Grace .

1. Civility , which is nothing else , but a fine , smooth demeanour in the world , Gal. 6.12 . a fair shew in the flesh , as the Apostle phraseth it , rather heathenish strictness , than Christian holiness ; it is something to be a Civilian , but much more to be a Christian . Ye may descry it by these Notes :

Note . 1 1. Meer Civility , is usually accompanied with ignorance of God , and of the Mysteries of his Kingdome . Men may be no Drunk●rds , no Swearers , no * * As Alexander kept himself from Darius his Virgins , and Scipio from a most beautiful Captive Lady . Adulterers , no rude debauched persons , and yet grosly ignorant of spiritual matters , as Nichodemus was , John 3.10 . a Ruler in Israel , a strict Pharisee , a civil Person , but a meer Ignoramus in the new birth ,

Now spiritual life , or holinesse , ( where-ever it is ) begins with Knowledge ; Quarta expositio eorum est , qui putant allusisse Paulum ad mundi creationem , &c. Buling . in 2 Cor. 4.6 . where is Life , there is Light : indeed the grace of God is the Light of Life . As in the old , so in the new Creation : the beginning of the Creation of God is Light , Gen. 1.3 . 2 Cor. 4.6 .

A sanctified person called out of darkness into Gods marvellous light , he sees his way , and knows his Duty , he hath received an Unction from the holy One ; And what he doth , he doth upon right Principles , 1 John 2.20 . Omat bonum fit ex integrā Causa . by a right Rule , and to a right End . Civil men live plausibly , but know not the ground , nor end of their Actions . Faith in God through Jesus Christ is not the Principle , the word of God is not the Rule , the Glory of God is not the End of their Actings . They neither live to God , nor for God , not according to his Will revealed in his VVord , nor for the honour and glory of his Name . Ephes. 1.17 , 18. The Spirit of Wisdome and Revelation hath not enlightned their understanding , to see into the mysterie of his Will ; they do not act out of faith in Christ , and pure love to God in what they do .

2. Jesus Christ is little prized by civil men ; Note . 2 they are satisfied with their own , but do not hunger and thirst after Christs Righteousness . The Law is more natural to men , than the Gospel ; men naturally are more for doing , than than for believing . Therefore legal straines , and moral M xims , suit more with them , than Gospel Doctrines , and promises that breed Faith . Men naturally desire to be under a Covenant of works , because ignorant of the glory of the Covenant of Grace . Meer civil men see not the merit of Christs blood , they apprehend not the sweetness of his fellowship , nor the efficacy of his Spirit , but go on smoothly without rub , and difficulty ; whereas to a true Christian , Jesus Christ is All in All , the Author , Heb. 12.2 . and maintainer of his life , the Alpha and Omega of his happinesse ; the man doth not live so much , as Christ lives in him , and every day , Gal. 2.20 . he seeth an indispensible need of Christ , and what abundant cause he hath , to bless God for Christ , who is made to him wisdome , righteousness , sanctification , and redemption .

3. Usually some reigning lust keeps company Note . 3 with Civility . Civility , is but a freer slavery , one way or other , Satan holds them captive ; by one fetter of sin or other , they are entangled : I have observed , ( commonly ) this sin is Covetousness . The young man in the Gospel , was a civil honest man , a fair Dealer in the world , and had kept all those sayings from his youth ( as to the letter of them ) ; but his possessions were a snare unto him ; at the narrow Bridge of self-denial , Matth. 19.22 . Christ and his soul parted : There is some sweet morsel rolled under the Tongue , some delicate Dalilah lying in the Bosome , some reigning sin kept with greater allowance from Conscience . Commonly this Viper is worldly-mindedness .

Note . 4 4. Civil men take more care about their actions , than about their lusts : wrath , pride , concupiscence , vain , worldly unclean thoughts , and affections are digested : because the conversation seems to be smooth and fair , these crawling Vermine swarm without controul . Civilility is all for an outward carriage , it minds not the frame of the heart , nor the right tempering of the affections : But holy Paul complaines of the law in his members , and of the motions of lust within him , which fall not under the cognizance of the light of Nature ; Rom. 7.7 , 23 , 24 , 25. the first risings of sin , the least rebellion of Nature forbidden in the Tenth Commandment , a true Saint is sensible of , and deeply humbled for . 1 King . 6.8 . But the affairs of the inward man , the workings of the heart , are not minded by meer civil men , but the eyes of sound Christians , like the windows of the Temple , are broad inwards , they look much within : they mourn over the sins of their hearts , as well as over the sins of their lives .

2. Formality , or pretended grace . The Apostle speaks of true holiness , Ephes. 4.24 . in opposition to that which is feigned , and counterfeit . Ye may discover it also by these four Marks :

1. False grace is acted from forreign considerations . Mark . 1 The Hypocrites principles of motion are without him , as popular applause , carnal respects , by-ends , just as Puppets that want the natural motion of life within them , and are artificially moved by an outward force . He may be forma assistens to him , but not forma informans in him . The Spirit of God may assist an hypocrite in some duties , but he is not in him , as an informing , quickning , renewing principle . But true Grace , in the heart of the sanctified , is like a living Fountain naturally bubling up , and working towards God , and heaven , out of his belly shall flow forth , Joh. 7.37.38 . Rivers of living Waters . True Grace hath an inward propensity , a natural tendency to comply with the will of God ; The Law of God is written in his heart , he delighteth in the Law , in the inner-man , Rom. 7.22 . This is the peculiar Character of a Saint , which no Formalist , or hypocrite in the world can do .

2. False grace is shy of Gods sight and Mark . 2 presence . Hypocrites neither can , Hypocrita cupit videri justus . Hypocrita in verbis sanctus , in corde vanus ; intus Nero , foris Cato , &c. nor do appeal to God for their sincerity , nor do they live , as in the eye of his Omniscience and Omnipresence ; but their chiefest care is to blind the world , to seem , and not to be just , he converseth more with men than with God : Yet the godly can appeal to God for their sincerity , though they tremble at their defects , and impurity : like Peter , John 20.17 . He appeals to Christs Omnisciency , Lord , thou knowest all things , and thou knowest that I love thee . So holy Job expostulates the case thus : Let me be weighed in an even ballance , that God may know mine integrity , Job 31.6 . He could appeal to God , the un-erring Rule of Righteousness , in this matter : he knew his integrity would hold weight . And at another time he hath this self-abasing expression : Mine eye seeth thee , therefore I abhor my self in dust and ashes , Job 42.5.6 . As he could hold fast his integrity , so he could also loath and abhor himself in dust and ashes , at the sight of Gods glorious Majesty and purity , and in the sense of his own defects and failings .

Mark . 3 3. False grace grows not better and better , but rather worse and worse ; pretences wither rather than thrive : an hypocrite goes backward , rather than forward , every day , Jer. 7.24 . The Lord by the Prophet complains th●re , that his people hearkned not , nor enclined their ear , but walked in the counsels , and in the imaginations of their evil hearts , and went backward , and not forward ; False grace ( like bad salt ) grows worse and worse , til it be cast out into the Dunghil : but true grace , from a grain groweth unto a Tree , from a morning glympse to a perfect Noon , Prov. 4.18 . The path of the just , is as the shining light , that shineth more and more unto the perfect Day ; from smoaking flaxe it is blown up to fragrant flame . Nicodemus that came to Christ at first by night , for fear of the Jews , afterwards openly declareth for him , and bestowed much cost upon the dead body of our Lord. John 19.39 . Grace gets ground upon the flesh , and by degrees advanceth to a Victory . Now examine your hearts whether ye encrease , or decrease , whether ye go forward , or backward , whether your faith , love , zeal , patience , Rev. ● . 4 . heavenly-mindedness , &c. thrive , or not ? If ye have left your first Love , if ye have lost your care of Duty , sense of sin , and hungring , and thirsting appetite after Christ , and his Righteousness , 't is a sad sign .

Remember therefore from whence ye are fallen and repent , and do your first works ; be also watchful , and strengthen the things which remain , that are ready to dye . 'T is Christs Blessed Counsel , Revel. 2.5 . Revel. 3.2 .

4. False grace is not humble . Formalists Mark . 4 are commonly proud and self-conceited persons : Notare verò operae , pretium est , nominem spiritu esse pauperem nisi qui in nihilum apud se redactus , in Dei misericordiam recumbit . Calv. in Matth. 5.3 . with true Grace there goeth alwayes a spiritual poverty , or a sense of spiritual wants ; the poor in spirit are first in order of the Beatitudes , Matth. 5.3 .

The more knowledge the Saints have , the more they discern their ignorance , the more faith , the more they bewail their unbelief ? Lord , I believe , help thou mine unbelief , Mark 9.24 . The more they love him , the more they blame their hearts , for loving him no more ; they call upon their souls to love him most intensively . Grace grows most , and thrives best in a low and humble soyl ; the lowest Valleys are far more fruitful than the highest Mountains : 't is a good sign when the soul is kept hungry , and humble in the sense of its wants , amidst the height of its enjoyments .

What restraining Grace is . 3. The next is Restraining Grace , which is nothing else but an awe , put by God upon the Conscience , constraining a man to forbear sin , though he doth not hate it .

You may discern it by these signs :

Sign . 1 1. Love is of little use and force with such spirits : They are under a spirit of bondage , chained up by their own fears , not moved by the great Gospel Motive , Rom. i2 . 1 . ( viz. ) Mercy . 'T is our Duty to serve God with Reverence , and filial fear , but not with a servile and distrustful fear : Heb. 12 . 2● . a servile fear hath little of Grace in it , much of Torment . We ought to fear God much , but to love him more ; Love is the very life and soul of all Gospel-obedience .

Sign . 2 2. Restraining Grace doth not destroy sin , but only prohibit the acts of it . Abimelechs lust was not mortified , when God with-held him from Sarah , Gen. 20.6 . 't was only suspended , not subdued , the heart was not renewed , though the action was curbed ; as Israel had an adulterous heart towards other Lovers , Hos. 2.6 . when their way was hedged up with thorns : But when the Spirit of holinesse in power comes , 2 Cor. 3.17 . he comes as a Spirit of Liberty . He frees the soul from the servitude of base lusts , and mortifies them : and both strongly and sweetly turns , and enclines the heart , to hate every false way , and to run the wayes of Gods Commandments with an enlarged heart . Psal. 119 . 3● .

4. The fourth thing that looks like Sanctification , and yet is not , is common , or temporary grace . This is a distinct thing from all the rest , 't is higher than all the former ; it differs from Civility , because 't is more Christian , and Evangelical ; it differs from Formality , because that is in shew only , but this is a real work on the soul . 'T is better than restraining grace , because that avoids sin , and performs Duties out of slavish fear , but this seemeth to have some affection for Christ , his Word , and Kingdom ; 't is good in it self , but not the best , not throughly sanctifying , and saving : this a man may have and yet fall away , and depart from God , so it was with the stony and thorny ground , Matth. 13. This is the nearest to true Grace of all the former : of this the Apostle speaks , Heb. 6.4 , 5. which is called an enlightning , a taste of Christ , and of the powers of the world to come , and a partaking of the Holy Ghost , ( i. e. ) of the common gifts of the Spirit , abilities for holy duties , great parts , &c. from whence I shall briefly note these three things .

1. That the Light here spoken of , Quam perniciosum sit inflarē notitia sine charitate in sacris legitur , Prov. 26.12 . P.M. is not humbling : 2. The taste is not ravishing . 3. Their gifts are not renewing .

1. Their light is not humbling . Knowledge puffeth up , love edifieth , 1 Cor. 8.1 . Foundations sink , that are not laid deep enough ; you can never magnifie Christ enough nor abase self enough , Christ is most magnified when self is most abased : Isa. 2.19 . This Dagon must fall down before the Ark , sound humiliation brings sure and solid Consolation ; we must not rashly close with Christ in the pride of our hearts , as they did , but be sure we have depth of earth , broken and contrite spirits .

2. Their tast was not ravishing , nor encreasing , they had but loose , and slight desires after happiness , Glances upon the Glory of Heaven , and the comforts of the Gospel , and no more ; just as Balaam , Oh that I might die the death of the Righteous , &c. and like that spiritual carnal Notion , ( as a learned man phraseth it ) , Dr. Fuller . Lord , evermore give us of this bread , John 6.34 . They were not serious desires , not holy breathings after Christ , proceeding from a sound principle , neither were they transforming , nor encreasing ; the Saints that have a tast , groan for a full communion of Graces as well as Comforts : but in temporary Believers , there is a loose assent , some slight affection , profession for a while , rejoicing in the light for a season , &c. But all at last ( like Blazing Meteors ) vanish , and come to nothing .

Vocat participationem Spiritus , quia is est , qui unicaique distribuit prout vult , quicquid est lucis , ac intelligentia . Calv. Heb. 6.4 3. And lastly , In Heb. 6.4 . it is said , they were made partakers of the Holy Ghost , ( i. e. ) of some gifts of the Holy Ghost ; yea , perhaps those eminent Gifts , which in the Primitive times God imparted to his Disciples , 1 Cor. 12.4 . There are diversities of Gifts , but the same spirit . Var iis do nis spiritus sancti Deus ornabat fideles in primitiva Ecclesi● ; ut loquerentur linguis , ut prophetarent . Cujusmodi enumerat Apostolus , 1 Cor. 12. & 14. Pareus in loc.

Now these gifts of the Holy Ghost that hypocrites partake of , are not renewing , throughly sanctifying : they may have good abilites for the edification , and comfort of others , but in the mean time being unsanctified , they themselves may become Cast-awayes . 1 Cor. ● 27.

Though a man could speak with the tongue of men , and Angels , yet having not charity , ( true love to God ) he were but as sounding Brass , and as a tinkling Cymbal , 1 Cor. 13.1 . A man may pray sweetly , preach excellently , talk of the things of God knowingly , and affectionately , yet All is but as tinkling with God , if there be no saving Grace ; Nay Beloved , 't is possible , a man may have the Spirit of God ( in a sense ) , and yet be an Hypocrite , a Reprobate , and fall short of Heaven .

Quer. May a man have the Spirit , and yet not throughly sanctified ?

Answ. 1. A man , like Saul , or Balaam may have the Spirit transiently , but not abidingly , * *

He is in all per divinitatis praesentiam : in the Saints only per inhabitationis gratiam .

P. Lumb . 1 sect. dist. 17.

for a time , but not for ever : A Formalist may have some glympses of the Spirit , like the glancing of the Sun-beams for a short time upon a Glass-window , but a Saint enjoyes his in-dwelling presence : the Spirit is in all , and so he may be in an hypocrite , by his divine presence , but not by in-habitation , he is in all , but he dwells in his Saints only .

2. 'T is possible a man may have the Spirit only as a spirit of Bondage , but a Saint only , hath the Spirit , as the spirit of Adoption , Gal. 4.5 , 6. the legal operation of the Spirit , working fear and horror was in Cain and Judas : the Evangelical operation of the Spirit , working faith in God , love to God , boldness before God , &c. this is in every sanctified soul , that shall be saved .

For further satisfaction , peruse Mr. Burgesses Refinings . M. Roberts Believers Evidences . Mr. Meads Almost Christian , &c. John 3.5 . 2 Cor. 3.18 . 3. And lastly , To name no more , ( for I judge in these three , lies the Characteristical difference between the Saints having the Spirit , and the unsanctified ) : an hypocrite may have the Spirit in some inferiour operation , but the Saint only in effectual Regeneration and spiritual Transformation : A man may have the Spirit , and not be born of the Spirit ; A man may have the Spirit , as a spirit of sharp Conviction , but not as the spirit of compleat Conversion . The Spirit may be in a a man by way of common illumination , and yet not , by way of saving Sanctification ; renewing the whole man , Grace is Conformitas cum Archetypa , a conformity of the soul with God ; the Archetype ( or first pattern . ) 2 Cor. 7.1 . See Dr. Gorden's Childe of Light , &c. reforming the whole life , Conforming , and transforming both , into the likeness of Jesus Christ .

This is the peculiar priviledge of the Saints ; no sinner shall share in this favour ; no stranger shall inter-meddle with this joy .

Finally ( my Brethren ) this Doctrine of Sanctification is not only essential to , but is of the very essence of your happiness : And the great and constant Duty you should be found in , is to perfect holinesse in the fear of God . Some truths belong ad bene esse , to the well and comfortable being of a Christian , as the doctrine of Assurance of Gods love , peace of Conscience , joy in the holy Ghost , &c. but sanctification belongs ad esse , to the very being of Christianity , 't is your life both spiritual and eternal . If ye are not holy men , ( my Brethren , ye are dead men , & will be damned men : no grace , no glory , no , Heb. 12.13 . nor the least comfortable vision of God , or Heaven : wherefore let all labour , ( as the wise King adviseth ) to get wisdome , Prov. 4.7 . Wisdome ( Grace , Holinesse ) is the principal thing , therefore get wisdome ; and with all thy getting , get understanding . This is the one thing needful , Luke 10. ult. And let those that have received Grace , exercise and encrease it : Grace grows by its exercise , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . suppeditate sufficite suggerite . Beza . be daily adding to your faith vertue , and to vertue knowledge , &c. and that with all diligence , as ye are exhorted , 2 Pet. 1.5 , 6. be daily cleansing your selves from all ●●thiness in the Fountain of Christs blood , and in the Laver of the Promises ; and forgetting the things behind , Phil. 3.14 . be daily pressing on towards the mark for the prize of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus . And daily keep your Garments clean : and be alwayes ready for the coming of your Lord ; that ye may be found of him without spot and blameless , enwrapped in his holiness .

For Conclusion , that ye may all so be , and do in the fear of God : I commend ye to God , Acts 20.32 . and to the word of his Grace , which is able to build ye up , and to give ye an inheritance amongst all them that are sanctified . Amen , and Amen .

FINIS .